December 9, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The Policy Committee started at 6:03 p.m. Kyle Fisher, Bob Icenogle, Jenny Kreifels, and Brenda Sherman were present. Eight policies were reviewed and proposed changes discussed. Brian Wichman joined the meeting at 6:20 p.m. The committee meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Discussion:  The Finance Committee started at 6:30 p.m. Kyle Fisher, Bob Icenogle, Jenny Kreifels, Brenda Sherman and Brian Wichman were present. Finance reports were reviewed by the committee. Discussion of the bills took place. The committee meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Discussion:  A meeting of the Board of Education of Springfield Platteview Community Schools in the County of Sarpy, in the State of Nebraska, was convened in open and public session at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2013, at the District Board Office, Central Services Building. Present: Kyle Fisher, Bob Icenogle, Jennifer Kreifels, Brenda Sherman, and Brian Wichman. Absent: Lori Bartels.

Discussion:  Notice of the meeting and committee meetings were given in advance thereof by posting in at least five public places as shown by the certificate of posting notice attached to these minutes. Notice of this meeting was simultaneously given to all members of the Board of Education, and a copy of their acknowledgment of receipt of notice and the agenda was communicated in the advance notice and in the notice to the Board of Education of this meeting. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public. Statute 84-1407 to 84-1414 require that the Open Meetings Act be posted in the meeting room. President Sherman informed the board and the public that the Act is located on the west wall of the board room. Lori Bartels joined the meeting at 7:01 p.m.

Discussion:  Gene Stoltenberg made comments to the Board regarding school district boundaries and HVAC issues.

Discussion:  Director of Learning, Holli Kirwan, presented information on the Mahattan School of Music Distance Learning. Jerry Layher will present at a later date.

Discussion:  On December 7, 2012, the State Board of Education approved new Social Studies Standards. By December of 2013, Nebraska districts are required to adopt these new Social Studies Standards or submit their own standards that are equal to or more rigorous than those adopted by the state. Kirwan discussed the process for setting Social Studies Standards. The administration recommended that the SPCS Board of Education approve the adoption of the Nebraska State Social Studies Standards.

Discussion:  The board has completed the superintendent's evaluation and it is available for the public's review per Nebraska's Attorney General requirements. Board members expressed their appreciation of Mr. Richards' dedication to the district.

Discussion:  The Board had a 1st reading on Policy 6271- Travel of All Students In and Out of State in November. The policy was presented for the 2nd reading and approval was recommended.

Discussion:  The Board of Education elected to extend the contract of superintendent Brett Richards through a two year contract, which includes the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years.

Discussion:  Superintendent Richards reviewed the continuing discussion of Senator Smith's interim study of school district boundaries in the Learning Community,

Discussion:  and went over openings and election filing deadlines for board members.

Discussion:  Brenda Sherman reported on policies discussed at the Policy Committee meeting.

Discussion:  Richards reported on student and staff successes.

Discussion:  Richards gave an update on plans for a holiday luncheon for the staff.

Discussion:  There were no items from patrons on items not on the agenda.

Discussion:  Board members reviewed their upcoming schedule of meetings, trainings, and conventions. Significant school calendar items were also discussed.

Discussion:  The Board reconvened in regular session at 8:09 p.m.