January 26, 2021 at 12:00 PM - Special Board of Education Meeting
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1. GPS Board of Education Information
More Information:
The meeting agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Central Office during regular working hours.
District Vision: Gering Public Schools provides a collaborative community, inspiring excellence and innovation in teaching and learning to empower student growth and leadership in school and life. District Mission: Gering Public Schools exists to equip today's learners with the skills necessary to be tomorrow's leaders. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of matters to be considered at the meeting. The Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the office of the Superintendent of Schools. Agenda items are subject to reordering at discretion of the board president. Board members may request specific agenda item(s) be moved to a different place on the agenda. Please attend the entire meeting to ensure you hear discussion on a particular agenda item. |
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2. Opening Procedures
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2.1. Call to Order
More Information:
The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Executive Session for the protection of the public interest; or the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and if the individual has not requested a public meeting.
Discussion:
The meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m.
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2.2. Roll Call
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2.3. Excuse Absent Board Member(s)
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3. Pledge of Allegiance
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4. Opening Meetings Act
More Information:
Pursuant to Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Statutes, the public is hereby informed that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted in the Board meeting room on the north wall.
Notice of this meeting was published in the Gering Courier on Thursday, January 21, 2021. |
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5. Reports and Discussions
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5.1. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Foundation Director Jennifer Sibal presented the various ways the Foundation supports GPS through community engagement. Brent Holliday inquired about current efforts for attracting private donors. Sibal indicated the Foundations has been receiving continuous support thoughout this year. With this, despite the current environment created by the pandemic, the focus remains on retention as opposed to new lines. Holliday thanked Sibal for helping the district and Board of Education navigate this unique year, and sacrificing time to invest in communications while also noting "Don't forget what you were hired for." Sibal highlighted the distribution of Innovation Grants to classrooms tomorrow stating "Sometimes budget constrains promote innovation, so despite circumstances, we are excited to see how our students can continue to adapt and grow through this."
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5.2. Announcements of Upcoming Events for the Board
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6. Action Items
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6.1. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action regarding the resigation of Christopher Guadarrama effective January 4, 2021.
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6.2. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action regarding a proposed update to the 2020-21 school calendar to move the GHS graduation ceremony to Saturday, May 15, 2021.
Discussion:
Superintendent Gary cooper noted the proposed calendar revision would allow the graduation ceremony to be held at Five Rocks Amphitheater with greater flexibility with the event time and in alignment with pandemic safety protocols. Longtime board member and former GHS educator Mary Winn noted that there are additional advantages such as guest travel when the ceremony is on a Saturday.
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7. Executive Session
More Information:
The Gering Public Schools Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions. Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.
Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to: (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice. |
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8. Reconvene from Executive Session
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9. Any Action Deemed Necessary as a Result of Executive Session
Discussion:
No further discussion or action taken.
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10. Adjourn
Discussion:
The meeting was adjourned at 1:29 p.m.
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