January 20, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings called the meeting to order.

Discussion:  Copsey made a motion to nominate Doll as Board President. There were no other nominations. A secret ballot vote revealed six votes for Doll to be named Board President.

Discussion:  Doll made a motion to nominate Copsey as Board Vice President. There were no other nominations. A secret ballot vote revealed six votes for Copsey to be Board Vice President.

Discussion:  Hastings reviewed each item on consent agenda.

Discussion:  Patterson's resignation takes effect at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

Discussion:  Katherine Larson spoke regarding Cedar Canyon's 5th & 6th grades being relocated to buildings within the city limits without parental involvement. Larson would be interested in reviewing cons and pros of the move and is wondering if the move is permanent. Amber Rahmig spoke regarding parents and students at Cedar Canyon and asked for communication as to future plans of the facility. She expressed concern about attending multiple school events that are scheduled at the same time and stated that she would likely have to resign from the Booster Clubs because she would be unable to support them evenly. Kimberly Anderson spoke regarding smaller classroom sizes at Cedar Canyon and her concerns about her children needing to acclimate to another building, which other distsrict students aren't requried to do. Becky Fitts spoke regarding the future of Cedar Canyon and expressed her desire to see a long term plan and open discussions for the facility. Fitts also expressed concern about the extra transition. She explained that transportation communication is also an issue when a family has multiple students. Robert Rahmig spoke regarding concerns about bussing students to different elementary sites. He would like to see 5th grade returned to Cedar Canyon. Rahmig would like to be involved in future planning and would like to attend the Strategic Planning Session that will be held this Spring. He would like to see Cedar Canyon be equal to the other three elementaries with the same transition periods and curriculum and suggested adding on to the facility if needed. Doll thanked all participants for their attendance and comments. He explained that building usage is determined by the district's Administrative Team and the Superintendent. Doll stated that there are no changes planned for Cedar Canyon in the near future but stated that parents and the community will be involved should that change.

Discussion:  Doll stated that he will send a committee survey out to all Board Members so they can determine which committees they would like to serve on for the upcoming year.

Discussion:  Peters stated that the Curriculum Committee reviewd Terra Nova test scores. This testing period was moved from the Spring to the Fall last year. He encouraged those who would like additional details about the scores to visit with Curriculum & Assessment Director Terri Martin. The scores are used as tools for teachers to use as students move forward through the school year. This may be the last time this testing series is utilized since the district is exploring digital online testing options.

Discussion:  Upp informed the Board that the Facilities Committee met at the Jr. High in January and toured the Freshman Academy. The committee continues to gather ideas for both long and short term needs. The Jr. High is testing a security system pilot program that seems to be working well. Over the next few months the Committee plans to develop goals and work with the Business Committee to determine which projects are financially feasible. The High School is now the oldest facility in the district and the maintenance staff is being as proactive on maintenance needs as possible.

Discussion:  Copsey said that the Business Committee reviewed the district's bill listing, financial reports, fund balances, technology bond information, the technology vision for district, and committee goals, which include getting long term projects designated so a budget can be set.

Discussion:  Winn informed the Board that the Personnel Committee would be providing information regarding a technology plan that will be presented to the full Board in February for approval. The district plans to hire a Technology Integration person who will work with teachers and help them understand and utilize new technology. Winn also stated that the Committee had reviewed the Superintendent's evaluation. Winn explained that teacher negotiations should be finished soon.

Discussion:  Hastings stated that he has been working on a technology plan for the last month and a half and plans on formalizing long range plans. He plans to meet with district Administrators and will then present a 3 to 5 year plan to all staff, asking for ideas and feedback. Hastings reminded the Board that the Legislature is back in session and that GNSA met last week. He encouraged the Board to follow LB725, which lowers local rates and creates a larger pool for state aid funds, and LB838, which moves the certification of state aide date to April. LB438 is a change to the NEPAS ranking and accountiblity system in Nebraska. The next GNSA meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2014.

Discussion:  Peters informed the Board that the VALTS Interlocal Agreement has been rewritten to include newly added school districts (Minatare, Bayard, Brideport, Kimball and Banner County). This addition changes the number of slots available since Scottsbluff pulled out of the program to invest in interal efforts, which changed the structure of the group. Gering now hasw the largest number of students in the program so Gering will have three representatives on the Board (Peters, Winn and UPP). Other districts will now have two represenatives. Six of the nine participating districts have signed off on the new agreement. Gering has 14 slots available, with 13 students in place. The next VALTS graduation takes place on March 11, 2014 and will include the 500th student to graduate from the program. The agreement takes effect for the 2014-2015 school year.

Discussion:  The Facilities Committee will meet at the Central Office on February 6th at 4:30pm. The Personnel Committee will meet at the Central Office on February 11th at 4:30pm. The date for the Personnel Committee will be scheduled on a monthly basis. President Doll encouraged those who are unable to attend a committee meeting find their own replacement.

Discussion:  Winn said that the Lincoln Elementary students who attended a showing of the Polar Express at the Midwest Theater were extremely good citizens by assisting the Midwest the volunteer staff in their clean up efforts after the movie. Brunner explained that March 3rd is the deadline to file for a seat on the Board of Education and said that he would not be seeking a 4th term. Brunner encouraged the public to get involved and stated that the past 12 years have been a learning eperience for him. Copsey thanked those in attendence and stated that it was the largest turnout at a meeting in at least the past 11 months. He encouraged all to get involved so the district can provide the best education for their students. He informed those interested that contact numbers are available on the district's website and explained that the Board is here to listen and address concerns. Upp reiterrated that the Gering Speech Team is doing really well this year and encouraged all to attend their meet in Gering this weekend. Doll explained that serving on the Board is a rewarding experience that provides an opportunity to serve with people you don't know, as all have a diverse background with the same goals in mind. Doll added that it has been a huge learning experience to be on thye "other side" and it has given him a new respect for those who serve. He believes that anybody would find it rewarding and encouraged those interested to run for a seat. Doll also stated that the Speech Team is doing great and thanked all the teachers for their efforts in helping Gering students get into college. He reminded everyone that teachers touch the lives of students and that faculty has an impact on kids. He expressed his gratitute for district staff.