April 19, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Regular 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. If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so. We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now, so that you may be recognized during the 'Patron Comment' section of our meeting. These forms are located by the entry doors of the meeting room. 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.
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2.2. Roll Call
Discussion:
Brady Shaul arrived late at 7:10
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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, April, 15, 2021. |
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5. Appoint Shawnae Case to the position of Board Secretary.
Discussion:
President BJ Peters appointed Shawnae Case as Board Secretary effective April 19, 2021.
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6. Consent Agenda
More Information:
At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately.
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6.1. Minutes from the previous month's board meeting(s)
More Information:
The attached minutes are intended to accurately reflect the action of the Board at its previous meetings.
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6.2. Approval of Claims/Bills
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6.3. Board Policy Adoption
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6.3.i. First Reading of Board Policies
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6.3.i.1. 1002. District Annual Report
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6.3.i.2. 1003. Public Examination of School District Records
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6.3.i.3. 1004.01 Media Relations
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6.3.i.4. 1004.02 News Conferences and Interviews
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6.3.i.5. 1004.03 Live Broadcast or Videotaping
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6.3.i.6. 1004.04 Crisis Management Communications
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6.3.i.7. 1005.01 Public Complaints
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6.3.i.8. 1005.02 Parent Relations Goals
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6.3.i.9. 1005.03 Parental and Family Involvement in the Schools
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6.3.i.10. 1005.04 Community Relations Goals
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6.3.i.11. 1005.05 Community Involvement in Decision Making
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6.3.i.12. 1005.06 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers
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6.3.ii. Second Reading of Board Policies
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6.3.ii.1. 903.7. TRAFFIC AND PARKING PROCEDURES
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6.3.ii.2. 903.8 VANDALISM
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6.3.ii.3. 903.9 ENERGY CONSERVATION
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6.3.ii.4. 904.2 LEASE, SALE OR DISPOSAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY
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6.3.ii.5. 905.1. FACILITIES INSPECTIONS
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6.3.ii.6. 905.2 ANNUAL EMERGENCY SAFETY PLAN
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6.3.ii.7. 905.3 WARNING SYSTEMS
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6.3.ii.8. 905.4 BOMB THREATS
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6.3.ii.9. 905.5 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
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6.3.ii.10. 905.6 ACCIDENT REPORTS
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6.3.ii.11. 905.7 SAFETY DRILLS
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6.3.ii.12.
905.8 SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS |
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6.3.ii.13. 905.9 EYE PROTECTIVE DEVICES
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6.3.ii.14. 905.10 ASBESTOS CONTROL
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6.4. Personnel Items
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6.4.i. Approval of Certified Staff Contract(s)
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6.4.i.1. Emily Hauck - Band Instructor at Gering High School
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6.4.i.2. Justin Reinmuth - Extended Contract Days
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6.4.i.3. Andrea Tritt - Classroom Teacher at Lincoln Elementary.
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6.4.ii. Certified Staff Resignation
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6.4.ii.1. John Boswell - Mathematics Teacher at Gering High School.
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6.4.ii.2. Rae Johnson - English Teacher at Gering Junior High
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6.4.ii.3. Amaris Renteria - 1st Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary.
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6.4.ii.4. Ronda Roth - Resource Teacher at Gering High School.
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7. Patron Comments
Discussion:
Jill Stark expressed;
1. Repeated concern about mask mandate during the lunch period and excessive enforcement of policy. 2. Concerns of Sex education material being taught in grade schools according to the the Ne. Dept of Ed. standards. She opposes Sex Ed in the grade schools and also requests the possibility of a student being able to OPT out of such a class. 3. Expressed that it concerned her that the severance packages being offered to teachers, appeared to be a way to "railroad" aging teachers out of their position. President BJ Peters explained that the State has not yet voted on the Health and PE Standards for Sex Education and that public comments are still being taken through NDE. Local districts can follow-up once NDE adopts the standards. |
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8. Reports and Discussions
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8.1. Building Report from Geil Elementary Student Leadership Team.
Discussion:
Students from Geil Leadership Team: Brynlee Payne, Emmalyn Herbal and Tirzah Henderson shared their favorite projects of STEM DAY.
1. Cook in Science- Ice Cream in a Bag 2. Magnetic Slime 3. How to take stitches out of a knee. They also had a visit from the Police Department, from which they learned how to make a mold of a footprint. The Fire Department also visited the school and displayed how to put fires out with foam and how liquids turn to solids. The ending of the school year is cause for fun and Celebration! A few of the highlights were : Taping Teachers to the Wall, Throwing Pie at their Principal due to meeting testing goals. |
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8.2. Recognition of April Bulldog Staff Member of the Month: Kathy Rose, Northfield Music Teacher
Discussion:
Congratulations to Kathy Rose for her many years of service. Kathy stated " she loves her job, and responded to an earlier concern and shared that she definitely did not feel railroaded to retire.
She was nominated by the Jr. High students. Students and Staff alike regard her as kind, always having a good attitude, passionate, humble and genuinely loves the students. Mary Winn commented that the Staff Member Presentation, which took place outside was the "Wettest" presentation she had participated in! Making it one of the most memorable! |
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8.3. Curriculum/Personnel Committee Report
Discussion:
Mary Winn- There has been some concerns with the traditional scheduling idea, but one key objective is to have Counselors informed about the dual credit program with WNCC and the Work Based Vocational Programs offered so that the student can be directed in an outcome that would be most beneficial to them.
Kory- Explained the value of the new English Language Arts Program moving forward. 1. There has not been a curriculum update for 7 years. 2. In establishing such a purchase, it is necessary for it to serve all students for the next 7 year. She described a great resource for SPED materials, as well. 3. Support systems for teachers is a necessary component. Curriculum that sustains learning objectives for today with the power of staying cutting edge into future is a financial investment. The return is, children will gain confidence due to strong core skills in reading and writing which also touches other areas of learning and life. |
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8.4. Business/Facilities Committee Report
Discussion:
Josh Lacy reported that a few roof leaks in buildings after the winter storms will be addressed.
The water damage at the Jr. High will be covered by Insurance. |
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8.4.i. Trial Balance Summary
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8.4.ii. Fund Balances
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8.4.iii. Schedule of Investments
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8.4.iv. Financial Statements
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8.5. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Mr. Cooper expressed with enthusiasm how the High School/ All School production of the Wizard of Oz was one of the best he and Mrs. Cooper have ever seen.
Mr. Cooper also shared and discussed in the following topics. April 6th at the High School Auditorium an all staff Professional Boundaries Training was offered. Gering Public School Staff is responsible for holding to the expectations represented in Policy 403.9. ESSR 2 Federal Stimulus will be approximately $1.2 million for qualified expenditures per Nebraska Deptartment of Education and Federal Guidelines. He outlined that qualified expenses were important in deferring resource allocation. Previous qualified expenditures were approximately $600,000. Ending General Fund Balance after March is: Revenue of approx. $12,564,787 Expenditures approx. $13,285,684 Ending Balance reflects 7 months of operation. However, this does not account for May property tax distribution to come. Rocky from Gering High School discussed and gave reason to use Acellus Learning System for summer school and the next school year. |
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8.6. Announcements of Upcoming Events for the Board
Discussion:
Future Board MeetingsRegular Board Meeting - Mon, May 17 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:Perry Law Firm & ESU 13 Legal Workshop - Wednesday April 28 - 9:00am -12:00pmPersonnel/Curriculum Committee -- Tues, May 4 @ 7:00 a.m. (Central Office) Business/Facilities Committee -- Thurs, May 6 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office) Policy Review Committee -- Thurs, May 13 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office) GHS Graduation Ceremony Saturday - May 15 - 10:00 am ( 5 Rocks Amphitheater) Retirement Reception - May 18th - 4-6pm (GHS Commons) Last Day of School for Students Wed. May 19th at 11:30am |
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8.7. Building Report from Gering High School Ag Department.
Discussion:
Ag Students, Chance Rahmig, Austin Rahmig and Austin Wiedeman with Ag teacher Mrs. John, presented the development of the Ag program with a future projection of adding a Greenhouse.
Overall topics discussed: Intro to Ag, Food, and Natural Resources. Animal Science- Large and Small Animal Science and Veterinary Science Plant Science- Floriculture and Crop Management Agribusiness Leadership and Ethics in Ag. Natural Resource Management Work-Based Learning Also presented was the Chicken Flock Project with Future Plans of expansion. Career and Leadership Development Events where offered, and the members of the ag team performed very well overall in all events. National Ag Week incorporates working with younger students at Northfield and Geil Elementary to ignite a love of agriculture for the future. Fundraisers were productive this year, especially the Labor Auction bringing in a profit of over $15,000. Good Job! |
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9. Action Items
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9.1. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding the purchase of a digital learning platform from Acellus Learning System in the amount of $10,900.
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9.2. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding the purchase of K-5 English Language Arts materials from Amplify CKLA in the amount of $442,159.32.
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9.3. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding the purchase of 6-12 English Language Arts materials from Study Sync by McGraw Hill in the amount of $131,536.44.
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10. Board Comments
Discussion:
Brady- The Presentation from the Ag Department and the growth within the program is great! He is excited to see the school year finish strong!
Mary- She expressed enthusiasm towards the Ag Department as well. As a Master Gardener this program for her offers a wide array of opportunity and value for the students. She challenged the Ag students who presented the program to pursue the State Farmer Degree. She reiterated what the other Board Members expressed about the quality of the Wizard of Oz performance. She especially wanted to bring attention to Raul and Angie Aguallo for the volunteer work they share, simply for " the love of theater"! Josh- Expressed how proud he is of Gering students, and how the increase to the stage was beneficial to the production of the play. He too, is excited about the FFA program and encouraged the kids to "keep rocking"! Also, the Greenhouse Project at the High School is an encouraging benefit to the education of the kids and with the Grants available, the dream of having it looks attainable. Copsey- Very encouraged about the overall progress of the Ag Dept. in only year 1. Also, favorably supports the Greenhouse Project at the High School. The program offers multi-tier influence into social media, technology, Farm to Table via cafeteria, and overall community support. BJ- "Don't let the momentum stop" ! The Ag department is well on its way and the Board does not want to stand in its way. The new seats in the auditorium are great! Superintendent Cooper- 2nd Evaluation in NSAP |
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11. Adjourn
Discussion:
Meeting adjourned at 7:26pm
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