May 12, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM and President Olsen called attention to the open meetings act.

Discussion:  Dr. Schoeppey noted we will need to discuss payment to the City of Imperial for the back usage of lights at Wellington. The bill received in the amount of $1,800, for 12 years back usage is currently being held and not included on the current month bills pending further discussion and approval.

Discussion:  Karra Meeske, Lori Owens, Lori Mendenhall, Brandi Roenfeldt, Kathy Vrbas and Robin Hopp all inquired regarding why the 6th grade field trip was canceled this year. Supt. Schoeppey noted the decision to take field trips is left up to the classroom teachers, and this year the 6th grade teachers with Elementary Principal Stewart decided that due to behavior issues, the end of year trip would be downsized. Board Member Stromberger noted stronger communication should have been done to notify/communicate with the 6th grade parents and Principal Stewart and Supt. Schoeppey agreed there obviously was a break down in communication. President Olsen inquired as to what the District is doing to encourage improved behavior amongst this class. Stewart noted a leadership/bullying speaker has been here and on-going counseling, mentoring etc. continues. She did recommend spring PT conferences in the future and President Olsen closed noting as a District we have to do a better job of communicating. A brief request of the Board was made by Jill Bauerle to look at an update of the lighting in the auditorium.

Discussion:  Athletic Director Hauxwell noted Athletic Award’s Banquet was held Saturday May 9th, with around 180 in attendance. The banquet lasted around 2 hours and was held at the Catholic Hall, where the environment and seating was adequate for a nice evening. He noted 7-12 vocal concert will be held tonight, the Show Choir end of year concert will be Friday May 15th at 7:00 PM, and District Track at Bayard will be taking 2 buses and departing at 5:30 AM and 7:15 AM, respectively, on Thursday May 14th. He mentioned camps are lining up already for summer including Youth Longhorn Basketball camps, High School Girls Volleyball Camp- 1st week of June, and Score Camp- 2nd week of June. Masters- Transportation had contacted Hauxwell and was interested in trying to remedy the previous situation, and they briefly discussed a handicap bus. Bleachers are complete in the gym with the new additional steps and drive wheels and will be in use this weekend for graduation. Lastly, he briefly mentioned portable bleachers that could accommodate 120-150 additional seats at $160 each with storage of them when not in use being the largest concern. A brief discussion was held regarding what to do in order for the auditorium to accommodate the concert attendance. Schoeppey and Smith both agreed that smaller class sizes for each concert probably needs to be considered, however, in general the Board was encouraged by the large class sizes and strong support from parents and the community for concerts.

Discussion:  Elementary Principal Stewart noted an ELL family night in celebration of Cinco De Mayo was held on May 1 with a pot luck supper, dancing, pinatas and fun. Kindergarten Round-Up went well with 51 students attending. Stewart noted MAPS testing will continue until May 15 and Aims Web assessments for grades K-3 are in progress as well as MAPS student progress reports will be sent home in report cards. Stewart mentioned the RTI team met with parents of students to discuss progress monitoring and strategies and to insure plans are put in place for next school year. Stewart also highlighted Nebr. 811 presented to CCES 4th graders regarding the state law requiring everyone to always call 811 before they dig to keep underground utilities safe. In conjunction, a tree was presented and planted in the north playground area and 811 poster honorees were, Elizabeth Reeves, Kade Anderson, Kayla Chavia and Keirsten Colton. PTO held the Muffins for Moms event May 11, as well as provided snacks for the staff during teacher/staff appreciation week May 7th. Lastly she noted the last elementary assembly scheduled for May 18 at 2:30, the elementary Field Day scheduled for May 19, and the migrant program will again be held this summer. Board Member Meeske inquired regarding 15-16 teacher assignments and the fact that all those assigned to 3rd grade next year will be new to CCS. Stewart noted she is confident in the abilities of those assigned to the grade noting at least one does have prior teaching experience. High School Principal Sorensen noted class scheduling for the 15-16 school year is well underway, with the goal of 6th grade thru 11th completed by end of the week and allowing for changes the last week of May. Summer Driver’s Education will have 2 sessions: Session #1: June 8-17 and Session #2: June 22-July 1 beginning at 8:00 am daily. Approximately 30 students have registered. Sorensen noted 13 students were inducted into National Honor Society April 30th. With 8 students graduating, total membership will be 15 next year. Lastly, he noted 7-12 Academic Awards will be May 13th at 8:15 a.m. in the auditorium and Graduation will be Sat., May 16 at 4:30 p.m. in the longhorn gym.

Discussion:  Member Jessica Hartman highlighted seniors only have 2 days remaining. Graduation prep is completed.

Discussion:  Supt. Schoeppey thanked Stewart & Sorensen for their service. The facility committee met noting they have discussed theater renovations, roof supplies have arrived for the summer section to be replaced, and carpet will be replaced in another section of classrooms. Additional handicap parking at the football field was brought to the attention from the Lion's club. Board agreed to further consider providing the materials and the Lion's club the labor for additional parking with coordination from the Facility Committee. Transportation committee has requested bids for an additional activity bus. Testing is nearing completion. Lastly, Trane has reassessed the current well and is considering some additional work, at their expense during the summer. Member Meeske inquired regarding trash pick-up and how it is getting scattered in the parking lot. Student member said the issue is also contributed to by the students and on-going incentives to maintain cleanliness as well as pick-up prior to graduation was discussed. President Olsen inquired regarding additional contract days for new Principals. Based upon discussion not considered necessary.

Discussion:  Member Smith recommended tabling until new administration is in place. Brief discussion was held regarding timing of approval and the printing of the handbook. Board agreed to reference that policy in the handbook in order to enable printing of the handbook and then further review for policy.

Discussion:  Principal Sorensen highlighted changes to the cell phone policy, noting that is the only change. The elementary handbook will be presented at the June meeting after new principal Odens has had a chance to review. Member Strand suggested addressing field trips in the elementary handbook.

Discussion:  Proposal includes elementary staff. Member Meeske confirmed seniors can still purchase their computers for $75 plus the retainer of the $25 deposit. In addition, departing staff also have had the option to purchase. The technology committee has not further considered Mac vs PC and President Olsen noted without the input of new administration, no decision to make a major transition will be made. Smith confirmed it is within budget to stay the course and Supt. Schoeppey confirmed yes. Stromberger inquired regarding a current inventory and Supt Schoeppey noted Jerel has compiled a relatively complete list, including elementary

Discussion:  None noted.

Discussion:  Meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM.