November 17, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. Signature of Notification
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2. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Welcome Visitors
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2.1. Notice of this meeting was published in the Gering Citizen on November 13, 2014.
More Information:
The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Executive Session for the protection of the public interest; or the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and if the individual has not requested a public meeting.
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3. Excuse Absent Board Members
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4. Consent Agenda
More Information:
Sequence of agenda items are subject to change. Please plan to attend the entire meeting.
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4.1. Approval of Agenda/Amendment of Agenda Items
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4.2. Approval of Minutes from Previous Board Meetings
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4.3. Approval of Claims/Bills
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4.4. First Reading of Board Policies
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4.4.i. Board Policy 101 - Legal Status of the School District
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4.4.ii. Board Policy 102 - Educational Philosophy of the School District
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4.4.iii. Board Policy 103 - Equal Educational Opportunity
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4.4.iv. Board Policy 104 - Educational and Operational Planning
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4.4.v. Board Policy 104.1 - Annual School Census
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4.4.vi. Board Policy 201.1 - Powers and Responsibilities of the Board
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4.4.vii. Board Policy 201.2 - Board Membership - Elections and Appointments
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4.4.viii. Board Policy 201.3 - Qualifications
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4.4.ix. Board Policy 201.4 - Oath of Office
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4.4.x. Board Policy 806.01 - School Resource Officer
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4.5. Personnel Items
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4.5.i. Contract Approvals
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4.5.ii. Resignations
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5. Recommendation to Approve Consent Agenda
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6. Patron Comments
More Information:
The Board recognizes the importance of citizen participation in school business. In order to assure citizens are heard and board meetings are conducted efficiently and in an organized manner, the Board shall set a 3 minute time limit per patron, not to exceed a total of 30 minutes for all comments.
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7. Reports & Discussions
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7.1. Lincoln Elementary Building Report
More Information:
Lincoln Elementary will provide a building report focused on their Student Council.
Discussion:
Lincoln Elementary Teachers Tracy Steele, Michele Stark and Farrell Becking introduced representatives of Lincoln Elementary's Student Council, who were in attendance to share information about their contributions with the Board of Education. Each representing student introduced themselves, stated their grade level and shared how many years they have served on the Council. The students explained that the student council was created to provide additional leadership opportunities for K-6 students by teaching positive traits, leadership, teamwork and responsibility. The students hope to learn about agendas, problem solving, class representation and the overall purpose of councils. The students relayed information on the procedures to join the council, as well as requirements needed to remain a council member, such as meeting attendance, the maintenance of passing grades, displaying positive behaviors, and a commitment to serving a full year. A list of students who serve on the council was read, along with sponsors and teachers by grade. Specific school spirit activities that the council has provided include: awards, a welcoming committee to new students, student assemblies, boys town social skills, a movie night, Dr. Seuss themed events, bingo for books, receipt recycling, earth day/Arbor day community clean up days, a Christmas Open House, a pumpkin show-off night, a holiday family movie night, service projects, including quilts given to Heritage Estates, the gift of love food drive, pennies for patients (profits given to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society), mugs of love (coffee mugs filled with goodies for Adopt-A-School partner), fundraisers for Doves, the Panhandle Humane Society, a shoe ministry, pup packs, and meals on wheels. These specific students also buddy up with younger students to help guide them in their classroom work. Board members were invited to visit Lincoln's facebook page and were invited to attend Lincoln's Holiday Open House. The Board thanked the students and their sponsors for a great presentation and expressed their feelings of pride for what these kids are doing for people in this community.
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7.2. Board Recognition
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7.2.i. Student Recognition--Collin Potts
More Information:
A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Collin Potts, a Junior at Gering High School, for earning a perfect score on the American College Test (ACT). WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of the Gering Public Board of Education should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and commitment to excellence, have distinguished themselves; and WHEREAS, Collin Potts is one such exceptional student who earned a perfect score on the ACT; approximately 0.06% of the students tested scored a perfect 36 on the ACT; and WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Collin has achieved outstanding academic success and has joined the ranks of the best and brightest students from the Panhandle, the state of Nebraska, and our country; and WHEREAS, as a high achieving student, Mr. Potts is enrolled in the highest level classes at Gering High School; and WHEREAS, in addition to his extraordinary academic skills, he plays in the school’s concert and jazz bands, competes for the speech team, and participates in school plays; and WHEREAS, Collin’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for his family, his school, and his community; and WHEREAS, Mr. Potts’ dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the Gering Public Schools Board of Education; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GERING PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION, that we hereby commend and honor Collin Potts, a Junior at Gering High School, for his impressive achievement of earning a perfect score on the ACT, and extend to him our best wishes for a happy and successful future.
Discussion:
Superintendent Hastings informed all in attendance that the Board will recognize staff and/or students who do outstanding fetes each month.
High School student Collin Potts received a perfect score on his ACT test as a sophomore. Out of the 1.85 million students who take the test annually, only around 1,400 students are able to secure a perfect score. Hastings read a resolution aloud and Board President Doll presented Potts with a recognition certificate. Photos were taken by local media and school staff.
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7.3. School Resource Officer Program Update
More Information:
Chief Holtus, Officer Moreno, and Principal Hubbard will provide an update about the School Resource Officer program at Gering Public Schools.
Discussion:
Chief Holthus and Freshman Academy Assistant Principal Weyrich introduced the district's School Resource Officer Moreno to the Board. SRO Moreno and Chief Holthus reviewed goals and objectives that were developed at the beginning of the school year, which are being met. After some initial adjustments the program is going better than hoped for. Moreno provided information on his background and qualifications pertaining to the SRO position and explained that he had volunteered for the job in July of 2014 because of his past experiences. Moreno reviewed the type of calls his has been handling and type of assistance that has been offered to staff and students. He spends most of his time at the High School and Jr. High but would like to spend additional time at the elementary buildings. He has also began utilizing "Bulldog Time" at the High School by offering leadership and quality guidance.
Weyrich then informed the board that Moreno attends extra curricular events, is building interpersonal relationship with students and has responded to some major disruptions at school. Students are feeling comfortable enough to report crimes directly to him and are better cooperating with the law. Moreno also provides guidance relating to traffic control at the High School, policies and guidelines, safety committees and practice drills. The program has been very positive for both the students and the City of Gering Police Department.
Peters reminded everyone that the success of this program depended on the personality of the SRO to be a good fit so the students and community could benefit. Brunner expressed his appreciation to Moreno for providing a positive role model to so many kids who need someone to talk to about various issues. Upp said that he has heard about the good rapport with the kids. Doll feels that Moreno provides great coverage around the school district.
Holthus reviewed the keys to a successful program, including support from the Board of Education and the school district. Moreno's relationships have been key to his interaction with the students and the program is progressing very well. Another update will be provided at the end of this school year. Hastings expressed his appreciation of Moreno's relationship with the High School Administrative team.
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7.4. Curriculum Committee Meeting Report
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7.4.i. Career Academy Report
More Information:
Mr. Hubbard will provide an overview of the career academy concept and what is required for an academy to be formalized.
Discussion:
Peters stated that High School Principal Hubbard attended the Curriculum Committee meeting and shared his vision for a new Career Academy at the High School. The Gering District would like to provide an entire educational experience while focusing on career pathways for students. Annually, on average 30% of students to not pursue a secondary education. Of that percentage, approximately 5% enlist in the military. The district would like to provide an identifiable sequence of courses to build transferable skills in students. The Legislation developed a statute called Rule 47, which outlines 13 specific criteria to be a career academy, including a career exploration course, career/technical education introductory courses, developmental CT courses, academic courses taught in context, career exploration and planning, personal learning plans, the demonstration of Nebraska standards for career ready courses, career/student organizations, certified teachers and students who have volunteered to attend the academy. An advisory board must be formed and should be 51% community based. The academy will focus on stronger vocational areas that the High School already has. Hubbard hopes to approach Western Nebraska Community College in December to begin bridging dual credit courses with them. Development of this academy should better provide a career path to the 25% of students who don't pursue college. Current vocational classes, including construction, welding and auto, are being explored and new classes could include health sciences, information technologies, financing and insurance, digital broadcasting, media and business management. Career academies offer direct relationships to change a student's High School experience. Peters mentioned that the introduction of these new classes will not occur without challenge since Gering is not a large sized district, so staff will have to be creative but it will have tremendous merit once in place. Partnerships may be developed and utilized to further provide experience for students.
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7.5. Facilities Committee Meeting Report
Discussion:
Upp said the committee met at the High School and examined the storage facility north of the tennis courts. One item that continues to need addressed is the locker room area. The committee is waiting to hear from the strategic planning team to determine which long term projects need to be addressed. The football field width and drainage remains a priority.
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7.6. Business Committee Meeting Report
Discussion:
Copsey stated that the Business Committee met and reviewed the annual audit for approximately 45 minutes. Mike Skow from Dana F. Cole & Company made the presentation and explained their findings. The committee discussed the activity fund, approved the bill listing, reviewed the master facilities plan, discussed the building fund and ways to contribute to it, strategic planning issues and committee goals.
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7.6.i. Financial Report
More Information:
The Business Committee reviewed reviewed all bills for this consent agenda. Bills unique to this month were discussed for clarification. The total amount of bills approved in the consent agenda for the month of October, 2014 by specific funds are as follows:
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7.6.i.1. Trial Balance Summary
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7.6.i.2. Fund Balances
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7.6.i.3. Schedule of Investments Held
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7.6.i.4. Financial Statement
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Revenues: General Fund=$1,413,012.09; Depreciation Fund=$13.70; Cafeteria Fund=$100,674.74; Activities Fund=$66,427.36; Fees Fund=$0; Bond Fund=$31,243.80.
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7.7. Superintendent's Report
More Information:
Strategic Action Planning Update
State Education Conference in Omaha
Discussion:
Superintendent Hastings provided an update on strategic action plans. There are currently four teams working together and Hastings hopes to bring their recommended plans to the full board in December or January. The grade configuration team is writing their goals now. The technology team is close to being done. The branding team is also close to having their objectives written.
Hastings reminded all that the State Education Conference in Omaha occurs later this week.
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8. Action Items
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8.1. Accept the 2013-2014 Financial Audit
More Information:
Mike Skow from Dana F. Cole & Company presented the 2013-2014 independent financial audit to the Business Committee earlier this month. The audit was presented page-by-page and all questions from the Business Committee were answered by Mr. Skow.
Discussion:
Hastings - audit available upon request.
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9. Tentative Committee & Meeting Dates
Discussion:
The Facilities Committee will meet on December 11, 2014 at 4:30pm.
There will be a VALTS Board Meeting at noon on December 11th at the Harms Center.
A meeting date for the Personnel Committee was not determined, as it will depend on the status of negotiations. Winn stated that she would contact Mr. Johnson.
The Policy Review Committee date will not work due to negotiations.
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10. Board Comments
Discussion:
Peters - lots of info in 1 hour. thanked presenters.
Winn - Veteran's Day presentation at Jr. High. Music, video, honored vets, Adrian Smith attended. Play at HS was amazing.
Copsey - great to see kids at meeting, rewarding poart of being on BOE. Moreno presentation, admin team found right person. clear impact on him and kids.
Upp - Academic challenge, look at questions, hard, neat challenge.
Doll - applaud kids and teachers and sponsors, extra time and effort goes into all of that. Getting to see more each month. kids speak highly of moreno. very fotrunate he is in position.
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11. Adjournment
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