February 10, 2014 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Minutes | |
|---|---|
|
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:
Vice President Brabec called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Also present were Principals Grammer, Comley, Vrba, Pavlik, and Reinsch, Superintendent Dr. Hoesing, Activity Administrator Egr, Curriculum Coordinator Gibbons and Student Council representative Kellan Heavican.
|
|
|
I.A. Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
All those present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
|
|
|
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.
Discussion:
Vice President Brabec declared that the meeting was open to the public and had been posted in public places prior to the meeting time.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
II.A. Agenda
|
|
|
II.B. Minutes
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
II.C. Acceptance of Claims
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
II.C.1. Bills of $5,000 or more
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
II.D. Financial
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
II.E. Other Listed Reports
|
|
|
III. Public Forum - We ask that all presentation be limited in their length.
|
|
|
III.A. Recognition of visitors and guests
Discussion:
Also present representing the SEA were Rebecca Thumann, Bill Zegers, and Becky Black
|
|
|
III.B. Other topics (limited to 5 minutes - subject to guidelines of the Board Participation Policy)
|
|
|
III.C. Student Representative's Report
Discussion:
Student Council has offered a Computer Fun compatibility quiz for Valentine's Day. National Honor Society is sponsoring a Pennies for Patients for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The FFA Alumni breakfast will be held Sunday, February 16 with the Pops Concert following at 2:00 PM.
|
|
|
IV. Action Items
|
|
|
IV.A. Budget
|
|
|
IV.A.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the contract with Grand Island Physical Therapy for occupational therapy services for the 2014-15 school year.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2014-15 Contract with Grand Island Physical Therapy 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.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
IV.A.2. Discuss, consider, and approve Contract with ESU 7 for Level I, II, and III Special Education Services for the 2014-15 school year.
Rationale:
Attached is the ESU 7 Special Education Contract and estimate for services for the 2014-15 school year. See attached information.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Special Education Contract with ESU 7 for the 2014-15 school year 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.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
IV.B. Planning
|
|
|
IV.B.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the resolution to apply for a school improvement grant.
Rationale:
Attached is a resolution to apply and support the provisions of a school improvement grant application. Below are some thoughts from Diane Wolfe to help us understand this application process. See attached resolution.
Dan, As per our phone conversation I wanted to put this in writing so you could share with your administration and board. The SIG grant allows for pre-implementation funding for the months leading up to the official start of the project. Keeping in mind the actions that you will need to take, each action can have several action steps. One of the requirements is teacher-principal evaluation. The first action step can be a study of teacher-principal evaluation systems. Step two (which can be done in year 2) can be the development of teacher-principal evaluation systems, and step three (year 3) can be the pilot year of the evaluation. The same is said of additional items. Extended learning opportunities is required. You can use pre-implementation funds to study extended learning activities - year 1 funds can be used to make the plans and then implement those plans in years 2 and 3. The state cannot expect a fully implemented system with only 30 days to prepare and plan for a grant. Schuyler is in a MUCH better position than most districts considering an application because of the work you have been doing with the Strategic Planning process you have already started. This is HUGE and this grant will build on that work. This will allow you some funding to pay teachers for summer work on the things you are wanting to implement. Some of your funds be used to pay for travel to visit districts you want to consult, bringing in consultants that will help you develop plans, and to pay your staff for additional work that they are going to have to do anyway. The funds can also be used to purchase tools for instruction including software and hardware. But most importantly, the funds can be used to support the work your teachers are doing with additional pay or additional opportunities for teachers like conferences or even graduate course work. This project will not be something that will be DONE to your teachers and administrators but something that will be developed WITH your teachers and administrators. Remind your people that grant applications are your best attempt to deliver a plan. Rarely do those plans stay completely the same for the entire duration of the project. As long as your objectives are being addressed (and they will be because your objectives can only be to improve student outcomes) then you can certainly monitor and adjust the project based on the results of the things you are doing. We will need to have a meeting with your teacher's association to get their support. We will want a letter of support from them. I hope this helps - DW
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the resolution in support of a 2014 School Improvement Grant Application Process 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:
SMS is the only school in our district that would qualify for this grant opportunity. It is a three-year grant that could only be used for school improvement. The SIG grant allows for pre-implementation funding for the months leading up to the official start of the project.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
IV.C. Policy
|
|
|
IV.C.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the finance committee's recommendation to fund the early retirement program for the 2014-15 school year.
Rationale:
The board finance committee met and reviewed the early retirement program impact on the district budget. Because of the 7 year maximum experience, education of replacement personnel, and two positions that were not refilled, the program realized an annual savings of about $100,000.
Due to the positive impact of the program, the committee has recommended funding the program for the 2014-15 school year. They also recommend the policy be reviewed and staff members informed of possible changes to the policy. The board policy committee will be responsible for reviewing the current policy and making necessary changes. Possible Considerations: 1. Leave the early retirement policy unchanged and continue offering the program on a year-by-year basis. 2. Change current early retirement program provisions and offer on an annual basis. 3. Change policy to reflect a staggered offering (Every 3 years) to manage the number of participants in the early retirement pool. 4. ??????
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve funding the 2014-15 early retirement program and direct the policy committee to make necessary changes for adoption with 2014-15 policy 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:
The finance committee has recommended funding the program for the 2014-15 school year. They also recommend the policy be reviewed and staff members informed of possible changes to the policy. This policy was originally put in place to save the district money and to reward teachers for years of service. Dr. Hoesing commented he would like to make this policy more transparent.
|
|
|
IV.D. Personnel
|
|
|
IV.D.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to accept Keri Jo Krivohlavek's resignation.
Rationale:
Attached is Kerri Jo's resignation. We have advertised and are in the process of interviewing for her replacement. Hiring this position in the middle of the school year is tough, but, depending on the quality of our candidates, we may wait to fill this position until this summer. We have made plans to move forward with our without this replacement for the remainder of the school year, using our remaining staff.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept Keri Jo Krivohlavek's resignation and thank her for her services 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.
Discussion:
Vavricek complimented Kerri Krivohlavek for the exceptional service she provided to the SCS district.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
IV.D.2. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve Superintendent, Principal, Director, and Program Coordinator Contracts for the 2014-15 school year.
Rationale:
Dr. Hoesing met with the negotiations committee (Chuck, Rich, and Lumir) and reviewed the 2014-2014 administrative contracts. We also reviewed area school administrator salaries for comparison. See attached information and committee recommendation.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve administrative contracts for the 2014-15 school year 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:
Salaries from area schools were compared to what SCS is paying to get a better idea of what to offer and to be fair. The starting point was to look at the 14-15 contracts for teachers.
|
|
|
V. Discussion Items and Reports
|
|
|
V.A. Strategic Planning Report
Rationale:
Attached are the documents from our parents employed at Cargill. The summary reports were taken back out to Cargill to have their employees vote on their highest priorities. If we have the results back in time, we will include the results with the board information.
The next step is to meet with the planning committee to review recommendations from staff input, community meeting input, and Cargill employee input and develop a draft of the recommendations for board adoption in March.
Discussion:
Summary results from the Strategic Planning questionnaire from employees at Cargill were shared with the board members. All results give a good picture of district patrons wants and needs.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
V.B. Schuyler Community Foundation Report
Rationale:
SCHUYLER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION MEETING 02/03/2014 @ 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 HoesingGuests – Lora Johnson – Chamber Executive Director -Joyce Baumert – Performing Arts consultant – 402-352-5324 –mandjbaumert@gmail.com – possible member -Kem Cavanah – Economic Development Coordinator -Shelley Friesz – sfriesz@esu7.org – 402-352-3527 Ext 216 – Foundation Assistant -Sheri 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, 2014 -Conduct feasibility study on possible new construction at high school building Secretary Report/Minutes – Review and Approve (refer minutes e-mailed by Shelley Friesz – January 6, 2014) Treasurer’s Report – unofficial total balance $115,037 · $107.75 Donation from the Colfax County School Improvement Assn- closed their acct · $100.00 Donation from Dan Hoesing for After Hours expenses · Monsanto will present $2500 check to Brian Vavricek at March meeting After Hours- Sandy Committee Reports:
Next Meeting – March 3, 2014 @ 12:00 Noon @ the Schuyler Chamber Office
Discussion:
The Schuyler Community Foundation met on 2/10/14. They will host the Chamber of Commerce After Hours on February 13, 2014. A check for $2500 from Monsanto will be presented in March to the Foundation by Brian Vavricek.
|
|
|
V.C. Rural/Satellite Schools Report
Rationale:
Rural Schools Report
Fishers Korbin Kudera, an 8th grader at Fishers, finished 11th out of 80 students at the MATHCOUNTS Competition at CCC-Columbus. Fourteen area schools participated in the competition. The winter DIBELS testing has been completed. Students recently celebrated the 100th Day of School and Twin Day. Richland The Edgerton Explorit Day was very successful. Each classroom had two demonstrations as well as "Zone Time" where they had 20 hands on activities. Winter DIBELS testing has been completed. The Book Fair was last week Feb. 3-7. Gerry Reinsch
Discussion:
The "Math Counts" contest day will be held Saturday, February 15.
|
|
|
V.D. Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment
Rationale:
NeSA - Writing Assessment was completed on Friday. We saw a lot of great effort by students. We will not know scores for a couple months.
ELDA Assessment starts today. This is the English Language Development Assessment for all our Limited English Proficient students. The school improvement team has been working on a formal assessment system as a response to one of our required actions from our external visit back in September of 2012. A copy of the handbook is attached. The main change will be a shift from the Terra Nova, DIBELS and Plan tests to one assessment called the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment.
Discussion:
The NeSA writing has been administered and is complete. ELDA assessments will begin on February 10. Pamphlets were handed out to board members explaining progress made on the assessment system. A change is being contemplated for next year in the type of achievement tests the district uses. With the school board approval, MAP assessments will be used in place of PLAN assessments. MAP tests will provide even more in-depth results more quickly so data can be used for student interventions.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
V.E. Activities Administrator Report
Rationale:
1. Our last Holiday Basketball Tourney meeting was on January 15th at 6:30 pm in Columbus. Schuyler will be receiving a check for approx $1500 for the athletic dept. A special thanks to the Columbus Chamber for allowing the schools that attend the tourney to be able to earn back some admission. See attachments for meeting notes and financial paperwork.
2. The Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame has a new Assistant to the Executive Director of NHSSHOFF. Mike Rasmussen of Lincoln has been appointed. He recently retired from Southeast High School where he was the assistant Athletic Director. His primary responsibilty will be in the supervision of the new Hall of Fame Exhibit Hall, which opened on December 9th, 2013. The NHSSHOFF is also pleased to announce operating hours of the Exhibit Hall, located in the NSAA office building in Lincoln at 500 Charleston Street. The hall will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and will also be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. during the boys’ & girls’ state basketball tournaments. Service clubs, schools, and other community organizations may make arrangements for special presentations by calling Larry Munksgaard at 402-432-8049, or emailing larry.munksgaard@neb.rr.com. See attached photos of the opening ceremony. 3. Legislative Bill 1081 has been introduced by Senator Russ Karpisek and deals with high school activities and the May 1st transfer date along with definition of domicile and reclassification. There will be an amendment to this bill to only reflect team sports and not all activities. See attached letter from the NSAA and bill 1081. 4. Spring schedules are up and ready on the school web calendar. Several of next years schedules have been rolled over and we are working to complete next years calendar before June 1st.
Discussion:
Work will begin soon on the summer activity calendar. Arrangements are being made with Alegent-
Creighton Health for sports physicals for the 14-15 school year. Concession sales and attendance have increased during the winter sports season.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
V.F. Director of Facilities/Transportation Report
Rationale:
High School Transportation – Van #1, Van #2, and Van #3 had a tire recall; John’s Tire put on the new tires on the 3 vans free of charge. Thanks to John’s Tire for providing me the information on the recall. Middle School Repaired roof top unit #1 and #2; repaired furnace in resource center modular; repaired gym lights; replaced smoke detector; repaired phone and fax line; cleaned sewer line in nurses office; installed counter tops for sewing machines Elementary School Repaired roof top unit in East gym, cafeteria, unit #5 and #2; repaired lights in cafeteria, hallway and front entrance; repaired cable TV connection in building; installed new override switch for parking lot lights; repaired oven and milk cooler in kitchen Preschool General maintenance; repaired furnace in S.W. modular Richland General maintenance District 4R General maintenance; installed filtering system on the main water line District 24 General maintenance; installed new bulletin board; repaired phone line and furnace
Ronnie R. Mundil |
|
|
V.G. Schuyler Elementary School Report
Rationale:
January's Board Report:
1. All of our students really, really enjoy the new addition to the playground. Even despite the cold weather, they are playing on it every chance they get! 2. On Wednesday, January 22nd, all of the K-5 teachers were given the opportunity to have further training on using our new purchased of Pearson's Science curriculum. Our consultant for the day offered excellent teaching strategies along with fielding a lot of questions from our teachers! We ended our day with some team building activities! 3. Our magic number is...20,000!! If our students along with help from the SMS students collect 20,000 Box Tops for Education, I will spend the day on the roof of S.E.S.. Mr. Grammer and Mr. Reinsch will spend some time on the roof of SMS. The S.E.S. students are super excited to get me up there...not happening! 4. Mr. Comley and I are extremely busy with teacher evaluations and para-educator evaluations. 5. We were very proud of Brenda Klein and Mary Eckstein being honor as the 2nd quarter's outstanding teacher and para-educator. 6. Our 4th grade students completed the NeSA Writing Assessment at the end of January! 7. On Tuesday, January 28th, our 4th and 5th grade teachers host a Family Literacy Night! Just a footnote: 5th grade teachers did a special little "skit" that was hilarious. It was fun to watch their students...they just looked at them like whaaaaaat!! 8. We had our second Code Blue for the year...and are proud to announce we are 2 for 2!! Each practice has been followed with very "meaningful" discussion. Our team works well together and is really understanding the purpose of having these drills. Tori is an awesome leader!! 9. This video is from Mandy Peterson’s class! They are learning about the moon! Have fun! * You may have to copy and paste in your address bar. http://ses.schuylercommunityschools.org/page/2994/custom/127 Respectfully submitted...Darli Jo Vrba
Discussion:
The K-5 teachers were given the opportunity to have further training on our newly purchased Pearson's Science curriculum. Our consultant for the day offered excellent teaching strategies.
|
|
|
V.H. Schuyler Middle School Report
Rationale:
Highlights for the month of January:
1. Students of The Month 2. State Writing Assessment goes well. 3. Tutoring begins. 4. TeamMates fundraiser
Discussion:
In February and March we will be implementing after-school tutoring for our sixth grade through eighth graders. Students were selected by looking at their last year NeSA scores, current Terra Nova scores, and grades from their current classes. We will be concentrating on reading and math areas. The middle school will be conducting their NeSA testing from April first until April 28th.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
V.I. Schuyler Central High School Report
Rationale:
1. National Honor Society Induction
2. Assessments a. NeSA Writing b. ELDA c. Future dates for NeSA Reading, Math, & Science 3. Scholarship work sessions 4. Future events added to the calendar for May 2014 5. America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program sponsored by Monsanto
Discussion:
Principal Pavlik complimented English teacher, Rebecca Thumann on her extra efforts to prepare the juniors for the NeSA assessments and to the entire staff for assisting in the Writing- Target Area Goal that is part of our AdvancED school improvement process. He added that it was a team effort. Counselor Johnson has made several opportunities available to seniors and parents for scholarship application and FAFSA (financial aid) assistance. On April 2nd and 3rd NeSA reading tests will be given and on April 15th and 16th NeSA math tests will be given.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
V.J. Superintendent's Report
Rationale:
1. Option Enrollment: See attached report.
2. Pending Legislation: See attached report. 3. Staff Reports and Planning: The principals have submitted their staffing reports from their buildings. We will begin reviewing programs and staffing requirements for the 2014-15 school year. 4. School Calendar: Each building has assembled a team to provide input to their principals for the 2014-15 school calendar. The principals will gather the information and submit it for the board planning committee to consider for board adoption in March. See Attachment 5. NRCSA Events: Legislative Forum in Lincoln, February 19th *See Attachment NRCSA Spring Conference in Kearney, March 20-21
Discussion:
The proposed 14-15 calendar will be submitted to the planning committee for action at the March meeting. Board committee meetings will begin planning soon for the upcoming year. A chart of statistics for the district was shared. They included: demographics, free and reduced lunch numbers, mobility rates, SPED and ELL identification of high ability learners, cohort graduation rates, and ACT numbers. He also shared expenditures from the State of the Schools Report with comparisons from 08-09 to 12-13. The district's general fund average cost per student is $7400, $1000 below comparison costs of ten schools above and below us.
Attachments:
()
|
|
|
V.K. Board Member and Committee Reports
Rationale:
Board Committee Meetings:
1. Finance (Budget/Negotiations) Committee: Support Staff Contracts, 2014-15 Grant Programs 2. Planning/Calendar Committee: 2014 Strategic Plan, 2014-15 School Calendar 3. Policy Committee: Early Retirement Policy, 2014 Legislative Action, Review Handbooks, Policy Updates 4. Building and Grounds: Building and Grounds Plan, Proposed Summer Projects 5. Transportation: Fleet Management System, Vehicle Replacement Cycle 6. Curriculum: 2014-15 Academic Program Review, 2014-15 Staffing Review 7. Public Relations: 2014 Strategic Planning School/Community Partnerships, District and Alumni Website, Education Foundation, etc... |
|
|
VI. Correspondence Items
|
|
|
VII. Executive Session
|
|
|
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.
|
