October 14, 2013 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 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
Discussion:
President Jedlicka called the meeting to order. Board members present were Jedlicka, Brabec, Cerny, Vavricek, Misek; Semerad was absent. Others present were Superintendent Dr. Hoesing, Principals Pavlik, Grammer, Comley, Vrba, and Reinch; Assistant Principal Kovar, Activity Administrator Egr, Curriculum Director Gibbons; and Student Representative Kellan Heavican.
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I.A. Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
All those present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Jedlicka stated that this meeting was posted in advance in accordance with the open meetings act and this meeting was open to the public.
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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 hallway outside the Media Center.
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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)
Discussion:
Lucas Juarez, representing Young Adults for Christ, affiliated with Divine Mercy Parish asked for the use of the high school for a three-day retreat which would include two overnights. It would include approximately 150 participants. They would hire SCS maintenance for any needs required. A question was raised about violating the "separation of church and state" rule. Dr. Hoesing said because the participants are adults and they are not a "captive audience" there should be no violation. The school board will act on this at the November meeting.
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III.C. Recognition of Students of the Month
Rationale:
Three students Recognized at the Middle School:
Alexandria Garcia Preston Anderson Kevin Gomez
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III.D. Recognition of Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest Winner
Rationale:
On October 4th Fatima Arroyo traveled to Lincoln to the Capital Building for the awards ceremony recognizing October as Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Nebraska. As part of the Heritage Month Celebration, an essay was sponsored by the Department of Education. Fatima won 2nd place middle school division essay contest. The topic for this year was "How does the Latino Culture Strengthen Your Community". Fatima received a medal, certificate, $100 gift certificate to McDonalds, and scholarship money.
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III.E. Student Representative's Report
Discussion:
State Student Council will be held October 18 at Millard South. FFA members newest project includes breeding two sows and raising the piglets with the intention that members will show the grown piglets at the Colfax County Fair.
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IV. Action Items
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IV.A. Curriculum
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IV.A.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the affiliation agreement with Central Community College
Rationale:
Enclosed is a copy of an affiliation agreement between Schuyler Central High School and Central Community College for the 2013-14 school year. This agreement allows the school to work with the college in offering community education classes, high school early entry courses, continuing education and teacher in-service programs. See Attachment
Recommended Motion(s):
Approve the Affiliation Agreement with Central Community College for the 2013-14 school year. 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. Negotiations
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IV.B.1. Set the date and time for the board negotiations committee to meet with the SEA to begin negotiations for the 2014-15 contract year.
Rationale:
According to Statutes 48-811, 816, and 818, negotiations must begin on or before November 1st and shall be completed by February 8th or mandatory mediation or fact finding begins, unless waived by both parties.
The SEA has sent a letter requesting a date and time to begin negotiating the 2014-15 Master Contract for certificated, non-supervisory, contracts. See attached request.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to set the date for the initial negotiation meeting for____________________at __________PM 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.2. Recognize SEA as Sole Bargaining Agent for 2015-16 Certificated Contract Negotiations
Rationale:
The SEA has been directed by the NSEA to send a letter asking to be recognized for the 2015-16 Certificated Staff Master Agreement. See attached request.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to recognize the SEA as the sole bargaining unit for the 2015-16 Certificated Staff Master Agreement. 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. Planning
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IV.C.1. Amend the 2013-14 School Calendar
Rationale:
The original school calendar reflects parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Board policy restricts Wednesday evening activities to be completed by 6:00 PM. After meeting with the ministerial association, they agreed to allow us to host the September conferences as scheduled and we agreed to move the December and February Conferences to another day of the week.
We also agreed to look at the daily schedule see if our scheduled times were supported by parents in attendance. The principals reported that while times throughout the day varied at the buildings where most parents had walk-in appointments, it was necessary to keep the times from first quarter consistent for the 2nd and 3rd conferences. So with this in mind, we are recommending the following changes: Move from Wednesday, December 4th to Thursday, December 5th and dismiss school for students on December 6th to promote staff input on the district strategic plan and school improvement. Move from Wednesday, February 19th to Thursday, February 20th. We currently have mid-winter break scheduled for Friday, February 21st so we would not need to bring students back on Friday.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the administrative recommendation to amend the 2013-14 school calendar to accommodate the change in Parent-Teacher Conferences. 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.2. Set date, time, and place for the 2014 Strategic Planning Meeting.
Rationale:
I am looking forward to working with the board, staff, and district patrons to set goals, strategies, and action plans for Schuyler Community Schools. Attached is a recent document from the NASB that you used to determine the qualities in leadership you were looking for. Please review this document as it clearly outlines the qualities the staff and community value in their schools as well. See Attached.
In addition to the date, time, and place, the board will need to determine "who" is to be involved in this meeting and the expected outcomes of this meeting. We will visit at the meeting about these important issues.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to set the date for the board strategic planning session for ______________________ Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Discussion:
Arrangements will be made to include parents, support staff, administration, community members, building representatives, and other interested persons to discuss ideas for the 2014 strategic plan. Dr. Hoesing will prepare a format for those attending to follow. Suggested dates to meet were October 22, 24, or 29.
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V. Discussion Items and Reports
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V.A. Education Foundation Report
Rationale:
SCHUYLER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION MEETING 10/07/13 @ 12 NOON – 1:00 P.M. @ SCHUYLER CHAMBER OFFICE Membership: Lumir Jedlicka-Treasurer, Brian Vavricek- President, Virginia Semerad, Clinton Parr- Secretary, Sandy Seckman- Vice President, Victor Lopez, and Dan Hoesing Guests: Lora Johnson – Chamber Executive Director, Joyce Baumert – Performing Arts consultant – 402-352-532, –mandjbaumert@gmail.com – possible member, Kem Cavanah – Economic Development Coordinator Shelley Friesz – sfriesz@esu7.org – 402-352-3527 Ext 216 – Foundation AssistantSheri Balak – sheribalak@gmail.com – Alumni Honors consultant Absent: Vision: To support the enrichment of educational programs and student life experiencesGoals: -To promote education in Schuyler Community Schools -Additional giving of $100,000 by August 31st, 2013 Secretary Report/Minutes – Review and Approve (refer minutes e-mailed by Shelley Friesz – September 9, 2013) Treasurer’s Report – unofficial total balance $115,037 · Donation received from Robin Stevens for $500. New Business · Presentation by Scott Larson & Paul J Strawhecker on fundraising · Presentation by Kem Cavanah regarding the Alumni Website Committee Reports:
Alumni Honors Committee: Sheri & Joyce Next Meeting – November 11, 2013 – Monday – 12:00 Noon @ the Schuyler Chamber Office
Discussion:
The SCS Education Foundation met October 7. The professional fundraising group, Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc. provided the group with a detailed outline of their services. They would check the feasibility of the fundraiser before making recommendations. This is the same company that raised funds for the local hospital.
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V.B. Rural/Satellite Schools Report
Rationale:
Board of Education Meeting October 14, 2013 Rural School Principal – Gerry Reinsch
Operating Council Meetings at Fishers and Richland Reviewed Operating Council Policy Teacher’s Report Curriculum Maintenance Red Ribbon Week Activities October 14-17 Terra Nova Testing October 22-24
Discussion:
Mr. Reinsch met with the operating councils of the two rural schools. Both schools are involved in separate community-service projects.
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V.C. Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment
Rationale:
The focus of this report is the newly released State of the Schools Report. If you would like, you can check out the report card by clicking on the link for Schuyler. This will take you to the district report card. You can then find the individual school pages by clicking on the "School" icon in the upper right-hand corner. I will be highlighting the accountability information for you.
Discussion:
Standards/Assessment/Accountability – The State of the Schools report has been released to the public. There are links on the home page of the district website. Included in this release are the follow status reports:
Federal Accountability – As a district, Schuyler Community Schools is in the third year of “Needs Improvement.” This does bring an additional list of requirements for us to complete.
Here are the results at the building level for the 2012 – 13 school year:
Richland – Elementary Reading: Met
Elementary Math: Not Met
Middle Reading: Not Met
Middle Math: Not Met
4R - Elementary Reading: Met
Elementary Math: Met
SES - Elementary Reading: Not Met
Elementary Math: Not Met
Fishers #24 - Elementary Reading: Met
Elementary Math: Met
Middle Reading: Not Met
Middle Math: Not Met
SMS - Middle Reading: Not Met
Middle Math: Not Met
SCHS - Reading: Met
Math: Met
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V.D. Activities Administrator Report
Rationale:
Once a month, the 7-12 coaches meet. One of the items we have discussed is how can we increase fan attendance at events or how can we make our games more like an event to attend. One item we have implemented and it has gone well is we are allowing middle school athletes attend their high school sporting event for free. For example, the middle school football team may attend any high school football game for free and the middle school volleyball teams may attend any high school volleyball game for free. This year, we are having two hand touch football for K-6 graders before each varsity football event. Cheerleaders have had more dress competitions at volleyball games and they fund a $10 gift card to either Casey's or Parkview. Attached are the minutes from the October NSAA Board Meeting. See attached information.
Discussion:
At the NSAA Board of Directors meeting the main dicussion points and actions included
• Opting in Classifications-Approved a ruling in regards to opting up in activities classification. The approved ruling will read as follows: A school which elects to opt up
to a higher classification in any NSAA sponsored
program must opt up to that same relative classification in every NSAA activity that school, in a non-cooperative sponsorship status participates in during that school year with the exception of football and music.
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V.E. Director of Facilities/Transportation Report
Rationale:
TO: Schuyler Community Board Richland We are having some problems with coli form in our drinking water. I met with Larry Wennekamp on Oct 3rd to discuss what action needs to be taken to solve this problem. I also met with Webster Drilling out of North Bend to chlorinate the well, and we also had a bad pressure tank. I hope that may be the cause of the coli form. If not we will have to run a pump to chlorinate the system. High School Repaired air conditioner in room #2, freezer in concession stand, oven and switches on hot plate, and installed a motion light in the Green House. Middle School Repaired air conditioner in rooms #303,#304 and roof top unit # 7, #2, #3; new electrical circuits for computer lab and band room. Elementary School Repaired steam oven, dish washer, garbage disposal, thermostat in milk cooler, heat tape walk in freezer and Freon leak in kitchen, replaced roof top unit motor in West gym, repaired air conditioning in rooms #163, #164 and #165. Preschool Repaired air conditioner in office, hooked up all disconnects Richland General maintenance District 4R General maintenance District 24 New electrical circuit in basement for projector
Ronnie R. Mundil
Discussion:
The water at Richland School will be tested again for coliform at the end of October to determine if further action needs to be taken.
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V.F. Schuyler Elementary School Report
Rationale:
See Attached
Discussion:
Gross sales for the annual SES fundraiser totaled $34,739.
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V.G. Schuyler Middle School Report
Rationale:
Highlights of the past months of September and October:
• Excellent attendance at Parent - Teacher Conferences. Best in six years. • Student gets second place for the Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest. • September Students of the Month • Attendance by administration and staff at the Fall NETA Conference in Kearney.
Discussion:
Attendance at Parent Teachers Conferences had an over-all 68% attendance attributed to extra contact with parents through phone reminders using Campus Messenger.
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V.H. Schuyler Central High School Report
Rationale:
Alternative School Report:
We are definitely in full swing right now! Students have adjusted to the new location, and the expectations that we have for them. Our biggest success to date, is the fact that we have recently had two students earn enough credits for graduation. That is a tremendous accomplishment! Another positive is that we recently had an entire week without any behavior referrals. Students and staff are working extremely hard to make our new Alternative Education Program a success. High School Report: See Attached Information
Discussion:
Mr. Kovar complimented Ms. Saathoff, teacher at the 504R Alternative Education School on working to develop successes in this program. He also complimented the support staff for their part in helping students succeed.
Mr. Pavlik gave a review of the ACT Profile report comparing data of students who took the test in years 2009-2013. New for the 13-14 year, the administration, counseling staff, and the faculty at SCHS will be working together to increase awareness and understanding of the educational opportunities at SCHS and beyondof all stakeholders in the educational process.
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V.I. Superintendent's Report
Rationale:
The Department of Education sent out the following notice on the impact of the Government shutdown on the food service program.
This message is being sent to all school lunch programs (NSLP), school breakfast programs (SBP), and milk programs (SMP) to inform all programs on the continuing impact of the Government shutdown. Nutrition Services believes communication is essential for our programs and will continue to provide updates on the impact of the shutdown. The purpose of this message is to inform you of the status of funding for reimbursement of claims should the Government shutdown continue beyond the month of October. The Nebraska Department of Education – Nutrition Services currently does not have sufficient resources to fund reimbursement for claims for any meals served in October; and, future months should the Government shutdown continue beyond the end of October. USDA has indicated retroactive funding will be made available once the shutdown is resolved; however, at this time NDE-Nutrition Services does not know when that will occur. This email update on the impact of the Government shutdown is intended to provide information to help you plan so that you can continue to feed your students. We all hope the shutdown will be resolved soon. I will continue to communicate with you as more updates are received from USDA. Beverly A Benes, PhD, RD Director, Nutrition Services NE Department of Education
Discussion:
The 12-13 audit is close to being completed; Dr. Hoesing has included a summary for board members.
The question was raised about traffic flow around Fishers #24 when construction on the levee begins. Sue Jacobus supply Dr. Hoesing with information as soon as it becomes available.
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V.I.1. District Audit Management and Discussion Report
Rationale:
Attached is the required Management & Discussion Report provided to the auditors as our contribution to the 2012-13 audit. See attached report.
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V.I.2. Option/Transfer Student Report
Rationale:
See attached report for October.
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V.I.3. Early Retirement Policy and Eligibility List
Rationale:
Attached is the early retirement policy and eligibility list for 2012-13. According to your policy, I need to notify eligible employees on or before November 15th and they have a window from January 1st to March 1st to apply. See attachment.
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V.I.4. State Board Report
Rationale:
October 2013 State Board ReportOnce again, the progress on the search for a new Commissioner of Education took top billing at the State Board of Education meeting. Board Vice President Mark Quandahl provided the following timeline for the search: Application Deadline: October 15 The December interview days will be full-day affairs at the Holiday Inn in downtown Lincoln, and because of the full board participation, these will be open meetings. Board members were asked to submit any specific questions for interviewees to either President Patricia Timm or NDE Human Resources Director Joel Scherling by October 9th. NDE staff also presented the Board with further information on the State of the Schools Report, which was released at the end of September. Dean Folkers, of the Data, Research, and Evaluation team at NDE, updated the Board on changes in the way data is displayed. He highlighted both state and federal accountability sections of the report, as well as the other areas of the data, reminding Board members that public release of data used to be in November, and this year, they were able to release data over a month earlier. Diane Stuehmer informed the Board of schools falling under the classification of Needs Improvement for both Title I and non-Title I schools, stating that while the state does have schools not making AYP, it is not a percentage to be concerned about. Board member Molly O'Holleran added that the public should look at the trend data, which indicates that schools are improving overall -- and to remember that 2014 is the year in which all schools are to be at 100% proficiency as per federal requirements. To clarify the differences between state and federal accountability, Stuehmer reminded the Board that "while NePAS [the state accountability model] looks at growth, AYP has a bar that keeps on raising." Other updates and presentations to the Board included information and updates to Nebraska's career and technical education and upcoming vacancies on the State Accreditation Committee.
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V.J. Board Member and Committee Reports
Rationale:
1. Congratulations to the following board members for their NASB Achievement Awards
Virginia Semerad: Level I Award Chuck Misek: Level II Award Lumir Jedlicka: Level II Award 2. Thank you to Lumir Jedlicka for attending the Tax Modernization Hearing in Norfolk and testifying on behalf of Schuyler Community Schools. 3. We need to finalize registrations for the NASB State Convention in Omaha on November 20-22. See Attachment.
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VI. Correspondence Items
Discussion:
Correspondence was received from the City of Schuyler regarding a hearing on October 15 to discuss the construction of a new hotel on the north end of town.
Information was received from the Nebraska Whole Child Project which included data on childhood obesity.
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VII. Executive Session
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VIII. 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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