March 12, 2018 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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I. Call Meeting to Order
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
Discussion:
President Brabec called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM. The SCS Mission Statement was read.
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I.A. Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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I.B. Declaration of Open Meeting
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 back of the meeting room. Nebraska Open Meetings Act: http://nitc.nebraska.gov/documents/statutes/NebraskaOpenMeetingsAct_current.pdf
Discussion:
This meeting was preceded by advance notice and declared to be in open session.
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II. Approval of Consent Agenda
Rationale:
Discuss, Consider and Take Action on the consent agenda
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the consent agenda Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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II.A. Agenda
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II.B. Minutes
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II.C. Acceptance of Claims
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II.C.1. Bills of $5,000 or more
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II.D. Financial
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II.E. Other Listed Reports
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III. Public Forum - We ask that all presentation be limited in their length.
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III.A. Recognition of visitors and guests
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III.B. Other topics (limited to 5 minutes - subject to guidelines of the Board Participation Policy)
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III.C. Student Representative's Report
Discussion:
Carlos Alarcon reported that we are starting a new quarter. Spring sports are getting underway. The speech team is at District competition. Carlos reported that the students also wanted to thank Mr. Brabec for standing up for Schuyler Community Schools and all the students at the meeting with the Nebraska Department of Education that was held in Lincoln and that the students thought of him as a hero.
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IV. Action Items
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IV.A. Americanism: Curriculum, Assessment, and Instructional Programs
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for reviewing curriculum recommendations, textbook selection, requisitions/inventory, and instructional programs.
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IV.A.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2017 textbook replacement and curriculum updates.
Rationale:
Dr. Gibbons and building principals have reviewed the textbook cycle recommendations and are working with teachers on updating books and materials in the area identified for 2018-2019 school year. If the Bilingual Education program gets off the ground for 2018-19, Dr. Gibbons will provide an update to the plan in the areas under consideration for bilingual instruction. See attached information.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2018 textbook replacement and curriculum updates. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Gibbons reported about process that they use for replacing text books. Questions were asked about the elementary building piloting a new reading program call Wonders. Dr. Gibbons addressed the difference between the Reading Mastery and Wonders programs and how the Wonders will benefit the students.
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IV.A.2. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the Interlocal agreement with Central Community College.
Rationale:
This interlocal agreement between Schuyler Community Schools and Central Community College replaces the former Affiliation Agreement currently on file. See attached agreement.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Interlocal Agreement with Central Community College as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.A.3. Consider, discuss and take action to approve 2018-2019 Special Education Services with ESU 7.
Rationale:
Attached are the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 services provided by ESU 7. Changes in the contract increases psychology services from .8 FTE to 1.0 FTE, and speech therapy services from 2.8 to 3.0. I attached the 2017-18 contract for comparison purposes.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2018-2019 Special Education Contract with ESU 7. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.A.4. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the contract with Central Nebraska Rehabilitation Services for physical and occupational therapy services.
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 per hour below the state approved rate. See attached information.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the contract with Central Nebraska Rehabilitation Services for physical and occupational therapy services... Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
There was some discussion on if the contract should be for one or a three year contract. Even though everyone is happy currently with the services provided it was noted that are you then committed to the contract even if you would be unhappy with the services provided they following year. It was decided to enter into the one year contract.
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IV.B. Building, Grounds, and Transportation
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for recommending approval of building/grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building and maintenance and upgrade schedule.
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IV.B.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2018 vehicle replacement plan
Rationale:
Attached is the vehicle replacement plan with the plan for both large and small vehicle replacement. The transportation committee replaced a 71 passenger bus in the fall of 2017 for $65,850 and to replace two small vehicles as scheduled on the vehicle replacement cycle this spring.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2018 vehicle replacement plan as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
They are looking for a cargo van without windows and the other vehicle is pickup to replace an old van.
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IV.B.2. Consider, discuss, and take action to accept the bid from Reineke Ford for a 2013 Ford Pickup.
Rationale:
See attached bids on a used pickup. Information for each vehicle are attached.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept the bid on a 2013 Ford Pickup and trade allowance from Reineke Ford. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.B.3. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2018 equipment replacement plan
Rationale:
Ronnie Mundil and his staff have created an equipment replacement cycle to help us coordinate both the replacement and budget for large maintenance equipment replacement. Attached is the recommended cycle for 2018.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2018 maintenance equipment replacement plan as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
We are on the 2nd year of the placement plan. We are looking for a gator, carpet extractor and a blade for the pickup to aid in snow removal for the district. for this year.
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IV.B.4. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve 2018 Building and Grounds Summer Maintenance Plan
Rationale:
Building principals have worked with Ronnie Mundil and maintenance staff on recommended upgrades to their buildings and grounds. Included in this plan is a two-year plan to extend classroom lab space for ITE and Vocational Agriculture programs and utilize some of the space on the east end of the current Ag. Lab for the Art program.
The space (28 x 75) to the south west of the current Ag and ITE classroom would serve as common classroom space for construction and automotive. This would create space for the high school art program to move from the science area and have double the current classroom space in a better location. Moving the art room would allow us to utilize an already existing science room needed for an additional science teacher in 2019-2020. See attached plans. Advertisements for this addition will be in the Schuyler Sun on March 8 and 15 and in the Columbus Telegram on March 7 & 17. Bid letting for this project will be on March 28th at 10:00 AM The board of education may approve this project in April if bids are approved, or reject the project at that time.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve 2018 Building and Grounds Summer Maintenance Plan Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.C. Governance: Public Relations, Technology, and Planning
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for recommending the annual district calendar, strategic planning process, technology, and promoting positive public relations and communications program.
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IV.C.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2018 technology replacement plan.
Rationale:
We replace two classrooms of iPads each year. In addition Mr. Droge manages computers, printers, and copiers on a rotation schedule. See attached plan.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2018 technology replacement plan as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The older IPad's will be used at SES and the Rural schools. They will then have over 500 devices to be used.
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IV.D. Budget, finance, negotiations, and personnel
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for budget, finance, and contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff, and support staff.
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IV.D.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the Resolution to authorize the Colfax County Treasurer to withold April tax receipts in the amount of $211,362.57 and pay the total withholding to Cargill Meat Solutions Corp on or before June 15, 2018.
Rationale:
Attached is a resolution to the Colfax County Treasurer to pay in advance and withhold from tax receipts the amount of overpayment of real estate taxes, and refund the amount of $211,362.57 to Cargill Meat Solutions on or before June 15, 2018.
This resolution is a result of an agreement with Cargill to return the money in support of a housing construction grant application with Nebraska Investment Fund Authority (NIFA) and Department of Economic Development (DED). See attached documents.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the resolution to authorize the Colfax County Treasurer to withhold $211,362.57 and pay Cargill Meat Solutions Inc. as payment in full. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
There was discussion on how this money will then be used to support housing in Schuyler .
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IV.D.2. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve teacher early retirement requests.
Rationale:
We have one qualified early retirement request to approve:
1. Dawn Prescott: SMS Technology Teacher Partial Qualification or beyond 4 year qualification. 1. Jean Conrad: SCHS Title/Math/ELL (1/3 Benefit) 2. Barbara Kudera: SMS Family & Consumer Science Teacher (1/3 Benefit) See attached Early Retirement Policy
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the early retirement requests and thank them for their service to the district. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.D.3. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve staff resignations
Rationale:
1. Karen Tschida: Elementary Music Teacher 2. Elizabeth Johnson: High School Math Teacher 3. Molly Kroupa: SES Physical Education Teacher 4. Mary Breedlove: SCHS Family and Consumer Science Teacher
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept Karen Tschida, Elizabeth Johnson, Molly Kroups, and Mary Breedlove's resignations and thank them for their service to the district. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.D.4. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve new hire recommendations
Rationale:
1. Mollie Maresh: Vocational Agriculture Teacher 2. Joel Carrillo: High School Math Teacher 3. Hope Pedersen: SES Teacher 4. Odalys Cruz: SMS Math/Spanish Teacher
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve new hire recommendations as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
New hire recommendations
Mollie Maresh: Vocational Agriculture Teacher Joel Carrillo: High School Math Teacher Hope Pedersen: SES Teacher Odalys Cruz: SMS Math/Spanish Teacher |
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IV.D.5. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve 2018-19 support program coordinators and directors contracts
Rationale:
The finance committee met and approved salary proposals for program coordinators for 2018-19 school year. We will be extending teacher contracts in April and support staff and extra-duty contracts in May. See attached information.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve 2018-2019 support program coordinators and directors contracts as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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V. Discussion Items and Reports
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V.A. Principals Reports
Rationale:
SES Principals' Report: Mr. Kovar and Mr. Comley Preschool held registration on March 6th. Fairly good turn out as of 4:00pm. I will report more at meeting. Formal observations wrapping up. Mr. Kovar and I saw some great things! Despite weather, traffic is going well. We will be working on the non-hard surface roads and parking lots as weather permits. Kindergarten 137 1st Grade 121 2nd Grade 124 3rd Grade 157 4th Grade 127 5th Grade 119 Preschool 110 Rural Schools Principal's Report: Mr. Reinsch Richland 1) We are actively advertising for students pre-school through 7th for next year. 2) Thanks to Mr. Burton for his work with PE students who participated in Jump Rope for Heart. Richland students collected $517. 3) The Science Fair will be held in April. 4) 2018 is the 50th year for the school at Richland. Teachers are planning a celebration either at the end of this year, during the summer or around Labor Day. Fishers 1) Science Fair will be held on March 22. 2) Jump Rope for Heart - Students collected $1,065. A check for $730 was sent to the American Heart Association representing the total donation from both rural schools. SMS Principal's Report: Mr. Zavadil -Filling open positions has been a smooth process up to this point. Mrs. Burton and myself are very happy with the pool of candidates for our open positions. -Fourth quarter is in full swing and formal evaluations for our teaching staff is wrapping up. Most of our teaching staff has done a great job of focusing on their instructional methods the implementation of self developed growth plans has been a benefit that has allowed us to focus our conversations on particular instructional strategies for improvement. For the remainder of the school year the supervision of instruction will be focused on gathering walkthrough data. SMS Principal’s Report: Mrs. Burton Enrollment 8th Grade-123 Total-402 Students SMS looks forward to welcoming Nebraska Attorney General, Doug Petersen, will be speaking to the students and staff members at SMS. We welcome the Board of Education to take part in the presentation. Mr. Petersen will begin speaking at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Zavadil and myself have been busy finalizing all formal classroom observations this month. We will continue informal observations, as well as students working toward higher levels of improvement, throughout the year. Our formal classified staff evaluations will also begin to take place. Discovery Education Math Coaching has continued throughout the year. We are thankful for the continued growth of our math teachers as they meet the needs of students and grow them from one year to the next. We have noticed specifically high gains in 6th grade, as the class periods are extended to further meet student academic needs. The MVP Community Service program continues at SMS. Each 8th grader has their entire SMS career to complete twenty hours serving the communities within the school district. We ask that all students have these completed by the last day of school. We are thankful for the many community partners that encourage our students to be a part of their outreach. SCHS Assistant Principal's Report: Mr. Kasik
Connor Bywater was selected to the conference Honor Band this past month. Congratulations to Connor for his diligence in the Band and to Mr. Coatney his band teacher. We have hired four new staff at the high school. Ms. Molly Maresh will be teaching Ag classes and sponsoring FFA; Alexa Stephenson will be teaching Physical Scence; Stacy Shonka will be teaching Mathematics; Joel Carrillo will be teaching Mathematics. I would like to welcome our new staff and look forward to working with them as they work with our students. Enrollment as of January 9th.: Seniors—120; Juniors-135; Sophomores—165; Freshmen—150. Total—570 Sertoma Fine Arts Students Of The Month are Connor Bywater for Band and Cassandra Macholan for her involvement in speech. Congratulations on their hard work and success in their areas of interest. We will be finishing up our spring formal observations. We are seeing many benefits to the classroom coaching, provided by Discovery Ed, in our classes. By working with Discovery Ed our staff are demonstrating growth and improvement of their instruction. Teachers have begun implementing and using the John Baylor ACT PREP in their classrooms and during Focus time. We are also still using the John Baylor ACT Prep program for all of our students who want to sign up for after school on Fridays. We are preparing our Juniors for the ACT test on April 3rd. Congratulations to our art students in their competitions and displaying of their art projects. At districts we did well and we have students work up for national recognition and those students who qualify will be announced on March 14th . We also have 10 students involved in the Columbus Art Show and two students in Lincoln for the UNL Art department displays. Congratulations to our students for their hard work and to Mr. Trotter for his work with our students. On Monday, March 5th the Speech team performed in the Speech Showcase for relatives and patrons of the community. There was approximately 60 people that came to the Showcase. |
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V.B. Directors Reports
Rationale:
After-School Program Director's Report: Ms. Bebout Youth Basketball has now completed for the year. We will be evaluating all programs now and working with coaches to identify strengths and weaknesses of the programs. I estimate that over 500 kids participated in youth tackle football, volleyball, flag football and basketball. We are always trying to build numbers and improve programs. The heads of all youth sports have been meeting to improve all aspects of youth sports and make sure that all families have a wide range of opportunities for their kids, and know where to go to find these choices. We will be working with Kady Arps to create something on the school website. SMS Activities Director's Report: Mr. Zavadil Spring sports are underway with the Middle School Track starting practice in one week. Our first JH track meet will be the "Early-Bird" meet at Wisner on April 3rd followed by West Point April 12th. -Mr. Kasik and I have been working together to put our coaching staff together for next year with a small number of changes to the teaching staff the job is a smaller one this year. -I am continuing to work with our Middle School coaching staff on schedules for the next year. -Mr. Kovar and I are continuing our work with the youth sports organizations in the community. -The unpredictable weather has forced our spring coaches to use the Field-House extensively for the first few weeks of varsity spring sports. Mrs. Trotter and myself have been working with them to arrange times for practices. The facility has been a blessing! SCHS Activities Director's Report: Mr. Kasik
Current special education students served: Birth to 5: 39 (with 7 more pending) SES: 87 (with 9 more pending) Rural: 9 SMS: 46 (with 4 more pending) SCHS: 35 (with 2 more pending) Speech in SCS: 27 Parochial Schools: 6 Total: 249 (with +22 more pending)s My center of attention throughout the month of February and first week of March was to perform my second rounds of formal iobservations. I am amazed by the growth of our first-year teachers. I admire their desire to add to their "tool kits" so they can reach more students and help students be more successful! The administration team did a phenomenal job of hiring last year!! We are extremely lucky to have April Becker, our school psychologist, join our team. Her impact has been felt in all of our buildings and with our students across the district! Planning...planning...planning: That has been a key word in my office since January! We have been working with making each school's special education program more effective and more comprehensive without hiring any additional staff! Next year, we will be having five high needs students joining the SES family. The transition plans are being developed and visits to "their new school" will begin this month! The SMS high needs students have already been visiting their new school. These transition visits are a crucial key towards helping students be successful at the beginning of the next school year!! It truly lowers the stress and anxiety!! Our next goal is to be able to level the "playing field" for struggling students at SCHS. There has to be a way to build each student's skill set so they may be successful as they navigate their way through their high school career. Dr. Hoesing has given us a key but now we have to unlock the door to success!! Dave Gibbons School Improvement Coordinator Student Services Director Board Report March, 2018 2017 - 2018 State Assessments - We will be starting the assessments soon. Dates of the assessments are as follows: ELPA - Feb. 5 - March 16, 2018 NSCAS ELA, Math, Science - March 19 - May 4, 2018 ACT - April 3, 2018 (Make-up date April 24) School Improvement Grant - We had a few coaching days with teachers during the month of February. Please note that we will be having all high school staff engaged in professional learning on Tuesday, March 13 so students will not be in school that day. Accreditation - I’ve attached a copy of our AdvancED Engagement Review Report. I believe that this is a good report for us. As expected, we have some items that are strengths, some that are good and some that are in need of improvement. Please take the time to read the entire report. It is easy to focus on the needs improvement areas but there is good information for us and good gems of information in the narratives. Federal Programs -Title IA - Schuyler Elementary, Middle and High School are our Title I schools. This is their plan review year so each of those buildings are working on putting their evidence together to submit to the state. Title II - I am setting up a date this spring to provide PD to our principals and a couple teacher leaders for our move to the Focus Evaluation Model. It is basically the same thing that we are doing, but is a strategic reduction in the elements that are being monitored. Title III - We used some of our Title III funds on professional development by sending a team to the National Association of Bilingual Education Conference (NABE) in New Mexico. Our team was able to see sessions from schools and national experts on strategies for building a successful dual language school. I am working on setting up a team that will build professional development modules that link EL strategies to our Schuyler Instructional Model.
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V.C. Superintendent's Report
Rationale:
1. 2018 Legislation Update: See attached information. 2. Priority School Update: Mr. Brabec did a great job of presenting our request for reconsideration of our priority school designation to the state board of education. We have not heard anything from NDE on our request. Attached is a summary of our request. 3. 2018-19 State Aid Certification: Attached are three documents: 1) Budget Authority 2) Cost Per Pupil 2018 3) 2018-19 Certified State Aid
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V.D. Board Member/Committee Reports
Rationale:
Minutes from the March 2018 Foundation Meeting Members present: Brian, Dan, Lumir, Virginia, Sandy & Joyce Members Absent: Victor Others Present: Shelley Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm Brian read the Vision, Mission Statements and the Goals Secretary/Report Minutes and Treasurer’s Report were reviewed as submitted Election of Officers President- Virginia nominated Brian 2nd by Lumir and Dan made a motion to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Brian as President, 2nd by Virginia. 6-0 Vice President- Dan nominated Sandy 2nd by Virginia and Dan made a motion to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Sandy as Vice President , 2nd by Brian. 6-0 Secretary- Joyce nominated Virginia 2nd by Sandy and Dan made a motion to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Virginia as Secretary, 2nd by Lumir, 6-0 Treasurer- Brian nominated Lumir 2nd by Sandy and Dan made a motion to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Lumir is Treasurer, 2nd by Virginia, 6-0 Brian appointed Shelley as recording secretary Committee members were discussed and if any changes needed to be made but none were made Committee Reports Labor Day- nothing new to report Scholarship · Sandy mentioned the new Rotary Scholarship · Discussion on the Herde Scholarship- sending a thank you from the foundation and also possibility of a picture and article in the Schuyler Sun Shelley will contact Eileen for further details Education · Brian discussed adding another member from the chamber for the selection committee for Outstanding staff awards PR/Communications- nothing new to report Alumni Honors Committee · Joyce suggested looking for another member to start learning the process of the Distinguished Alumni Awards Fundraising- nothing new to report School Facilities · Dan reported on a few future projects that are being discussed for the high school Brian had worksheets for each member to fill out and then Shelley will compile the responses Biggest/Most Important SCS Foundation Accomplishment of 2017
Next meeting is April 9, 2018 at noon at the Schuyler High School Superintendent’s office |
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VI. Correspondence Items
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VII. Adjournment
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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