March 19, 2012 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Copsey coming after soccer game

Discussion:  Meisner stated that the Business Committee had met to review the treasurer's report and recommends the Board approve.

Discussion:  The district's Sick Leave Bank was brought to the Personnel Committee's attention during negotiations with certified staff. Winn recently corrected grammatical usage and made the policy clearer to understand. The policy has been reviewed by the Policy Committee and the Personnell Committee and it is now being brought to the Board for approval. A second reading will occur at the April Board Meeting. Copsey asked that the number of Ad Hoc members referenced in section e be clarified. After discussion, it was determined that the wording would be changed to state "Non Voting (Ad Hoc) members at the team's request".

Discussion:  Brunner inquired as to the testing of coaches according to the draft policy. Miles explained that the Personnel Committee discussed that topic, along with whether it should include grades 7-9, and whether extra-curricular coaches should be included in the pool. Legal council has advised that, because a coach/sponsor is often the sole individual who supervises, monitors, and ensures that students get where they need to be, it may be considered a safety issue. Miles, as Chairperson of the Personnel Committee, would like to include coaches and sponsors in the policy. The committee would also like to include grades 7-12 in the policy. Gering coaches have already volunteered to be included in the testing pool. The full board supports both the inclusion of grades 7-12 and the inclusion of coaches and sponsors in the testing policy. High School Principal Eldon Hubbard and Activities Director Dave Pauli will submit a revised policy to the Personnel Committee, who will recommend action to the full board. A revised draft is expected to be presented at the April Board Meeting.

Discussion:  Doll recapped the Building Committee Meeting, which included a review of change orders, turf options and signage. Doll stated that progress is being made at the site and the district is right where it had forcasted to be at this point. There have been no significant cost overruns. Two tours were offered during the previous weekend and they both went very well.

Discussion:  Winn recapped an interventions presentation to the committee by Eldon Hubbard. Curriculum and Assessment Director Terri Martin explained the district's testing procedures to the committee. At the meeting Hubbard also discussed a NeSA prep boot camp and testing dates at the High School.

Discussion:  Copsey recapped the Business Committee meeting, which included options for turf at the Lincoln Building. Hillyard Custodial Services will be included on the April agenda. The purchase of new round cafeteria tables for the Jr. High was discussed and approved.

Discussion:  Miles recapped the personnel Committee meeting, which where substitute teacher pay was reviewed and analized. Minor changes may be made and the procedure for updating the extra duty schedule was discussed. The evaluation schedule procedures and time frame were reviewed. Miles explained that the Board will be looking at a minimum of two Superintendent Search companies in the future.

Discussion:  Doll stated that the Facilities Committee met at the Freshman Academy in March and received a presentaiton from Kim Busby's 9th grade Geometry Class on the need for new cafeteria tables at the Jr. High. The master facilities plan was reviewed and prioritized. High School projects, including the track and auditorium seating, were specifically discussed. The upcoming surplus sale was also discussed. Miles suggested contacting smaller panhandle districts to see if they could utilize any of the district's surplus items. Haig will also be cleaned out and returned to the owners at that time.

Discussion:  Hague reminded the board othat he will be attending the GNSA/GNS meeting later this week. Hague will direct Hubbard to rework the proposed drug policy.

Discussion:  Peters said he enjoyed Mary Winn as the guest speaker at the National Honor Society Induction. Copsey gave congratulations to High School Teacher Broc Brown and the DECA class, who had three students qualify for nationals in Salt Lake City in their first year attending. Winn would like to continue board recognition by providing a certificate to Brown and the DECA group. Winn also mentioned that Gering won the District Speech Competition for first time in over 20 years. Also recognized will be Kim Busby and her 9th grade Geometry class for their cafeteria presentation. Winn stated that she enjoyed the tour of Lincoln Elementary and is amazed at the details and how well thought out the designs are.