June 15, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Committee chair Mary Winn offered a report on the VALTS Program.  Summer school programing take place in a distance learning environment with 42 students enrolled.  A graduation ceremony will take place Thursday at the Gering Plaza for six students, four who are representing Gering.  The interlocal agreement has been rewritten, and will be reviewed at the July school board meeting.  

Discussion:  The facilities committee met with interim superintendent Gary Cooper during their June meeting to evaluate the district as a whole.  One need identified as a high priority, from both condition and safety, will be the GHS tennis courts.  The junior high also has some pressing needs that will be addressed early on in the facility plan.  Cooper will complete a full audit to help the district formulate a 5-10 year plan.  

Discussion:  Chairperson Josh Lacy opened with an address about student lunch account refunds.  A press release was sent out with very little response.  The committee determined that if not requested, funds would be carried over to the next school year.  Lacy reported that Superintendent Hastings indicated Haussman Construction was progressing on completion of the GHS project.  The district has not yet been billed for the final payment.  President B.J. Peters inquired about the grass re-seeding.  Initially the area in front of the high school and directly behind was planted in mid-October, and has not gotten a good stand.  Scottsbluff Landscaping will repair some settling that is happening in the back, spray the weeds and reseed in July.  Recent discussions with the City of Gering revealed that sod may become available from the ball field project.  If it works out, this would be the preferred option.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings highlighted the relaxed Directive Health Measures in relation to upcoming graduation plans.  The expectation is that school we open fully, in-person this fall with appropriate safety accommodations.  Today's announcement from the commissioner was the first time it had been heard in an official capacity.  Administrators are awaiting guidelines regarding masks, sanitizer, temperature checks, transportation, etc.  Communication and planning will follow once available.  

Discussion:  Laura Barrett indicated that the ESU was able to hire a Speech-Language Pathologist recently who would serve Gering Public Schools in-person in a contracted capacity which would reduce, but not eliminate, teletherapy needs.  

Discussion: 

GHS Graduation Ceremony (Five Rocks Amphitheater) - Sunday, June 21 @ 1:00 p.m.

Future Board Meetings

Regular Board Meeting - Mon, July 20 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)

Second Board Meeting - Tues, July 28 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, July 2 @ 4:30 p.m.   

Business Committee  --  Mon, July 13 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  

Discussion:  Mary Winn shared opening remarks stating that she was looking forward to Sunday's graduation ceremony.  Although it may be hot and miserable, she believes people will be really happy we were able to carry through with plans.  Next, she thanked Bob Hastings for his leadership noting it was hard to believe it had been 7 years.  During that time he had taken the district down a great path.  We will be forever grateful for his work on Gering High School.  Although he will not be able to attend graduation, Josh Lacy concurred with Mary that it should be a great time.  He thanked Bob for his guidance, patience, passion, and commitment to Gering Public Schools.  As a new board member, he learned a lot from Hastings, and appreciated the time taken to mentor him.  Brady Shaul was relieved to hear the earlier updates regarding COVID in terms of next year before echoing the sentiments of other board members.  Brent Holliday light-heartedly said the auxiliary gym will always be the "Hastings Gym" to him before thanking him for his mentorship as a new board member and his committments to Gering.  He wished Bob nothing but the best on his next adventure while stating he knows he will do great.  Brian Copsey reflected on superintendent interviews during Bob's hiring; Hastings came in eager and mentioned his favorite show was the Big Bang Theory.  The hours personally and professionally put in were second to none.  While very happy with Hastings' leadership, he felt fortunate that the district had found Gary Cooper to serve as interim.  Brian is looking forward to the next chapter.  As B.J. Peters presented a framed print of GHS to Bob Hastings for his service and dedication, he said "There was never a doubt where your heart was; It was blue and gold.  There was a project that consumed you over the past few years, and we wanted to be sure you were recognized for making our new facilities at GHS a reality.  We hope this is a highlight on your resume!"