April 18, 2011 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Others present were Principals Baumert, Vrba, and Comley, Superintendent Stevens, Assistant Principal Cline, Curriculum Administrator Gibbons and Director of Facilities Mundil. The regular board meeting was preceded by a short presentation to board members on renewal of SCS liability insurance

Discussion:  All 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:  Questions were raised if the contract for the sanitation pick up could be negotiated, if the City of Schuyler would pay 2/3 of the cost to put the City Council meetings on channel 99, and if the Schuyler Volunteer Fire Department could inspect the fire extinguishers at SCS?

Discussion:  There were many audience members present representing the rural attendance centers of SCS. Also present were Mike Folda and Christine Dirkschneider requesting a change of field location for an upcoming soccer game.

Discussion:  Roger Nadrchal, representing NeighborWorks and Kem Cavanah, Schuyler Economic Development Coordinator were present to share facts about houses built in our community through the partnership of NeighborWorks and the SCHS construction class. Also shared were financial figures estimating the potential economic impact the new construction could have on the area economy in twenty to thirty years. NeighborWorks will be awarding $250 scholarships to two members of the class of 2011.

Discussion:  Student representative Cesar Gonzalez reported that FFA, FCCLA and Speech all had members participate in competition at the State level.

Discussion:  Steve Bailey, representing Folda and Company (EMC) and John Curry, representing Inspro (Indiana) presented bids on liability insurance for the district prior to the regular meeting.

Discussion:  A change order request was received from Bierman Construction in connection with the entryway construction at SCHS. The order included charges for removal and replacement of sidewalk and curb on the east side of the high school for a total cost of $12,190. The building committee will examine the area involved in this change order, take into account the increased cost of concrete work and make a decision.

Discussion:  A drawing prepared by Eakes Office Plus depicting existing and proposed new office appurtenances for SCHS was presented. The original bid was $91,000; a grant would bring the cost down to $50,000.

Discussion:  A proposal for renovation of the industrial technology area at SCHS was prepared by Brandon Thoene and Jim Kasik. It would include a better utilization of available space and facilitate the successful career pathways that were established in construction, transportation, and architecture. As much as 90% of the proposed modifications could be done by maintenance employees and/or the construction class. Further action will be taken at the May school board meeting.

Discussion:  Negotiations are proposed to begin in two weeks.

Discussion:  Audience members were asked to sign their names and introduce themselves before addressing the school board members when commenting on the rural schools. Comments from audience members focused on the quality of education, the feeling of community experienced, and whose role it is to promote attendance at rural schools. The school board shared concerns regarding the economic feasibility and cost per pupil at 504R, the continuing radon problem, the question of decreasing enrollment and students optioning to other districts. They also voiced a request for members of each operating council to attend monthly school board meetings. A common theme shared by audience members and stressed by the board members was the necessary support of parents and patrons of District 504R to boost attendance.

Discussion:  Chuck Misek brought up the fact that even though an increased enrollment is desired for 504R, more students could also necessitate hiring an additional teacher. He stated that one teacher who instructs four to five grades might find it difficult to encompass all necessary curriculum in view of required State testing and future Federal testing.

Discussion:  A first reading of the social networking policy will allow time for board members to address any changes before the second reading at the June board meeting.

Discussion:  The Early Retirement Incentive Policy (ERIP) is coming up for renewal on September 1st, 2011. The board is encouraged to consider the policy before the renewal date. The policy affects a certificated employee who resigns voluntarily. The monies are paid from the general fund. This policy has been in existence for five years and to date three employees have taken advantage of it.

Discussion:  The SAA (Schuyler Area Administrators) will suggest a date to meet with board members to approve changes to the 2011-2012 Student-Parent Handbook.

Discussion:  At this time two positions remain unfilled at SCHS - one English and one science.

Discussion:  Assistant principal Cunningham along with Principal Grammer, attended the UNK Teacher Education Recruitment Fair on March 29 and the UNL Teacher Education Recruitment Fair on March 30.

Discussion:  Curriculum Gibbons discussed the denial of the Tier I School grant application to the NDE. Ideas from the grant will still be utilized at little or not cost to the district in order to increase assessment scores. The winning grant applications will be posted online at a future date. Plans have begun to pursue Advanced Education accreditation.

Discussion:  Mr. Gibbons expressed appreciation to the administration, board members and teachers who worked to prepare the calendar. The calendar includes 175 student contact days and 185 teacher contract days. The daily schedule at SCHS is yet to be determined.

Discussion:  Activity Administrator Egr has hired a head girls basketball coach for the 2011-2012 school year. Other positions remaining open are: assistant FFA sponsor, head football and SMS football coaches, assistant girls basketball coach, SMS wrestling assistant coach and a track and field coach. Clarkson Public Schools have signed a contract to co-op with SCHS for the girls' softball program.

Discussion:  Fourteen light poles at SES were found to be defective; ten will be replaced and four will be reinforced.

Discussion:  Principal Vrba reported that ten teachers at SES have been reassigned to different grade positions where their talents could best be utilized.

Discussion:  Assistant principal Cline reported that over $800 was raised in a "penny wars" contest; the money will be donated to the earthquake victims in Japan.

Discussion:  The most recent transfer within the district included one student and nine students opted out of the district.

Discussion:  A plaque presented to SCS from American Concrete Institute was displayed.

Discussion:  A request from Sandy Escobar, a junior student at SCHS has requested permission from the school board to graduate as a member of the class of 2011.

Discussion:  Two resignations effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year were received - one from Seth McClain, SMS and one from Ruby Perez, SCHS.

Discussion:  Lori Benesch will be receiving her verification of successful employment experience. This is a requirement for teaching certificate renewal.

Discussion:  Lumir Jedlicka's name has been put on the ballot as a NASB District 12 Legislative candidate. He faces two other opponents.

Discussion:  Shanda Hall, fifth grade teacher at SMS will become the new SMS library/media specialist.