April 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  This meeting was called to order by President, Brian Copsey, at 6:00 p.m.

Discussion:  What an amazing night honoring all the students that were recognized for their placing at the State competitions.  It's a great day to be a Bulldog!!!

Discussion:  Mr. Chavez and Mr. Green kicked off the GHS building report this evening.  ACT prep incentives seem to be working with the students, as more have been attending the ACT prep sessions.  Teachers are a huge resource for our students, and the kids enjoy being rewarded for meeting the goals presented to them.  GHS has a 30+ Club (students who achieve 30+ on the ACT) and these students will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony.  The electrician has been at the greenhouse, and it should be fully functioning very soon.  A new AG teacher has been hired, and we are excited to have her on board as well.  Mr. Chavez attended State Ag and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the students from GHS in action.

Mr. Land was present with a few of his students to show the BOE what is happening in his classrooms.  The C&C Manufacturing class has a list of things they have been working on.  The students have designed and produced the tee box markers for Riverview Golf Course, made plaques, and created metal signs, just to name a few.

Mr. Boyd and his students, who enrolled in the Public Service Academy, also presented to the BOE.  The PSA is preparing students to serve communities in the area of Criminal Justice.  It is a career-based program developed to provide experience in all areas of public safety.  Juniors and Seniors apply and are accepted into the year-long program to further their knowledge in Public Safety.  GHS currently has 7 students in the program, and each of them commented on their experiences while being in the program.

Discussion:  The board discussed the idea of the monthly board meetings being held at the Freshman Academy, and they all seemed to be in favor of the change.  They are also discussing changing the BOE meetings from the 3rd Monday of the month, to the 2nd Monday of the month.  More discussion will be held before making a final decision at the April Special Work Session Meeting.

Discussion:  John Maser- GPS is definitely fortunate to have very few vacancies.  We want to keep filling the educators pipeline.  Paraprofessionals are so important to the district, so we want them aware of a program offered through CSC to guide them on the appropriate course work that is needed.  UNL along with NDE is working on reducing the costs to obtain your Master's Degree, which is great news.  The final stages of the Grading Task Force changes are underway as well.

Discussion:  Brian Copsey-Stacy Rodriguez has created a new spreadsheet to show fund amounts, and we currently have only spent 56% of our budget.  The BOE continues to work hard to keep the districts expenses low.  We have also received the county taxpayers' deposit.  Jack Baker was present to discuss potential plans for the GMS facility updates.  He provided the board with key information and also shared various visuals of what could be done with the building.

Discussion:  Dr. Nicole Regan-Stand for Schools Executive Director, Dunixi Guereca, which is a Nebraska-based nonprofit organization, will be here this week highlighting our skilled and technical trades pathway.  Graduation season is upon us.  Let's celebrate our kids going to college, and those selecting trade schools, community colleges, the military, the gap years to focus on themselves, entrepreneurship, full-time jobs, or just simply figuring out their next great adventure.  Because, as we have learned as adults, there is not just one to forge our path in life. And as leaders, teachers, and support staff, we have the privilege of setting up all of our students for the best growth and opportunities in the region.  Our students are ready, and our last 5 weeks are a reason to celebrate our Bulldogs!

Discussion:  John Maser- Crazy busy time of year.  I look forward to moving the school year along!

Tracy Wiese- I loved the musical!  All the kids in the cast worked so hard and did such a great job.  Hats off to Gering for getting the bid to hold that state golf tournament again for the next 4 years.

BJ Peters- I love recognitions and presentations at the school board meetings.  It brings such positive energy.  Let's finish the last 5 weeks of school strong!

Brian Copsey- Congratulation to the Speech Team and their back-to-back state champion title, as well as all the other programs that were recognized tonight.  A huge thank you to all the teachers and volunteers for putting in endless hours so that our students in GPS can be involved.  The Speech Showcase at the Midwest Theatre has been moved to Thursday, April 18 @ 7:00 pm.  There are so many options offered to the students at Gering Public Schools.  I want to close by saying how meaningful it is to our community to host such events.

Discussion:  This meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm