September 17, 2018 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  A public hearing was opened at 6:00 p.m. with Business Manager Tim Meisner presenting the budget request.  No public comment was made regarding the budget request.  Budget hearing was closed at 6:02 p.m.

Discussion:  The tax request hearing was opened at 6:02 p.m. with Superintendent Hastings offering detail on the proposed levy. The overall levy was unchanged from the previous year.   Session remained open to public without any questions or concerns being addressed from attendees.  Public hearing was closed at 6:04 p.m.

Discussion:  The consent agenda was presented

Discussion:  No patron comments were received from public. 

Discussion:  Gering High School teacher Justin Reinmuth and two GHS students shared experiences gained through national competition and recognition in the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow program as well as information on current projects.  Principal Hubbard emphasized the continued growth and interest by students in STEM classes under the direction of Reinmuth.  The program began three years ago with an initial enrollment of nine students in an electronics class and has since grown to include four courses currently offered:  Electronics, Intro / Advanced Engineering, and Robotics.

Discussion:  Chairperson Mary Winn presented information related to upcoming curriculum transitions that will take place during the 2019-2020 school year as current fifth and sixth grade students move into classrooms at the Junior High.   The August meeting was hosted at the Junior High with Mr. Seiler and the school resource officer in attendance.  

Discussion:  Chairperson Brady Shaul offered an update on the progress of construction at Gering High School including anticipated completion dates for several areas of the building.  

Discussion:  Chairperson BJ Peters provided an update on the purchase of an activity bus scheduled to arrive in late fall.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings provided insight to GPS Professional Learning Communities, and the collective commitments therein.  Among the detailed reports, one focal point was preparations currently underway at the Junior High to incorporate 6th graders in their program.  Communication with parents, students, faculty and the public is scheduled to begin as early as January 2019 in an effort to ensure a smooth transition for all.  

Discussion:  In closing, board member Josh Lacy expressed his appreciation for the staff of Gering Public Schools stating, "it was good to see the students get behind Justin (Reinmuth)."  Mary Winn indicated that she had attended and enjoyed Rachel's Challenge.  She invited Mr. Seiler and Mrs. Knight to share feedback from their students and both provided examples of the positive impact made, and student-led efforts to maintain the momentum gained through this community presentation.  Brent Holliday expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming November 13 event hosted by the Oregon Trail Community Foundation which will allow participants to designate WyoBraska Gives contributions to Gering Public Schools.  He further stated benefits of attending NASB training hosted at the Gering Civic Center, and information presented that later fell in line with an article published in Time Magazine.  BJ Peters expressed excitement for the wheels currently in motion, and confidence in the leadership.  President Brian Copsey shared this sentiment from recent staff presentations surrounding the PLC Conference last month, GHS staff and students in attendance and presenting tonight, and the significant progress made in grade reconfiguration thus far. Through review of the curriculum and development of our students, he felt confident that the right choice had been made.  Mr Copsey finished with a statement of gratitude to the students, staff and community for the enthusiasm and patience to make it happen.