February 10, 2020 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

STRIVE  -  COMMIT  -  SUCCEED  -  District Mission Statement

Schuyler Community Schools in partnership with parents, students, and the community is committed to educate students to become skilled, knowledgeable and responsible citizens in a global society - District Vision Statement

Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public.  Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education

Rationale: 

This meeting has been preceded by advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session.  A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the front of the meeting room.

Nebraska Open Meetings Act:  http://nitc.nebraska.gov/documents/statutes/NebraskaOpenMeetingsAct_current.pdf

Rationale:  Discuss, Consider and Take Action on the consent agenda

Rationale: 
Committees appointed by the president of the board.  These committees are created for specific tasks of seeking information or investigation and will report back to the board for its consideration and action.  Committee action is considered to be advisory only.  The following committees are appointed for 2020.

Foundation Committee:  Responsible for working with the Schuyler Community Schools Foundation.  2 Members Required in Bylaws.  Foundation meets the first Monday of the month at 12:00 PM.  2020 Members:  Brian Vavricek and Virginia Semerad

American Civics, Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction:  Responsible for making sure reviewing curriculum recommendations, textbook selection, staff requisitions and inventory.  This is the only committee required by law (79-724) See attached document with updated requirements for the American Civics Committee under LB 399. 3 members required.  2020 Members:  Virginia Semerad, Nina Lanuza, Mynor Hernandez

Board Policy/Handbooks/Support Programs:  Responsible for annual review of board policies, handbooks, and safety/crisis plan. 2-3 members recommended.   2020 Members:  Virginia Semerad, Nina Lanuza, Rich Brabec

Public Relations/Strategic Planning/Calendar:  Responsible for recommending the annual district calendar, strategic planning process, and promoting positive public relations and communication.  2-3 members recommended.  2020 Members:  Mynor Hernandez, Nina Lanuza, Chuck Misek

Building/Grounds/Transportation:  Responsible for recommending approval of the building and grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building maintenance and upgrade schedule)  3 members recommended.  2020 Members:  Chuck Misek, Rich Brabec, Brian Vavricek

Budget/Finance/Negotiations:  Responsible for budget, finance, contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff negotiations and support staff contracts. 3 members recommended.  2020 Members:  Chuck Misek, Rich Brabec, Brian Vavricek

*  Special temporary committees of the Board, except as specified by statute, may be appointed by the president or chosen by a vote of the Board as needed.  The function of all such committees shall be fact-finding, deliberative and advisory, but never legislative or administrative.  When the specified purpose of all sub-committees appointed to conform to statute.  The superintendent shall be an ex-officio member of all such committees.
 

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for annual review of board policies, handbooks, and crisis/safety plans.  This committee is also responsible for the support and development of support programs(nursing, food service) in the district.

Rationale: 
This is a contract renewal with Central Nebraska Rehabilitation Services for physical and occupational therapy services.  The rates are as approved by the Nebraska Department of Education for reimbursable services. 
          This year Central Nebraska Rehabilitation Services is offering a one and three year contract option.  The three-year contract is offered at a discount of $2.00 and $1.00 per hour below the state approved rate on the identified services.  See attached information.

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for budget, finance, and contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff, and support staff.

Rationale: 
1.  Darin Kovar:  SES K-2 Principal (Accepted K-12 principal position with Mead Public Schools)
2.  Michelle Burton:  SMS Principal (Accepted 7-12 principal position with Oakland-Craig Public Schools)
3.  Robin Burton:  SES Physical Education Teacher
4.  Rachel Hansen:  SMS Family and Consumer Science Teacher

 

Rationale: 
The board negotiations team met to review the administrative array comparability study and determine their recommendation for principal and director salaries for the 2020-21 school year.  See attached recommendation.
Recommended Assignment Changes
SMS Principal:  Jesse Zavadil to replace Michelle Burton.  We will need to hire new principals at SES and SMS.
Directors
Curriculum/Assessment/Instruction:  Dr. Gibbons
Special Education:  Mrs. Vrba
SCHS Student Services:  Dr. Lefdal
Principals
SCHS Principal:  Mr. Grammer
SCHS Assistant Principal/AD:  Mr. Kasik
SMS Principal:  Jesse Zavadil
SMS Assistant Principal:  Open
SES/Preschool Principal:  Mr. Comley
SES K-2 Principal:  Open
Rural/Dual Language Principal:  Ms. Bebout
 

Rationale: 
The administrators and SEA are proposing the attached school calendar for the 2020-21 school year.  This item will be on the board agenda for approval at our March 9, 2020 regular board meeting.

Rationale: 
See attached report.

Rationale: 

Preschool and SES 3-5 Principal's Report:  Mr. Comley
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  This month I want to highlight Vanessa Stanek. Vanessa works with the tech department and helps with all tech issues at SES. Vanessa has done a great job helping staff with any issues that happen throughout the school day.  It has been a tremendous help having someone like her at the Elementary.  For all the reasons above and many more, I want to say thank you Mrs. Stanek!

SES K-2 Principal's Report:  Mr. Kovar
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to highlight Sarah Gahan, 1st year Kindergarten teacher at Schuyler Elementary School. Ms. Gahan has continued to improve throughout her first year. She utilizes APL and Marzano strategies to improve learning, in her classroom. She has done all of this while dealing with a challenging student behavior issue in her room. She has done a great job keeping her composure in challenging circumstances. I am very proud of how she continues to develop, and I look forward to seeing her growth in the future! She always has a smile on her face, and truly cares about her students.

Rural Schools Principal's Report:  Ms. Bebout
Program Spotlight:  I would like to highlight Richland’s PTO!  This year we started a PTO program at Richland to help raise funds for new playground equipment.  My head teacher, Kristi Benck, and several parents (Amanda Richards, Catalina Sebastian, Jessica Chavez, Kristi Wolfe, LeAnn Eaton, Lisa Terrell, Mariana Raya & Roxann Thompson) are serving on this board.   We are in the middle of our first fundraiser and have already raised over $250.  Next week we will hold a movie night at Richland! We look forward to families coming and enjoying this event.  We have a few more ideas in the works for the rest of the year! I am very proud of the work this group is doing for our students and school. 

SMS Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Schuyler Middle School is now embracing the grind of February as Mrs. Burton and myself are starting our second semester formal observations and evaluations of staff.
Program Spotlight:  It is a busy time of year with Mrs. Wemhoff doing a great job with ELPA testing for our ELL students and teachers already starting to plan for our NSCAS testing. 
Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to recognize our 8^th grade Science teacher Mrs. Hanna’s recent work with our new Science Bowl team.  She worked with these students two days a week for the past two months and recently brought them to the Wayne State Science Bowl competition and the team went 1-3 in their matches.  This was a good effort for the first time and she is already planning for next year!

SMS Principal’s Report:  Mrs. Burton
The SMS February Newsletter can be found by clicking on the following link: https://www.smore.com/b1cdu
Teacher Spotlight:  Mrs. Rachel Hanson.  Mrs. Hanson currently serves as our 6-8 FACS and FCCLA sponsor.  In addition, Mrs. Hanson will coach soccer this spring at SCHS.  Mrs. Hanson is a Schuyler native and a Warrior graduate.  She works to encourage students to strive to do their best; whether it is in the classroom or working countless hours to help our students reach the state FCCLA competition.  Her care for students and the ability to collaborate and go the extra mile are just a few of the quality traits that she possesses.
Program Spotlight:  The SMS Social Studies Department is comprised of Mr. Bill Policky, Mr. Mike Baptiste, and Mr. James Kaiser.  Recently, the team had two trainings with Discovery Education and ESU #7.  The team rose to the occasion, and did an exceptional job preparing for new standards and incorporating high-level materials for lesson delivery.  Their ability to accept feedback, have a growth mindset, and sharpen their skills makes them stand out.  SMS is blessed to have them on our team!

SCHS Principal's Report:  Mr. Grammer
Program Spotlight:  The Warrior Achievement Center (W.A.C.) is a relatively new program at SCHS. It has been a program at the high school for the past five years.  The Center allows for students who are struggling to complete their homework or other types of school work or assessments, to become successful throughout the school year. The Purpose- is to provide another option or resource instead of failure for our students. Homework and class work are not optional to our students, once assigned to the Center, it is mandatory to complete the work for which they were assigned to the Center.  The Achievement Center is a work area where students will concentrate on completing their unfinished work and is organized to provide time to complete work and individualized instruction for those students. Unnecessary electronic devices will not be allowed, because they will be a distraction to the work being completed in the Center.  Once the work is completed the students are sent back to class. The Warrior Achievement Center is available before school, every hour during school, and after school. There is one teacher assigned to the Center in order to assist students in completing their tasks. Other teachers stop by the Center to give assistance to the students assigned to the Center.
Staff Member Spotlight:  The staff member to be recognized for his work in the high school this month is Mr. Scott Petersen, the supervisor of the W.A.C. (Warrior Achievement Center).  As presented before in this report, Mr. Petersen is the supervisor assigned to the WAC program. Mr. Petersen has worked hard to develop and provide opportunities for those students assigned to his program. He ensures that students sent to him stay focused and work diligently to complete their work. He has taken on the responsibility of developing and implementing the program with great enthusiasm.  Mr. Petersen is a consummate professional educator and strives every day to make sure his students are successful.
Event Highlights
Congratulations to Schuyler’s FCCLA students that competed at Districts.
State Qualifiers:
Kelley Gomez and William Parra=
Elizaberh Harding and Kathryn Tzunux= First Place for Focus on Children
Katelyn Stodieck= Second Place for Job Interview
Melissa Escobar=First Place for Fashion Construction
Vivi Sayer= First Place for Fashion Construction
District Medalist
Daniel Daviu, Bryan Romero, and Vance Sayer= Silver Medal
Abby Blomquist, Maria Aranda, Emily Daviu, Kalani Marino= Silver Medal
Congratulations to our Scholastic Art Award Winners.
Melissa Escobar = Gold Key, Painting
Natalie Carreto = Honorable Mention, Sculpture
Juan Gonzalez = Gold Key, Ceramics
Ruben Lickei = Silver Key, Ceramics
Tasha Macholan  = Silver Key, Ceramics
Jelman Orellana = Honorable Mention, Drawing and Portfolio

 

Rationale: 

K-6 Youth Sports Director's Report:  Mr. Kovar
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to highlight the work of Robin Burton and Bill Comley. Robin is volunteering to coach a 3rd & 4th grade girls basketball team, and Mr. Comley is coaching a 5th & 6th grade boys team. Both coaches are giving a lot of their time outside of school to improve these teams. Both teams have recently competed in area tournaments, and are getting valuable experience that will serve them well into the future. Their dedication to help these young athletes build skills and fundamentals is a true testament to there character. We are grateful to them both for their dedication to our young people.

Warrior Academy - After-School Program Director's Report:  Ms. Bebout
Staff Member Highlight:  Warrior Academy started an employee of the month.  The students are able to nominate who they would like to see win this!  Here is our very first employee of the month!  Congratulations Gabriel!!!
January Employee of the Month:  Gabriel Uribe is a Schuyler graduate and is attending college at CCC.  He has been part of our program for 4 years going on 5. Gabriel has been a very great help to the program. Student’s love him and the clubs he runs. Here are a few words from his students this quarter:
Selvin Cordova (1st): I think Gabe is the best teacher in the whole world. He’s nice and he’s the best drawer. He helps me make good things. Thank you for the Beyblade club and Game Club.
Roman Rodriguez (2nd): I think it’s really nice that he actually likes dogs. He’s nice, and he’s honest.
Rony Juarez (3rd): He’s nice when he lets us play beyblades. He watches us play beyblade. 
Adrian Barahona (4th): He’s really chill and doesn’t get mad easily. Very ticklish, very! Makes us laugh and he always has something fun to say about someone. Even with a deep voice he is funny. He always follows the rules and makes sure everyone is happy. He always has a compliment about someone. Always like to ask questions. Always has the answers.

SMS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  Our Boys Basketball team has been very busy with games this January.  They are still working to find their 1^st win Mr. Kaiser has them working hard and is focusing on shooting.  They have been doing a good job of defense, rebounding and running the offense, but we still need to improve our shot percentage.  We plan to finish the season on Tuesday February 25th Away Vs. Madison.  We also have a home game tomorrow Vs. Seward and next Tuesday Vs. Twin River.
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  We are already working to plan for the track season.  Mr. Baptiste is our new girls’ head coach and he and Mr. Block are starting to plan for the season.  We are anticipating high participation near 100 students once again and the coaches are putting together their practice plans to maximize their practice times.
Notable Events:  The Field-House has been exceptionally busy this spring, with construction pushing club wrestling teams over to our facility.  Our community has done a great job of working together to share the facility and we are opening on Friday nights through March 20th to accommodate the extra patronage.  It is such a great resource to have.
 

SCHS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Kasik
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to spotlight our Girls Wrestling Team.  They are led by Coach Jeremy Hlavac and Mark Wemhoff.  They have been competing in girl only tournaments all year long and recently competed in the first Girls only State Championship.  The tournament was sponsored by the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association and it was hosted by York High School.  Schuyler entered 11 female wrestlers and they scored 101 points earning a state Runner-up trophy behind State Champion West Point Beemer.  Six of these wrestlers placed in the top 5 with Carla Chacon and Evelyn Guzman each being crowned State Champions.  This was a great reward for all their hard work, Great Job!

SCHS Student Services Director:  Dr. Lefdal
Staff Member Spotlight:  For person spotlight I want to recognize Jordan Haas.  Jordan is a new teacher this year and he was also our Head Softball Coach.  Mr. Haas is a Lincoln Pius graduate and he played baseball in college.  He teaches in our Social Studies department and does a great job in the classroom.  It has been great to see him grow as a teacher these last few months.  He is always willing to try new things in the classroom to help build his craft.
Upcoming Events:  We will soon be wrapping up our winter sports and beginning our spring seasons.  District and State tournaments are on the horizon and we have already seen students doing some pre-season conditioning for all of our spring sports.
Program Spotlight:  I would like to spotlight Mr. Carrillo.  Joel has worked all year to keep on improving his instruction and classroom procedures.  He works hard for our district and continues to build great relationships with students! He has done an amazing job!
Notable Topics:  The admin team at the high school has been working diligently on the priority plan.  We feel we have a number of programs that are making a difference with our students and are excited to see continued improvements.
Looking ahead:  I am looking forward to working with our staff on priority standards, scope and sequence, and scales for all priority standards.  We are cleaning up this information and working with the IT department to enter those on the district portal.

Special Education Director's Report:  Mrs. Vrba
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  The February's Special Education Spotlight is...shining brightly on Leigh Heese. Leigh is a brand new addition to the SES Special Education department as of January 6th. She is teaching and meeting the needs of our 3rd grade students along with co-teaching with Megan Holub!  This young lady just graduated in December and is doing a phenomenal job for just beginning her teaching career. Leigh is energetic, creative and has shown to be very dedicated to her profession along with our students. In her short time at SES, she has succeeded at forming strong working relationships with all her students and her grade-level teachers. Leigh is willing to go the extra mile to develop "tools" that will enhance our students' learning! She has been so

much fun to work with and watch her grow into a life-long educator for students that need an extra helping hand!

Curriculum, Assessment, Instruction Director's Report:  Dr. Gibbons
Program/Staff Member Spotlight - I would like to highlight the addition of Becky Lefdal to our team.  She will be overseeing a grant and helping with curriculum documents.  She has performed an audit of what we currently have and has begun transitioning those materials into our FileMaker Pro Standards Module.
Upcoming Events -  Lisa Terrell, Aimee Sigler and I will be attending our second Instructional Materials Fellowship Meeting in Grand Island on February 6 and 7.
The NABE Conference is coming up at the end of February.  I am looking forward to attending with the team this year so we can bring back ideas to strengthen our Dual Language and English Learners programs.
Curriculum Development Requests -

• With new standards this year, it is important for our Social Studies curriculum team to get together this summer to identify priority standards and develop curriculum materials.  

• The Science team will also do curriculum work with the adoption of new materials.

• Jared Severson has requested time to work on the Culinary Arts curriculum and, 

• The dual language team has requested time to improve their curriculum.

Testing Season -  State testing season starts soon.  

• ELPA 21 (ELL) - February 3 - March 13

• NSCAS ELA, Math and Science (grades 3 - 8) - March 16 - April 24 

• ACT - April 7

Rationale: 
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  Jeff Droge and his staff does an outstanding job of providing tech support for our district.  This past month, Mr. Droge and his staff took it upon themselves to work in the nursing home to get the building connected to the Internet and upgrade the wireless network in throughout the entire building. In addition, they have worked with Ron, Paul, and custodial staff to clean, paint, move furniture, etc... to enable us to move the alternative education program in on Monday and offices over the next month.

1.  2020 NCSA Bill Summaries:  See attached document
2.  District Office Building: The State Fire Marshall has approved occupancy of the recently acquired "nursing home" facility.  The building is currently approved under "business" status.  We are working of reclassifying the entire building under "education".  This will allow us to use the building for any programs including (day care, child care, birth to 5 services, school age services, and adult education). We hope to get this plan to the state for approval within the next month.

3.  High School Addition:  We met with representatives from  Hausmann Construction and The Clark-Enersen Partners on progress on the high school addition.  See attached Minutes from the meeting.

Rationale: 
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for February of each year.  Due to conflicts, the meeting was postponed to Monday, February 17th.