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

Discussion:  Hastings revamping. hold until re-worked.

Discussion:  Peters explained that the Curriculum Committee met with an open agenda. Topics of discussion included long term utilization of elementary school counselors and instructional coaches. Peters reminded all that VALTS held their graduation ceremony last week and expressed his appreciation of continued dividends for Gering students. The 500th student has graduated from the program, which was created in 1997. Peters urged the board members to make a visit to the program to see new improvements that have been made over the last six to seven months. Upp mentioned that he is impressed by their English program after viewing poetry penned by the students. The Board expressed their desire to have Mr. Schlothauer present his program to the full board at an upcoming meeting.

Discussion:  Upp stated that the Facilities Committee met and discussed restructuring their purpose and goals. The Committee has been touring facilities over the last couple of years but would like to focus on the big picture in the future. They will determine their new focus after the strategic planning sessions and plan to work directly with the Business Committee to assist in determining both short and long term goals.

Discussion:  Copsey informed the Board that the Business Committee has met and approved the distribution listing for February. A summary of all financial reports was provided by Business Manager Tim Meisner. The Committee also approved a computer quote to replace hardware within the district, as well as reviewed the Facility Committee's long term project list.

Discussion:  hastings reviewed fund goals and processes.

Discussion:  Winn informed the Board that the Personnel Committee met on March 12th. Superintendent Hastings presented a hiring update and reviewed applicants for the tech integration position and elementary openings. The group discussed personnel procedures that will be updated to include consistent protocols. Hastings expressed his desire to create one database for employment history. Strategic planning concerns were also discussed.

Discussion:  Hastings informed all that he would be traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday do attend the GNS/GNSA Meetings. He urged the Board to provide any questions they had to him so he can have them addressed while there. This is the last GNS meeting of this school year. Hastings indicated that he would schedule dates for the strategic planning session in early May. Hastings explained that he had an opportunity to visit with Cedar Canyon Principal Mary Kay Haun, as well as approximately 20 staff and parents of students who attend that elementary site. An open, positive dialog took place and he pledged to continue discussions and keep communication lines open while the district proceeds with the strategic planning process. A timeline has not yet been scheduled but the Cedar Canyon community will be a part of the discussion when the time comes.

Discussion:  The Facilities Committee will meet on March 26, 2014. Superintendent Hastings reminded the Board about a joint meeting between the Scottsbluff and Gering School Boards which is scheduled at 6:00pm on Monday, March 24, 2014. The meeting will be held at the Scottsbluff Administration building. Doll asked any committee members to find a sub if they are not able to attend a meeting.

Discussion:  Upp stated that he has been in contact with VALTS Director George Schlothauer and encouraged other board members to spend time at the site to review recent improvements. Brunner expressed his appreciation to those who registered for a seat on the school board. Winn said that she left the VALTS Board Meeting uplifted so she sent an email to Jeff West at ESU #13 expressing her change of heart about supporting the program and recently implemented career exploration classes. She now feels that the program is providing workplace skills, such as resumes and interview practices. Doll reminded all that another school quarter is behind us.