June 11, 2012 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Jeff Droge gave a presentation to the school board about implementing the One-to-One Initiative that would provide iPads to SCS students. Phase one of the program would include purchasing iPads for 8th grade students and teachers of students in grades 6-12. Professional development is included so teachers would understand and feel comfortable using the devices in the classroom before students would receive them. The second phase would purchase enough iPads for every student at SCHS. Ongoing training is included in the proposed five-year timeline. Assisting in the presentation were Matthew Eller, Shanda Hall, Becky Thumann, Dave Gibbons, and Robin Stevens.

Discussion:  All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka stated that the meeting had been preceded by advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session.

Discussion:  There were a total of ten bills over $5000. All bills were approved with the exception of one bill to Sandra O'Berg for reimbursement of a student mileage claim.

Discussion:  This motion amends a discrepancy in the wording of an action taken at the April meeting regarding the increase in the price of breakfast for students. The 2011-2012 price for a breakfast was $1.35 with a proposed .15 cent increase for the 2012-2013 school year, bringing the price for a lunch to $1.50.

Discussion:  Two modular classrooms currently on the SMS campus are being sold back to Nu-Trend Homes. The projected receipt per structure is $28,500.

Discussion:  Pictures were shared of the remodeling/renovation project at SES. Progress is on schedule with completion scheduled for late July. The Quarterly Community Forum, sponsored by the City of Schuyler will take place at SES on Thursday, June 14 at 4:15 PM. Participants will be provided with a tour of the project.

Discussion:  The Building and Grounds Committee met with Director of Facilities Mundil to discuss the lawn-care program that is currently in place. They agreed that the program is well-documented and the lawns are being well cared for. It was noted that not every lawn or playing field is treated with the same lawn-care procedures and that economy is implemented when possible.

Discussion:  The timeline for the negotiations committee to meet with the SEA(Schuyler Education Association) for the 2013-2014 bargaining process begins on September 1st, 2012.

Discussion:  Questions and points made about the One-to-One Initiative included: How will the learning curve for veteran teachers be handled? Professional development must be an on-going offering; What is the best way to pay for the program? What will be done to address negligence and/or theft? Is Apple the only company to offer these devices?

Discussion:  The current Assistant Principal will be leaving to take another position. Discussion centered on whether the position should be maintained for the 2012-2013 school year. The ratio of student to administration and certified staff to administration compared SCHS to six other class B Conference Schools showed that our school is not over-administered. Also mentioned were other factors that make our population unique including a high poverty rate and a large Latino base that bring about challenges; but also allow us to offer other non-traditional programs. The consensus of the school board was to pursue a new Assistant Principal.

Discussion:  The policy committee will meet to discuss changes in the ERIP and Proof of Residency policies.

Discussion:  Brian Vavricek gave an update of the SCS Foundation. They are planning activities during the Labor Day celebration that will include offering bus transportation among the three city school campuses with guided tours among the school buildings.

Discussion:  Due to the fact that 33,000 square feet has been added to the SCS facilties, the Superintendent requested that a committee be formed to study the feasibility of adding another 1.5 FTE person to the custodial staff.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens encouraged school board members to register and attend the NASB-NCSA Convention in September.

Discussion:  From now on groups that rent any SCS facility for private use will be required to furnish a proof-of-insurance statement.

Discussion:  Curriculum Director, Dave Gibbons reported on the results for the NeSA writing test that was given to 4th, 8th, and 11th graders in the 2011-2012 school year. He said that the manner in which the tests are graded has been changed, thus proficiency is down across the entire State of Nebraska. A new, more rigorous writing process was introduced to students in grades 8 and 11. In addition to the newly revised writing standards, the writing process became more “college and career ready.”

Discussion:  A report from Bonnie Zrust detailing the Emergency Medical Leave Bank for certified staff stated that 134 days were donated to the bank by certified staff and all days were used. Suggested changes for the 2012-2013 year are that all maternity leave requests should be for 10 days maximum. There should be no distinction or preference for C-section deliveries vs. 'normal' deliveries. 2) Automatically collect more days in January so we do not run short of days midyear.