May 20, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Committee chair Mary Winn reported the committee had met at the Freshman Academy, reiterating her appreciation for the opportunity to gather at the building and meet with Mr. Chavez and his team.  She stated that the committee received a presentation from Curriculum Director Terri Martin on the exploratory classes to be offered at the junior high in 2019-2020.  Board president B.J. Peters stated that these elective options will be a great starting point as the students begin to explore career pathways.  

Discussion:  Chairman Brady Shaul recapped a tour of GHS.  Superintendent Hastings noted the quick progression that had taken place since students were released on Friday.  Josh Berger was in attendance at the April work session, and board members were in agreement that his role in the project had added noticeable value.

Discussion:  Committee member Brian Copsey reported on the May meeting.  Soccer field improvements are scheduled to begin June 10.  Discussion was opened at the meeting regarding the condition of the high school track.  The committee has proposed a site evaluation.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings highlighted the wrap-up of another school year with Sunday's graduation ceremony.  The legislative session will end early.  Several property tax measures have been introduced as well an item related to student discipline.  Further updates surrounding the conclusion of the session will follow at the June board meeting.  

Discussion:  GPS Director of Student Services, Barb Ehrhart, and the District's current SLP provider, Jamie Connell, offered a detailed summary of their continued recruiting efforts and a variety of alternative options researched.  There is a wide-spread shortage of SLP's not only in the panhandle, but across the state.  It was determined that staffing agency Soliant Health will effectively serve the District via teletherapy for the upcoming 19-20 school year.  

Discussion: 

Future Board Meetings

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

* * * No work session in May * * * 
 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Personnel Committee  --  Thurs, May 30 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)

Curriculum Committee  --  Tues, June 4 @ 7:00 a.m.  (Central Office) 

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, June 6 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Gering High School)

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

Discussion:  Brady Shaul acknowledged another great year with Sunday's graduation ceremony.  Brent Holliday recognized the evening as Barb Ehrhart's last school board meeting.  Ms. Ehrhart added that she was leaving the district in good hands under Laura Barrett's leadership.  Mary Winn shone a spotlight on all the great things happening throughout the district at the end of the school year.  One specific example that stood out to her was the STEM Day hosted at Geil Elementary.  She stated that the students were excited and fully engaged as they enjoyed several presenters / guest speakers and hands-on activities.  Mary further described "consistently over the last few weeks there have been celebrations to learning and achievement" with elementary and high school graduate parades stating these events were a reminder of what a big year 19-20 will be for students.  Graduation was wonderful with the ceremony setting the bar high; she felt the students and members of the crowd knew the expectations and credited this to a smooth celebration.  Brian Copsey reiterated that ceremonies are always ran respectfully with the highlight for him is watching the kids walk across the stage.  He congratulated Bobbie Claflin and Zoee Smith on outstanding performances at state tennis.  Mr. Copsey light-heartedly joked that a concerned citizen had reached out to him regarding Eldon Hubbard's retirement celebration inquiring whether or not it violated Policy# 607.9, but that he assured them minature horses are in fact considered service animals.  In closing Board President B.J. Peters thanked Eldon for his service citing the change of student population during his time.  Under his leadership, standards have remained high with graduation rates being a strong testament.