October 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Meisner presented an application for payment from Anderson & Shaw. There were no change orders for this application and the amount was for $967,383. This application was revewied and approved by Ryan Stearns from Hewgley & Associates as well as Brian Sweeney.

Discussion:  Miles explained that the board wished to make changes/updates to the 2011-2012 Classified Staff Handbook prior to it's approval. Specific changes include: page 26 under "Resignation by Employee" remove "or it terminated" at the end of the paragraph; the classified wage scale will now consist of a 1.25% increase to each step rather than a 16 cent flat rate increase. This will be applied to steps one through forty eight.

Discussion:  Brunner questioned what the alternative to bussing was that is referenced in the Policy. Hague explained that if it is not feasible to bus one long distant student then the district offers mileage reimbursement to that child's parents. Another Board Policy specifically deals with this opportunity.

Discussion:  Brunner asked why the 4th paragraph had been sticken and felt that it should be reinstated since it refers to guidelines established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This policy will be reveiwed at the next Policy Committee meeting and will be tabled until it has been revised.

Discussion:  Miles deferred the recap of the Building Committee meeting to Hague, who explained that the committee met at the first part of month to get an update on the construction at the Lincoln site. All projects remain on schedule and Stearns will be here this Wednesday. Stearns is coming twice a month now to monitor the site first hand. Roofers, plumbers and electricians and all busy working on site. On the west side of the building, one can see what the exterior of the facility will look like (ground face block, stone, brick and white mantle). The concrete roof will go on soon in over the gym. On October 24th the foam spray will be installed on the remainder of the building and then the brick can be layed. The goal is to have the facility boxed in by the end of the month but it really depends upon the weather.

Discussion:  Brunner told the Board that the Facility Committee had met at Northfield Elementary. The committee discussed the 2011-2012 proposed Classified Handbook, held a conversation that focused on bussing options, and spoke about the window project at the High School. Principal Barker led a tour of Northfield and pointed out specific damages received from rain leaks, as well as a broken pipe. Teacher Dawn Sabo provided a brief demonstration on how BenQ's are utilized in the classroom.

Discussion:  Doll explained that the Curriculum Committee had met and discussed scheduling and instructional time, which has percalated to the Board level. Doll encouarged both teachers and administrators to work on this issue together. He reitereated that our goal is to make sure we're doing what is best for the kids. Doll encouraged the group to make adjustments and changes to better serve all district children. Doll wants them to discuss their issues and let the Board know what options are best. When comparing block schedules to non block schedules it is hard to get an accurate picture. Each administrator should deal with their staff to handle scheduling and instructional time.

Discussion:  Brunner gave a brief recap of the Business Committee meeting. Topics included a presentation from ACE, discussion of district bills, balances in various funds and the Anderson and Shaw application for payment.

Discussion:  Miles explained that the Personnel Committee had met and had action items that were dealt with earlier in the agenda.

Discussion:  The second paragraph of this policy was reviewed and it was determined that it may be eliminated. This policy will be reviewed at the district's next Policy Committee Meeting.

Discussion:  Hague explained that this policy deals with the age change for entering kindergardten. A type was pointed out in #2 under Minimum Age that will be corrected. Peters asked if a time limit should be specified on 2b. The Board was told that the district has already determined which assessment procedures are used in 2c.

Discussion:  Hague reminded the Board that the NASB Conference has been scheduled for November 11th, 2011 and asked who was planning to attend. The entire Board, along with Curriculum & Assessment Director Terri Martin will be attending the event in La Vista, NE. Hague encouraged Board members to attend breakout sessions provided by activity associations. Hague asked anyone who finds they are unable to attend to contact Frahm and she will cancel their reservation and registration.

Discussion:  Hague let the Board know that the first GNSA meeting is scheduled for November 17th, which is the Thursday after the School Board Convention. Brunner has volunteered to attend. Hague provided future meeting dates of 1/8/12, 2/15/12 and 3/21/12. Hague stated that both Brunner and Winn have attended and that more than one representative is welcome to attend, as it is a short legistlative session.

Discussion:  Hague covered the update on the Lincoln construction during his recap of the Building Committee Meeting.

Discussion:  Doll let everyone know that the cross country team did well at districts and wished them good luck at State. Winn stated that she had recent opportunity to spend time at the High School and said that taking the seats out of the hallways provided much better traffic flow. The tables and chairs in the commons area where the lockers once stood also provides a great area for students to do homework.

Discussion:  The Policy Review Committee Meeting was changed to 4:30pm to accomodate Board Member's schedules. The Advisory Committee Meeting was moved to the 9th of November. If the BIST team is available, a work session will be scheduled for November.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 8:19pm.