January 20, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Principal Seiler recognized the December staff member of the month, Brianne Osborn-Combs, for her leadership and servant attitude as outlined in colleague Shannon Kauffman's nomination.  

Discussion:  Staff and students from Lincoln Elementary illustrated academic and cultural happenings within their building.  

Discussion:  Chairwoman Mary Winn reported a new federal requirement requiring parental consent for the release of student ACT test scores to the district.  The committee also reviewed NSCAS testing data.  President B.J. Peters indicated that George Schlothauer will present a report on the VALTS program at the February board meeting.  

Discussion:  In recapping construction wrap-up, committee chair B.J. Peters asserted the need to strategically begin forecasting a long range facility plan for the district.  

Discussion:  In addition to the committee's regular payables review, they met with Mary Carman from Taher Foods.  They were pleased with the level of local involvement from two Nebraska beef purchases, and established partnerships with local bean growers.  Students are learning to feed themselves with hydroponic systems in all buildings as well as the implementation of a Harvest of the Month club educating students about seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains.  In the elementary after-school program, students will have an opportunity to participate in a new program, Kids in the Kitchen, guided by Head Chef Tim which will teach kitchen and food preparation basics.   The District's four year food service contract will go out for bid as mandated by the state in February.    

Discussion:  Student Services Director Laura Barrett presented current participation in our Early Childhood Education program as well as results from a recent community survey researching needs.  Based on the District's strategic plan, Mrs. Barrett offered options to maintain, expand or create partnerships to meet the plan's needs.  Similarly, Activities Director Glen Koski disclosed student survey results which illustrated a strong desire for an intramural soccer club at the Junior High.  If implemented, the program would scrimmage intramurally, and compete locally against Scottsbluff during the month of April.  Koski indicated the largest expense, and an area of concern, would be coaching, but felt it would help maintain interest in the sport during the transition between community organized club soccer, mainly drawing participation from elementary students, and high school.    In closing, Superintendent Hastings offered an update on state legislation happenings.    

Discussion:  Board member Brian Copsey inquired when the ownership warranty would begin.   Superintendent Hastings stated that it is currently under negotiation.  

Discussion: 

Future Board Meetings

Special Board Meeting - Tues, Jan 28 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central

Regular Board Meeting - Mon, Feb 17 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)

Special Board Meeting - Tues, Feb 25 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Policy Review Committee --  Tues, Jan 28 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office) 

Personnel Committee  --  Thurs, Jan 30 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, Feb 6 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  

Curriculum Committee  --  Tues, Feb 11 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office) 

Business Committee  --  Mon, Feb 10 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  

Discussion:  Brent Holliday commended Lincoln Elementary's student and staff presentation stating there are great things going on there!  Mary Winn concurred before highlighting how well the new facilities at GHS had accommodated the weekend's speech meet.  She indicated that in her 40 years of judging competitions there, the noise in the hallways had always been an issue.  In the new area, students, staff and parents had room to congregate in the commons as opposed to hallways, and for those who were traveling between rounds in the hallways the carpet eliminated prior concerns.  Mrs. Winn applauded GHS counselor Rick Marez for his recognition as Nebraska Cross Country Coach of the Year.  Lastly, she urged elementary principals to nominate outstanding staff members within their buildings.  Josh Lacy thanked staff members in attendance for their commitments to the district.  He also recapped Sunday's federation wrestling tournament hosted at GHS.  Although participation was high with approximately 300 entries, the facility was still comfortable.  Brady Shaul echoed Lacy's comments.  He also thanked Mrs. Barrett for her Early Childhood presentation noting it as an area of passion for him.  At the November NASB conference, it was a strong topic of conversation, and he attended many sessions related to it.  Although it will not be an easy challenge to tackle, he is anxious to get started.  Brian Copsey also offered praise to "Mr. Motivator" Rick Marez.  Next, he complimented Mr. Moser and the GHS STEM team on securing another Samsung state title.  He also reflected on a student who attends his church who when asked will visit with adults in length about his experiences in the class which Copsey indicated is representative of great things going on in the classroom.  He was pleased to hear how well the speech meet went in the new space.  He inquired from Activities Director Glen Koski if Gering would be eligible to host districts.  Koski stated that next year Scottsbluff will host, and then competition will likely go to a school in central / eastern part of the state.  However, he does plan to put in a bid to host every year going forward in hopes we will have an opportunity to do so.  In closing, President B.J. Peters stated he was pleased to see the energy from staff members at the meeting, and that students are staying motivated despite cold and flu season.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.