February 18, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Gering High School

Junior High School

Misc Plastic Student Chairs     Loft Wood Shop
Misc Student Desks                   Loft Wood Shop
Misc Office Chairs                      Loft Wood Shop
Misc Blue Metal Pieces             Loft Wood Shop
Misc White Square Pieces        Loft Wood Shop
Misc Fabric / Tarp Pieces          Loft Wood Shop
1 File Cabinet                              Loft Wood Shop
1 Handmade Tiered Shelf         Loft Wood Shop
1 Red Cart Table                         Loft Wood Shop
1 Chalk Board                              Loft Wood Shop


Northfield Elementary

Misc Student Desks                   North Modular
Misc Student Chairs                  North Modular
Misc Plastic Tubs / Bins            North Modular
Misc File Cabinets                     North Modular
Misc Shelving Units / Pieces   North Modular
Misc Stools                                 North Modular
Misc Books                                 North Modular
1 Handmade Sale Stand          North Modular
1 Oscillating Floor Fan             North Modular
1 Floor Lamp                              North Modular
1 World Globe                            North Modular
Misc Shelving Units                   South Modular
Misc File Cabinets                     South Modular
Misc Student Desks                  South Modular
3 Box-Style Televisions            South Modular

 

Discussion:  Committee Chair Mary Winn provided an update on the current grade reconfiguration preparations underway for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.  

Discussion:  Chairman Brady Shaul highlighted progress being made at the high school.  

Discussion:  Chairman Josh Lacy reported committee review of accounts payable and equipment disposal requests.  Also, he commended Superintendent Hastings for writing a letter to Senator Stinner which analyzed the District's mere 4.6% expense increase over a 10 year period in contrast to current funding legislation.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings introduced Jennifer Sibal, Community Engagement Director, who shared a brief presentation with the Board.  Next, Hastings recapped professional development opportunities for staff at the Mid-Winter Conference hosted by ESU13 noting a variety and quality of speakers.  The school calendar for the upcoming 2019-2020 year was discussed, and later voted on as an action item.  In closing, Mr. Hastings provided a construction update and opened the floor to questions.  

Discussion:  Board member Mary Winn recounted her professional experiences of teaching in the 1980's with Kim Gaslie at Gering Public Schools further stating Ms. Graslie was "always all about the kids!"  

Discussion:  President BJ Peters added to Mary Winn's sentiments about Kim Graslie noting Mrs. Thompson has been a "rock for many years" for the students and staff of Gering Public Schools.

Discussion: 

Future Board Meetings

Second February Meeting - Tues, Feb 26 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

March Regular Board Meeting - Mon, Mar 18 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)

Second March Meeting - Tues, Mar 26 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Policy Review Committee --  Mon, Feb 25 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office) 

Personnel Committee  --  Thurs, Feb 28 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)

Curriculum Committee  --  Thurs, Mar 7 @ 7:00 a.m.  (High School) 

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, Mar 7 @ 4:30 p.m.   

Business Committee  --  Mon, Mar 11 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  

 

Discussion:  In closing, Josh Lacy said he was sad to see teachers go, but also noted their retirements were well deserved and his appreciation for their many years of service.  He also extended his support and a vote to confidence to Jennifer Sibal whom he had previously worked with.  Board member Mary Winn expressed her excitement in seeing on Twitter that the High School Technology classes were learning and doing Chromebook repairs.  She further recognized Adam Flowers, GHS Junior, as a recipient of Nebraska Young Artist award.  A reflection on her recent tour of the high school lead her to compare it to the saying "objects are closer than they appear" indicating that the student commons, gym and Freshman Academy are "larger than they appear" from the outside.  She feels that the space will be valuable for anticipated future growth.  Brent Holliday added to Mary's construction comments as he revisited the progression of the Lincoln Elementary project that was underway a few years ago, now a distant memory.  He stated that seasons affect us as people and with spring around the corner, so is the new building!  He applauded the students and staff for conducting themselves well during the process.  A successful performance by the wrestling team and coaches at state was also highlighted.  Brady Shaul stated that he had Ms. Graslie and Mrs. Thompson who were both high caliber teachers.  BJ Peters spotlighted over 100 years of experience in the district between recent retirees Johnson, Graslie, and Thompson.  He had recently spoken with Mr. Plummer, teacher at GPS for 40 years, who stated he still loves coming to work and planned to see the construction through and enjoy the new building.  BJ indicated "it is in their blood" as they support and attend many extracurricular activities beyond the classroom.  He applauded their commitments to the students and staff.  Lastly, BJ also shared Mary Winn's sentiments regarding the Technology class's latest endeavors in Chromebook repair adding that their experience will serve them well outside of the classroom too.