June 16, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings explained that the Recognition of Accomplishments section of the Board Agenda will be revamped beginning in September of 2014. Each school will have the opportunity to highlight and showcase building events, activities and staff/student accomplishments. This will create an atmosphere where principals, teachers and students can share information about special programs and will provide the Board a meaningful opportunity to recognize staff and students.

Discussion:  High School Principal Eldon Hubbard distributed a handout in reference to a new High School schedule. He indicated that he has been seeking a way to add time to schedule beyond the required 1,080 hours. During the past year, the High School dismissed classes for a day for district speech, which cut instructional hours close to the minimum requirement. After a careful review of available programs, Hubbard looked at the advisory period that is utilized at the Freshman Academy and developed a plan for the High School that would use advisory time effectively. If implemented, advisory classes would offer one teacher to every 16 students and would provide academic support, self directed reading, citizenship training, class meetings and John Baylor test prep strategies while building interpersonal relationships with the kids without taking time away from classes. This time could also be utilized for school spirit activities. The new schedule means classes would start earlier and end later to accommodate the addition of a 20 minute advisory period. The length of this period could potentially be lengthened in the future. The new schedule would also provide a cushion if needed for snow days or other schedule changes. Currently, the High School offers 1,148 instructional hours. Assistant Principal Seiler informed the board that extracurricular clubs are assigned two week periods where they are in charge of providing positive spirit at the building level. Seiler distributed aptitude materials that the Waverly District has been using for the Board to review. These materials follow Gering's purpose and mission, as well as goals, and can help build social skills, character and communication skills. Seiler hopes that GPS students are well prepared when they leave Gering High School and wants them to be employable at that time. Nebraska is the first state in the country to address career ready standards. The senior class will utilize habits and attitudes for leadership. This will teach disciplines in a focused way and requires minimal teacher prep. Seiler successfully worked with an aptitude transition program with at-risk sophomores students during their lunch period last year. This same program will be offered to all sophomores next school year. The junior class will work with an aptitude book focused on leading others. Seiler urged the board to visit a website to view testimonials regarding the program. The Nebraska Department of Education also endorses these programs. Two district teachers have attended training in Kearney, Nebraska and will hold a training seminar for other district staff. The program will be distributed to teachers at the end of July for their review prior to the beginning of school. Doll expressed support of this new schedule and asked how the success of it will be measured. Hubbard explained that it should be evident in student attitudes, ACT scores and reading scores. He also feels that the local community that employs students will be able to offer feedback regarding student responsibility, respectfulness, dependability and appropriateness. Hubbard explained that other issues needing attention include school-wide management issues including tardiness, DECA sales, food in the classroom, cell phone usage and student attire.

Discussion:  Due to the absence of the Director of Curriculum the committee did not meet in June.

Discussion:  Upp explained that the Facilities Committee met and and concentrated on maintenance issues at the elementary buildings. The group reviewed priorities and needs at each school. Concrete work will take place at Geil Elementary and lighting and windows will be examined throughout the district. Security systems similar to the one being utilized at the Freshman Academy will be named as a district-wide priority. Peters informed the board that the track has been successfully resurfaced.

Discussion:  Copsey stated that the Business Committee met to review financial statements. Specific topics discussed included the cafeteria balance, school lunch balances and bills that needed to be approved. Doll provided a "kudos" to the business office for securing more detailed explanations on purchase orders.

Discussion:  Winn stated that the Personnel Committee met on June 12th. Hastings provided updates on hiring, certified staff, the softball coach position, legislative updates, and the Superintendent Transparency Act, which goes into effect on July 1, 2014. The central office staff has been working on a certified staff handbook. The new tech integration specialist will be based at the central office and will report directly to the Superintendent and the Director of Curriculum & Assessment.

Discussion:  Hastings explained that he attended a law conference in Kearney and provided a recap of topics, including LB907 (the "Ban the Box" law) where hiring agencies are no longer allowed to ask if an applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence beyond a misdamaner prior to determining if they are qualified for a position. This change takes place on July 1, 2014. The Superintendent Transparency Act will also take effect July 1, 2014. A copy of the Superintendent's contract will be available for viewing on the district website. A copy will also be provided to NDE for their records. Hastings explained that LB923 regarding suicide awareness, prevention and education training will be provided to appropriate staff. Tornado drills will also occur a minimum of twice per school year. Banning of e-ciggarrettes and all vaopr products has been included in all tobacco free workplace policies and will be included in staff and student handbooks. Hastings stated that the TEOSA formula (instructional time allowance and teacher education allowance)is sunsetting. Next year it will be good for 50% of the value, then it will be gone completely. Hastings reviewed summer maintenance projects, including the track project, recarpeting and repainting of the High School library, concrete work being done at Geil Elementary and the installation of carpet throughout the district. All certified positions have been filled, however there is one contract yet to be approved by the Board. This will take place in July. There will be hearings and an opportunity for public comment at the July Board Meeting. NASB will be in Gering on July 9th and will host a triad of workshops. Frahm will attend the workshop for Administrative Assistants and Business Manager Meisner, along with Hastings, will attend the workshop regarding the new negotiations software. Candidates running for a seat on the Board of Education were also invited to attend the workshop for new board members.

Discussion:  Brunner inquired as to the change regarding the number of days a student can miss. The change was from a specific number of days to "habitually truant", which will give administration more flexibility when determining if the county attorney needs to be contacted. The ban of all vapor products has been included in all handbooks and tobacco free policies. Hastings explained that the upcoming strategic planning sessions may initiate changes to district handbooks in the future.

Discussion:  The next Curriculum Committee meeting has yet to be determined, as it is pending the schedule of the Director of Curriculum & Assessment. The Facilities Committee meeting date has yet to be determined. The Personnel Committee meeting is scheduled at 4:30pm on July 7, 2014. The Business Committee meeting is scheduled at 4:30pm on July 14, 2014. Hastings is working on finalizing the list of participants for the upcoming strategic planning sessions. At this time it looks like the sessions will take place at the Harms Center.

Discussion:  Doll explained that he registered his son at UNL and feels that he is very well prepared for college life thanks to the preparedness he received from Gering Public Schools.