July 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  One correction to the Facility Committee minutes reflecting a statement made by Brunner that the district's current Staff Treatment of Students Policy does in fact cover coach/teacher behavior outside of the classroom was made.

Discussion:  There were no patron comments.

Discussion:  Meisner presented the Treasurer's Report to the board and explained that the Business Committe had reviewed the list and is recommending that the board approve the report.

Discussion:  HAGUE stated that the current 2011-2012 school calendar would be inserted into the Elementary Handbook upon approval. BRUNNER confirmed that the section on student busing had been addressed with both CURT HANSON and CANDY HUBBARD.

Discussion:  The Business Committee determined that lunch prices need to be increased to meet the Federal Guidelines. The committee is recommending that breakfast prices remain the same, with a ten cent increase for current lunch prices. A seconde 10 cent increase will occur next school year. This is a government mandated issue since they subsidize the lunches.

Discussion:  MEISNER informed the Board that the second application for payment in the amount of $287,466.17 was received from Anderson & Shaw. This amount includes two change orders regarding operable windows at the new Lincoln Elementary facility.

Discussion:  MEISNER explained that the district is running out of disc space at the Junior and Senior High Schools. The IT Department came across a promotional item for first time buyers: San Servers normall run around $160,000 each, however this deal enables the district to do a one time purchase of these units at $33,500 each, which would provide substantial savings for this department. Funding for these units can come from AARA funds. San servers hold student and staff data. Outside backup off-site has been considered. The current servers are approximately four to five years old and the district is not longer to obtain maintenance agreements for them. The new servers will come with a three year warranty, which MEISNER will get in writing.

Discussion:  BRUNNER asked if the wording could be changed from "is available" to "is mandatory" if coaching a sport is involved. It was confirmed that this training is included in the first aid classes so the head coaches are receiving this training. The head coaches are not always on site, however, so the Board would like to see the wording on this policy changed.

Discussion:  PETERS explained that the committee had toured the Lincoln Elementary construction site. Termite control has been applied which is required by code. In addition, the first of the footings are done, the gym floor has been poured, the walls are beginning to go up and Snell Services is working on the plumbing in the kitchen. There may be a delay in the delivery of the first load of steel, but everything else is moving along well.

Discussion:  BRUNNER pointed out errors in the minutes of the Facility Committee meeting which will be corrected. He explained that the committee had most recently met at Cedar Canyon Elementary school for their meeting. The modular has been set and is ready for the electrical connections to be completed. The committee reviewed a North Platte Resources District hazard mitigation plan, which came with a 444 page document on a CD if anyone would like to view it in detail. In addition, conversations were held to discuss a possible sustainability policy or resolution and board goals. BETTY SMITH provided the tour and gave input on the building's needs.

Discussion:  DOLL provided a recap of the committee's discussions about the GAP program, which is where High School students go to recover credits. Terra Nova data was reviewed, trends were examined and student and faculty issues were addressed. An update on the white board installation, projectors and BenQ arms was given. Also discussed was sustainability within the district and the budget was reviewed.

Discussion:  BRUNNER explained that the Business Committee had met on July 11th in the board room. Items discussed included Booster Club fiances, where their funds are kept and if they should obtain their own federal tax ID number. COPSEY would like to see the district obtain a list of Booster Clubs with contact names/list of officers. MEISNER stated that FLORES had already started a spreadsheet for tracking purposes.

Discussion:  MILES stated that he had reviewed the Classified Handbook, including the pay schedule. He will be making some changes and recommendations and will provide that list for consideration. The changes will then be submitted to the full board for review. The NRD Hazardous Mitigation Plan will be included on the August agenda for approval. Discussions about the expectations for the new Activities Director were held. An internal audit of classified staff personnel files will take place during July and August to verify that all staff is placed on the correct step on the pay schedule. It was also determined that classified staff need not wait until negotations are done for their annual merit increases to occur as the Personnel Committee will be looking at their wages and benefits seperately. Insurance fees will also be examined for full time classified staff.

Discussion:  WINN informed the board that the Fincal Management Goals and Objectives are stipuloated by the state. Gering Public School District mimics these goals and objectives in their policies.

Discussion:  It was determined that this should be the responsibility of the District Superintendent and/or Business Manager. In addition, the Business Manager will be specified as the individual who will prepare the budget for review by the Board.

Discussion:  It was asked if the District keeps a current inventory and who is responsible for keeping it accurate. Each department has their own inventory. The Business Manager is in charge of reviewing their records. The board suggested that a master copy of all inventoried items be kept at the Central Office.

Discussion:  "The Business Manager or designee" was listed in addition to the Superintendent.

Discussion:  It was asked if Gering Up usage fees for the use of the gyms was figured into this section. Meisner stated that there is a Facility Usage Form that is required to be pre-approved by the Business Manager. Any users are also required to provide proof of insurance.

Discussion:  The dollar amount was increased from $1,000 to $10,000.

Discussion:  BRUNNER clarified that any purchases made by the district on behalf of employees must be pre-paid by that employee prior to the receipt of the purchase. BRUNNER provided an example: the Board will be receiving coats that identify Gering Public Schools on them. The offer was made to central office employees to purchase the same item at cost. One individual placed an order and their payment must be received prior to the coats coming into possesion by the District. The decision was made to change the language from "Board decision" to "Superintendent or designee" in the first paragraph. The second paragraph was elminiated in it's entirety which specified that employees were required to pay in advance.

Discussion:  COPSEY asked if all building principals were using the same form. He was told that they are and that they are required to be submitted to the Business Manager.

Discussion:  HAGUE explained that the North Platte Natural Resources District (NRD) has requested that the District approves and adopts a Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Details were provided on a disc that contained a 444 page document of support. HAGUE stated that had this resolution been in place, the FEMA application may have been processed faster. This plan covers all governmental agencies, not just schools. This plan will be presented to the board in August for adoption.

Discussion:  MILES asked the full board to provide him with any recommended changes and he will discuss them at the next Personnel Committee meeting. Updates will be done and it will be presented to the committees once again.

Discussion:  WINN drafted a District wide Sustainability Resolution for board review. BRUNNER said that the board would support the Resolution, which is consice and to the point. The Resolution will appear on the August agenda for board adoption.

Discussion:  HAGUE informed the board that Brian Sweeney is back in town after being in Lincoln for a couple of weeks. He will get an update on Tuesday morning. HAGUE encouraged the board to visit the construction site to see the progress. HAGUE stated that an official Letter of Accreditation a certificate were received from the State and are displayed at central office. The classrooms at the Aurora facility have been construction and are being moved into now. Blue Ox will be sealing off the basement area and will provide air quality testing prior to school beginning. Progress on summer projects include the removal of the High School parking lot fence. HAGUE informed the board that he would be out of the office on Tuesday to travel to Lander, Wyoming and would be back in on Wednesday. HAGUE and MEISNER will be working on the budget that afternoon with Travis Miller, who is the new Superintendent at Bayard. HAGUE stated that he would be on vacation from July 26th through August 2nd so he will not be able to attend Administrator Days. MARTIN will be attending this year.

Discussion:  MILES reminded everyone that school start in August already. There were no other board comments.

Discussion:  The Business Committee meeting was scheduled for 4:30pm on August 8th. The Personnel Committee meeting was scheduled for 7:00am on August 3rd. The Policy Review Committee meeting was postponed until August 29th.