April 13, 2015 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:  This committee is responsible for recommending approval of building/grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building and maintenance and upgrade schedule.

Rationale:  We have one bid on a 12 passenger van from Reinecke Motors Co.  These vans are tough to purchase because in order to modify them to 10 passengers, they must be used vans.  Dealers go to auctions and must know prior to the purchase if the school district will approve or they are stuck with the van.  The van has been purchased, but needs formal board approval for the purchase and payment of the vehicle.  This van was on the vehicle replacement plan approved last month. See attached information.

Rationale:  Nu-Trend Homes Inc., has made a bid of $100,000 for the four portable buildings currently located at the preschool site.  We had several contracts from other school districts interested in one or two of the buildings, but no bid or commitment to the removal of the buildings.  This is the best offer we have at this time.  See attached information.

Rationale:  After months of revisions, we are finally ready to propose an alternate plan for the fire escape project for the preschool building.  The changes in the project moved the exit from the south continuing west over the hallway roof, and to the ground on the west side of the gymnasium.

The new plan exits on the west side of the building.  This covered stairway will be located in the middle of the building, requiring removal of one of the windows on the southwest classrooms.  The second floor will be a doorway, and the 1st floor will need to have the window filled in to provide a fire break.

We receive two bids on this revision. The first bid is from Bierman Contracting Inc. in the amount of $69,985.  The second bid is from Semerad Construction in hte amount of $54,000.

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for budget, finance, and contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff, and support staff.

Rationale:  Staff Resignations
1.  Brianna Birkel:  Elementary Teacher
2.  Elizabeth James:  Elementary Teacher
3.  Danielle Vanderlinden:  Elementary Teacher
4.  Tessa Jacobsen:  Elementary Music Teacher
5.  Michelle Fry:  Elementary Special Education Teacher
6.  Michelle Oppliger:  Middle School Teacher
7.  Amanda Moseman:  Kindergarten Teacher

Rationale: 

1.  Tom Hagewood:  High School Social Studies

2.  Linda Hagewood:  SES Teacher

Rationale:  New Hire Recommendations
1.  Jenna Saalfield:  5th Grade Teacher
2.  Lauren Burkley:  4th Grade Teacher
3.  Tonia Heard:  5th Grade Teacher
4.  McKenzie Fricke:  2nd Grade Teacher
5.  Crystal Ernst:  4th Grade Teacher
6.  Melissa Smith:  1st Grade Teacher
7.  Karen Tschida:  SES Music Teacher
8.  Bryan Irsik:  SMS Physical Education Teacher
9.  Lewis Evans:  SCHS Social Studies Teacher
10. Katherine Bertrand:  SCHS Guidance Counselor
11. Kelsey Piper:  SCHS Science Teacher
12.  Danielle Peckenpaugh:  SES Special Education or Kindergarten Teacher

Rationale:  Teacher Contracts
All returning teachers have signed contracts for the 2015-16 school year.  If we have resignations from this point forward, their request will need to be accompanied by a request for release from contract.

Rationale:  The finance committee met and reviewed contract recommendations for principals, directors, and program coordinators.  See attached information. 

Rationale:  Attached is a resolution to the Colfax County Treasurer to pay in advance and withhold from tax receipts the amount of overpayment of real estate taxes, and refund the amount of $276,112.79 to Cargill Meat Solutions on or before May 15, 2015. 

This resolution is a result of an agreement with Cargill to return the money in support of construction of a community recreation center at the middle school location.  The Schuyler Foundation and building and grounds committee is working with an architect on the feasibility and design of this project.

Rationale:  K-2 Principal Report:  Darli Jo Vrba
Just a busy...busy time of year!!

All of the K-2 students and teachers have been cheering for our 3rd-4th-5th buddies as they have begun to take their NeSA tests!! Kindergarten decorated 4th grade's, 1st grade decorated 5th grade's and 2nd grade decorated 3rd grade's hallways with posters and words of encouragement! We, all, have done a few intercom cheers to wish them the best!

K-2 students had a Didiers receipt contest! Our second grade class enjoyed ice cream sandwiches because they brought in about 1,000 receipts!

The push is on to finish this school year on a high note! Everyone is working to meet the goals set before them...may they be reading, math, behavior, etc. The excitement for our 7th Annual S.E.S. Field Day is starting to build along with everyone tuning up their voices for our spring program.

Preschool and 3-5 Principal Report:  Bill Comley
Preschool:       93
Preschool round-up was held and we had about 80 parents come in and visit.
NeSA testing window is open now for students in grades 3-5.
Interviews for open teaching positions have been completed and we have had strong candidates.
Friday August 21st NETV/PBS will come back to Schuyler and hold another Early Childhood event at SES.
 
Rural Schools Board Report:  Gerry Reinsch

Fishers
April 14-22    NeSA Testing
April  27       Field Trip Henry Doorly Zoo
May  12       Graduation/Awards/Music Programs 2:00/7:00
May 14        Scrub Oaks Stanton
May 20        Color Wars

Students raised over $1,500 for the Heart Association with Jump Rope for Heart.  Thanks to Mr. Burton and PE students for their work.

Richland
April 14-22   NeSA Testing
May 11    Awards and Music Programs 10:00 am/7:00 pm
                  Field Trip to Columbus Bowling in PM

PE students raised over $700 for Jump Rope for Heart.

Middle School Board Report:  Michelle Burton
NeSa tests are currently underway at SMS.  Students and staff have done a great job preparing for the tests.  Eighth graders took the first round of testing using their iPads.  The remainder of the NeSA tests will be taken on iPads, as well.  Free breakfasts are also offered for all students on NeSA testing days.

Current SMS Enrollment:
6th Grade: 124
7th Grade: 126
8th Grade: 116
Total Enrollment: 366 (This is an increase of seven from September's attendance report to the present date.)

We are excited for a wonderful end of the year at SMS!  There are several important dates below:

April 19th 5th-12th Vocal and Band Contest

April 28th Schuyler Middle School Track Meet (9:30 a.m. dismissal pending weather)

April 29th Ms. Brown's classroom will be streamed online internationally through Discovery Education

April 30th DiscoveryEd/Eagle Communications Community Night

May 4th Honor Roll Field Trip to Memorial Stadium

May 6th Sixth Grade Orientation (11:30 Dismissal)

May 7th Sixth Grade Field Day

May 12th SMS Vocal and Band School wide Performance

May 12th Academic Awards Night

May 15th Athletic Participation Ceremony

May 20th Eighth Grade Graduation

SCHS Principal Report:  Greg Pavlik and Darin Kovar

Enrollment as of 3/5/15 is 488 students.  This is +3 from last month

9^th grade – 132                            10^th grade – 130

11^th grade – 101                           12^th grade – 125

Course registration for underclassmen has begun.  Ms. Johnson and Ms. Kneen work with students in large and small groups to complete this task.  Ms. Kneen also works with students and staff at SMS and the rural satellite schools in preparation for next years 9^th graders.  The SCHS 2015-16 course description is attached.

NeSA season is upon us.  We have taken NeSA Reading and Math over the past two weeks.  NeSA science is scheduled for Wednesday April 15^th.

This is a hectic time of year for high school students and teachers.  Between athletics, state level competitions, student activities (student council  / tryouts for next years activities) it is hard to maintain continuity, but I think our faculty does their best to make student learning their focus.  But for your future planning…

April 25^th  - Prom / Dance / Post Prom

April 23^th and 24^th – Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) conference

May 3^rd – Fine Arts Awards Night

May 6^th – 8^th grade visitation (12 noon dismiss)

May 11^th – Activity Awards Night

May 12^th – Academic Awards Night

May 17^th – SCHS Graduation:

Rationale:  SCHS Activities Director Report:  Michelle Egr

On 4/10, I attended and sat as a member on NSAA Representative Assembly.   Each district votes on the membership proposals that passed in three or more districts in January.   I enjoy working on NSAA committees and being a NSAA Representative Assembly member as it keeps our school up to date on the new changes in NSAA activities. 

Schuyler is hosting the Central Conference Soccer tourney on 4/18.  Schuyler is hosting the Central Conference Boys Golf tourney on 5/8.   The conference is hosting a coach recognition event on 5/29.   For several years, I have served as the East Conference Vice President.  

Fred Arnold Trackmeet is 4/23.   These next several weeks are busy!  

May 3rd is the Fine Arts Award night at 7:30 pm in the East Gym. 

Schedules for next year have been rolled over and continue to be proofed.   Officials are being hired.   I will soon begin working on a better schedule for our activities.  

I am working with CHI to schedule physicals in May.  We are looking at the same format as we had last school year.  I have suggested to CHI that we work to use the corresponding dates each year so planning has some fluidity. 

Director of Grants Report:  Stephen Grammer

21^st Century Grant

After School Program

• The fourth quarter of this school year has been a busy and fun quarter for the After School Program  We have more club offerings and more students attending the After School Program.
• At the end of March we had 241 students in the After School Program, K – 8.   At the beginning of April we have 200 students at SES and 55 students at SMS for a total of 255.  That means we are only 10 students short of our goal at the Middle School and 37 students short at the elementary school.  These are great numbers for our program as we finish up the school year.
• We are beginning to plan and develop our summer school program.  In June, it will be a Fine Arts & PE Summer School.  The summer school will run from June 8^th until June 26^th from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m.  Lunch will be provided at the MS from 11:30 until 1:00 p.m.  Some of the offerings are going to be Art,  Photography, Athletics, Speech, Music, and scrapbooking.
• On March 9^th, Pat Geary, from Midland College, was hired as the After School Program evaluator.  Through the 21^st Century grant it is a requirement to have an outside evaluator to come in and assess if our program is being successful.  Through the month of March we have been working on our self evaluation, video taping our clubs/activities, and putting out surveys to our parents to gather data for the evaluator.

School Improvement Grant  (SIG)

• On April 7^th, we had our second onsite visit by Randy McIntyre, who oversees our School Improvement Grant (SIG) for the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE).  During the three hour visit, Mr. McIntyre meets with our Leadership Team for an hour, visits one to three classrooms for 15 minute observations, and interview three teachers for about 20 minutes.  After all of the observations and discussions, Mr. McIntyre has a final conversation with IPM and the district budget manager, to go over the budget and to make sure we are on track.  After all of this he then writes up a SIG Visit Report.  The report was very complimentary about our growth and development over the school year.  The recommendations he made our items that we can work on for the remainder of the year and be ready to implement in the fall.  Overall, a very good visit.

Discovery Education

• On March 17^th and 18th, the administration of SMS and the Discovery Education staff were involved with multiple phone conversations about the upcoming events in April.  On Wednesday, April 29^th at 12:00 p.m., Discovery Education will be live streaming video of a math class at SMS.  Ms. Brown will be teaching her math class utilizing student iPads and the Math TechBook provided by Discovery Education.  We were selected from many schools for this event by Discovery Education because of how well and fast we have developed as a digital school.  On Thursday, April 30^th from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m., Discovery Education and Eagle Communications are sponsoring a “Schuyler Community Night” at SMS.  At this event we will have three teachers presenting, with students, how we are using the iPads and utilizing the techbooks in Sceince, Social Studies and Math.  They will be showcasing student projects and have talks on online safety.  Again, a great event and honor to be selected for both of these events.  These events will highlight the hard work our staff and students have put into the new curriculums and techbooks.
• On Tuesday, March 24^th from noon until 3:00 p.m., Judy and Suzanne, Discovery Education trainers, came to SMS to provide a leadership training for the administration of SMS .  During this training, we reviewed the data from the Discovery Education trainers observations of our classrooms. Judy and  Suzanne were very complimentary of our staff’s growth and progress throughout the school year.  We also complimented them on their work with our staff and were pleased with our progression with Discovery Education. 

Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC)

• CTAC representatives came to Schuyler on Thursday, March 19^th for a full day of going to classrooms and completing observations of our teaching staff.  On Friday, March 20^th, CTAC met with our staff in the afternoon and went over the data of their observations.  They were observing  if the teachers were implementing engaging strategies in the classroom, their questioning skills and techniques, and if they are building positive relationships with their students by establishing a positive environment in their classrooms.   A very good conversation and discussion by CTAC and staff.  Again, as with the Discovery Education trainers, CTAC Reps. were excited and pleasantly surprised by the progress our staff had made in relation to last month’s visit.

Middle School Athletics

• The Middle School Track season will began on March 16^th.  We started out with 150 7^th and 8^th graders signing up for track.  At present, we are down to 140 students out for track.  That is 40 more students than we had last year, that is approximately 62% of our 7^th and 8^th graders out for track.  I would like to commend our coaches:  Dana Schultz, Todd Block, Pat Halvorsen, Emily Kmiecik, Channa Hess, and Tom Wheeldon for a job well done and for working with such large number of students.  Just a quick reminder, our middle school track meet will be on Tuesday, April 28^th starting at 10:30 a.m.  That would be a great opportunity for you to attend and cheer on our track athletes.

Curriculum, Assessment, Special Programs Director Report:  Dave Gibbons

Curriculum – Schuyler Elementary, Richland and Fisher’s 24 will be working on the creation of a K-5 Language Arts program to better align instruction with the new standards.  We will begin working on this alignment April 23 & 24. This is also being done as a part of our Accountability Grant for SES.

School Improvement – We are halfway between our last external visit and our next external visit.  We will be having staff do a self-assessment on our standards to determine where our scores have improved since last visit and where we may still have some work to do to begin prepare for the next visit. 

Assessment and Accountability – NeSA Reading, Math and Science testing has gone smoothly so far.  We piloted do the assessments on the iPads with the 8^th graders.  It is believed to have gone so well that we are going to try it out on the 7^th graders as well.

I am a member of the Assessment and Accountability Advisory Committee for the Nebraska Department of Education.  We will be meeting tomorrow in Lincoln to discuss the new Language Arts Standard assessment and the NCLB waiver that has been submitted by the state.

Rationale:  1.  Share information from the board committee meetings.