March 16, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings reviewed recently submitted resignations and retirements.

Discussion:  President Doll distributed certificates.

Discussion:  Board Member Dr. Upp presented certificates.

Discussion:  Chairperson B.J. Peters explained that the committee spent time discussing budget cuts, including curriculum and staffing costs. Peters also shared that it was a busy week for the committee as VALTS held their Board meeting as well. There is a better turnout at their noon meetings than there was during evening meetings. VALTS Director George Schlothauer provided an update on program enrollment, which is full.

Discussion:  Chairperson Dr. Jerry Upp said the committee received a second bid on HVAC control units at the Jr. High and High School. The first bids were $25,000 for the Jr. High and $18,000 for the High School. The second bid was higher, so the original bids will more than likely be accepted. The Jr. High unit will be replaced this year and the High School unit will be replaced next year. The committee also discussed the replacement of one of the large mowers. Bids are pending for this item.

Discussion:  Chairperson Brady Shaul explained that the committee approved the bill listing and discussed impacts of budget cuts.

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings reviewed important legislative dates. Hastings discussed the process of Senators prioritizing bills. Topics included a bill to change the requirements of the financial threshold before soliciting bids (from $40,000 to $100,000) as an inflationary adjustment with a built in inflationary adjustment every few years; property tax rate change for agricultural and horticultural land; a bill that combines 2 legislative bills to create a school financial review commission and make recommendations on an ongoing basis; a bill that would provide funding outside of TEOSA for career academies and funding distance education and broadcasting from larger districts; a bill that would require all votes by public officials to be on public record; and a bill that designates the use of lottery funds. Hastings stated that certification for state aid will occur soon. Hastings explained that each board committee has been provided with an overview of potential budget deficit over the next year. Current projections show a $1,200,000,000 reduction for the next school year. Cuts are complicated by the fact that the district is not currently in a strong cash position. The administrative team was tasked with creating a plan to address cuts while saving jobs and maintaining program integrity. The ideas were then evaluated on instructional and financial impacts on the district. The plan, which has many parts, includes not filling vacant positions, filling openings in a fiscally responsible manner, elimination of elementary coaching positions, temporary cuts to the curriculum and technology budgets for two years, reallocation of federal money and other miscellaneous reductions. Priorities outlined in the strategic planning process will continue to move forward. Gering's per pupil expenditures are the 6th lowest in the state.

Discussion:  Hastings explained that several items were taken into consideration while developing next year's calendar, including spring break, distance learning, staff development, other district calendars, holiday breaks, semester balancing, activity start dates and teacher contract days.

Discussion:  The Personnel Committee will meet at 7:00am on March 17th. The Facilities Committee will meet on the same day as the Curriculum Committee.

Discussion:  Copsey explained that it is always fun to have student from the various buildings attend Board meetings. He feels it is a great way to highlight a great group of kids who are active at all levels of school activities. He also expressed his appreciate to Bob, Tim and the staff for their hard work on the budget. Shaul reiterated Copsey's thoughts and said it is awesome to see talented kids perform. He also stated that Hastings did a good job on the budget. Upp said it was great to see the speech team perform. This Freshman group was the 3rd OID team in Gering and they did an awesome job. Upp stated that Coach Thompson is doing great job and many students are interested in joining the team. Peters reminded all of a past survey that showed two-thirds to three-fourths of Gering students are involved in extracurricular activities. He feels that this shows the value extra curricular activities. School is a place for academics but students also learn lessons due to extra activities. Peters said he would like to continue to see student presentations at the Board meetings. Doll expressed his appreciation to staff who are resigning or retiring this year. He reminded all that the district is under constant change and Gering has tremendous teachers in the system. The teachers are held in high regard by both students and board members.