January 9, 2012 at 4:30 PM - Business Committee Meeting

Discussion:  Also in attendance were Don Hague and Tim Meisner.

Discussion:  A spreadsheet that detailed project change orders was reviewed.

Discussion:  Gering Public Schools channels Title I Delinquent funds through the district for purchases made for the Juvinile Detention Center. Various computer related expenses were discussed. If the center closes, assets will revert back to the Gering district.

Discussion:  Hague provided a recap of bid tabulations for the High School window project. Although Glass Masters from Cheyenne, Wyoming was the loweset bidder, the contract will be awarded to Thompson Glass of Scottsbluff since they are a local agency and came in within 5% of the low bid, so they will receive preference. The full board will approve this contract at their next full board meeting. This will complete the window replacement project at the High School.

Discussion:  Hague stated that he had discussed a drug testing survey with the Curriculum Committee and asked the Business Committee to also examine a draft message that will be sent through the district's ConnectEd system. Hague also informed the committee that he has created a news article on the topic and will publish it in late January. The survey will state that the district is considering a drug testing program for students who participate in extra curricular activities and will ask if each parent supports or opposes the program. The survey will be sent only to secondary student's parents (7-12). Final results will be shared with the full board.

Discussion:  Hague has met with administrators and has made final adjustments to the 2012-2013 school calendar. He would like to run it past all committees in February and take it to the full board for approval at the February or March meeting. The Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving was and half day lunch policies were discussed.

Discussion:  Miles inquired about utilizing the Lions Club to provide glasses for students who are in need. Hague stated that he will have Meisner bring that up at the next Administrator's meeting. Brunner asked about building usage of credit cards and Mesiner informed the committee that new cards should be arriving this week and will be distributed to each location. Each building will then be responsible for reconciling their own statement. The district hopes that this process will eliminate time, allowing for more timely payments. A fireworks purchase was clarified. The purchase of salary work sheets was explained and may be computerized in the future. Ferreyra will provide a report to Hague and Miles that details sick leave usage and this topic will be moved to the Personnel Committee. Twin City Volleyball Invite costs were reviewed, which is co-hosted with Scottsbluff. Coaching apparel was reviewed and Brunner requested a report that categorizes what each expense was for and how they are being distributed. Meisner stated that he would provide more accurate line items descriptions and will also discuss the athletic budget with Pauli. Cleaning related supply costs were reviewed and Meisner stated that a 3rd party agency will be contacted and utilized soon. Board approval for a new custodial program will be sought in March. Copsey asked where the district is in the process of separating out Club funds from district funds. Meisner is in the process of getting the accounts split but is waiting on individual clubs to take action on their part. Miles suggested providing the clubs with a deadline. Meisner provided a recap of the operating statement. Lincoln associated costs were detailed. Access points and the cabling bid was discussed, which is expected to cost approximately $100,000. A meeting to finalize specifics will take place on January 10th in the afternoon. Brunner asked about getting our computer infra structure examined and was told that Clint Schleicher of Allo Communications provided one today. The district's IT department was reviewed and the committee suggested having an outside agency visit at least once every two years to assure we are current and able to address needs. The cafeteria fund is in good shape.