January 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Signature of Notification
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2. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Welcome Visitors
Discussion:
The meeting was called to order by Superintendent Hastings at 6:00 p.m.
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2.1. Acknowledge Open Meetings Law
More Information:
The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Executive Session for the protection of the public interest; or the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and if the individual has not requested a public meeting.
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2.2. Notice of this meeting was published in the Gering Courier on January 12, 2017.
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3. Action Items
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3.1. Swearing In of New Board Members Brent Holliday & Josh Lacy
More Information:
“I, …(name)…, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely and without mental reservation or for purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of the Gering Public School District Board of Education according to law, and to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this state by force or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this state by force or violence. So help me God.”
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3.2. Excuse Absent Board Members
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3.3. Election of Officers
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3.3.i. President
Discussion:
Brian Copsey was nominated to be board president by B. J. Peters. There were no further motions. Mr. Copsey was elected president by unanimous consent.
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3.3.ii. Vice President
Discussion:
B. J. Peters was nominated as vice president by Mary Winn. No further nominations were received. B. J. Peters was elected vice president by unanimous consent.
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3.4. Appointments
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3.4.i. Board Secretary
More Information:
Appoint Alli Luehring to serve as the Secretary of the Board of Education
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3.4.ii. Treasure
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Appoint Tim Meisner to serve as the Treasure of the Board of Education
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4. Consent Agenda
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4.1. Approval of Agenda/Amendment of Agenda Items
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4.2. Minutes From Previous Board Meeting
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4.3. Approval of Claims/Bills
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4.4. Second Reading of Board Policies
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4.4.i. 410.1 Certificated Employee Vacation, Holidays and Personal Leave
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4.4.ii. 410.2 Certificated Employee Personal Illness Leave
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4.4.iii. 410.3 Certificated Employee Family and Medical Leave
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4.4.iv. 410.4 Certificated Employee Bereavement Leave
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4.4.v. 410.5 Certificated Employee Political Leave
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4.4.vi. 410.6 Certificated Employee Jury Duty Leave
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4.4.vii. 410.7 Certificated Employee Military Service Leave
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4.4.viii. 410.8 Certificated Employee Unpaid Leave
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4.4.ix. 410.9 Sick Leave Bank
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4.4.x. 411.1 Substitute Teachers
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4.4.xi. 411.1R1 Substitute Teachers Rate of Pay
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4.4.xii. 411.2 Summer School Certificated Employee
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4.4.xiii. 411.3 Attendance Officer
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4.4.xiv. 411.4 Education Aide
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4.5. Approval of Depository for Funds for Gering Public Schools - Western States Bank, First State Bank, US Bank, Platte Valley Bank, Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund, BOK Financial Services, Wells Fargo Corporate Trust Services
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4.5.i. Approve Corporate Resolution for Western States Bank
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4.5.ii. Approve Corporate Resolution for US Bank
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4.5.iii. Approve Corporate Resolution for First State Bank
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4.5.iv. Approve Corporate Resolution for Platte Valley Bank
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4.5.v. Approve Corporate Resolution for Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund
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4.5.vi. Approve Corporate Resolution for BOK Financial Services
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4.5.vii. Approve Corporate Resolution for Wells Fargo Corporate Trust Services
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4.6. Appoint Superintendent Bob Hastings as the Authorized Representative to secure funds for the district
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4.7. Appoint Superintendent Bob Hastings or his designee as the Authorized Representative for Gering Public Schools for Federal Programs
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4.8. Set Dates and Times for Gering Public Schools Regular Board of Education Meetings for 2017
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4.9. Personnel Items
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4.9.i. Contract Approvals
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4.9.ii. Resignations
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4.9.ii.1. Lynne Kocer -- Title I @ Lincoln Elementary (Retirement)
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4.9.ii.2. Deb Schild -- 1st Grade @ Lincoln Elementary (Retirement)
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4.9.ii.3. Barb Knapper -- Title I @ Geil Elementary (Retirement)
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4.9.ii.4. Sandy Nochi -- 4th Grade @ Northfield Elementary (Retirement)
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5. Patron Comments
Discussion:
Mike Brunner addressed the board about his questions about the bond issue and other items within the district including the cost per pupil at Cedar Canyon compared to the other elementary schools, personnel costs for maintenance at Gering High School, and personnel costs for administrators. He also questioned the timing of the proposed bond issue.
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6. Reports and Discussions
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6.1. Building Report from Lincoln Elementary School
Discussion:
Lincoln Elementary presented the each board member with a thank you for their work on the board of education for School Board Appreciation Month. Teachers Amber Zitterkopf and Jennifer Schwartz presented about technology use in their classrooms that had been acquired through Century Link Grants. Mrs. Zitterkopf and a student demonstrated use of the Chromebooks to enhance learning in the preschool classroom. The grant allowed her access to four Chromebooks and an interactive smart board for use in her classroom. Mrs. Schwartz and two students demonstrated how Chromebooks are used in a pen pal project, using online software to enhance reading and science learning, and other areas in the classroom. In Mrs. Schwartz's 5th grade classroom, 28 Chromebooks were purchased using money from the grant. John Wiedeman, Carol Propp, and a student from Northfield presented each member of the board of education with a certificate of appreciation for their work on the school board. |
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6.2. Curriculum Committee Report
Discussion:
Mr. Peters reported that the committee discussed orientation process for two new board members. The committee is committed to spending time working with new board members on the processed throughout the district.
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6.3. Facilities Committee Report
Discussion:
Mr. Peters reported that the bulk of the committee work has been involved working with the high school bond project. He stated that we have a tremendous group of community members informing Gering on the upcoming project, and that if anyone would like to get involved, they can contact Dr. Daryl Wills, Tory Schwartz, or Allison Judy.
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6.4. Business Committee Report
Discussion:
Mr. Shaul reported that Mike Skow presented on the 15-16 audit. The Business Committee recommends acceptance of the audit.
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6.4.i. Trial Balance Summary
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6.4.ii. Fund Balances
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6.4.iii. Schedule of Investments
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6.4.iv. Financial Statements
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6.5. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Superintendent Hastings provided the board with a legislative update and asked the board to be prepared to be involved in the session this year.
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7. Action Items
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7.1. Approve a resolution calling a special election (bond issue election) in Scotts Bluff County School District 0016 (Gering Public Schools).
Discussion:
Nate Eckloff from RBC Capital presented about the historically low interest rates available should the bond be approved by the community. Mr. Holliday asked what current rates are and Nate responded that current rates are around 3.5%. Dr. Schlothauer reported that he is supportive of the project and he feels that this is something that Gering will be in favor of.
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7.2. Accept the 2015-2016 Financial Audit
More Information:
Mike Skow from Dana F. Cole & Company presented the 2015-2016 independent financial audit to the Business Committee earlier this month. The audit was presented page-by-page and all questions from the Business Committee were answered by Mr. Skow.
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8. Tentative Committee and Meeting Dates
More Information:
Facilities Committee -- February 9, 2017 @ 7:00 a.m. Central Office Policy Review Committee -- January 30, 2017 @ 4:30 p.m. Central Office Personnel Committee -- Negotiations Curriculum Committee -- February 2, 2017 @ 7:00 a.m. Business Committee -- February 13, 2017 @ 4:30 p.m. Central Office Regular Board Meeting -- February 20, 2017 @ 6:00 p.m. City of Gering Council Chambers |
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9. Board Comments
Discussion:
President Copsey stated that 2 1/2 years ago the district invited members of the community to participate in strategic planning sessions to discuss the most pressing issues our district faces now and in the future. This group, represented by students, GPS teachers, administrators, parents, and business owners determined one of the most pressing issues was grade reconfiguration and the impact that would have on our facilities. Once the Board reviewed these recommendations, it was their job to decide what direction the district need to go in order to put us in the best position to serve our students, our staff, and the community. A community group was formed to meet with staff, architects, and financial consultants to make a recommendation to the board of what kind of a facilities project we can support and meet our most critical needs. That has led to tonight's resolution to pursue a bond project for the expansion and improvements to our High school. He would encourage anyone that is interested to attend one of the meetings our community group will have and see how it will impact the educational opportunities for our students. They can contact Mr. Hastings for information on meeting dates and times or visit with one of our community action group leaders Dr. George Schlothauer, Daryl Wills, Allison Judy. He stated that the National School Boards Association describes the function of the school board as follows: "School board members serve their local communities as stewards of public trust charged with making decisions that ensure all students have access to high quality learning experiences in efficient and well managed environments." Mr. Shaul stated that being a part of the committee that is working on the bond has been interesting and exciting. He thanked Dr. Wills and the committee for their hard work. Additionally, he also is thankful for the presentations each month from the buildings. Mrs. Winn welcomed new members Holliday and Lacy. She encouraged the new members to take part in policy review because it provides insight into the role of the board and their policy work in the district. She also recognized the four teachers who are retiring this months and expressed her appreciation for their years of work in the district. Mr. Lacy stated that he is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board. Mr. Peters also welcomed the new board members. He echoed the comments about the teachers who have announced their retirement. Mr. Holliday indicated his appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the board and how much he has enjoyed meeting everyone throughout the district. He stated that he has learned much during his orientation and is excited to work for kids and staff in the district. |
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10. Adjourn
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