November 21, 2011 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Patron comments were allowed with five individuals speaking in support of a Gering tennis program. Matt Palomo, of the Gering Junior Tennis Club, who has unofficially voluntarily coached local students in the sport, also addressed the board with his recommendation of support. President Brunner asked Activities Director David Pauli to address concerns that Winn has. Those concerns included pre-existing coaching positions being cut, which was determined to be due to lack of student participation rather than the budget. The Board expresed it's appreciation of Palomo's past contributions, however, because he is not a Gering certified employee, he would need to be accompanied by a certified employee from the district when traveling, thus adding to costs. Pauli stated that non-certified staff can obtain coaching certification by participating in a two year process to complete three available classes. Winn also inquired as to the status of the district's budget and asked if the district can afford another sport? Pauli explained that, in comparison to whole budget, tennis would require a very small percentage that would fund all travel exenditures, as well as expenses related to coaching. Winn then asked if the City of Gering would continue their maintenance contributions. Hague confirmed that the courts are property of the school district, however, the City does contribute financially to their upkeep. Peters informed the attendees that he was vocally against the tennis program proposal last year due to spending scenarios within the legislature, but he will be voting in support of it this year. Peters informed the patrons that by district policy the coaching position would be offered internally first. Hague reminded the Board that this is a sport where the district already owns the needed facilities so there would be no added costs in that area.

Discussion:  The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:22pm The Board adjourned the Executive Session and re-entered the regular business meeting at 7:39pm.

Discussion:  A brief conversation took place regarding the language of this policy update.

Discussion:  Doll provided a recap of the Buidling Committee meeting, which was held at the Lincoln Elementary construction site. December delivery dates were confirmed, enclosure goals were explained and the project is on schedule. Playground specifics were also discussed.

Discussion:  Brunner stated that the group met at the High School at the last meeting. The recently remodeled commons area was discussed. The window phase and locker rooms were discussed, as well as the staff parking lot and wireless microphones. The new DECA store at the High School has opened and is very successful.

Discussion:  Doll provided an overview of the meeting, which included information about the BIST program. The new Kindergarten entrance age was also discussed. A review or the district report card was also provided. A work session may be scheduled in December to discuss the report card in more detail.

Discussion:  Brunner recapped the business committee meeting, which included a report on the After School Program from Betty Smith.

Discussion:  Miles stated that the items discussed at the last personnel meeting were action items at tonight's meeting, such as the tennis program and administrator salary increases.

Discussion:  Hague informed the board that Cedar Canyon had a break in recently and it took responders 6 minutes to arrive, where they apprehended a suspect. Hague recapped his meeting at the Lincoln site and displayed an award of appreciation to the District's Wellness Committee from the Worksite Wellness Program.

Discussion:  Doll congratulated Mr. Raines on his award receipt. Peters gave a verbal kudos to Mrs. King for the choir's gold medal performance at the Best in the West competition. Winn stated that she had attended the performance of A Midsummer's Nights Dream and said it was excellent. Coposey said a great job was done by the harmony kids, and he is excited for the new tennis program to be offered in gering. He also offered his condolences to the Reyes family.

Discussion:  the Board reviewed the rolling calendar. It was determined that there would be a special Work Session at 5:30pm in December on the State Report Card.