August 11, 2014 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:
All board members present except Vavricek. Others present were Dr. Hoesing, Principals Pavlik, Vrba, Comley, Assistant Principal Burton, Curriculum Coordinator Gibbons, and Activities Administrator Egr.
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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 hallway outside the Media Center.
Discussion:
President Jedlicka declared the meeting open to the public. The open meeting was posted in advance in three public places.
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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.A.1. Board recognition of 2013-14 "A" Honor Roll Students
Rationale:
We will be honoring the following students tonight for their academic success during the previous, 2013-2014, school year. The following students received all “A’s” for all four quarters last year.
Seniors 2014-15 Matthew Eller Tonya Marxsen Juniors 2014-15 Connor Flynn Rebecca Folda Preston Hall Jacob Kasik William Semerad Christian Sobota Sophomores 2014-15 Angela Medina Sidney Svehla Jessica Valora
Discussion:
Eleven underclassmen from 2013-2104 were honored at the board meeting for having all A's during all four terms. Those honored were: Matthew Eller, Tonya Marxsen, Connor Flynn, Rebecca Folda, Preston Hall, Jacob Kasik, William Semerad, Christain Sobota, Angela Medina, Sidney Svehla, and Jessica Valora.
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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
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IV. Action Items
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IV.A. Budget
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IV.A.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to set the 2014-15 Preschool Tuition rates.
Rationale:
In the past, pre-school tuition was set at a sliding scale for students based on income level free and reduced qualification. The rates were set at:
Free Lunch Status: $0.00 Reduced Lunch Status: $10.00 per month Regular Lunch Status: $40.00 per month Students in attendance were almost all at the free or reduced rate. 2014-15 Recommendation Tuition for ALL students: $100.00 per year. Parents may pay the tuition of $10.00 per month, $25 per quarter, or $100 per year or elect to participate in tuition credit program that provides them discounts for participation at school events. Attached is a draft of the proposed events parents could earn for their participation in their child/children's education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to set 2014-15 preschool tuition at $100 per 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.
Discussion:
Tuition rates for 13-14 were between $0 and $40 per month. This year the tuition rate is $100 per year with the provision being made for parents to earn credit toward the tuition by participation in school educational events.
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IV.A.2. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve 2014-15 After-school Program Tuition Rates.
Rationale:
The after-school program is also grant supported. One of the requirements of the grant is that income not be an influencing factor in student attendance. NDE has allowed us to set a one-time tuition rate if the tuition charged would not affect free/reduced lunch status. We are recommending a similar tuition structure as the preschool program to encourage parent participation in their child/children's education.
2014-15 Tuition Rate: $100 per year with the option of earning tuition credits for participation in their child/children's education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to set the 2014-15 after-school tuition rate at $100 per 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.
Discussion:
This program is paid for by a grant. Parents may earn credit toward the tuition by participating in educational events at school. The question was raised about how parent participation and credit toward tuition would be tracked.
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IV.B. Transportation
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IV.B.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve administrative recommendation on the inter-school bus route.
Rationale:
Over the course of the past school year we have discussed the need to provide some transportation option to reduce traffic flow at the elementary building before and after school. The first option was to expand pickup and delivery routes on our property around the elementary building. The second option was to offer an after-school program, and the third option was to provide transportation to allow more K-5th grade students to walk to the nearest school building or students with other siblings to be dropped off at other buildings and be picked up or delivered to the elementary building.
The county attorney has agreed to use grant money to support this program and we will write the remaining costs into our federal grant programs. Mr. Burton, elementary technology teacher, will drive the bus in the morning and evening. The tentative schedule is: AM Route PM Route (M-TH) PM Route (F) Leave SMS: 7:35 Leave SES: 3:35 PM Leave SES: 1:35 PM Leave SCHS: 7:45 Arrive Preschool 3:45 PM Arrive Preschool 1:45 PM Leave Preschool 7:55 Arrive SMS 3:55 PM Arrive SMS 1:55 PM Arrive at SES: 8:05 Arrive SCHS 4:00 PM Arrive SCHS 4:00 PM We will finalize this schedule once we determine the numbers of students riding the bus before and after school.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve bus transportation program 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 intra-schools bus route has been proposed to address parking and transportation to and from SES and also safety concerns. This service will begin after Labor Day. This service is funded by a grant. Questions raised were: What will be done if there is too much or not enough interest? The Superintendent will report back to the school board in two weeks.
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IV.C. Policy
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IV.C.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve 2014-15 classified and certificated staff handbooks
Rationale:
Attached are the 2014-15 certificated staff and support staff handbooks. Staff has been updated, and all information aligned with new policies and K-12 handbooks. See attached handbooks.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve 2-14-15 Certificated and Support Staff Handbooks 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.D. Public Relations
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IV.D.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the Wrestling Coop with Clarkson and Leigh Community Schools
Rationale:
For several years, Schuyler has participated in a coop in Wrestling with Clarkson and Leigh. The coop agreement needs renewed. For the two year renewal, the board has to make make a motion and vote. Once approved by the board, I submit the coop form on the NSAA web site.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve renewal of the two-year Wrestling Coop Agreement with Clarkson and Leigh. 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:
This contract is always a two-year agreement unless a school wants to drop out after one year. Co-op schools are responsible for transportation.
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IV.E. Personnel
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IV.E.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve staff resignations.
Rationale:
1. Shalomi Meier: Elementary Para-Educator
2. Curt Splichal: Alternative Education Para-Educator 3. Tim Henry: We hired him this spring as the special education teacher for the alternative and has resigned his position for personal reasons.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept Shalomi Meier, Curt Spichal, and Tim Henry's resignation. 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.E.2. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve new hire recommendations.
Rationale:
1. Robin Burton: Elementary technology and Rural School physical education teacher
2. Lynne Rambour: Alternative Education special education teacher. 3. Valerie Comley: High School administrative assistant/HS translator. 4. Audrie Gomez: Para-educator at SES 5. Margarita Avalos: Para-educator at SES 6. Carmen Chavez: Part time maintenance at preschool 7. Jodi Mittleider: Para-educator at SES
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve administrative recommendation on new hires 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 following were hired for the 14-15 school year:
Robin Burton: Elementary technology and Rural School physical education teacher; Lynne Rambour: Alternative Education special education teacher;
Valerie Comley: High School administrative assistant/HS translator; Audrie Gomez: Para-educator at SES; Margarita Avalos: Para-educator at SES; Carmen Chavez: Part time maintenance at preschool and Jodi Mittleider: Para-educator at SES.
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V. Discussion Items and Reports
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V.A. Rural/Satellite Schools Report
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V.B. Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment
Rationale:
Summer School Report – We have completed summer school. Professional Development – We met with new teachers on Friday, August 8. They are off to a great start. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are teacher days with students starting on Thursday. Both Thursday and Friday are half days with students so we will be starting full days on Monday with students. I’ve attached the district-wide schedule. The building principals have added specific items for their buildings.
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V.C. Activities Administrator Report
Rationale:
Time seems to clip away faster each year! Summer was busy at Schuyler Community Schools. FFA, Marching Band/Flags, Cheerleaders and Dance Team were very active this summer. The culture club had a blood drive and there were several coaches that offered free open gyms/field and position meetings. Camps were offered and well attended along with the weight sessions. Parents appreciate the work coaches/sponsors give to the students.
The calendar is updated and ready to go. With that being said, tomorrow there will be changes. That is just the way things go. I am able to see how many "hits" the calendar receives. In August 2014 (1st - 6th) there have been 25,327 hits. That was amazing to me! Our site is being seen and used. That is good! On August 12th, we will be having our open house. Columbus Community Hospital will be here to discuss with parents how the drug testing program will be implemented. Mike Sloup will also be here to discuss with our staff the new legislative bill "Return to Learn". New addition to our athletic pass system is the use of stickers. Staff and students have ID badges and we are going to use stickers on the ID badges instead of a paper pass. Staff and students will only need to keep track of their ID badge instead of keeping track of an ID badge along with an athletic pass. We are also going to charge less for a student athletic pass. It is a combination pass. The student can pay $5 if they only attend middle school events, $10 if they only attend high school events and $15 dollars if they attend both. We had a student injured at the Colfax County Fair. The Colfax County Police department is investigating. The goal is that she will be home next week and starting school the week after. |
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V.D. Director of Facilities/Transportation Report
Rationale:
Building and Grounds and Transportation Report are on the Filemaker System. Dr. Hoesing will provide updates at the meeting.
Discussion:
The portable classroom at the North Ward site should be moved by August 28. The Preschool update should be completed by Labor Day; an open house will be scheduled at a time to be announced. The transportation committee will meet on August 19 to discuss vehicle bids.
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V.E. Schuyler Elementary School Report
Rationale:
Some highlights from the 2014 summer:
Respectfully submitted…Darli Jo Vrba
Discussion:
Enrollment in kindergarten for 14-15 is currently at 161 students with a total enrollment K-5 at 826 students.
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V.F. Schuyler Middle School Report
Rationale:
Schuyler Middle School is enjoying the start of a year of continued positive growth and change. As a part of our School Improvement Grant, staff and administration will undergo training with both CTAC and Discovery Education this week to lay the foundation for our work this year.
We are currently preparing to have approximately 365 students enter our doors this week to earn their education, and we hope to have as many as possible at our open house sessions on Tuesday.
Discussion:
Administration continues to study core courses and how continued growth at SES will impact SMS.
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V.G. Schuyler Central High School Report
Rationale:
Schuyler Central High School Report to the Board of Education August 2014 Monsanto Grant- I have been notified that our school was selected to receive $25,000 grant for Increasing Inquiry Based Laboratory Opportunities for SCHS Science and Agricultural Science Students through America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Fund sponsored by Monsanto. I can review the grant application during the meeting. Summer Professional Development – Attended a Leadership Retreat sponsored by ESU 7 – Providing Feedback and Coaching for Teacher Growth on July 24th and 25th. Dave Gibbons, Darli Vrba, and Michelle Burton also attended this retreat. Attended Administrator Days in Kearney July 30th – August 1st.
Discussion:
Current enrollment for the 14-15 school year is 462 students. A grant from Monsanto for $25,000 was received to be used for query-based instruction.
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V.H. Superintendent's Report
Rationale:
1. 2nd Semester Superintendent's Evaluation: The board is required to conduct two evaluations in the superintendent's first year. I recommend having the board members complete the evaluation and submit them to Lumir prior to the next board meeting. Open meetings law requires that the superintendent's evaluation/contract must be presented in open session of the board meeting.
2. Pre-Opening Workshops: Attached are the pre-opening workshop times. The board of education is invited to attend the morning session on Wednesday when we recognize and award staff longevity. The board is hosting the luncheon at noon. Thanks to Rich and Cargill for getting the grill.
Discussion:
Evaluations for the Superintendent are due to the board president for the second August meeting. Cargill will provide lunch for the district staff in-service day on August 13.
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V.I. Foundation Report
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VI. Correspondence Items
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VII. Budget Workshop Session
Rationale:
This will be the first of two budget workshops. We will review the proposed budget as recommended by the finance committee (Rich, Chuck, and Lumir). 2015 valuations will be certified by August 20th. We will not be able to set the levy until this information is confirmed. I recommend a follow-up special meeting on Monday, August 26th to finalize our budget prior to advertising the budget hearing in September, pre-pay 2014-15 bills and/or make transfers based on our cash balances in the general fund.
Please check your calendar for your availability on September 25th. |
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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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