May 17, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. GPS Board of Education Information
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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
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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
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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
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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, May 13, 2021 |
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5. Consent Agenda
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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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5.1. Minutes from the previous month's board meeting(s)
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The attached minutes are intended to accurately reflect the action of the Board at its previous meetings.
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5.2. Approval of Claims/Bills
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5.3. Board Policy Adoption
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5.3.i. First Reading of Board Policies
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5.3.ii. Second Reading of Board Policies
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5.3.ii.1. 1002. District Annual Report
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5.3.ii.2. 1003. Public Examination of School District Records
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5.3.ii.3. 1004.01 Media Relations
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5.3.ii.4. 1004.02 News Conferences and Interviews
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5.3.ii.5. 1004.03 Live Broadcast or Videotaping
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5.3.ii.6. 1004.04 Crisis Management Communications
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5.3.ii.7. 1005.01 Public Complaints
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5.3.ii.8. 1005.02 Parent Relations Goals
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5.3.ii.9. 1005.03 Parental and Family Involvement in the Schools
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5.3.ii.10. 1005.04 Community Relations Goals
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5.3.ii.11. 1005.05 Community Involvement in Decision Making
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5.3.ii.12. 1005.06 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers
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5.4. Personnel Items
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5.4.i. Approval of Certified Staff Contract(s)
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5.4.i.1. Karlynn Workman, Kindergarten Teacher at Geil Elementary
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5.4.i.2. Marc Colman, Second Grade Teacher at Geil Elementary
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5.4.i.3. Arthur Patton, First Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary
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5.4.i.4. Schyler Ferguson, Physical Education Teacher at Gering Junior High School
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5.4.i.5. Brittany Macias, Spanish Teacher at Gering Junior High School
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5.4.ii. Certified Staff Resignation
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6. Patron Comments
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7. Reports and Discussions
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7.1. Curriculum/Personnel Committee Report
Discussion:
Byron Olsen, Director of Student Services, shared information pertaining to the new curriculum for counselors which can be taught during class times to provide emotional and social support for our students. The district will also be implementing a proactive Bullying Awareness Module as well as a Child Protection Awareness program for the safety of our students. Kory Knight, Curriculum Director, held StudySync Training in English Language Arts for the secondary levels on May 17th. Byron Olsen, introduced the Second Step counselor issue which is 1 yr digital curriculum. Mary Winn shared information about the VALTS Interlocal Cooperative Agreement which will provide alternative ways for students to achieve high school graduation. Kory Knight, shared a presentation about commendations for Gering Schools where improvement goals were highlighted, and the willingness to be innovative and progressive. Training for teachers will help implement these strategies. |
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7.2. Business/Facilities Committee Report
Discussion:
Committee chair Josh Lacy, noted the committee had extensive discussions with the contractor at the Jr. High concerning the repairs. Maintenance projects for summer include painting, carpeting at least 2 rooms per building. Josh stressed the benefit of utilizing other venders in the area in order to reach the repair goals. Tennis courts at Gering High School will progress once funding has been established.
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7.2.i. Trial Balance Summary
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7.2.ii. Fund Balances
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7.2.iii. Schedule of Investments
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7.2.iv. Financial Statements
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7.3. Superintendent's Report by Mr. Cooper
Discussion:
Mr. Cooper- This year's graduation was one of the best venues he has been associated with. Gering has the right to feel proud!
Coming up, the retirement reception with Dr. Regan will be hosted by Gering High School. The end of year luncheon and appreciation breakfast hosted by the Foundation and school board included is the Wellness Clinic/Preventative Care for employees. Option student roll number is almost balanced; Holding steady. This is good news! Facilities- Budget concerns addressed, maximizing expenditures responsibly and efficiently. The federal government has guidelines as to how funds can be allocated. Geil Building - Bids will be taken to replace the roof due to current repairs no longer holding up. Jr. High Building- Funds from insurance will be used to repair for the roof on this building. Repair of the wall and leveling the gym floor is also being assessed for repair. The goal is to stay within budget. Mr. Cooper, suggested bringing on a mechanical engineer to evaluate the needs for HVAC replacement. The Northfield building has a few leaks as well. Roofing needs to be added to the budget for consistent repair. Brent Holliday, shared concerns about the financial importance of prioritizing maintenance repairs overall, then refocusing on other projects once the buildings are in good order. Ag Department projected growth in programming. WNCC and Gering High Schools are working well together regarding dual credit courses. A huge benefit for our students, is paid tuition for High School students. |
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7.4. Announcements of Upcoming Events for the Board
Discussion:
Future Board MeetingsSecond Special Meeting - Tues, May 25 @ 12:00 p.m. CANCELLED (Central Office)Regular Board Meeting - Mon, June 21 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers) Second Special Meeting - Tues, June 29 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office) Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:Personnel/Curriculum Committee -- Tues, June 1 @ 7:00 a.m. (Central Office)Business/Facilities Committee -- Thurs, June 3 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office) Policy Review Committee -- Thurs, June 10 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office) |
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8. Action Items
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8.1. Discuss, consider and take necessary action regarding the approval for the 2021-22 school year with SLP Teletherapy Service Contract for a monthly commitment of $3,175.
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8.2. Discuss, consider and take necessary action regarding approval of Bluffs Physical Therapy as the contract provider of physical therapy services for the 2021-24 school year.
Discussion:
Brent Holliday discussion
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8.3. Discuss, consider and take necessary action regarding approval of Mr. Cooper's evaluation for the 2021-21 school year.
Discussion:
Mary and Brian have experienced interim transition in the past. Mr. Cooper's perspective has been appreciated and overall board growth has been excellent. An interim is meant to allow space for a district to find quality leadership for the future. Brent, thanked Mr. Cooper for his total buy in of commitment and dedication to the district, students and staff. Mary shared the most important decision you ever make is choosing a superintendent. Cooper's calm disposition was beneficial to the 2021 school year with all the complications of the year. Brian, appreciated his hard work in light of all the curve balls thrown this year. |
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8.4. Discuss, consider and take necessary action regarding approval of the resignation of Julie Cochran, Guidance Counselor at Lincoln Elementary.
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8.5. Discuss, consider and take necessary action regarding approval of the resignation of Kristina Mueller, 5th Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary.
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9. 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.
Discussion:
No Executive discussion was needed.
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10. Reconvene from Executive Session
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11. Board Comments
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12. Adjourn
Discussion:
Brian Copsey adjourned meeting @ 7:14
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