August 20, 2018 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Several certified staff members from the district were in attendance to share professional development experiences provided through the Minneapolis PLC Conference in June 2018.  First to present was Laurie Petersen, Title 1 Teacher at Lincoln Elementary, who felt reassured that Gering Public Schools is on the right track, and was excited about the challenge to continue growing and learning together.  She extended her appreciation to the district for the weekly time allotment which has proven beneficial for staff and students as staff meet within their PLC .  Jennifer Bohnsack, Geil Elementary Kindergarten Teacher, shared four key questions taken away from every breakout session alongside her feedback of how each related to the continued student success at Gering.  The PLC team will be posting these throughout their buildings to maintain focus as an educator enrichment piece.  Bethany Jolliffe shared the value seen in the team building that took place across the district during their travels and at the conference.  Additionally, she spoke to the insight gained through the interaction with other PLC communities at the conference indicating that this will be a game changer in how they write their schedules.  In closing, Superintendent Hastings reported that 30 staff members attended the conference in June with an overall total of 50 being trained thus far.  The district is looking forward to the opportunity for future training sessions as they continue to expand that core group.  Board members added sentiment for the infectious positive energy they witness spreading across the district as a result.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings offered a reported on progress being made at the high school noting that classes were on track to resume later in the week at which time the gym would also become available to use.  Appreciation was extended to the custodians across the district for their efforts in making it all possible.  

Discussion:  Committee chair, Brian Copsey, stated that activity bus purchase agreement is still awaiting further review by state entities adding that the amount of progress witnessed during a recent walk-thru of the high school was outstanding.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings shared an update on the recent staff trainings that had taken place over the course of the past eight days giving indication that the next few days ahead would be utilized by staff to prepare for student orientations, and the beginning of a new school year.  

Discussion:  With no changes to the policy, no action was taken.

Discussion:  Board President Brian Copsey opened the hearing at 6:30 p.m, closed without objection at 6:31 p.m.

Discussion:  Board President Brian Copsey opened the hearing at 6:32 p.m, closed without objection at 6:33 p.m.

Discussion:  Board member Mary Winn shared feedback from GHS Teacher Andy Stobel regarding noticeable improvements in updated lighting fixtures installed over the summer, adding the positive impact this will have on the students.  BJ Peters offered his compliments to the custodial staff encouraging everyone to keep the end in sight as construction continues over the course of the next year.  President Brian Copsey also thanked the GHS staff for their continued patience during the process, adding his support and excitement to the district as students are welcomed back this week.  Meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m.