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

Discussion:  Tracy Henderson, parent of a Cedar Canyon student, addressed the Board regarding the movement of 5th and 6th grade students to Lincoln Elementary for the 2013-2014 school year. Henderson expressed concerns about district transparency and lack of communication. She stated that she is disappointed in the lack of parental involvement in this decision. Henderson also feels that it was inappropriate for local media to announce the story prior to parents being notified. She expressed concerns about how this move will affect Cedar Canyon families who have more than one student in the district, citing inconvenience and safety issues. Henderson asked that the move be reconsidered until incoming Superintendent Bob Hastings and parents have input. She suggested erecting a modular until to accomodate the library so students would not have to transfer to Lincoln. Katherine Larson, parent of district students, also expressed concern about the decision to move students. She stated that parents should have received information and notice from the school prior to the public announcement. Crystal Newton read a scenario about finding out this news from a student's point of view. Newton expressed her appreciation of Cedar Canyon staff and Principal Smith. Newton served on the Board of Education for Cedar Canyon prior to it's merge with the Gering school district and stated that the Board at that time would seek input from parents whenever a change was made. She reviewed the level of patron participation for the Lincoln Elementary bond. Newton asked how the plan to erect a modular at Cedar Canyon changed to moving students instead. She asked if the Central Office staff was top heavy and asked if salaries were out of sync. She reminded the Board that children are not business, so this move is personal to many. Doll expressed his appreciatoion to the parents for their comments and stated that communication in this matter was a colossal failure. Doll acknowledged that the movement of students was not communicated well, however it was not a board decision. It was an administrative decision. Doll explained that the Facilities Committee realized that classrooms at Lincoln Elementary were not being fully utilized and that it would be financially prudent to utilize this space instead of spending additional funds on an addition at Cedar Canyon to address safety issues. District administration also felt that this move would be in the best interest of the students. Doll encouraged parents to speak with Superintendent Hague directly to express their concerns. Hague stated that the news was not intended to become public knowledge until communication to the public explaining the rationale of the movement had been made from Central Office and/or Cedar Canyon. Hague confirmed that the decision has been made at this point in time. He confirmed that Cedar Canyon will not be clcosing, it will become a K-4 facility. Brunner explained that the proposal was discussed at the Facilities, Business, Curriculum and Personnel Committee meetings, which are open to the public. It was also explained that the Board does not choose what classes are housed in which buildings. That is a decision made by the superintendent and district administration. Incoming Superintendent Hastings has had input in the discussions. Hague stated that it is a budgetary issue and the district needs to utilize the space that is already available. This movement of students will also cut down on transportation expenses.

Discussion:  Copsey informed the group that Thompson Glass was the sole bidder on the Jr. High window replacement project. The bid was more than the architecht had projected, however it is due to the use of a different type of glass, which is more energy efficient. Because of this glass, staff won't need shades in the classrooms. Additional costs were also associated with a quantity miscount. These will be the same type of windows that were installed at Lincoln Elemtnary. The project is expected to be done by the end of summer. Meisner explained that the depreciation account is in good shape but he would like to do an analysis prior to the installation of tiles and/or carpet at other locations. Total project cost is expected to be around $149,000.00.

Discussion:  Peters explained that the new Social Studies Standards were previously approved and that these materials coordinate with those standards. Costs of materials is expected to be $143,863.55 and there will be not annual costs.

Discussion:  Peters recapped the Curriculum Committee meeting, where social studies materials were reviewed and VALTS information was discussed. Current Lincoln Elementary Principal George Schlothauer will be assuming VALTS leadership next year. The committee also discussed the proposed Purpose & Direction Statements, which were previously called the District's Vision & Mission Statements.

Discussion:  Doll recapped the Personnel Committee meeting on behalf of Winn, who was absent from the March Committee meeting. The committee reviewed the proposed Purpose & Vision Statemtns. Meisner led a discussion regarding the EHA open enrollment. Hague spoke about the LEED Gold Plaque Ceremony at Lincoln Elementary. The committee discussed classified staff benefits and reviewed a local array. A new Classified Handbook with benefits that take effect in September will be developed as a draft for incoming Superintendent Hastings to review. Doll stated that the committee also discussed Administrator raises, the movement of Cedar Canyon students and accepted a letter resignation.

Discussion:  Upp recapped the Facilities Committee meeting. The proposed Purpose & Direction Statements were reviewed, the Leed Gold Plaque Ceremony at Lincoln Elementary was discussed and approval for the Jr. High window bids were discussed. Hague recommended the movement of 5th and 6th grade students from Cedar Canyon to Lincoln Elementary to utilze classroom space at the latter building. the committee met with High School Principal Eldon Hubbard and Activities Director Glen Koski and toured the High School facility. the committee reviewed both short and long term plans for the building. The committee may make changes and/or additions to the long range plan, as the priorities at the High School is locker room renovations and track repair or replacement.

Discussion:  Copsey recapped the Business Committee meeting. The group reviewed the proposed Purpose & Vision Statements, reviewed the distribution listing, financial reports and fund balances. Meisner explained that building budgets would be reviewed by the Administrative staff. The Jr. High window replacement project was discussed, as was activity department equipment and inventory. Mileage reimbursements were discussed and will be sent to the Policy Review Committee for review in March. Staffing recommendations for the 2013-2014 school year were also discussed.

Discussion:  Meisner reviewed general fund revenues and expenditures, building fund revenues and expenditures, depretiation fund, qualfied capital fund, fee fund & expenditures, employee benefit fund, activity fund revenues and expenses and cafeteria account revenues and expenditures.

Discussion:  Student Services Director Candy Hubbard distributed a handout and shared information abouth the birth to age two program. Kindergarten registration numbers and section plans were reviewed as were preschool registrations, desired class size and number of sections. Hubbard provided details about the birth to age three SPED program. The discussion focues on utilizing the early development network, funding opportunities, guidelines of Rule 51, IDEA, Part C age ranges, Part B age ranges, areas of development that are behind so interventions can begin, coordination of Nebraska families, referrals, EDN service coordinators, the notification process, time frame of entire process, ccordination, scoring, intervention teams (who they are), determination of areas of evaluation, complete evaluations and the MDT conference. If an IFSP is written, it is reviewed every 6 months, then a plan and assessment goals are determined and provided for the entire year. If an IFSP turns into an ISP (Part B) when the student turns age 3, they will continue to be served in our preschool or their home during the school year. Current participation numbers were provided. Future projects include discussions about the HAL program, sharing of a draft plan with the Curriculum Committee in April and the beginning of transition meetings between Elementary and the Jr. High. Hubbard reviewed ipcoming reports, professional development and future topics for the Student Services report.

Discussion:  Hague displayed the LEED Gold Certificatge for Lincoln Elementary. This facility is the first and only LEED Gold school buidling in the state. Hague confirmed that he will lead communication rationale to parents of Cedar Canyon 5th and 6th grade students who are moving to Lincoln Elementary for the 2013-2014 school year. Hague also explained that due to the budget crunch, the district is looking into a plan to absorb staff so there will be no reduction in force next year. Hague reminded everyone that Severe Weather Week in next week. He is leaving for GNSA and GNS meetings on Tuesday and will return on Friday.

Discussion:  Doll stated that he and Brunenr attended the VALTS Graduation Ceremony. This program offers students an alternative plan to receive their education. The program will be adjusted to better prepare those students who plan to enter the work force directly after school. Peters said it was great seeing Gering students excell in the National Honor Society and at the DECA Conference. These are both great career building experiences. Copsey provided recognition to so many academical strides and hopes to gain community support for upcoming fundraisers. Brunner mentioned that is was nice to see some diffrernt faces in the audience. Several student teachers were in attendance. Winn stated that she had served as the Director for the B-6 Speech meet and thanked Gering Courier Editor Brad Stamen for his attendance and for writing a great article for the newspaper. Winn stated that the Gering Citizen did a good job of reporting as well. Winn suggested that jackets be purchased before the Gering team heads to the National DECA Competition. Upp reminded that Gering students are attending DECA National in the 2nd year of the program. Upp also expressed his appreciation of the local media coverage about the District Speech team. He also expressed his appreciation to the parents who attended the meeting. Doll expressed his appreciation to those in attendance and thanked them for their comments. Doll admitted that the district failed to adequately communicate to Cedar Canyon parents about the movement of 5th and 6th grade students to Lincoln Elementary. Doll stated that it was a good decision to hold soccer at the Jr. High football field.

Discussion:  Doll reminded board members that if they are unable to attend a committee they should find their own replacement. If a replacement can't be found, they should contact Frahm at Central Office and let her know.