September 17, 2012 at 5:30 PM - Special Work Session

Discussion:  A special work session was held to review previous committee and Board goals, as well as set new goals for the upcoming school year. Winn suggested that one of the Curriculum Committee's goal will be to re-evaluate the K-12 language arts/reading program, specifically the K-6 Direct Instruction Methodology. This goals will be measurable by the NeSA update. The timeline for this goal will be January of 2013, with an update being provided in May of 2013. This will be both a Curriculum Committee goal, as well as a Board goal. Director of Curriculum & Assessment Terri Martin will hold a special work session in October regarding this topic. Another goal will be to hire a suitable Superintendent for Gering Public Schools. This will also be a Personnel Committee goal. Doll explained that the Facilities Committee has established the goals of replacing the windows in the older central portion of the building. In addition, this committee would like to address a locker room rennovation at the High School. Additional topics of discussion included updating lighting throughout the district.

Discussion:  The full Board reviewed the results from their recent self-assessment and identified areas that could use some improvement. Specific topics covered included board member ethics, the Board Chairperson, the budget, planning, policy, Board/Superintendent relations, Board/community relations and student performance. Brunner suggested that the Superintendent review each month's Board agenda with the Board Chair prior to publication. The Board recommended that the Board Member Orientation process be reviewed. The suggestion was made that each incoming Board Member meet with district Directors and tour the district's facilities. The Board would also like to see workshops offered. A new Board Member Orientation Checklist could be developed to ensure consistency.

Discussion:  at 6:30pm