September 16, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:   

Discussion:  A public hearing was opened by Board President B.J. Peters at 6:02 p.m.  After no commentary was received, the hearing was closed at 6:03 p.m.

Discussion:  The public hearing opened at 6:04 p.m.  Business Manager Tim Meisner presented the proposed budget updates prior to voting.    No additional comments followed, and the hearing closed at 6:07 p.m.

 

Discussion:  Board President B.J. Peters welcomed Junior High Principal Shawn Seiler to the meeting.  Among facility and staffing transitions that had taken place, Mr. Seiler highlighted "The Bulldog Way" (HONOR - FOCUS) in a slideshow presentation.  Eighth grade student Tristian Schlaepfer also shared his STEM classroom experiences under the instruction of Mr. Boness.  

Discussion:  Committee Chairwoman Mary Winn recapped their September 3 meeting that was hosted at Geil Elementary.  Citizenship Policy# 604.11 had been discussed at the NASB Area Membership meeting, and again at the committee.  The committee will now host two open meetings annually in accordance with this policy.  Curriculum Director Terri Martin had presented details of the K-3 Reading Act.  An honorary diploma had been requested for a Vietnam Veteran which is under review.  The VALTS summer school report was shared as well as a program budget update. 

Discussion:  Committee Chair Brady Shaul deferred to Superintendent Hastings.  

Discussion:  In Josh Lacy's absence, Brent Holliday noted that the bulk of the committee meeting had surrounded finalizing the budget.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings spotlighted the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration to be hosted at Gering High School on Monday, September 23 at 4:30 p.m.  Preview tours have been offered to neighbors, realtors, and donors in advance.  STEM Teacher Justin Reinmuth has been serving on a National Advisory Board.  In October, the district will have the honor of showcasing GHS to Samsung and other government dignitaries as part of Reinmuth's work.  Hastings also commended students, staff, and coaches on what he described as an exciting and eventful start to the year.  

Discussion: 

1. By 2021, Gering Public Schools will leverage community partnerships in order to improve sustainability and promote innovation to be a progressive leader in education within our region and state.

Rationale:

• In order to have the most positive impact on student outcomes, schools and communities must work together through a collaborative and comprehensive approach.  Community partners help schools prepare students for college, career, and citizenship by offering additional opportunities, supports, and enrichment for students. 

2. By 2024, all three and four year-olds in Gering will have access to quality early childhood education with 50% enrolled in the Gering Schools District program.

Rationale:

• More than 150 high-quality, scientific studies worldwide demonstrate that starting early can have major short- and long-term effects on cognitive and social-emotional development.  Early learning has been linked to progress in school, increased earnings, and reductions in antisocial behavior, welfare participation, and trouble with law enforcement. 

3. By 2021, Gering Public Schools will be equipped with a blueprint for prioritizing facility needs so as to remain consistently competitive academically and in activities.

Rationale:

• Schools and communities have a shared responsibility to ensure that safe, healthy, and modern school facilities are available that can support innovative teaching and personalization. Facilities are a crucial component to closing the achievement gap, increasing academic achievement and graduation rates, ensuring that all students have access to effective teachers, and maintaining and growing student enrollments.  

4. By 2024, all grade levels and content areas will have a clear and concise grading and reporting system based on best practices.

Rationale:

• Grades can provide important information for students, parents, teachers, and others but to be useful grades must be meaningful, accurate, consistent, and supportive of learning.  

Discussion: 

GHS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Monday, September 23 @ 4:30 p.m.

Future Board Meetings

Second Meeting - Tues, September 24 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

Regular Board Meeting - Mon, October 21 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)

 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Policy Review Committee --  Tuesday, September 24 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office) 

Personnel Committee  --  TBD @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)

Curriculum Committee  --  Tues, October 1 @ 7:00 a.m.  (*******) 

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, October 3 @ 4:30 p.m.   

Business Committee  --  Mon, October 14 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  

Discussion:  In closing, Mary Winn thanked Principal Seiler for his building report.  She was not able to attend the football game on Friday, but had listened to it on the radio noting excitement as the team brought home a shutout win.  The first home volleyball game Mary enjoyed in the new Holliday Family of Companies Dome was great.  Ventilation has definitely improved, and she had even heard a few Alliance families state it was maybe chilly which was a stark contrast to prior August competitions.  Brent Holliday indicated that when he joined the Board approximately two and a half years ago he had not realized the depth of responsibilities the role would bring.  As he reflected on the passing of Don Overman earlier that day, Brent highlighted the impact he had as a great leader not only for Scottsbluff, but for the valley.  He expressed his gratitude for Mr. Overman's selfless service over the years, and hopes that the young minds in our community will be thinking beyond here and now to later step up.  For Brent it has been a privilege to serve district.  Board member Brady Shaul revisited the GHS construction wrap-up citing that the Freshman Academy space is stunning.  Brian Copsey highlighted an exciting weekend for girls golf with their record breaking performance, another softball tournament title, a big win by our football team, and a strong performance by our cross country runners.  With transitions at the Junior High, Mr. Copsey had received no complaints on transportation.  He went on to state that there is a sense of positivity within community.  He thanked the administrators and staff for working through all the pieces to make it possible.  President B.J. Peters also emphasized the value of extracurricular activities for students citing 70 - 80% of GPS students participating in activities.  After a weekend of big wins like this, there would be a noticeable difference in culture at the schools.  It has been a great start to new school year.  On the note of community service, B.J. reiterated that Don Overman gave everything he had for this region as he echoed Brent's sentiments.  At a recent NASB meeting, B.J. stated that the building renovations were a topic of conversation.  He indicated that ther people are paying attention, and it is a good thing.  On a lighter note, at that same meeting the ALICAP insurance presenter suggested that district's reconsider elementary field day competitions as they had received multiple work comp claims related to staff trying to do activities which resulted in injury.  

Discussion:  With a motion by Brent Holliday and a second by Brian Copsey, the board voted unanimously to exit executive session at 7:16 p.m.