April 19, 2010 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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I. Call Meeting to Order
Rationale:
Schuyler Community Schools in partnership with parents, students, and the community will challenge and inspire students to be lifelong learners - 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:
The meeting was called to order by president Wennekamp at 6:33 PM. Members present were Wennekamp, Mejstrik, Misek, and Parr; Brabec arrived at 6:35 PM and Semerad arrived at 6:38 PM. Others present were Superintendent Stevens, Principal Baumert, Director of K-8 Education DeBlauw, Assistant Principal Cunningham, Principals’ of the SES and SMS, Grammer, Comley and Vrba, Activity Administrator Egr, Director of Facilities, Ron Mundil and Principal of the S.C.S. rural attendance centers and Curriculum Administrator, David Gibbons.
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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 Wennekamp declared the meeting was preceded by advance notice and declared to be an open session.
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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.
Discussion:
A motion was made by Mejstrik and seconded by Parr to approve the agenda, minutes, acceptance of claims, financial, and other listed reports.
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II.A. Agenda
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II.B. Minutes
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II.C. Acceptance of Claims
Discussion:
Superintendent Stevens brought the board’s attention to four bills over the $5000 limit.
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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
Discussion:
Teachers from SCHS, Jim Kasik, Larry McGowan and Brandon Thoene and an SEA representative, Laurie Schlautman were also present.
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III.B. Automotive class
Discussion:
Jim Kasik and Brandon Thoene presented their proposal for an Automotive and Logistics Class for the 2010-2011 school year. The class would be open to juniors and seniors. The approximate cost to set up the class with necessary equipment could be adjusted with a negotiated lease for class work area, liability insurance, and cost of utilities. It was pointed out by Principal Gibbons that this class would help to achieve the Nebraska Governor’s P-16 Initiative; giving students the ability to go right to work after graduation if college will not be attended. Nebraska Workforce Development statistics point out that from 2010-2016 19% more truck drivers will be needed.
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III.C. Block scheduling study review
Discussion:
Larry McGowan and Jim Kasik, representing the block scheduling study committee, which included staff, students, and parents, gave the board recommendations for updating block scheduling. They saw no need to return to the traditional seven-period day.
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III.D. Other topics (limited to 5 minutes - subject to guidelines of the Board Participation Policy)
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III.E. Student Representative's Report
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IV. Board Requests/Reports
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IV.A. Americanism
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IV.B. Budget
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IV.C. Building and Grounds
Discussion:
Americom submitted a bid to update the phone system at Schuyler Middle School. The current phone system is outdated and needs to be repaired or replaced. The updated equipment provided in the bid would run on the same system at SCHS.
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IV.C.1. Phone system at SMS
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IV.D. Curriculum
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IV.D.1. 1:1 - WON to WON
Discussion:
Apple, Inc. provided information and a price quote to SCS for the “One to One” Initiative, which would provide a computer for every student in grades 9-12. This would require a four-year monetary commitment and increased staff. The program promotes increased student engagement in class-work. This issue will be referred to the curriculum committee.
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IV.E. Negotiations
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IV.E.1. BCBS presentation April 26th - Monday
Discussion:
Blue Cross-Blue Shield will be at SCHS on April 26 to present new information to the SEA and negotiations committee.
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IV.E.2. Recognition of the SEA
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IV.F. Planning
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IV.F.1. Study session comment
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IV.F.2. Calendar update
Discussion:
The calendar for 2010-2011 has been finalized.
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IV.F.3. K-4 bond election thoughts and timelines
Discussion:
A schedule of potential election dates was shared if it would be the intent of the district to pursue a bond election. Public input would be sought at meetings before any bond election would be pursued.
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IV.F.4. Added personnel
Discussion:
Applications are being sought for open teaching positions at SCHS for a science and social studies teacher and a literacy coach at SMS.
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IV.F.5. SCHS entryway update
Discussion:
A preliminary architectural drawing for a new entryway, renovated reception area, offices, and classrooms at SCHS were presented. The main focus of this construction would provide a secure entry where all visitors would have to check in at the principals’ office before proceeding through safety doors into the main school building.
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IV.G. Policy
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IV.G.1. Facility usage
Discussion:
The policy committee reviewed the policy for public use of school facilities, particularly the SCHS kitchen. Only school organizations or organizations that have a direct benefit to the students of SCS will be allowed to use the high school kitchen. The kitchens at SES and SMS are not rentable facilities.
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IV.G.2. Proof of residency
Discussion:
Discussion on a proposed policy to prove residency in the district brought up various viewpoints. The proposal would target kindergarten, 4th, and 9th graders whose families would have to provide three pieces of proof of residency. The school’s legal counsel will be consulted before any action is taken.
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IV.G.3. Seclusion and Restraint
Discussion:
Information was shared regarding the “Restraint and Seclusion Policy” and the “Dating Violence Policy.” Both policies were adapted from NASB policy.
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IV.G.4. Dating violence
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IV.H. Public Relations
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IV.I. Foundation
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IV.I.1. Fundraiser - Anytime Fitness program update
Discussion:
The fundraiser, sponsored by “Anytime Fitness,” raised $500 toward the purchase of new lunch tables at SES.
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V. Action Items
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V.A. Discuss, Consider and Take Action on bills of $5,000 or more
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve all bills (list attached) that are $5,000 or more with the exception of regular monthly bills 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:
• Motion, Mejstrik, second, Parr – Motion to approve all bills over the amount of $5000. Motion carried.
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V.B. Discuss, Consider and Take Action on the 2010-2011 school calendar
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2010-2011 school calendar. 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:
• Motion, Brabec, second, Mejstrik – Motion to approve the 2010-2011 school calendar. Voting aye were Mejstrik, Brabec, Wennekamp, Semerad, and Misek, voting no was Parr. Motion carried.
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V.C. Discuss, Consider and Take Action on an Americom phone system for SMS
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the purchase of an Americom phone system at Schuyler Community Schools 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:
• Motion, Parr second, Brabec – Motion to approve the purchase of an Americom phone system at Schuyler Middle School. Motion carried.
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V.D. Discuss, Consider and Take Action on changes to the facilities use policy
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve changes to the facilities use policy. 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:
• Motion, Mejstrik, second, Wennekamp – Motion to approve changes to the facilities-use policy. Motion carried.
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V.E. Discuss, Consider and Take Action on a Restraint and Seclusion policy
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the students restraint and seclusion policy. 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:
• Motion, Mejstrik, second, Misek – Motion to approve the students’ “Restraint and Seizure Policy.” Motion carried.
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VI. Administrative and Other Reports
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VI.A. Operating Council Report(s)
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VI.B. PreK-8 Director of Education Report
Discussion:
Director of K-8 Education DeBlauw urged the board to seriously consider a solution to the present over-crowding at SES and future over-crowding at SMS. Public preschool registration and Headstart registration will be held on April 22nd and 23rd.
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VI.C. High School Principal Report
Discussion:
Principal Baumert requested the policy committee meet with SCHS administrators to look at potential changes in the student-parent handbook.
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VI.D. Grades 9-12 Assistant Principal's Report
Discussion:
Assistant principal Cunningham attended a Student-Hearing Officer training offering information on conducting the hearing and decision process for students.
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VI.E. Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment and Pk-8 Rural School Report
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VI.F. Activities Administrator Report
Discussion:
Activity Administrator Egr reported raising the admission fee for athletic events for adults has recouped some of the financial loss that was seen in the fall of 2009.
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VI.F.1. Three NSAA referendums
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VI.G. Director of Facilities/Transportation Report
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VI.H. Grades k-3 Principal's Report
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VI.I. Grades k-3 Principal's Report
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VI.J. Grades 4-8 Principal's Report
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VI.K. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Superintendent Stevens reported that he received many favorable comments about the board study session held March 25. Members of the school board will be featured in the SCHS newspaper, “The Warrior Beat.”
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VI.K.1. Verification of successive employment
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VI.K.2. ERIP update
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VI.K.3. Warrior Beat questionnaire
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VI.K.4. Next regular board meeting - Monday - May 17th, 2010 - @ 6:30 p.m.
Discussion:
The next board meeting will be May 17, 2010 at 6:30 PM.
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VII. Correspondence Items
Discussion:
Correspondence was received from the families of Elmer Aguirre and Ken Brezina.
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VII.A. Aguire family
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VII.B. Ken Brezina
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VIII. Executive Session
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VIII.A. Personnel
Discussion:
A motion was made at 9:52 PM by Parr and seconded by Semerad to enter into executive session to discuss personnel. Motion carried. At 10:35 PM Mejstrik made a motion to exit executive session and seconded by Semerad, motion carried.
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IX. Adjournment
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Discussion:
A motion was made at 10:36 PM by Brabec and seconded by Mejstrik to adjourn. Motion carried.
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