September 19, 2011 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Miles asked why this policy can't be combined with policy 709...winn - because petty cash is a budget item not loose cash so can be dispensed as needed.

Discussion:  Peters recapped the minutes from the building committee meeting, adding that an additional meeting was held at noon on September 19th. The minutes of that meeting will be included in the October board packet. Peters focused on activity occuring at the Lincoln Elementary building site. Cement has been poured on the second floor now and they are starting to spray foam on the gym walls. The new building will allow for keyless entry, which may be adopted district wide. Also discussed was an RFP for network cabling. Board President Brunner encouraged meeting attendees to drive by and look at the fast-paced progress.

Discussion:  Brunner recapped a facility committee meeting that was held at the Aurora building in Scottsbluff. Topics discussed included the facility priority list and associated costs. A tour was then led by Principal Schlothauer of the Aurora facility. The air quality test have come back clear. The prioritizing process was then discussed. The window project at the high school is the top priority at this time. This project is being completed in phases, as time and funds allow.

Discussion:  Doll explained that Eldon Hubbard and Shaw Seiler spoke to the curriculum committee about one to one technology and the use of Ipads and teacher evaluations. Teacher training was also discussed. Betty Smith reported on summer school to the committee and included statistics and the number in attendance. Next year Lincoln Elementary may be utilized for summer school. A discussion regarding a change in elementary recess times was held and Doll explained that the board did not have input in that decision. It was made by the building principal. Travel requests and Nesa scores were reviewed and areas that need improvement were discussed. This was the first year of the test so comparisons are difficult.

Discussion:  Brunner reviewed the business committee meeting agenda and topics of discussion from that meeting. The committee approved an invoice from a roofing job. Fund transfers were also discussed.

Discussion:  Miles stated that the board will do a full review of the classified handbook in an executive session later in the evening. Equality in teacher planning time was discussed and the committee recoginizes the fact that it is different throughout the district. Block schedule advantages and disadvantages were reviewed. More discussions will need to take place on this item. Gering's block scheduling is a stumbling block when it comes to coordinating schedules with Scottsbluff's district.

Discussion:  It was determined that the district provides bussing to more students than is required. The quantity of riders should decrease drastically after the new Lincoln structure is operating. Hague stated that he wrote an article about walking to school that will be published soon and will encourage those within walking distance to do so.

Discussion:  A meeting on October 14th is scheduled to meet with a bussing company to discuss cooperative bussing with Scottsbluff and ESU 13.

Discussion:  Copsey asked why the fourth paragraph was stricken in this policy. Winn stated that Gering's policies are compared to the Nebraska Department of Education's recommended policies and if NDE changes and/or adopts something, the district follows suit. Doll asked to see the safe pupil transportation plan.

Discussion:  Copsey asked what a "satisfactory" driving record is and what the paremeters are? Winn also felt the wording pertaining to "drivers passing physical exams" is too vague. Copsey stated that, according to policy, the burden to report tickets is on the driver. He suggested setting up a better monitoring system.

Discussion:  Hague said that he tries to keep the policies down to 5 to 10 policies per meeting. The school year is off to a good start and he is working on keeping the community informed about happenings within the district. The last article that he writes for the newspapers each month will be about the new Lincoln building. Hague stated that he received input from the Advisory Committee about the teacher orientation process this year. Hague intends to begin work on the 2012-2013 school calendar soon.

Discussion:  Doll commended Dave Pauli, the district's new Activities Director, for being on top of all of the district's activities and being visable at a variety of functions. Pauli's efforts have been appreciated by all. Doll stated that he has heard good comments about Pauli being at so many activities and feels that he is a nice addition to the district. Peters thanked Mr. Seiler, Mr. Weyrich and the group of teachers who went to the Model Schools Conference. He expressed appreication of their making a point of relationships between teachers and students, as this relationship contributes to student success. Winn has also heard comments from staff and coaches about how approachable Pauli is. She also informed the board that Lincoln Elementary holds their recess prior to lunch, which calms the kids down and encourages them to eat a healthier lunch. Copsey added that kids have noticed Pauli's visibility at functions and stated that he is actively getting to know the kids. He is doing a very good job. Winn also said that Mr. Schlothauer gave her a little tour of the BIST program at Lincoln. Brunner read a quote from an email that he received.

Discussion:  The Superintendent's rolling calendar was reviewed. The Curriculum Committee meeting has been moved to the 11th and will be held in the central office board room. Copsey will be gone on October 5th so Winn will sit in for him during the Personnel Committee meeting. Hague informed the group that there is a meeting tomorrow night, September 20th about the BIST program. The meeting will be held in the auditorium at the High School at 7:00pm. The next Facility Committee meeting will be at Northfield Elementary on October 13th.