June 18, 2018 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. Signature of Notification
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2. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Welcome Visitors
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2.1. Acknowledge Open Meetings Law
More Information:
The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Executive Session for the protection of the public interest; or the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and if the individual has not requested a public meeting.
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2.2. Notice of this meeting was published in the Gering Courier on June 14, 2018.
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3. Excuse Absent Board Members
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4. Consent Agenda
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4.1. Approval of Agenda/Amendment of Agenda Items
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4.2. Minutes From Previous Board Meeting
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4.3. Approval of Claims/Bills
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4.4. Second Reading of Board Policies
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4.4.i. 508.14 - Latex Exposure
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4.4.ii. 508.15 - Concussion Awareness
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4.4.iii. 508.16 - Return from Pediatric Cancer
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4.4.iv. 509.1 - Class or Student Group Gifts
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4.4.v. 509.2 - Open Night
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4.4.vi. 631.01 - Title I Parent and Family Engagement
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4.5. Personnel Items
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4.5.i. Contract Approvals
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4.5.i.1. Andrew Gebara - Science Teacher, Freshman Academy & High School
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4.5.i.2. Janelle Mathews - Junior High, Special Education Resource Teacher
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4.5.i.3. Zach Ostergard - Geil Elementary, Physical Education Teacher
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4.5.i.4. Amy Ranalletti - Lincoln Elementary, 4th Grade Teacher
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4.5.i.5. Shawn Seiler - Gering Junior High, Principal
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4.5.i.6. Kory Knight - Gering High School, Assistant Principal
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4.5.i.7. Molly Weglin - Gering High School, Special Education Teacher
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4.5.ii. Resignations
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4.5.ii.1. Kelli Larson - Freshman Academy, Mathematics / Science Teacher
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4.5.ii.2. Michelle Mauer - Junior High, Special Education Resource Teacher
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4.5.ii.3. Katie Patrick - Gering High School, Special Education
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5. Patron Comments
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6. Reports and Discussions
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6.1. Report from the YMCA about the development of the After School Program
Discussion:
Superintendent, Bob Hastings, introduced YMCA Senior Program Director Triniti Burgner to the board. Ms. Burgner presented information to the board of education about the proposed partnership between GPS and the YMCA to offer an after-school program in the district for the 18-19 school year. In her presentation, Triniti highlighted the results of recent parent surveys which indicated a strong interest and need for the program. The YMCA has proposed an after-school program centered around an established set of core values and focused on assisting students in grades K - 5 with homework, hands-on educational activities including a STEM curriculum, and physical education. Board questions surrounding the location, cost, and staffing ratios were addressed. A tentative implementation date for the program will be consistent with beginning of the upcoming school year pending final program approval by both the GPS and YMCA boards.
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6.2. Curriculum Committee Report
Discussion:
Committee chair, Mary Winn, offered an update from their May 31st meeting. Notable action items addressed included an early release schedule adopted by the secondary schools, content relevant to student handbook updates / revisions, and a transition towards standards-based report cards. Notably, beginning in the fall of the 18-19 school year, students from Gering High School and Gering Junior High will have weekly dismissal times of 2:15 p.m. on Wednesdays.
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6.3. Facilities Committee Report
Discussion:
Chairman BJ Peters shared an update on the progress of the high school renovations that are well underway. Weekly meetings between representatives of Hausmann Construction, GPS, and RB+B will continue to be held weekly. Board members further discussed the possibility of a need for heat schedules this fall through the month of September due to construction currently limiting the use of air conditioning. Security equipment installations at Geil, Lincoln, and Northfield are nearing completion. Bids for accessible sidewalks at Memorial Stadium are currently being collected.
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6.4. Business Committee Report
Discussion:
Board President, Brian Copsey, outlined committee approval of the purchase of two vehicles from local dealerships to be utilized by the maintenance and food service teams in their daily functions. In his report he also provided detail on progress being made at the high school.
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6.4.i. Trial Balance Summary
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6.4.ii. Fund Balances
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6.4.iii. Schedule of Investments
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6.4.iv. Financial Statements
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6.5. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Superintendent Bob Hastings shared enthusiasm for a continuing education opportunity sought out by approximately 30 staff members at this week's PLC Institute in Minneapolis. Every building in our district has teams attending which he anticipates will offer both staff and students an invaluable return. Attendance was funded by a Title IIA Grant directed at the recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff. Board President Brian Copsey requested a brief presentation of content from conference attendees at the next meeting. Brian also inquired about an update on the replacement of Student Resource Officer, Shawn West. Mr. Hastings stated that a strong candidate who is familiar with the district through his participation in ALICE training sessions has been named as West's replacement.
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7. Action Items
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7.1. Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action regarding the approval of Change Order #1 for the Gering High School Project.
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7.2. Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action regarding the approval of Pay Application #2 in the amount of $646,386.89 from Hausmann Construction for the Gering High School Project.
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7.3. Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action regarding the approval of student handbooks for the 2018-2019 school year.
Discussion:
Holliday abstained from the vote without conflict of interest.
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7.4. Executive Session to protect the public interest for the sole purpose of discussion of a negotiation item.
Discussion:
Board members entered into executive session at 6:47 p.m. Executive session was ended at 7:22 p.m. with a motion by Peters and a second by Holliday. All members present voted to exit executive session.
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7.5. Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action with regard to an addendum to the superintendent's Contract of Employment.
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8. Tentative Committee Meeting Dates and Reminders
More Information:
Board Candidate Workshops -- Tues, July 10 at ESU 13 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Hosted free of charge by NASB for all individuals who have filed for board member candidacy. Superintendents and sitting board members are encouraged to attend with candidates to show support and receive training. Register online at NASB by Thurs, July 5.
Personnel Committee -- Curriculum Committee -- Thurs, Aug 2 @ 7:00 a.m. Central Office Facilities Committee -- Thurs, July 5 @ 4:30 p.m. Central Office Business Committee -- Mon, July 9 @ 4:30 p.m. Central Office
Regular Board Meeting -- Mon, July 16 @ 6:00 p.m. City of Gering Council Chambers
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9. Board Comments
Discussion:
BJ Peters expressed his excitement for the revival of the after-school program with the proposed partnership with the YMCA stating that he is hopeful this will continue to add momentum to the great things happening at Gering Public Schools. He also placed a spotlight on a blog post/article recently published by Mr. Hastings regarding the "Pepsi Challenge". Brent Holliday shared BJ's sentiment that the content of the article "hit the nail on the head" in terms of loyalties he witnesses in the workplace. Josh Lacy agreed that the YMCA after-school partnership was a community need, and the flexibility the program will offer families in terms of an ability to attend as-needed will gain his family's support and participation. Mary Winn concurred with Josh and BJ's support of the YMCA program, adding that enlisting an outside entity seemed to be a great solution to the previous challenges. She shared her excitement and support for the staff attending the PLC Conference. Brian Copsey closed the meeting conveying his own appreciation for the administrative efforts of GPS to pursue implementation of the after-school program families had been yearning for in recent years. He further highlighted the work of Mr. Hastings, Mr. Hubbard, and the facilities committee as a whole in keeping the construction project in forward motion. Lastly, Brian offered his support and encouragement to Shawn Seiler as he transitions into his role as Gering Junior High Principal alongside upcoming grade realignments. Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
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10. Adjourn
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