July 20, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Gering Public Schools parent John Berge addressed the board with concerns surrounding the reopening of schools adding that while he and his wife love the Northfield school and staff, they are full of anxiety.  He stated "Last Friday Governor Ricketts and Nebraska Commissioner of Education Blomstedt effectively announced that schools across Nebraska need to fully reopen.  Amongst their reasons for the need to reopen, they cited legitimate concerns about the economic impact of keeping schools closed and the social and educational impact to children if they remain isolated from their peers and their professional teachers.  I share those concerns and want to return to normalcy as soon as is practical.  During their press conference, they did not recommend mandatory mask wearing, but did go on to say that one should wear a mask when in a closed space and in contact with other people.  According to the Gering Public Schools website, there are over 1,800 students in the district.  I would image maybe a couple hundred more in staff, so a total of 2,000 people in six buildings (counting pre-k) - nearly all of which were constructed 40-50 years ago and have limited ventilation, with exception to the new high school.  In my estimation, that rises to the "recommendation" that Commissioner Blomstedt and Governor Ricketts outlined in their presentation last Friday that these children and staff members should be wearing masks.  It is my hope that you see it that way too, but go one step further and make mask wearing compensatory.  As I'm sure you've read, according to local, state and federal public health officials, masks and social distancing (which would require a massive addition of square footage) are the only effective preventative measures for spreading a virus that is estimated will kill 224,000 people by November 1 - many of them older, many of them my age, and some of them children.  It has been said in recent days that if there were widespread mask wearing across the country, the recent outbreak would halt in as little as four to six weeks."  Next, Kerri Schnase-Berge reiterated these points indicating that while they would prefer to offer their children the traditional classroom setting, they would not feel comfortable doing so in lieu of masks.  Board President B.J. Peters thanked them for their feedback and advised them of an upcoming community forum where plans would be shared.  He acknowledged that administrators have worked intensively with local and state health officials to develop reopening guidelines with student and staff safety and well-being being the primary goal.

Discussion:  No committee meeting during the month of July.  

Discussion:  No committee meeting during the month of July.  

Discussion:  Committe chair Josh Lacy noted approval of accounts payable without any clarifying questions necessary.  Brian Copsey had inquired about advance payment for work delayed by COVID.  Business manager Tim Meisner advised the committee of a need to move forward and maintain strong relationships with contractors.  First Student requested assistance with the purchase of cleaning supplies for buses which Meisner is looking into funding.    

Discussion:  Interim Superintendent Gary Cooper noted a tremendous amount of time being invested into pandemic planning over the summer.  Last Friday, an open forum was hosted virtually for staff addressing the reopening plan as of now.  He jokingly stated the current plan is Revision 233.  The meeting was well attended with valuable feedback.  A virtual community forum will follow on July 29, 2020 at 6:30 p.m..  Thus far schools have experienced frequent changes in guidance.  With this in mind, the district has taken a more cautious approach in not releasing information to maintain trust among stakeholders.  At this point in time, our goals and strategies are 95% in place.  The district serves approximately 1,800 households who will be impacted by this educational plan.  Our team has thoughtfully collaborated on those decisions with the focus of what will be the safest and healthiest plan for our students and staff.  Gary Cooper expressed to attendees as a grandparent of seven, he shares their concerns.  He added that our teachers want to be able to have in-person learning.  Guest Kerri Schnase-Berge asked if parents will have any impact on the plan being shared later this month at the community forum.  Gary noted that it will be more informative in nature, but that it is also ever changing based on directive health measures being provided to school districts.  He added, "Our team has researched each of these directives extensively, and assessed a variety of scenarios.  My goal is to be very transparent and open about this process."  Next, Cooper reminded the board of next week's special board meeting on Tuesday, July 28 (12:00 p.m.) where resolutions aligning with the 2020-21 plan need to be reviewed and considered for approval.  He provided an update from a recent meeting with the TeamMates mentoring program administrator.  The group inquired about whether or not they would be permitted to enter buildings this fall to serve their 23 participants over the lunch hour.  Gary stated although proposed protocols do restrict entrance, the program is seen an an extension of our educational unit.  As long as safety/health protocols are being followed and advance arrangements are made with building administrators, they would be allowed to mentor students during the yellow/orange risk operational zones.  Gary also proposed that the policy committee meet earlier than scheduled (before the next board meeting) to address a number of policies related to the current adaptations.  Mary Winn responded to community guest concerns illustrated earlier by prompting Gary Cooper about the recent addition to our healthcare team to ensure that each building has a fulltime school nurse on staff.  Cooper cited CARES Act funding making this possible.  Next, Kory Knight shared that staff members were virtually attending this year's PLC summit from GHS this week.  One of the topics covered today was equality in education and how that impacts students of all backgrounds.  Later this week, instructors and administrators will gather in focus groups to discuss academic planning with three main goals in mind.  1. Cohesive Plan - Keep students safe with guidelines set before us consistently across the district.  Internally what does that look like?  They are thoughtful in in the processes being tailored to fit each building.  2.  Plan to go virtual in a moments notice.  3.  Supporting our team through professional development for virtual learning.    Find what elements worked from this spring, and focus on those in unity.  

Discussion: 

Future Board Meetings

Second Board Meeting - Tues, July 28 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

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Regular Board Meeting - Mon, Aug 17 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)

Second Board Meeting - Tues, Aug 25 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

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Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Curriculum Committee  --  Thurs, ******* @ 7:00 a.m.  (*******) 

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, Aug 6 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)

Business Committee  --  Mon, Aug 10 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  

Policy Review Committee  --  Mon, Aug 24 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  
 

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NASB Board Forum  --  Mon, July 27 @ 6:00 p.m.  (Webinar)

Discussion:  Mary Winn attended the Zoom staff meeting last Friday, and was impressed with the amount and quality of information presented.  The positive staff feedback reinforced the plan.  Josh Lacy welcomed our guest attendees, and thanked them for their time.  He related to their concerns stating that he also has two school-age children.  Mary Winn inquired about when we will more information for parents.  Gary Cooper cited a finalized version of the district's plan will be published in conjunction with the July 29 community forum.  Mary added "From what I have seen, I really like the format.  It does a great job of addressing every possible issue.  I believe it will be informational and hopefully comforting for parents."  Cooper noted that Gering Public Schools serves approximately 1,800 households; He is hopeful that the plan will accommodate of the vast majority.  Brent Holliday commended John and Kerri Berge for their intestinal fortitude in addressing the school board.  Holliday stated "Our world will never be the same.  Environmentally, maybe.  Culturally, no.  As a board and individuals we have adapted in many ways in the midst of this pandemic."  He acknowledged that some people wear masks while others don't; Opinions conflict.  Holliday reflected on whether the great ones realized the impact they would have on the world - Martin Luther King Jr., Roosevelt, etc.  They played an important role in history.  Right now, every school board in America is in a position where they will impact lives.  They are depending on staff, community, and state leaders for information to develop plans.  Looking back in history, every day wasn't easy, but our leaders got up and did their best every day; They put in the hours every day.  That is what our staff is doing now.  Holliday is hopeful that things will soon become clearer.  He assured the community, "We care about your kids.  I care about my children and grandchildren who attend Gering Public Schools.  We are sending our staff to front lines, and praying we are making the right decisions."  Next, Brian Copsey reiterated that we are in this together more than ever.  We want to keep everyone safe.  He is confident that we have been transparent, and reached out to every entity we can to gather information.  Copsey stated that even within his own household there are differing opinions.  The time the staff has invested has been remarkable.  We will continue to do our best as stewards in the decision making process.  President B.J. Peters expressed concern about future of education due to the emotional, divisive and political backlash.  He reminded members that the students must remain our focus despite circumstances.  The ESU hosts weekly meetings with region Superintendents and PPHD.  In closing, B.J. Peters thanked Gary Cooper for his commitment to Gering Public Schools.  Scottsbluff superintendent Rick Myles had expressed to Peters a deep appreciation for Cooper's willingness to sit down and discuss the current circumstances as partners.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.