January 19, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings swore in new board member Brady Shaul.

Discussion:  hastings opens nominations. winn nominates doll

Discussion:  The Superintendent and board members handed out certificates of accomplishment to students who have recently participates in school activities.

Discussion:  Principal Mary Kay Haun led Cedar Canyon students into the board room, where they performed a song for the board. Mrs. Eastman led 5th grade students from Geil Elementary as they worked directly with each board member to show them how they are utilizing the new Wonders language arts program. Haun spoke to the success of the new Wonders program. A demonstration was shown on the overhead so the audience could also view their presentation. The Board was invited to attend either building at their convenience.

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings led a discussion regarding the district's crisis team. Types of crisis were reviewed and reasons why it is needed were clarified. High School Counselor Sharyl Hamer Vocal Music Instructor Shelly Revelle provided a definition of what a crisis is and possible consequences and impacts. Effects of crisis response teams, the purpose of the team, and the management of a crisis were reviewed. The Gering District has two teams comprised of 7 people and the teams alternate every other month. The pair reviewed the team's goals and intervention strategies, appropriate responses and procedures and policies. The district's team follows Dr. Dudley's advisement and crisis manual (Dr. Dudley is a nationally renowned crisis interventionist. The services that are provided to all district buildings are valuable when a crisis occurs. All team members are currently staff members and participation is voluntary. Every building is represented on the team. Superintendent Hastings reiterated that this team assists teachers when informing students and/or staff of bad news. Team members can cover classes for teachers who need to step out of the classroom, can contact families and law enforcement. Team members are trained to take care of students, staff and community members, as they have resources available to them through the training they have received. Hastings explained that the schools stay in session during a crisis to provide a sense of normalcy for the kids. Winn asked if anyone from the GPS team has worked with other school and/or districts. Hamer has worked cooperatively with other districts regarding the start up and processes of the team. Upp stated that he likes that this is offered to a community of this size. Doll confirmed that it is great to have someone to reach out to if needed. Student Services Director Barb Ehrhart also stated that training is important and significant so that team members know what to do within minutes. Having local leadership is also important.

Discussion:  review of what committees do and who is currently serving on each. shoot ideas to bob or doll with thoughts/ideas. finalize in february. bardy stepping into mike's committees.

Discussion:  Peters said the bulk of discussions were on the 2015-2016 calendar and option applications. Other discussions included budget and recent curriculum costs. The committee would like to now focus on implementing the new curriculum correctly and strongly. Any future curriculum purchases will require a digital component. Hastings is polling the staff on option issues. In order to end the first semester break before the Christmas break school needs to begin in early to mid August. Peters informed board members that other districts that have set their calendar already are starting anywhere from August 10th thru August 15th, 2015.

Discussion:  Upp stated that the Facilities Committee met at the Jr. High to discuss changing out temperature control systems at the Jr. High and High School, as there is no support system for the current systems. Original bids were $25,000 for the Jr. High and $19,000 for the High School. The committee intends to get another bid before proceeding.

Discussion:  Copsey said the Business Committee met and reviewed the bill listing. The Travel Policy and the impact to the budget was reviewed. The committee is preparing for the process of creating the budget for next year. The committee also reviewed lunch balances, which still needs to be addressed at the building level. The financial statements were also reviewed.

Discussion:  Hastings gave a quick update on GNSA (Greater Nebraska Schools Association). This group works with 23 other districts in Nebraska and represents two-thirds of the students residing in the state. The group discusses state funding, bill introductions and laws and how they affect school districts like Gering. Upcoming topics include property tax relief and how proposals will affect equalization to districts that don't have enough resources to reach needs. Foundation aide, student aide are concepts that disequalize districts. Copsey indicated that he advocates for the GNSA membership and wished all state districts could participate. Because of term limits it is difficult to forge long term relationships. Without a unified Class B voice making contacts and attending meetings, western Nebraska districts won't have representation. It takes a considerable amount of time to attend these meetings, but Copsey feels that Hastings is doing a good job representing Gering. Peters expressed two concerns: The dropping of property taxes and the lowering of ag land values.

Discussion:  Patron Ken Kurtz asked to share his feelings about Lisa Betz and the Gering Citizen's service to Gering. He referenced Betz as a Gering citizen and business owner and reviewed projects specific to the school district, including the annual calendar, as well as activity posters and banners, which are produced with the support of Gering businesses and citizens. Kurtz spoke to the ease of accessing information via their website. Kurtz feels as though the Gering Citizen newspaper has provided more support to the school district than is asked of and asked that the district show the newspaper the same support. Lisa Betz, owner of the Gering Citizen, thanked Kurts for his comments and reviewed the history of the legal newspaper of choice always being located on 10th Street in Gering. The Gering Citizen is focused on downtown revitalization and development. Betz explained that it is a challenge for a small business to continue when it has lots of competition. The Citizen is fueled entirely by the community it serves. Betz explained that she owns the building and pays property taxes to the City of Gering. Although the Star Herald newspaper has a higher circulation rate, she believes other things are also important, such as being a good neighbor. Betz encouraged the district to help Gering be successful, strive and be strong. She asked that the district invest in her small business and to please consider all aspects of their decision. Gering Courier Editor Brad Staman explained that the Courier is owned by the Omaha World Herald organization, however money generated by the paper stay in the community. Their staff includes Gering citizens and past students who spend their income at other local businesses. Staman pointed out that the Gering Courier was the paper of record since April of 1887 and is still a Gering business, even though it is physically located in Scottsbluff at the Star Herald. Staman clarified that the Courier is separate from the Star Herald, although it is under one umbrella. The Courier is also printed in Scotts Bluff County, which the Citizen is not and the Courier targets only Gering citizens and the community. The Courier expressed their desire to brand themselves as the school's newspaper, as their target audience is parents of students. Staman provided examples of activities that have been covered by the Courier and stated that he is committed to investing in Gering, it's students and it's schools. Jim Holland of the Star Herald newspaper, stated that his paper is not the Scottsbluff Star Herald, but is a community based paper and indicated that they provide historical information via their website as well. Copsey, Upp and Doll spoke to this decision being one of the tougher duties assigned to the board, as most communities only have one choice and Gering has three great newspapers to choose from. Both expressed their appreciation for all three papers.

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings reviewed three strategic goal action plans and asked for board approval.

Discussion:  Winn said the next Personnel Committee meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2015 and will be the last nogotiation meeting. This group will begin meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Hastings explained that he will send out an email about scheduling the next Facilities Committee meeting. The next Policy Review Committee meeting will be scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2015.

Discussion:  Upp welcomed Brady Shaul to the Board. Winn explained that Shaul attended the last Policy Review Committee meeting, which focused on policies regarding becoming a board member. She encouraged the board to begin thinking about their self-evaluation. Hastings suggested a retreat in March or April and will send out date options. Copsey said that it was great to see students come in. He also liked the curriculum presentation. Shaul stated that he was happy to be serving on the board. Doll expressed his appreciation of the Curriculum Committee for their hard work over the last couple of years on selecting new curriculum for the district. He also was grateful to Mrs. Haun and the students. He thanked everyone who serves on the action planning teams for the strategic planning process, as their efforts are vitally important. Lincoln Principal Pam Barker provided the board with a "Board Appreciation" poster for Board Recognition Month.