February 17, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Robert Rahmig informed the Board that he plans to meet with Superintendent Hastings regarding the future of Cedar Canyon Elementary. Rahmig also invited Board members to attend a Booster Club soup supper at 6:00pm on February 28, 2014 at Cedar Canyon.

Discussion:  same as last year alan to personnel, brunner to facilities

Discussion:  Peters stated that the Curriculum Committee received a preview of the District's Technology Vision from Superintendent Hastings.

Discussion:  Upp informed the Board that the Facilities Committee meeting had been postponed for one week. Meeting topics will be covered at the March Board Meeting.

Discussion:  Brunner said that the Business Committee had also reviewed the proposed Technology Plan, as well as reviewed bills and financial reports.

Discussion:  Winn said that the Personnel Committee had met on February 12th and also received information related to the District's Technology Plan. The committee also devoted time looking at an application for a District Technology Integration position. Qualifications and a detailed list of job related duties were reviewed. The committee discussed positions that will be left open by retiring staff, however these decisions will be based on final registration numbers for next school year. Hastings also provided information regarding the Director of Student Services position, as well as an interviewing time frame.

Discussion:  Hastings provided information about a Technology Vision for the Gering District. He explained that this topic will be a part of the upcoming strategic planning process. Hastings worked with district administrators over the summer to determine strengths and areas of needed improvement. The group brainstormed and developed a rough outline of a plan, which was then taken to the staff for input and ideas. Hastings plans to present the plan publicly and determine where the district hopes to be in the next three to five years. The development of this plan will allow students to be prepared for their future. Research says that 65% of careers for elementary students do not even exist yet. The district wants to present tools to students to make education as effective as possible. The plan includes five main branches: hardware, curriculum, training, personnel and infrastructure. Plans are expected to be implemented next fall. Peters expressed his appreciation to Superintendent Hastings for developing a plan and understanding that there is more to technology than purchasing hardware and adding staff. Hastings spoke about the district's intent to participate in an inter-local agreement that is to be presented later in the meeting.

Discussion:  Hastings presented a draft 2014-2015 school calendar and explained that there had been a few "tweeks" but that it is similar to last year's calendar. A change in the start date will enable a longer holiday break.

Discussion:  Upp said it was nice to see the district moving forward with a technology plan. He applauded Superintendent Hastings for his work on this project. Peters confirmed that the Facilities Committee Meeting was scheduled for February 18th at 4:30pm at the Central Office. Winn explained that she is excited about the technology plan and said that she is amazed by student demonstrations at NASB conferences. She is exited to see student potentials. Brunner reminded all that the deadline to register as a Board Member elect is March 3, 2014. Interested parties may register at the County Clerks office at the Scotts Bluff County Courthouse. There is no fee to run for a seat on the Board of Education.