September 19, 2011 at 5:30 PM - Work Session

Discussion:  High School Assistant Principal Shawn Seiler, Kraig Weyrich-Freshman Academy Principal, Brianne Osborn-Jr. High English Teacher, Julie Siebke-Jr. High Guidance Counselor, Kelli Larson-Sr. High Math Teacher, Patti Ediger-Sr. High Resource Teacher and Rico Cobos-Jr. High Math Teacher all attended a special work session to provide a "Model Schools" presentation to the Board of Education. Justin Clark-Freshman Academy Social Studies Teacher also attended the Model Schools workshop but was absent due to a sporting event. Cobos also needed to exit the pesentation early so he shared some of the highlights and specifics that he learned during the training. Cobos discussed sessions on professional development, inductive reasoning and manipulatives and Cobos expressed that he felt the experience was very rewarding. Seiler recapped vast amount of various training he has received throughout the years and informed the Board that this specific training is very meaningful. He presented critical research on staff development through a visual presentation. Topics discussed included the Daggett System for Effective Instruction, technology, teaching techniques in the classroom, the Rigor and Relevance Framework and related quadrants and the definitions of "Rigor" and "Relevance". Seiler shared percentages related to the program and explained cost effectiveness of various programs, student-teacher relationships, application of knowledge, professional development, tutoring options, orientation processes, positive communications, student related activities, mentoring relationships, changes already implemented from previous attendance, teaching stratagies, building relationships with students by utilizing technology, Common Core National Standards relating to Nebraska State Standards, teacher walkthroughs, the top 10 instructional strategies, virtual field trips, iuniversity on itunes and other free educational tools and online courses. The group attended a session where Harry Wong gave a presentation on Culture of Consistency and Culture of the School and how it relates to "The Bulldog Way". Focus was given to effective teacher practices and procedures, lesson mastery and positive expectatons. A plan of action was presented to the board, including leadership teams, SIP teams, classroom leadership on staff, shareing and implementation of ideas in school and in the classroom and continued growth of knowledtge and the application of what "Top Schools" are doing to bring out the best in ALL students. Each attending teacher provided a brief recap on their experience at the Model School Conference and the ideas that they received from attending. The group will be using early releases to share events. The new skills will also be practiced in discipline groups and golden seal lesson plans. Brunner encouraged the group to share their new knowledge with other teachers. If the district owns a video by Wong it will be shared with the teachers as well. Staff development is critical to enlighten and rejuvinate staff. The Model School culture is being better accepted as more individuals attend and learn the plan. The training is most effective if a team attends rather than an individual. Peters expressed appreciation in knowing that the processes learned are being implemented within the district.

Discussion:  Meisner explained the upcoming budget hearing and budget summary to the full board. Copsey asked about the cash reserve fund and was told that the state does not require a certain balance but does put a cap on the amount that it can grow to. The depreciation fund and balances were also discussed. Some factors are being removed from state aid in the near future so the district is trying to position itself well for those times. In addition, a good balance is being carried in the depreciation fund. Brunner asked about the property tax valuation and was told that it went up 3.5% growth. Meisner also discussed the levy document and major changes on the levy were detailed. Funds discussed included the qualified capital account. Additions were recapped for the bond, which will be at $1.05 on the general account and 10 cents on the bond. In 15 years there will be a 1.5 million dollar baloon payment. Meisner encouraged the board to keep their funds up to cover that amount when the time comes. Hague suggested keeping it at a dime for awhile and see how the cash reserves build up. Miles asked if the bonds could be paid down early and Meisner believed that it could be done.