October 21, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Regular Business Meeting

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings shared that he had received a resignation from the Director of Student Services Candy Hubbard effective October 21, 2013, and submitted it for consideration of approval by the Board.

Discussion:  Peters stated that the Curriculum Committee reviewed information that was presented to the full board during the work session held directly before this board meeting. Topics included NESA scores, ACT testing, Terra Nova tests and the implications of the results. Peters said that the information reminds him of why the board is in place and what it can do to improve the district. The committee is in the process of reviewing a new language arts program and Director of Curriculum & Assessment Terri Martin explained the selection process. The committee is looking at K-12 products to provide continuity throughout the district. The committee will make a final recommendation to the full board when the selection process has been completed.

Discussion:  Upp informed the board that the committee met at Cedar Canyon for a tour and meeting. Principal Mary Kay Haun showed the committee project that were completed over the summer, as well as priority projects which include a window update/replacement and lighting issues. Upp stated that the district is in the process of obtaining costs associated with updating lighting throughout the facility. Another priority project for the committee is the resurfacing of the track located at the High School. A resurfacing bid of approximately $40,000, which would extend the track life an additional five years, was submitted and approved by the committee. The committee continues to review information and updates pertaining to the softball fields and soccer field expansion.

Discussion:  Copsey stated that the committee reviewed the bill listing for September and spent time discussing school lunch balances. The committee directed Food Services Director Diane Coop, as well as the building staff who scan lunches, to follow district policy when a student's account reaches the maximum amount allowed. The committee asked that a revised list be provided at the next meeting with explanations of how this is being addressed. Uniform rotation was also discussed and Activities Director Glen Koski is in the process of developing a schedule. Also discussed was the yogurt machine at the High School, the purchase of a washer & dryer to wash custodial towels and the electronic sign at the High School. Freshman Academy Assistant Principal and Safety Coordinator Kray Weyrich provided the committee with costs and a recommendation for a security entrance update at the Jr. High.

Discussion:  Hastings explained that the district is waiting for federal reimbursement to the cafeteria account.

Discussion:  Winn explained that the committee did not meet in October, as they were waiting for additiona information to come in from attorney Rex Schultze. Schultze has completed a new comp study and received EHA tax insurance rates on the 17th, which will be used to make projections. The committee plans to meet soon and will then meet with the teachers.

Discussion:  Hastings explained that Parent/Teacher Conferences were taking place in the elementary schools and at the Jr. High. Grades 9-12 conferences will be held next week. This marks the end of the first quarter. Hastings feels that these conferences are the most effective methods to posively impact students in parent/teacher communications. If a parent is unable to attend due to time constraints, the building will work with that parent's schedule to arrange an alternative time if needed. Hastings stated that he and the principals have begun the practice of instructional rounds. The intent is for the principal and superintendent to walk into a classroom and watch a common lesson, which is discussed at a later time to assist in developing a common instructional language amoung the entire team. These discussions should have an impact on student learning. The visits are not evaluative but provide an opportunity to grow professionally. A December 2nd date has been set for the Board/Superintendent Work Session with NASB's Marsh Herring. This work session is part of the NASB Superintendent Search Service and will provide an opportunity to grow and work together as a district. Hastings stated that he appriciates the time and effort that Student Services Director Cany Hubbard had provided to the district. Hubbard was emplooyed by the district for 34 years and servied as a teacher, a principal and as a Director. Hubbard was very helpful during his transition to Superintendent. Hastings congratulated Shelly Revelle for her appointment as GEA President. Tyler Thompson will serve as Vice President, Keaton Green will serve as Treasurer and Jennifer Bohnsack will serve as Secretary.

Discussion:  Upp said that he enjoyed the long list of accomplishments on the agenda and feels that it is important to acknowledge these fetes Copsey echoed Upp's thoughts and appreciates hearing about successes in areas other than sports. Copsey also mentioned that Coach Jack Martin, who was recently recognized as Coach of the Year, has always gone above and beyond his call of duty. Winn recounted a fund exercise/dance that was led by Coach Martin on National Walk to School Day this year. Winn also provided contracutations to Revelle as the new GEA President. She also stated that gering activities have had excellent covereage by both the Gering Citizen and Gering Courier newspapers. Peters reminded all that the number of Gering students involved in activities is phenominal and confirmed that Gering is tryibng to raise well rounded kids. Peters feels that extra curricular activity participation is the icing on top of academic achievements. Doll said that he enjoyed the recent pep rally and that is was a lot of fun. A lot of work went into it and everyone seems to people enjoy it. He also acknowledged the painted paw prints along Gering streets, which were done by mothers of senior students.