April 15, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Regular Business Meeting

Discussion:  Peters asked that item 4.6 (Acceptance of Resignation for Instructional Coach Jadie Beam be moved to Action Items. Doll removed item 4.6 from the Consent Agenda to item 7.4 as an Action Item.

Discussion:  Meisner explained that IT Director Lionel Newberry had met with the Business Committee to review updates regarding workstations for staf and students, as well as an infrastructer wireless upgrade. The department has performed minimal upgrades over the last two years due to other district expenditures. One hundred twenty eight staff members and students will have upgraded equipment, which is expected to cost $174,756.94. The infrastructure upgrade, which includes switches, routers and cabeling, will take place mainly at the High School and will improve connectivity between the High School and the Jr. High. Cost is expected to be $59,492. The Business Committee recommends the approval of both purchases.

Discussion:  Meisner explained that the Business Committee recommends a secondary breakfast and lunch price increase. The implementation of the School Food Authority's Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires the district to serve more fresh foods, vegitibles and whole grains, which has caused the cost of lunches served to go up over the last year. In order to keep the cafeteria account in good standing, the district needs to increase secondary lunch and breakfast prices by a quarter. Scottsbluff Public Schools are also increasing their prices due to the same issue. Peters confirmed that the Hunger-Free Kids Act has efected budgets nation wide.

Discussion:  Doll asked if anyone had any questions and/or changes regarding NDE's recommended Special Education policies.

Discussion:  Peters stated that he pulled this consent agenda item to the regular action items in order to recognize Beam's years of service at Gering and said that he is looking forward to working with her at ESU#13 in her new role. Doll echoed Peter's comments and stated that Beam's heart has been in the right place and expressed his appreciation for egverything Beam has done for the Gering Public School District.

Discussion:  Peters explained that the highlight of the Curriculum Committee Meeting was a discussion about changes to the district's High Ability Program. Options are being examined and discussed to prevent school day disruptions for elementary students.

Discussion:  Winn explained that the Personnel Committee discussed business that is dependent on enrollment numbers for next year. The committee reviewed information on building secretary hours and duties.

Discussion:  Upp explained that the Facilities Committee met at the central office before touring the Jr. High facility. The committee met with Freshman Academy Assistant Principal Kraig Weyrich and Jr. High Principal Dora Olivares. The committee examined the building and helped determined what are immediate needs. The committee then reviewed potential summer projects, as well as short and long term projects. Weyrich presented information regarding security system updates. Weyrich will investigate the success of WNCC's system. Handheld radios are not in use throughout the district. The committee feels that one top priroity at the building should be improved ventilation in the boy's locker room, which should be repaired during the summer months.

Discussion:  Copsey stated that the Businesss Committee met and reviewed information pertaining to Title IV and district Booster Clubs. It was determined that communication to coaches has been improving, however coach to parent communication needs additional work. Activities Director Glen Koski is developing regulations about spending fundraised monies on specific activites or programs. The committee reviewed computer and infrastructure information, reviewed financial reports and discussed increased secondary breakfast and lunch prices.

Discussion:  Meisner reviewed March revenues and expenditures in detail. Fund balances were also reviewed.

Discussion:  Hubbard was out on bereavement leave and did not provide a written report.

Discussion:  Hague informed everyone the Cedar Canyon Principal Betty Smith was in Boston during the marathon bombings but is ok. Hague explained that May 1st is the last date that the district can accept resignations without having to find a suitable replacement before acceptance. The District's Administrative Offices will move to a new location on April 25th and 26th. Hague intends on spending the next six weeks planning for next year.

Discussion:  Peters said it is an exciting time to be a Gering Bulldog. He is proud of the district's kids and staff. Winn said that the district's musical was outstanding and very unique, wich five leading roles. Copsey reminded everyone that, as spring sports start, it is an exciting time and that academic success is truly laying the pathwork for future success. Copsey stated that he is proud to be from Gering. Upp said he can see how test scores have gone up, along with accomplishments. He feel that this stems from keeping kids active and in successful groups. Brunner reitterated that it is a good time to be a Bulldog and he feels that the year will be finished in a strong manner. Doll stated that he feels Gering has a great group of kids and he feels blessed to have the staff that is in place and appreciated all that they do for kids. District accomplishments are proof positive of efforts being made at each building. He also feels that district students are humble, which speaks volumns of the work district educators and administrators are doing.

Discussion:  The Personnel Committee Meetings have been changed to the second Tuesday of the month and will be held at 4:30pm. Doll reminded committee members to find a replacement if they are unable to attend a meeting.