June 17, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Regular Business Meeting

Discussion:  Brunner recapped previous policies regarding extra curricular activity participation and failing grades. Current policy states that if a student is failing two or more classes, that student in not allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities until at least one grade is brought up. High School Principal Eldon Hubbard explained to the Board that this same policy used to state that students could not participate in activities if they were failing one class. Hubbard also provided background information about the down list and associated rates. Hubbard reviewed the mechanics of making up grades and explained how students became fearful of loosing the opportunity to participate in activities and may choose to take less rigorous courses in their class schedule to ensure participation. Hubbard invited the Board to review Scottsbluff Public School's policy, which he briefly recapped. Winn, who was a teacher prior to retirement, explained that she agrees with Hubbard's reasoning behind the decision to have this policy remain as it is and believes that activities urge students to try harder. Copsey stated that he would like to see Infinite Campus updated on a regular to keep grade information current. Copsey stated that he has heard from parents that feel the policy should be more strenuous. Doll agreed, stating that he believes kids rise to the occasion. Brunner deferred to Winn's years of experience and agreed that she would know what is best for the students. Winn also suggested that coaches and sponsors strongly encourage failing students to attend after school learning programs provided by the district. Brunner reminded the board that practice times have been adjusted to allow for after school work/tutoring. Copsey suggested reviewing the activities handbook to accomodate students who need additional assistance with their school work. The suggestion was made to require ELO attendance for students who are on the down list and if they don't attend that student would be ineligible to participate. Winn suggested that failing students should work one on one with the teacher of the class in which they are down either before school or prior to practice. Hubbard will look into offering an ELO class in the morning. Winn brought some grammatical errors in the handbook to Hubbard's attention. Activities Director Glen Koski stated that agrees with Hubbard, stating that he has seen it done many ways but prefers to allow for 2 classes, as he has actually seen students take lesser classes in order to participate in activities. Koski added that the addition of study halls seems to help students get their grades up. Doll reiterated that the Board's goal is to provide an education first. Peters reminded everyone that the Gering grade scale is higher than some others in the area and that this fact should be taken into consideration.

Discussion:  Superintendent Hague explained that, by Board policy, the deadline for accepting Option Applications in March 15th. He has identified classes that would allow for additional students to attend through the Option Program. In order to accept these option applications, the Board designated the Superintendent of Schools as an authorized representative of the Board to waive that deadline date. Class sizes and availability are always examined prior to option application approval.

Discussion:  Winn expressed her concern that these policies should have been reviewed prior to constructing a new elementary school. This batch of policies was last reviewed in 2004. Hague explained that instead of using an attorney, the district hired an Owner's Rep, which covered the district and related policies per the district attorney.

Discussion:  Winn provided additional details about this nomination. 2nd time nominated.

Discussion:  Peters provided a recap of the Curriculum Committee meeting, stating that they received a "sneak peak" of the writing scores. All three levels of testing in Gering are above state averages.

Discussion:  Doll provided a recap of the Facilities Committee meeting, which was held at Lincoln Elementary. A building tour was included on the agenda. The facility has been in use for one year now. The district continues to monitor the air handling unit, as it has not been formally commissioned yet so the warranty has not yet begun. The district is holding summer school at the facility to test the system during the summer months. A commissioning visit will occur on June 20th and June 21st. Hague will meet with incoming building principal Pam Barker on the 21st to review the visit. The Committee reviewed the summer maintenance list and schedule and determined that the district does not have the manpower to accomplish all projects, so the district will enlist the help from local businesses to tackle tasks. Depreciation funds will be used to fund these projects.

Discussion:  Copsey provided a recap of the Business Committee meeting. The group approved the distribuation list for May and reviewed financial reports, including the cafeteria fund. Thompson Glass is expected to begin work on the Jr. High window replacement project very soon and should be done prior to the beginning of school. The committee also reviewed the proposed changes to the 2013-2014 student handbook for the High School. The committee also made a recommendation to hire a replacement custodian.

Discussion:  Meisner provided a recap for the month of May, when real estate tax income was received. Total revenues and expenditures were reveiwed in detail and fund balances were discussed.

Discussion:  Student Services Director Candy Hubbard submitted her report via email to Board members for their review prior to the meeting. Class numbers were reviewed, student services forms were discussed, submitted reports were reviewed and staff procedures and student assistance teams were discussed. Future topics were also provided.

Discussion:  Hague provided information about his recent AdvancED training, displayed a plaque that he received and encouraged board involvement with this group. Hague stated that he had received the letter of accredited for the 2013-2014 school year. He reminded the Board that the district is currently advertising for a part time Careers teacher and a district nurse. Hague reviewed his schedule and let the Board know that he would be meeting with incoming Superintendent Bob Hastings this week. Hague thanked the Board for their past and current support as he finishes up his 44+ years in the education field. Hague also wished the Gering Public School District the best in the future.

Discussion:  Peters stated that the VALTS Board held a meeting and approved next year's budget. ESU has absorbed most of the program's administration. Peters stated that Gering will need to appoint an additional representative to the VALTS Board since Gering will have the most number of slots since Scottsbluff Public Schools will offer their own program next year. Peters thanked Hague for his years of service to the district. Winn told Hague that he is the 6th Superintendent she has worked with and expressed her appreciation of how Hague took the time to get to know every employee in the district, no matter what title they held. She also thanked him for his recognition of State Mock Trial participants when they won the State Competition. Copsey told Hague that is has been a pleasuer to work with him, thanked him for all he has done for Gering Public Schools and gave him his best wishes. Brunner stated that he had been on the School Board for 10+ years and told Hague that he is leaving the district in better shape than it was before his arrival. Doll said that it is exciting to see former students returning to the district as teachers. Doll expressed his true appreciation for the 12 years of service that Hague put in and told him that he represented Gering Public Schools very well. Doll then presented Hague with a framed photo of Chimney Rock from the Board.