January 18, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  President B.J. Peters called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Board member Josh Lacy joined the meeting virtually via the link provided to public.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Gary Cooper read the board policy, and assumed chairmanship of the meeting.  
 

Discussion:  Nominations for School Board President were opened with B.J. Peters receiving the only recommendation.  

Discussion:  President B.J. Peters reconvened the meeting and opened nominations for Vice President. 

Discussion:  Brian Copsey received the sole nomination for Vice President.  

Discussion:  Foundation Director Jennifer Sibal welcomed guests and noted the celebration of many exciting things at tonight's meeting.  First, an award from the AGC Nebraska Building Chapter was presented highlighting the construction work at GHS.  Next, in recognition of school board appreciation month (January), each building had recognized a board member.  President Peters stated "Wholeheartedly, thank you.  We don't do it for a pat on the back, but this makes it all worth it.  I assure you, each of us are here for right reasons - our students.  These have been daunting decisions, but thankfully we have been able to stay in school.  That isn't the case in a lot of places in this country."

Discussion:  Program Coordinator Brandy Foos introduced the Early Childhood team, and provided an informational handout for each board member.  The Gering Public Schools early childhood program has been active for over 20 years.  This year, a partnership with Headstart expanded the district's presence with two classrooms at Northfield Elementary.  At Lincoln Elementary, the district has two additional part-time and one full-day classroom.  Tuition is based on a sliding scale, and special education students attend for free.  On February 24, GPS will host an expo at the Gering Civic Center alongside community partners.  At this event families will be able to register to attend preschool or kindergarten, meet our staff, and engage with private daycare providers.  Board member Mary Winn acknowledged their 'Art in the Community' and asked that Central Office be considered as another venue for future displays!  Brian Copsey inquired about the full-day options.  Foos indicated there are currently ten families on waitlist.  "How many full-day slots do you think you could fill?" he asked.  "Probably another 18 (full classroom)," responded Foos.  Aligning with the district's strategic goals, the board agreed that strengthening partnerships with private providers and increasing our capacity would be beneficial for the community.  

Discussion:  Community member and GPS parent Michael Boyd thanked the board the opportunity offer feedback on preliminary discussions at Gering High School.  As a father of five, Boyd noted a high priority on educational opportunities.  In his assessment, he perceived block scheduling as a "net positive."  Boyd's son is presently a history/law teacher in Grand Island.  "Extended class periods benefit students in five critical areas - one of those being fine arts," Boyd explained as he described increased productivity and efficiency in the lengthier time period for music and industrial art processes.  At the end of the presentation, Superintendent Cooper noted that community forums would be held to gather more feedback.   President Peters added that no decisions had been made as he thanked Mr. Boyd for his "well spoken" comments. 

Discussion:  Mary Winn recapped the committee's January 5, 2021 meeting where updates on the the School Improvement (5-year review) process were provided by Curriculum Director Kory Knight. Later this week secondary ELA teachers will spend a full day at the Civic Center assessing curriculum materials.  "Having been an English teacher prior, it is important to have the sequencing.  We don't want repetition between grade levels. It is an important process," Winn stated.  Brent Holliday agreed and commended Kory Knight for her organization.  Mary Winn added that, in recent meetings, teachers had expressed a desire for additional training/PD time currently inhibited by the 186-day contract.    

Discussion:  Brian Copsey shared an update on the budget and the repair work currently underway at Gering Junior High.  Fortunately, engineers believe the damage caused by water leak will require far less resources than initially anticipated.  The structural integrity of the building and safety of students remains of utmost priority.  Further evaluation allowed students to return to the building, and repairs will be scheduled for Summer 2021.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Cooper noted a possible date revision for this year's graduation ceremony.  Further discussion will take place at next week's Board work session.  After a successful venue change last year, the committee is considering hosting this celebration at Five Rocks once again.    

Next, Cooper spoke to Michael Boyd's concerns regarding preliminary discussion to revise scheduling at GHS.  He assured Mr. Boyd that the community will be involved in the process as they look to find areas where efficiencies can be increased and partnerships, like those with WNCC, can be maximized. 

Discussion:  The board received a printout of upcoming committee meetings.  

Discussion:  Brian Copsey noted that he had received a phone call from a local vendor inquiring about the bid process.  As a business committee member, Mr. Copsey addressed their concerns.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Cooper thanked Mrs. Muggli & Mrs. Prokopp for stepping up to support the continued success of the band program. 

Discussion:  Mary Winn spoke of her experiences in the School Improvement (5-year audit) process.  At a steering committee meeting last Tuesday (January 12), she indicated the level of energy became palpable as teachers, administrators, and the community evaluating seven areas such as vision/purpose, governance, etc.  In looking at what our district has started, two words came up over and over again:  Professional Development.  Teachers and administrators expressed more time was needed not only to receive instruction, but hear from others in the trenches.  "It requires time," Winn stated as she inferred to the collective bargaining process.  "Teachers need some down time afterwards to process, discuss and bring it into effect," she added.  Everyone reportedly left the meeting energized and looking forward to the March 24 visit. Director Kory Knight was commended for her high level of investment in the process.  Next, B.J. Peters agreed noting "It is a really big process," as he reflected in his role on the Garden County external committee.  "School districts take it seriously," he added.  Brent Holliday thanked attendees for recognizing the board.  One student in particular had stayed for the duration of the meeting.  "I'm glad you are here to watch this process. I hope it propels you to become involved in the community someday!  Giving back is by far more rewarding that anything I've ever experienced in business. When it came time to decide whether or not to run for reelection last year, I visited with B.J. about not having a background in education.  Everyone adds value.  As a Board we have been involved in more stuff in last four months than we probably have in the last four years!  I appreciate fact many of you believed in us.  When I go to pick up my daughter from school, I see the kids coming out with lots of energy and think ' That's our future generation.  Teachers are molding lives.  To this day, I still remember two comments by teachers when I was growing up that impacted my life forever.  I appreciate all of you being in the trenches," Holliday stated.  Brady Shaul echoed Holliday's sentiments as he reflected on a great first semester and a good start to the second.  "It is exciting to be discussing graduation," Shaul said.  Brian Copsey welcomed Dr. Regan to her first in-person board meeting.  He had received many positive comments about her time spent in the district over the weekend and Monday.  "Your investment now will pay a lot of dividends in the long run," he assured her.  He also thanked Mrs. Prokop and Mrs. Muggli for their support of the band program.  "You've kept going what we have, and it means a lot to those kids.  We will return strong and healthy," Copsey said.  Wrestling is making a comeback with a strong showing at recent competitions.  As a former wrestler, he indicated this program is near and dear to his heart as he expressed a sense of pride and appreciation for those athletes and coaches making their mark.  Lastly, Copsey thanked Mr. Boyd for his feedback.  "All four of my children have gone through GPS.  Know that at the end of the day this school board, our administrators and staff will make the decisions that are best for this district.  At this time we are simply looking at all options which every good board should do.  We have had constructive conversations [about the budget].  We appreciate your feedback; we want to hear it.  I'm confident there is light at the end of the tunnel.  GPS has always prided ourselves in academic excellence.  We will get over this budget impasse," Copsey stated.  In closing, President Peters congratulated Josh Lacy and Brent Holliday on starting their second term.  As a member serving his fifth term, Peters reflected on all four of his children graduating.  "What I probably love most is handing out diplomas each year.  We have a great district here, and we won't let this pandemic knock us down," he added.  

Discussion:  President B.J. Peters requested the attendance of Interim Superintendent Gary Cooper, Finance Director Tim Meisner, incoming Superintendent Dr. Regan, and Shawna Payne in the Executive Session.  

Discussion:  President B.J. Peters adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m.