December 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  After the meeting was called to order President Jedlicka declared the meeting was preceded by advance notice and declared to be an open session. Also present were Principals Pavlik, Grammer, Comley, and Vrba, Assistant Principals Cunningham and Cline, Curriculum Administrator Gibbons, Activity Administrator Egr, Director of Facilities Mundil, Superintendent Stevens, and Student Council Representatives Cesar Gonzalez and Rudy Pineda.

Discussion:  All those present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  The Board approved six bills over $5000.

Discussion:  Advantages of moving the 6th,7th, and 8th graders to SMS and the advantages to the students remaining at their respective schools were listed by Principal Grammer. Many visitors were in attendance to present views for and against the proposal. SMS teachers who highlighted their individual curriculums were Dawn Prescott, Computer Literacy; Jenny Wagner,Family Consumer Science; Jo Krummel, Reading; Shane Haley, Industrial Technology; Rob Scheffler, Public Speaking, and Shanda Hall, Media Center Information Literacy. Curriculum Administrator Gibbons shared that in 2009-2010 when the SMS math program needed to be improved, part of the solution was to improve the SES math program. Using that guideline, in January the 6th-8th grade teachers will begin to improve the curriculum to better prepare students for high school discourse. Student Council representative Pineda read a prepared statement detailing what education in the SCS system means to him. Guests from District 504R commented they would like some time to try and "grow" their student base. Superintendent Stevens pointed out that the decision is not "my way or the highway," but the decision must be what is best for the students. President Jedlicka added that the NDE has begun promoting the long-term goal of preparing students for college beginning in the elementary grades.

Discussion:  Student Council representative Gonzalez shared information on term two finals, Spirit Week, ringing bells for the Salvation Army and the first week of sports competitions.

Discussion:  Black Hills/Colfax County continues to seek reimbursement of $9,782 for 2010 for overcharged taxes based on appealed property values. Parr recommended that the amount be paid in full rather than spread out over a five-year period.

Discussion:  There has been no final decision made on the property tax appeal for 2009 property tax revenue made by Cargill.

Discussion:  This policy, with action requested by ESU7, is to be approved with an emergency clause (thus the need for only one reading.) Due to legislation, SCS needs to afford an opportunity to test kindergarteners who will reach the age of five years on or after August 1 and on or before October 15 of such school year if the parent or guardian requests such entrance and provides an affidavit stating that (i) the child attended kindergarten in another jurisdiction in the current school year; (ii) the family anticipates a relocation to another jurisdiction that would allow admission within the current year; or (iii) the child has demonstrated through a recognized assessment procedure approved by the School Board that the child is capable of carrying the work of kindergarten.

Discussion:  This was the second and final reading. This issue was voted on again this month due to a discrepancy in wording.

Discussion:  After discussion at the November meeting, the following was added to the contract between SCS and the City of Schuyler regarding channel 99 - "The parties hereto agree that this restated agreement shall continue in full force and effect unless one party gives notice to the other party at least 90 days prior to the effective date of that party's intent to terminate this agreement. Further, the parties do agree to meet on a biannual basis to discuss the Channel 99 program and to determine whether or not any revisions to this restated agreement are necessary considering the overall benefit of Channel 99 to the community of Schuyler, Nebraska."

Discussion:  President Jedlicka would like to see the SCS administration, teachers and school board support the Foundation financially before the alumni are contacted. The Foundation needs one or more persons to spearhead this effort and he would like to see the Foundation get to a point where it can "give back" to the SCS classrooms.

Discussion:  Activities Administrator Egr shared results of a survey she put together from other conference schools detailing the quantity and use of vehicles by the school districts. She continues to explore equipping the west gym with a section of bleachers that are handicapped accessible. We have had some different ideas presented and more information will be shared at an upcoming Board meeting.

Discussion:  Two bids were received for radon removal at District 504R. The low bid will be accepted with the understanding that if radon levels are not reduced below 4pCi/L with initial installation, additional work will be charged @$42/hr. plus materials + 20%. Electrical hook-up is not included and will be provided by SCS maintenance staff.

Discussion:  Principals Comley and Vrba had teachers invite parents of those students who were of concern to Parent-Teacher Conferences. They had good results with this approach.

Discussion:  Some information on self-funding health insurance has been collected. Negotiators will be encouraged to look at it more closely as the time for negotiation nears.

Discussion:  The terms of Board members Parr, Misek, and Semerad will expire in 2012. The Superintendent reminded them of the February 15, 2012 deadline to register for re-election.

Discussion:  Rich Brabec (level 4) and Chuck Misek (level 1) each received a NASB participation award. This is based on attendance at NASB events. A board member’s points accumulate throughout their time in office.

Discussion:  The fifth and final $100,000 payment from Cargill toward the SCS school bond was received. This makes a total of $500,000 that was donated by Cargill for the building of SES.

Discussion:  Annual evaluations of the Superintendent's performance were distributed to Board members and returned to President Jedlicka.

Discussion:  At 10:17 PM a motion was made by Brabec and seconded by Parr to enter into executive session to discuss the Superintendent's evaluation. The motion was carried. After a short break, the executive session resumed. At 11:52 PM a motion was made by Semerad and seconded by Vavricek to exit executive session.