December 14, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

As President Johnson calls the Board of Education Meeting to order, she will inform everyone in attendance of the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education Meeting COVID-19 Guidelines.  Copies of these guidelines are available to all visitors and have been posted on the door of the Media Center.

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Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness.
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness.
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale:  In recognition of exceptional Board of Education service by Linda J. Richards for 25 years, the Ralston Public Schools Board of Educations offers this Board Resolution to thank Linda for her leadership and service as well as naming the Board of Education Chambers the Linda J. Richards Leadership and Learning Center.

Rationale: 

A complete copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the back wall of the Board of Education meeting room.

Public Comment Sign In Procedure - Anyone wishing to address the Board of Education must submit a written request form, found on the public’s table, prior to Public Comments.

The Board reserves the right to move into closed session to protect the public interest or needless injury to the reputation of an individual for any action item listed on the agenda. The Board may, at its discretion, change the order of the agenda to accommodate unforeseen issues related to an agenda item.

Cognia Standard 1.1:  The system commits to a purpose statement that defines beliefs about teaching and learning, including the expectations for learners.   Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

Rationale: 

The Ralston Board of Education appreciates the public's right to provide public comment.  It is the practice of the Ralston Board to listen to the public comment, without discussion between the public and the Board.  Should you have a question or ask for follow-up from the Board, the Board President will direct the Superintendent to address the requests and provide additional information to you as appropriate.  We ask that you refrain from personal comments about individuals and the use of vulgar or inappropriate language in addressing the Board. 

The board will generally allow a total of 30 minutes for the presentation of all public comments.  Individuals may only speak one time per topic and must limit comments to around three (3) minutes. In the event more than 10 individuals wish to address the board, the 30 minutes will be divided equally between the number of speakers. At the discretion of the Board President or Chair, speakers may be allotted additional time.

At this time the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education will entertain public comment.

Cognia Standard 1.1:  The system commits to a purpose statement that defines beliefs about teaching and learning, including the expectations for learners.   Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

Rationale: 

Consent agenda items include minutes from the November 23rd meeting; November Financial Reports, November bills in the amount of $479,721.65 for the General Fund. Prior to the meeting Robin Richards and Heather Johnson reviewed the bills. 

Local Substitute Certificate for Katelynn Caniglia.

Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness. Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Cognia Standard 1.7:  Leaders implement operational processes and procedures to ensure organizational effectiveness in support of teaching and learning. Board Policy 3007, Review of Bills.         

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 1.4 - The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness. Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale: 

Board of Education members will discuss items they have recently observed or attended or items they wish to share with the other members of the Board of Education and the public.

Cognia Standard 1.5 - the governing authority adheres to a code of ethics and functions within defined roles and responsibilities. Board Policy 2002, Reporting to the Public.  

Cognia Standard 1.4  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are desinged to support system effectiveness.  Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction.  Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Dr. Adler will provide an additional overview and recent update of the planning for the Ralston Public Schools Return to Learn Protocol.  The information and document that will be presented is a compilation of the work, planning, and operations currently being done by the entire RPS Administrative Team and staff as we continue operations and learning during the 2020-2021 School Year.  The RPS Return to Learn Protocol was approved by the Board of Education on July 13, 2020.  With continuously changing elements within our community, the Return to Learn Protocol may require changes on a regular basis.  All changes and adjustments will be communicated and reviewed with the Board of Education.  Dr. Adler and the Administrative Team will update the Board of Education on recent changes to the RPS Return to Learn Protocol.

Board Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will provide an update to the Board of Education on the District Safety and Security Plan.  

Rationale:  Dr. Cecilia Wilken will share information and results with the Board of Education about the Home Visit Program.

Rationale:  Dr. Cecilia Wilken will outline the proposed 2021-2022 Ralston Public Schools District Calendar.  Last year Dr. Wilken and her team developed a draft District Calendar for two years.  The 2021-2022 draft District Calendar has already been provided to students, families, and staff for input.  Adjustments were made to the draft calendar based upon stakeholder feedback.  The Administration would ask that the Board of Education consider approval of the 2021-2022 District Calendar at their January 11, 2021 meeting.  

Rationale: 

Dr. Adler and Mrs. Richards will update the Board regarding Legislative issues. 

Cognia Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction. Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Dr. Jay Irwin will update the Board of Education on items and information that is under consideration with the Nebraska Association of School Boards.

Cognia Standard 1.8 Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction.  Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public.

Rationale: 

Dr. Adler will review the enrollment information with the Board.

Cognia Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction.  Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  After completing a comprehensive evaluation and defining the terms of the proposed superintendent contract, the Board of Education will be asked to approve a three year contract for Superintendent, Dr. Mark Adler for the years 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024.  Public notice of the proposed superintendent contract was made available on the Ralston Public Schools website as outlined by the Superintendent Pay Transparency Act.  The proposed contract and projected costs are attached to this agenda item for review.

Standard 3.4 The system attracts and retains qualified personnel who support the system's purpose and direction.  Policy 4025 Superintendent.

Rationale: 

The Board and Administration will review proposed policies.

Cognia Standard 1.5 - The governing authority adheres to a code of ethics and functions within the defined roles and responsibilities.  Board Policy 2001, Role of the Board of Education.

Rationale:  Dr. Rupprecht will review Policy 4043--Professional Boundaries with the Board of Education and field any questions that may arise.

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will review Policy 3001--Budget and ask the Board for approval.  Policy 3001 was reviewed and discussed at the last Board of Education Meeting.

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will review Policy 3004.1--Federal Funds Purchasing and ask the Board for approval.  Policy 3004.1 was reviewed and discussed at the last Board of Education Meeting.

Rationale:  Ms. Melissa Stolley will outline changes to Policy 5018--Parent and Guardian Involvement in Education Practices.  These changes are the result of recommendations from our policy service in response to changes in both state and Federal law.  

Rationale:  Ms. Melissa Stolley will outline changes to Policy 5067--Student Assistance Team or Problem Solving Team.  These changes are the result of recommendations from our policy service in response to changes in both state and Federal law. 

Rationale: 

The Board reserves the right to move into closed session to protect the public interest or needless injury to the reputation of an individual for any action item listed on the agenda. The Board may, at its discretion, change the order of the agenda to accommodate unforeseen issues related to an agenda item.

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Supplemental Documents include the following:

Food Service Report
RHS Course Description and Registration Booklets
Bill Review Schedule - 2020 and 2021

 

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                  Board of Education Meeting – Mon., January 11 – 6:00 p.m.
                                  Ralston High School Media Center

                       

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness.  Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.