December 19, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion: 

Mrs. Siebke and Ms. Reyes introduced a group of Gering Junior High students who went on college visits to WNCC and Chadron State College.  During the first semester, 8th grade students are enrolled in the Careers class.  As a part of the class, she organized campus visits for all students.  Seventh grade students discussed highlights from their visit to WNCC including information about vocational and professional programs.  Other highlights included the different college options that students have and what types of scholarships are available to students.  Eighth grade students discussed their visit to Chadron State College.  Highlights included the advantages of going to college and how it has motivated them to attend college.  Mrs. Siebke reminded the board that research shows that when students visit a college, it significantly increases their chances of attending college in the future.  

Discussion: 

Mr. Peters discussed the presentation about the purchase of the new K-12 mathematics curriculum.  He noted that this board has made an effort to promote consistency across the grade levels with any new programs that are adopted.  

Barb Ehrhart also presented to the committee on the number of students in special programs throughout the district.  Gering is slightly below the state average when it comes to percentages of students in special education.  

Discussion:  Dr. Upp discussed the recent meeting where the primary discussion involved the upcoming facilities proposal at the high school.  A meeting was held last week that identified a community leadership group who will lead the discussion of the project this spring.  The district is looking at March bond issue.  Four community members will lead the discussion and they are recruiting others to assist with the campaign.  

Discussion:  Mr. Shaul reported that the Business Committee meeting learned the details of the proposed mathematics curriculum adoption.  Mr. Copsey noted how exciting it was to see all levels of teachers working so closely on this project.

Discussion: 

Superintendent Hastings provided a report on the upcoming legislative session and the narrative being propagated by some that school spending is out of control.  According to data contained within the Annual Financial Report of the district, over the past 10 years, average spending in Gering has increased by only 1.76% while total government spending in the state has increased by an average of 4.50%.  Over the past five years, spending in Gering has increased an average of only 0.17% while state spending has increased by 3.46%, and over the past three years, spending in Gering has averaged a 1.38% decrease while state spending has increased over 4.5%  This data shows that Gering is a very fiscally responsible district.

Mr. Hastings also reported on the recent lock out that took place in the district due to a disturbance in the community.  He was appreciative of the quick action of the Gering Police Department and their assistance with student dismissal, especially at Northfield, which is located near where the disturbance was taking place.  He was also complimentary of the actions of GPS staff who took requisite action to ensure student safety at all times.  At the conclusion of the incident, Gering Police Department and CO personnel debriefed the incident and discussed ways to improve the response.  Additionally, the Gering Police Department will meet with the entire administrative staff to debrief and refine procedures going forward.  

Lastly, Mr. Hastings thanked board members Upp and Doll for their service to the district and wished them well.

Discussion:  Mr. Peters discussed the process for the selection of the mathematics materials.  Ms. Martin explained the process for rewriting the curriculum and then the evaluation of materials.  Three things she wanted to note included that K-12 worked hard to make sure there was vertical alignment, teachers asked for more rigor within programs in the district, and teachers also discussed how to lead into a curriculum change like this one throughout the district.  

Discussion: 

Mr. Shaul discussed his appreciation of the work of the staff on the selection of the new mathematics program.  He also extended his thanks to Jerry and Alan for their service to the district.  Dr. Upp thanked the administration of the district for the work they do in the district as well as the teaching staff for their work.  Mr. Peters thanked the two outgoing board members for always letting them know what they think.    Mr. Doll expressed excitement for the new mathematics curriculum.  Mr. Copsey thanked the two outgoing board members for their service to the district.  He also spoke of the excitement of the two new board members coming on to the board.

Discussion:  The board entered into an executive session at 6:44 p.m. and exited at 7:10 p.m. with a motion by Doll and seconded by Shaul.  All members voted affirmative.