December 16, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  abstained due to wirfe subbing in district. winn absainted because she subs.

Discussion:  Robert Rahmig spoke about his concerns regarding the future of Cedar Canyon Elementary School. Rahmig recounted that Cedar Canyon was originally a K-8 building prior to becoming a K-6 elementary. During the 2013-2014 school year it became a K-4 building due to the creation of extra space at the newly construction Lincoln Elementary. Rahmig expressed his disappointment that this last change was determined without parental input and encouraged the Superintendent and Board to involve the community in future decisions. The eleiminatio of the After School Program would also affect his family. President Doll thanked Mr. Rahmig and encouraged him to stay in contact with Superintendent Hastings. Kirk Arnold distributed information that he had gathered from the District Superintendent and Business Manager concerning the After School Program. Mr. Arnold read a news story from the KNEB website, reviewed qualification for participation, recapped the daily rates (participation and fees) and spoke about the accounts receivable side of the program. Mr. Arnold requested that the district do more research into partnering with another agency before making a final decision.

Discussion:  Peters reviewed the Curriculum Committee Meeting for the full board. He explained that Dr. Jerry Upp has joined the VALTS Board as a third representative of the Gering Public School District. Peters discussed the Interlocal Agreement and participation numbers. The Fiscal Agent designation will be transferred from Scottsbluff to ESU#13 next summer to coordinate with their fiscal year. Peters stated that he is excited about what VALTS Director George Schlothauer is bringing to the program, including the addition of more vocational skill building. WNCC's Building and Industry programs are included on Fridays now and students are learning employable skills.

Discussion:  Upp explained that the Facilities Committee met at Northfield in December. Principal Betty Smith provided a tour of the facility. Specific concerns included a boiler issue and additional emergency lighting in the facility.

Discussion:  Copey said the Business Committee met and discussed the annual audit from Dana F. Cole and Company. The committee also discussed curriculum expenditures, the bill listing, year end banquets and long term goals, which will be submitted to the Business Committee for their consideration.

Discussion:  Winn informed the full board of a substitute teacher pay rate schedule change that Scottsbluff had adopted. The Personnel Committee examined various proposals before making the decision to increase Gering's rates. The committee is currently working on the Superintendent Evaluation. Board members were asked to provide input to President Doll by December 25th. Negotiations will be discussed in an executive session towards the end of the Board Meeting.

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings spoke about the start of the new year and reflected on accomplishments that have occured over the last six months. He feels it is evident that district Administrators, staff and parents are passionate about this district and, although they may have varying views, the goal is the same. Hastings has spent time evaluating district strengths and needs and has identified areas where improvements are needed. He informed all that he will engage everyone in the community to do strategic planning. He would like to continue to develop initiatives that have begun, such a curriculum andt technology plan and is looking forward to the years ahead. Hastings stated that the end of the first semester will be wrappying on on Friday. The staff returns from their winter break on January 3rd and students return on January 6th. Central Office holiday hours were reviewed. Hastings reminded the full board that NASB will be holding a workshop in Gering in January at the Civic Center regarding Data for District Decision Makers.

Discussion:  Brunner read aloud an editorial from a local newspaper that expressed a desire to see the After School Program opened up for a local agency to run. Brunner reiterated the district's mission. Winn stated that she empathizes with parents who will need to find an alternative for after school but said that when she had students in school she didn't expect the school system to take care of her children after school and reminded everyone tht the primary mission of Gering Public Schools is education. The program has placed a great burden on district principals over the years and, with the recent additional of a new language arts program, the district needs it's principals to be focusded on making that successful, as the district is not in the business of child care. Copsey pointed out that only about 4% of Nebraska districts offer such a program. He stated that his decision is not about the money, but is about focusing on Gering Public Schools and educating the students of Gering. Copsey also confirmed that budgetary numbers don't accurately reflect costs of staffing and indirect costs such as maintenance and wear and tear on facilities. Doll said that he feels the district tries to run the program properly, but he questions if it is the best fit for the district and feels that this could create an opportunity for someone else. Doll also clarified that if the district discontinues this program at this time, it could be re-implemented if necessary. Hastings said that district administration will support whatever decision the Board makes on the future of the program. If the decision is made to keep the program, an investment will be needed to run a quality program. If the decision is made to discontinue the program, administration will make every effort to work with any entities interested in hosting this program. Hastings expressed his appreciation of recent discussions and stated that the decision will be hard, as it impacts our students. He also stated that he has received limited feedback since discussions began. Peters informed the audience that nobody on the Board is taking this decision lightly, however the current program is not working as it should. To run this program correctly, a separate director is needed to oversee activities and staffing. There are other local businesses that can fill that gap. Peters also stated that he has not had any feedback from the public on this topic. Upp said he was approached by a single mom who relies on the program and he knows there are others who depend on this program, but knowing how passionate Principal Smith is and knowing that she is unable to run the program to it's fullest is not beneficial to the students. Upp reiterated that the program can be restructed down the road to better fulfill student needs.

Discussion:  Hastings provided an overview of the process and framework of the purchase of new language arts materials. Teachers reviewed a variety of materials before a decision was made and these new K-5 materials will provide opportunities for students to work with technology. It will also coordinate with the desire to add a reading class for all students. Hastings discussed the direct instruction program. Peters provided additional details about the process and transition. A key component of implementation will be training for district staff. Doll expressed his appreciation to all who were involved in this project.

Discussion:  Winn set the Personnel Committee meeting date as Monday, January 6, 2014. Upp set the Facilities Committee meeting date as Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 4pm at the Jr. High School. Superintendent Hastings will be unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. Frahm will email a current folling calendar to board members.

Discussion:  Peters wished everyone "Happy Holidays!" Winn stated that High School Principal Eldon Hubbard asked her to mention the Speech Team, who attended a meet on Saturday and dominated. Gering students won 8 of the 9 events. Winn confirmed that the kids are working hard and it shows. She also said it was fun to judge. She also feels positive about where VALTS is headed and said that a new science teacher was introduced at their last meeting. This new teacher plans to use a thematic approach and will integrate various sciences into once class. Brunner wished all to have a "Merry Christmas!" Copsey thanked Superintendent Hastings and the Curriculum Committee for their recent work in adopting new curriculum. He stated that it had been a top priority on the agenda for quite some time. Copsey also wished everyone a "Merry Christmas!" Upp encourage everyone to get involved in the Mock Trail competitions, as the kids to an amazing job. Upp said he is excited for next year's district competition. Doll gave a shout out to the Seacats Swimming & Diving Team and said they did well in McCook. Doll also wished all a "Merry Christmas!"