March 21, 2011 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  School personnel present were Superintendent Stevens, Assistant Principals Cunningham and Cline, Principals Baumert, Grammer, Vrba and Comley, Director of Facilities Mundil, Activities Administrator Egr, Curriculum Administrator Gibbons, Technology Coordinator, Droge and Student Representative, Cesar Gonzalez.

Discussion:  All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka declared the meeting was preceded by advance notice and declared to be an open session.

Discussion:  Three bills, each over $5000, were approved: ESU7, Grand Island Physical Therapy and Biermann Construction.

Discussion:  Student representative Gonzalez reported that the Compatability Match sponsored by FCCLA on Valentine's Day earned $286. The Student Council sponsored a dodgeball tournament on March 17; eight teams participated.

Discussion:  The reduction in tax valuation of Cargill Meat Solutions has resulted in the necessary repayment of $127,981.24 of property tax revenue for SCS (Schuyler Community Schools) from 2008 tax revenue already received. Discussion centered on whether to pay the full amount in one lump-sum or to spread out the payments over five years. If the full amount has not been paid in five years, a 14% interest rate will be applied. The consensus of the board was to set aside 1/5 of the amount necessary each year for five years. The Cargill appeal to have their 2009 property taxes reduced has not been acted on by the TERC (Tax Equalization and Review Commission.)

Discussion:  The renewal for liability insurance for SCS will come due in May. One company, ALICAP, declined to provide a bid; two others will provide sealed bids at the April meeting through Folda and Company Insurance.

Discussion:  Mechanical, plumbing and electrical preliminary specifications for the SES addition have been received from Hewgley and Associates. The project is approximately one month away from putting the project out to bidders. Discussion centered on the roof-line of the new addition. A special meeting date will be set to discuss the specifications.

Discussion:  NeighborWorks and SCS agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction and sale of a single-family detached unit beginning in the school year 2011-2012. The property lot that the home will be constructed on will be the result of a property within the city limits of Schuyler acquired by NeighborWorks® Northeast Nebraska. Said property is located at 221 East 20th Street, Schuyler, Nebraska. SCS will request that the yearly stipend received be increased from $2000 to $3000.

Discussion:  The negotiations committee will meet on Tuesday, March 22.

Discussion:  The School Improvement Grant was submitted to the NDE on Friday, March 18, 2011. After the grant application is rated, SCS will be contacted by the NDE to discuss our capacity and commitment to carry out the requests listed in the application. If the grant application is approved, grant monies will be disbursed annually over a three-year period.

Discussion:  Music education in the SCS system is provided to 1700 students (not counting pre-school) by four teachers. The board discussed adding one additional music educator to allow more time at individual schools. Presently, rural schools only receive fifteen to twenty minutes daily of vocal or instrumental music education. The board authorized Superintendent Stevens to pursue the matter through advertisements and recruiting.

Discussion:  A discussion of the rural schools in the SCS system centered on the number of students served at each attendance center, the water purity and radon concerns at 504R and the possibility of offering only grades K-6. Ron Mundil said that the radon problem has been addressed but the radon count is still too high. It was suggested that three board members and two administrators meet with the operating council at 504R on March 23 and additionally at a later date, with the operating councils of Fishers #24 and Richland #1.

Discussion:  Mr. Droge advised the board of the need to update the wireless infrastructure in the SCS system. If the One-to-One program would be implemented at a future date, it is imperative the infrastructure be updated. A bid was received from Prime Communications for the project. An application to E-Rate for financial aid would help reduce the cost at SMS and SES by $60,000.

Discussion:  A proposal for the 2011-2012 calendar has been prepared. The proposal contains 187 contract days. The The School Improvement Grant submitted to the NDE contained a request to fund the extra three contract days for professional development. The school day at the high school would be lengthened, but no longer than an eight-hour day. A decision will be made on the calendar proposal by the April meeting.

Discussion:  A first reading of the social networking policy was read. This policy was drafted by the policy committee and administrators to address the changes in social networking for staff and students.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka has applied to the NASB for an elected position to the legislative committee.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens would like to set up a meeting with a member of the NASB to educate the SCS board on matters of "boardmanship" including parliamentary procedure, legislative matters, etc.

Discussion:  Principal Baumert reported the following Schuyler Central High School teachers are recommended for tenure for the 2011 – 2012: Cindy Beebe, business education teacher; Cherrie Cummings, mathematics teacher; Mollie Kriz, family and consumer science teacher; and Dallas Sweet, business education teacher. Staff openings for the 2011 – 2012 school year: two English positions, one family and consumer science, and one science; and at this time one para educator position.

Discussion:  The Nebraska State Patrol visited SHCS on March 3rd. The school was placed into lockdown so the trooper’s and dogs could do locker checks.

Discussion:  A.D. Egr reported on Spring Sport Numbers: The numbers for spring athletic participation are up slightly from last year. Spring sports participants are as follows: 9-12 track and field,37; SMS track and field,102; girls soccer,48; boys soccer,54; boys golf,6.

Discussion:  Mr. Mundil questioned the board as to what will be done with the rock removed from the roof of SMS as the new roofing project begins. It was decided to stockpile the rock for a later use.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens reported that in addition to the certified positions open at the high school, there are two open positions at SMS and one at SES. Principal Grammer and Assistant principal Cunningham will attend recruiting functions at UNL and UNK. Non-binding letters of intent will be sent to certified staff on March 23. Reduction-in-Force letters must be presented by April 15.

Discussion:  Julie Dirkschneider has requested 11 1/2 days from the administrator/classified emergency medical leave bank.

Discussion:  The following is a summary of the option and transfer students. Transfers: Culton Bohac – 2nd – SES to 24, Cade Bohac – K – SES to 24, Mason Albers – K – SES to 24, Reagan Koliha – K – SES to 24, Kurt Schneider – K – SES to 24, Kodie Kracl – K – SES to 24, Christian Sobota – 8th – Richland to SES, Sierra Zelasney – K – SES to Richland, Clara Lesiak – K – SES to Richland, and Ryan Kluck – K – SES to Richland Option Out: Kyle Muehlich – 9th – SCHS to North Bend, Kyle Jedlicka - 5th – 24 to North Bend, Brady Jedlicka – K – 24 to North Bend, Cole Jedlicka – 8th – 24 to North Bend, Ryan Brichacek – K – 24 to Clarkson, Justin Horejsi – 7th – 24 to Howells and Kate Peters – K - 504R to North Bend Change of Status: Miranda Babcock – 11th – was an option out to Columbus; has moved into the Columbus district.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka declared the meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.