July 15, 2013 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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

Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public.  Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education

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 hallway outside the Media Center.

Rationale:  Discuss, consider and take action on the consent agenda

Rationale:  Attached are the July 2013 checklist and vendors paid over $5,000.  See attachments

Rationale:  Attached is the Finance Report for July, 2013.

Rationale:  NASB School Finance & Budget Planning Workshops
Schuyler Finance Committee meeting and 2013-14 Budget Workshop
We would like to review the 2012-13 budget and begin planning for the 2013-14 budget goals.  In addition, I would like to discuss the board's interest in hosting a budget workshop for the entire board.

Rationale:  The legislature reduced the spending lids for 2013, 2014, and 2015 by 1% for each year from the original allocation in order to reduce the need for additional state aid in the new formula.  In order for the district to access additional authority, the local board of education must vote in favor (75% majority) to access an additional 2% budget authority and the state board of education must approve their request.  While the board may vote to access this authority, the actual budget does not have to reflect this increase.

See attached information.

Rationale:  Pekny and Associates have been doing Schuyler Community Schools' annual audit of financial statements, reviewing your schedule of assets, receipts, expenditures, and fund balances.  See attached contract for for details included in the annual audit.

Rationale:  In May 2013 the board took action to approve the new copiers.  At the meeting, the motion was changed to lease the machines.  Following the meeting, the bank informed us that the motion needed to be to purchase the new copy machines.  This item is only to correct the motion from leasing to purchasing the equipment.

Rationale:  Each year the Educational Service Units provide a policy update service.  The Law Firm PGH&G (School Attorneys) provide a set of proposed policies in response to changes from Legislature on newly adopted statutes and/or rules from the Department of Education. 

Attached is an overview page with a list of proposed policies and rationale.  I also included the recommended policies and our present policies (if available) for your review.  The 2nd reading on these policy recommendations will be on the August meeting agenda for final adoption or amendment.

Rationale:  Attached is the annual membership renewal with the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA).  See attached information for details on services provided by the Association for the 2013-14 school year.

Rationale:  Attached is the Summer School and Back to School information from Dave Gibbons.  See attachment.

Rationale:  Update on 2013-14 coaches and sponsors.  Michelle Egrs was very excited about the quality of people involved with the various team and organizations.  See enclosed list.

Rationale:  Ron was great help.  He took me around all of the school facilities and showed me the progress on summer projects.  Schuyler is an impressive district and has much to be proud of.  See attached report for updated status on summer projects.

Rationale:  I have enjoyed the first few weeks on the job.  I was prepared to "get my feet wet" but found myself treading water at times.  Always exciting to start a new job and meet new people.  The office staff, maintenance crew, and administrators have been extremely helpful and professional. 

I also had a chance to meet and attend meetings with some of the local service organizations, business and bank representatives and other school and city personal.  Looking forward to getting started with more of the staff in August.  New staff is scheduled to start on August 5th and returning staff begins workdays on August 7th.

Rationale:  Attached is the 2013 Final Legislative Report as provided by Dr. Mike Delaney from the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.  Mike does a great job of summarizing the session and presenting the information in an understandable format.  See Attachment.

Rationale:  As part of the budget process, 2013-14 lid exclusions must be approved by the State Board of Education.  There are two exclusions for school districts for the 2013-14 budget.  They include an exclusion for voluntary early retirement contracts and costs associated with the rate increase to the public school's retirement system.  See attached requests.

Rationale:  We have one request for a district transfer.  John and Molly Kasik have an 8th grade daughter who was attending school in Richland.  She is the only 8th grade student enrolled at the Richland Attendance Center.  They are requesting permission to attend Schuyler Middle School for the 2013-14 school year.  See attached request.