November 14, 2017 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting

Jim Havelka and Fred Helmink introduced themselves.  They provided information about the Superintendent service NRCSA offers. 

They emphasized their service to search for Superintendents for rural schools.  Because they are all retired Superintendents they have some background and a good network of colleagues to attract applicants and vet quality applicants.  NRCSA works solely with rural schools. 

NRCSA continues to work with their clients and help schools through a transition period.  We hold a transition meeting and work with both boards and new Superintendents to ensure a successful transition.

The process involves five phases. First, they would develop a profile, set a search timeline, provide information about comparable schools, and prepare and distribute vacancy announcement.  The next phase is recruiting and screening. NRCSA compiles the data and then make tons of calls to screen out to find who is the best person for the district. NRCSA feels that the phone calls they make is the strongest part of their search service.  All phone calls are made by Jim and Fred.  They then provide all the information to the Board. After candidates are selected, NRCSA assists the board through the interview process by developing questions, setting up interviews, and then help vet the candidates.

The search usually take about two months. It can be shorter or longer depending on what the district wants. For Santee they anticipate hiring a Superintendent by late January.  The cost of the search is $4,700 which is a $500 discount in lieu of a guarantee.  Beyond the cost of the search there will be advertising costs and travel costs.  Usually there are three meetings with the Board.  The travel includes mileage for one vehicle and motel if needed.

Jim and Fred walked through the packet and discussed the sample provided.

Joan Stewart and Leah Hrbek introduced classroom happenings.  They want to bring information to the Board each month.

Mrs. Hrbek is teaching 3rd grade with 14 students.  They have covered multiplication.  Cursive writing will be coming soon. Accelerated reader is also exciting and something the kids look forward to. She is trying flexible seating in her classroom. Instead of a standard desk and a standard chair, she has exercise balls, foot fidgets, accordion core stools, core stools, and standing desks. Students were able to try them all and make choices on what their favorites are.  She has found that students' first choices are usually the best fit for the child and their learning.

Ms. Stewart provided an overview of the early childhood program. Infant and toddlers have just had their evaluation.  They currently have a waiting list of 11 babies. The grant only allows for 8 children. Preschool has been working on letters, shapes, and trees. In partnership with the NE Extension office, the preschool did a project with code-a-pillars. 

A student representative from the senior class provided information regarding a senior trip.  The class would like to go to Orlando Florida. They have made contact with a travel agent and have began planning.  They have also set requirement for eligibility and requirements to attend. 

Marian Clark presented to the board via teleconference. 

Marian visited with a couple of Board members at NIEA.  She is working to get an Indian Education for All Act passed in Nebraska. The first state that was passed was in Montana.  The return on investment for passing this act is that it teaches Native children about their culture and history.  It also teaches non-Natives working in the school systems.  There has been a positive impact in the schools in Montana. Washington state was the second.  Last year Oregon and Wyoming passed similar acts. If Nebraska is successful, we will be the fifth state.

In Nebraska, the committee working on the Act have discussed the bill with Senator Bruning.  They believe he will sponsor the bill. Then the committee will be working on gathering testimony and information to present. 

She asked the board to gather their questions and they will be creating a platform for presenting information out as they wait for Senator Bruning's marching orders.

She also visited about the Every Student Succeeds Act and tribal consultation. She explained what she had found out through her research in visiting with the Commissioner of Education and Nebraska school board member for her district.  She has been in discussions about training for Native school boards of education with the Commissioner. They are looking for something in January.

Derek LaPointe and Sidney Tuttle shared information from Santee for the Indian Education for All Act they are working on. They have been working with Marian as well. One problem that he highlighted is that the Santee people are in a time of identity crisis. The language and culture is on the brink of extinction. 

They would like to adopt a cooperative agreement between the tribal council and school board. In the past a tribal council member sat on the Board as a non-voting member but served as a liaison between the two entities. Often we are working on the same initiatives separately with no end result. It would be beneficial to pool resources and work together.

Sid Tuttle visited with the Board about Rule 10. The Indian Education for All Act would allow for us to put in things that we need for our children here. Eventually, we would be able to influence the requirements so our needs are being met. 

Ms. Daniels presented information regarding the process for developing a new Indian Policies and Procedures. She plans to work with Derek LaPointe and Sidney Tuttle to create a policy and agreement that outlines meaningful tribal consultation.  A plan will be prepared for presentation and approval at the December meeting.

Kristy presented the financial statements for 2016-2017. 

Kameron Runnels presented to the Board regarding the culture sponsor and culture club. He expressed interest in putting together a drum and dance group that could perform at other schools and facilities.  In addition, he could touch on the history, ceremonies, language and traditions.  He would like to include kids of all ages.  One challenge would be getting kids to come to the activities.

Information packets regarding the Superintendent evaluation will be dispersed next week.

It will be presented in December regular board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 7PM.