February 18, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Regular Business Meeting

Discussion:  Kathy Eastman addressed the Board regarding the bussing situation and hotel accommodations during a recent speech meet. Winn addressed her concerns at the meeting.

Discussion:  The approval of this contract will allow Western Heritage Credit Union to keep an ATM machine in the entrance area of the new administrative offices on Main Street.

Discussion:  Doll nominated Lisa Frahm as Board Secretary.

Discussion:  Doll nominated Tim Meisner as Board Treasurer.

Discussion:  The Board Committees will consist of the following: Business - Copsey, Brunner, Doll; Curriculum - Winn, Peters, Upp; Facilities - Doll, Upp, Peters; Personnel - Copsey, Brunner, Winn.

Discussion:  Currently Doll and Winn serve on the VALTS Board. Peters volunteered to assume one position and Winn offered to continue but will be unable to attend the March meeting. Doll will attend in her absense.

Discussion:  The Regional Governance Group meet once a month on Wednesdays at noon. Representatives from the City of Gering, the City of Scottsbluff, WNCC, Scotts Bluff County and the University of Lincoln gather to participate in cooperative discussions. Hague tries to attend all meetings but would like a Board member to be present as well. Doll will attend these meetings and will request a substitute if needed.

Discussion:  Winn informed the Board that social studies curriculum members (K-12) met with the Curriculum Committee to discuss and review a proposed social studies curriculum. Doll expressed his appreciation of Curriculum & Assissment Director Terri Martin and the district faculty that took this project on. Peters reintereated Doll's appreciation by letting Martin know whe did an amazing job in cooperating with this group. The curriculum will be a working document.

Discussion:  Hague explained that the July 31, 2013 date is going to be enforced by the Gering district, therefore no early admission testing will be provided this year. Last year Gering tested 9 children but only 2 passed the assessment. The Scottsbluff district will allow testing but will not advertise it.

Discussion:  Meisner explained that the Business Committee met and reviewed bills for the month. Meisner reviewed expenditures and revenues with the full board.

Discussion:  Candy Hubbard provided information about district programs and the number of students involved in various programs. Hubbard reviewed the total student population, SPED program numbers (birth thru 21) and locations. The referral process was explained. Hubbard explained that there are a total of 14 slots available to Gering in the VALTS program and the district is utilizing 13 of those. The Bridges to Success/TCAP (behaviour program) and GAP numbers were reviewed. Hubbard explained that the district has 202 students opting in and 200 opting out. Hubbard stated that the Student Services department performs a file review every 5 years. Information on the NebMAC time study was provided. She also stated that she continues to look for a physical therapist for next year. Hubbard explained that a BIST consultant will be visiting soon. She provided information on Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten registration and professional development.

Discussion:  Peters recapped the Curriculum Committee minutes. Specifics covered included a visit with the social studies group, VALTS program changes and ways to improve or restructure the high ability program for next year. The Curriculum Committee also serves as the district's designated Americanism Committee.

Discussion:  Winn provided a recap of the Personnel Committee Meeting. Topics of discussion include the signature of a Negotiated Agreement Health Insurance Addendum. Hague distributed projected numbers for elementary classes at the meeting, where it was revieweda and discussed. Winn informed the Board that incoming Superintendent Bob Hastings will be making personnel decisions for next year.

Discussion:  Doll asked that the Board confirm the number of VALTS slots. Hubbard addressed in Curriculum Committee and said that 14 slots is on track.

Discussion:  Upp provided a recap of the Facilities Committee meeting. A Summer Food Service Program will be provided by the district on a trial basis during summer school. Upp provided an update on the purchase of the Western Heritage Facility. KENO funds were also discussed. Activities Director Glen Koski submitted a "wish list" to the committee for review. The committee also prioritized the district's Master Facility Plan for long term projects. Window replacement at the Jr. High was determined to be a top priority. Building security was also determined to be of top priority.

Discussion:  Doll explained that Business Committee questions had been answered. Adjusted lunch costs were also discussed.

Discussion:  Hague informed the Board that he has always tried to go to GNSA meetings in Lincoln and if he is unable to attend, Business manager Tim Meisner attends in his place. Board member Winn has also had the opportunity to attend these meetings. Hague explained that this group is comprised of Superintendents but board members are encouraged to attend. Frahm will provide a calendar of events so each member would have the opportunity to sign up and attend the meetings. Hague explained that he normally leaves on Tuesday at noon and returns Wednesday evening.

Discussion:  Hague would like to see the Gering district continue with the joint Board suppers. He explained that the recent In-Service was great. The closing date for the new administrative offices is March 15, 2013. Incoming Superintendent Bob Hastings will be in Gering during the last week of March. Hague stated that he is assisting Kimball with their Superintendent search. Hague will be on vacation for the next four days. The Directors will be in charge during his absence.

Discussion:  Winn read a letter that she had written for the Star Herald's Editorial page regaridng a recent article coving Gering's win at a Speech Meet accomanied by a photo of the Scottsbluff Speech Team. Peters said he feels the divide between Scottsbluff and Gering is wider than it needs to be and feels that cooperation between neighboring districts should be sought. Upp said that he heard comments at the join supper that the two Board should meet on a quarterly basis rather than an annual basis. Doll said he though the interlocal meeting was great and provides an opportunity for the two Boards to work collectively.

Discussion:  Hague suggested that committee members who are unable to attend a committee meeting seek a substitute to attend in their place rather than rescheduling committee meetings.