May 18, 2015 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. Acknowledge Open Meetings Law
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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2.2. Notice of this meeting was published in the Gering Courier on May 14, 2015.
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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 205.4 - Policy Communication
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4.4.ii. Board Policy 205.5 - Policy Suspension
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4.4.iii. Board Policy 205.6 - Administration in the Absence of Policy
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4.4.iv. Board Policy 205.7 - Review of Administrative Regulations
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4.4.v. Board Policy 206.1 - New Board Member Orientation
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4.4.vi. Board Policy 206.2 - Board Association Membership
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4.4.vii. Board Policy 206.3 - Board Member Development Opportunities
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4.4.viii. Board Policy 206.4 - Board Member Compensation and Expenses
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4.5. Personnel Items
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4.5.i. Contract Approvals
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4.5.i.1. Mark Bishop (Industrial Tech Teacher at the High School)
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4.5.i.2. Amber Uhlken (Preschool Teacher at Lincoln Elementary)
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4.5.i.3. Amanda Cochran (Math at Gering High School)
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4.5.i.4. Samuel Hadenfeldt (Social Science at Gering Junior High)
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4.5.ii. Resignations
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5. 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.
Discussion:
No patron comments.
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6. Reports & Discussions
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6.1. Board Recognition
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6.1.i. DECA--State & Nationals
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DECA State Placers
DECA State Placers and National Qualifiers
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6.1.ii. NSAA State Journalism
More Information:
NSAA State Journalism Placers
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6.1.iii. Ford AAA State Auto Skills Competition
More Information:
Dan Waddle
Nate Adams |
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6.1.iv. State Spelling Bee
More Information:
Aaron Reed--2nd Place in the State
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6.1.v. State Math Counts Team
More Information:
State Math Counts Team
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6.1.vi. Poetry of Place Award
More Information:
Sheridan Blanco was selected a winner in the Poetry of Place competition and read her poem at the State Capitol on May 1.
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6.1.vii. NSAA Spring Academic All-State
More Information:
NSAA Academic All-State for Spring Sports and Activities |
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6.2. Building Report
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6.2.i. Northfield Elementary Report
More Information:
Naomi Morales will report with students on the recent Northfield Elementary Science Fair.
Discussion:
Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Morales, Ms. Kniss and a group of 5th grade students presented on the Northfield Science Fair.
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6.3. Shaping Our Future--Grade Configuration Task Force Report
More Information:
Kraig Weyrich & Mike Moravec will report on the recommendations they have made to the administration regarding grade configuration changes for Gering Public Schools.
Discussion:
Mr. Hastings, Mr. Weyrich, and Mike Moravec presented the recommendations for grade configuration changes to the district. Four recommendations were presented to the administration.
Recommendation #1: Gering Public Schools should transition to a K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 configuration with a 6th grade academy at the Junior High and a freshman academy at the High School.
Recommendation #2: Gering Public Schools should add an appropriate amount of space at the High School to accommodate all freshman students, keeping in mind the potential for future growth at all grade levels. Gering Freshman Academy should be maintained, but housed on-site at the High School. Additionally, a 6th grade academy should be formed at the Junior High.
Recommendation #3: All modular units at the elementary buildings should be eliminated to avoid safety issues related to unsecure buildings, inclimate weather, and proximity to support services.
Recommendation #4: The task force recommends that the district establish a facilities task force to study the needed space and building improvements to implement these recommendations.
The board thanked the task force members for their time and effort on this project.
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6.4. Curriculum Committee Meeting Report
Discussion:
Peters reported on the Grade Configuration Task Force discussion at the committee meeting. He also spoke about a recent discussion of the Nebraska Whole Child Project and that the board will likely be asked to take action on this project and philosophy soon. Also, 16 students recently graduated from VALTS.
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6.5. Facilities Committee Meeting Report
Discussion:
Upp reported that the committee met and discussed upcoming summer work projects.
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6.6. Business Committee Meeting Report
Discussion:
Shaul reported that the Grade Configuration Task Force had presented to them, approved the bill listing, and the standardized testing bill.
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6.6.i. Trial Balance Summary
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6.6.ii. Fund Balances
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6.6.iii. Schedule of Investments Held
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6.6.iv. Financial Statement
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6.7. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Hastings reported on a successful graduation and end of the year activities.
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7. Action Items
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7.1. Authorization to enter into an interlocal cooperative agreement and issue bonds on behalf of the district for technology
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7.2. Resignation--Misty Curtis (6-12 Instrumental Music) contingent upon finding a suitable replacement.
More Information:
Misty Curtis has requested release from her contract for the 2015-2016 school year. Per board policy #408.2, employees requesting release after May 1 shall be contingent upon finding a suitable replacement. Recommend that the board approve the resignation with the condition above.
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8. Executive Session
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9. Tentative Committee & Meeting Dates
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10. Board Comments
Discussion:
Shaul commented on the fantastic science fair projects and excitement about the strategic plan.
Winn commented on a positive graduation. Also commented on her delightful visit to Northfield.
Upp thanked Mr. Hubbard and the district school staff for their work with his kids over the years.
Peters echoed Upp's comments about the impact GPS staff has impacted students. He also thanked community members who give their time to assist with the strategic plan process.
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11. Adjournment
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