January 14, 2013 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by President Jedlicka. All board members were present. Also present were Superintendent Stevens, Principals Pavlik, Grammer, Comley, and Vrba, Assistant Principals Kovar and Reinsch, Director of Facilities Mundil, Curriculum Director Gibbons and Student Council representative Caleb Krejci.

Discussion:  All those 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:  To show the Board of Education they are appreciated for all they do, a decorated cake was presented for all those present to enjoy.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens welcomed Eric Cerny, the newest member of the Board of Education and then read the Oath of Office for all members as they begin a new year.

Discussion:  There were seven topics that the Building and Grounds Committee had up for discussion.

Discussion:  The future location of the SCS Preschool was discussed. At present, the Preschool is located in a modular classroom on the North Ward site. Several possibilities included repairing the modular classroom from the hail damage, remodeling the first floor of the North Ward School,demolishing the existing North Ward School, erecting a new building, or leaving things as they currently are. A major part of the discussion centered on whether to repair the entire roof on the North Ward School, repair the roof over the multipurpose room, or repair the entryway roof. Bids were received for a metal roof or a spray-on type of roof. Also discussed was the cost of the demolition of the school with estimates from $100,000 to $135,000. Principal Comley investigated an EduCare Preschool in Lincoln that was funded in large part by the Susan Buffet Foundation. He will ask those connected with the foundation to meet with him and Superintendent Stevens to collect further information.

Discussion:  On December 21 Bill Zegers visited the teachers from Fishers #24 and Richland School about the Code Red Lock Down drill. Other safety concerns mentioned were an intercom system that was not functioning or in the case of Richland, did not exist; a front door sensor that needed adjusting; classroom doors that do not lock; and windows that are painted shut. Superintendent Stevens has authorized the purchase of an entry-buzzer system for both schools.

Discussion:  The security camera system at the high school needs to be upgraded. The technology for clarity since the previous installation has improved; in addition, the new system would allow the user to zoom in on a subject. Also discussed were projections of future enrollment up to ten years from now and classroom needs that would have to be provided. Projections show eleven new classrooms would be needed and six classrooms would need to be remodeled.

Discussion:  The administration is recommending that the relationship between SCS and the Boys Town satellite school in Duncan be severed. An alternate solution is being proposed by using the 504R School as the new Alternative Education site. This move would also relocate the students who currently attend the #123 A.E. site to the 504R location. The Colfax County Attorney indicated that there could be federal funds to help pay for this project. The per student cost would be less by educating our students locally instead of transporting them to the Duncan location. It would also be possible for A.E. students from other districts to contract with SCS for education from the facility. The cost estimate does include one full-time teacher and one full-time para-educator. The administration would like to see this site in operation for the 13-14 school year.

Discussion:  The playground equipment at the southwest corner of SMS is more age-appropriate for the students at SES. Plans are being made to move the equipment to Schuyler Elementary School.

Discussion:  Bids were received from three auto dealers for a used van to replace the one that was damaged in an accident. Bids for used vans are only viable for five days. According to state law, a twelve-passenger van can be modified into an eleven-passenger van but a school district is not allowed to purchase a new 12-passenger van-only an authorized auto dealer can make the modification.

Discussion:  Heat pumps that were originally ordered for SES arrived damaged so replacements were sent. The replacements contained air conditioning units only - heat units were not included. The vendor assures Superintendent Stevens that proper replacements will be installed.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens opened the election of officers for the Board of Education. Vavricek nominated Lumir Jedlicka; Semerad seconded the motion. All voted aye.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka asked for nominations for the office of Vice President. Vavaricek nominated Richard Brabec; Misek seconded it. All voted aye.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka asked for nominations for the office of Secretary. Brabec nominated Virginia Semerad; Vavricek seconded it. All voted aye.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka asked nominations for the office of Treasurer. Vavricek nominated Chuck Misek; Cerny seconded it. All voted aye.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens appointed Brian Vavricek to be the NASB Government Relations representative.

Discussion:  Committee assignments will be discussed after the close of the regular meeting.

Discussion:  Other visitors included Laurie Schlautman, Casey Winings, Dallas Sweet, and Shanda Hall.

Discussion:  The National Honor Society is sponsoring a fund drive for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society collecting loose change from students.

Discussion:  Worker's compensation claims for the 2010-2011 year was $220,000 plus in claims. This moves our “experience mod” to 1.08. This will increase our premium when SCS seeks to renew our policy and make other insurance companies less competitive as they will either bid high or not at all. Premiums are based on a three-year average.

Discussion:  The school board authorized Superintendent Stevens and Ron Mundil to use their best judgement when making the purchase of a used van.

Discussion:  The comment was made that this upgrade has been in the planning stages for three to four months and was not a "knee-jerk" reaction to the tragedy in New Town, Connecticut.

Discussion:  Gil Wigington would like SCS to advise him by February 1, 2013 if we will partner with his company, C & G Realty, on a house for the SCHS construction class in 2014-2015. Mr. Pavlik would like to meet with the curriculum committee and the construction teacher, Mr. Kasik, prior to that advisement.

Discussion:  The SEA has accepted the proposed negotiated agreement for 2013-2014. Basic aspects include: $750 deductible for insurance and a $450 increase on base pay ($31,725.)

Discussion:  Brian Vavricek reported that the Schuyler Community Schools Foundation has named the winners of second quarter educators' recognition: Teacher, Pat Knutson and Deb Meister, Para Educator. He also said that a new fine arts center will become the foundation's main focus. The foundation will ask SCS for the funds for an artist's rendering of a new fine arts center.

Discussion:  Safety and security need to be addressed and upgraded at the rural schools. A parent voiced concern that upgrades be implemented but at a reasonable cost. Bomb threat and intruder drills will be practiced.

Discussion:  State assessments and accountability have begun and will continue on thru May beginning with Winter DIBELS (Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills) – January 14th – 25th, NeSA Writing – January 21st – February 8th, ELDA (English Language Development Assessment) – February 11th – March 22nd, 8th Grade NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) – February 20th, 12th Grade NAEP – February 21st, NeSA – Reading, Math and Science – March 25th – May 3rd, Spring DIBELS – April 29th – May 10th.

Discussion:  Each year, we send in (on a rotation) football helmets to be NOCSAE certified. This year we had eleven helmets rejected-four high school and seven middle school). This may seem like a large number but we sent in thirty middle school helmets and thirty-six high school helmets to be inspected. The rejected helmets are destroyed at the recertification business in Grand Island.

Discussion:  Preschool is currently at 102 children with one on the waiting list.

Discussion:  On December 27 during Christmas break an active-shooter drill was conducted at SMS. The drill was organized by the Schuyler Police department. There were 30 police officers that participated in the drill from the State Patrol, County Sheriff’s Office and Schuyler Police Department. Mr. Grammer and Mr. Pavlik observed the drill and learned a lot about what the process was for addressing an active shooter in the building and we also learned of how we can communicate and work with the police better in those situations. We are hoping to also have a presentation for the staff later in the spring and possibly another drill like this at the high school in the spring.

Discussion:  A change is proposed for total credits needed to graduate. The following would be added as necessary classes: Information Technology I, Personal Finance, and Oral Communications / Speech, all five credits each. This would begin with 9th grade class in the upcoming school year. Also presented was a Revised Tardy (to school) Policy for Schuyler Central High School 1st Tardy – Parent notification and reminder of the tardy to school policy. 2nd Tardy - Parent notification and reminder of the tardy to school policy. 3rd Tardy - Parent notification and reminder of the tardy to school policy 4th Tardy – Parent/guardian meeting with administration required. Student will serve a 30 minute detention, but will be allowed to attend regular classes the day of the 4th tardy to school. If student is tardy to school again prior to required parent meeting the student will serve in-school suspension for each tardy until the parent/guardian meeting with administration occurs. 5th Tardy – Parent / guardian notification and the student will serve a 30 minute detention. 6th Tardy - Parent / guardian notification and the student will serve a 45 minute detention. Conference with guidance counselor required. 7th Tardy – Student will serve in-school suspension. A 2nd parent/guardian meeting with administration will be required. Student referred to Student Assistance Team. 8th Tardy – Student will serve a 2 day in-school suspension. Parent / guardian notification. 9th Tardy or more - Student will serve a 3 day in-school suspension. Parent / guardian notification

Discussion:  Evaluations for the Superintendent's job performance for the past year have been completed by the Board of Education.