October 20, 2014 at 8:15 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Peters said the Curriculum Committee had a discussion regarding NeSA test scores and how to best utilize this information to improve instruction and student growth. Upcoming training opportunities were also reviewed. The end of the first quarter has come and the committee would like to see continued professional development for staff in reference to the new language arts program. Professional development days are built into the teacher's schedule in all grade levels. Further professional development could address questions that have come up since the implementation of the curriculum. Superintendent Hastings added that groups will come to Board Meetings to present information on both elementary and secondary progress at the November or December meeting.

Discussion:  Upp said the Facilities Committee held a short meeting where they reviewed the strategic plan. The committee also reviewed and prioritized district vehicle needs. Superintendent Hastings added that the district would hold an official unveiling of a bus that was donated.

Discussion:  Copsey informed the board that Business Manager Meisner were absent from the Business Committee meeting. The committee reviewed the bill listing and lunch balances. The discussed results from the Facilities Committee vehicle plan, as well as the activities fund, strategic planning goals, and fundraising. The committee wishes to alight their committee goals with the strategic planning goals.

Discussion:  Hastings stated that he received notice from TBC that the subsidy that the district was receiving for the Lincoln Elementary bonds was reduced by 7% for the 2nd year in a row, which confirms that the district made the right decision in refinancing when it did. The auditors are currently at the Central Administration Office performing their annual audit. Their report will be presented at the November Business Committee meeting.

Discussion:  There was not Personnel Committee Meeting report for October, 2014.

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings stated that the strategic planning action planning teams are making progress. Mr. Dlugosh spent an afternoon with the teams, which are made up of staff (some served on the original committee, some are new to the project). There are four teams with approximately eight team members and one chairperson. Hastings expects their plans to be together around Thanksgiving time and will bring the plan to the Board in December or January for official approval. Teams are focusing on: grade configuration, technology, flexible learning options and branding. An update will be provided at the November meeting. Hastings may have each group provide an update as to the status of their plan. Hastings informed all that the Nebraska Department of Education held a meeting at the Harms Center to receive feedback on their planning process for an accountability system named AQuESTT for Nebraska. NDE brought their staff to the Nebraska Panhandle to hear opinions, provide brief details about the program, including program tenets for teachers and administration. Commissioner Bloomstead is holding forums throughout the state. Hastings expressed his appreciation of their time and efforts to travel to the Panhandle. Parent-Teacher Conferences are being held this and next week. The district wrapped up the first quarter of this school year last week. Fall activities are beginning to wrap up. In November, Hastings may invite staff and/or students to be recognized for outstanding accomplishments.

Discussion:  in at 8:30pm.

Discussion:  There were no action items on the agenda.

Discussion:  The Personnel Committee meetings will now occur on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm. This meeting may be rescheduled to accommodate Rex Schultze's schedule. The Facilities Committee meeting was scheduled for November 6, 2014 at 4:30pm.

Discussion:  Peters explained that he found the process at the NDE forum interesting. He believes that the progress the District has shown and our strategic planning goals align with the 6 tenets they are discussing. Winn stated that she attended the last day of the elementary marathon and thought the community support and involvement was amazing. The Adopt-a-School Partner First State Bank employees were present on every corner cheering the students on. Brunner encouraged all in attendance to get out and vote. Upp congratulated teacher Caleigh Barker and counselor Rick Marez for the cross country performance this year. They will be going to State this year and this is the first year they have ever attended.