May 8, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Patrons can watch the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education Meeting by following the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8VrugRaRJ-0GL1Cg8BlBA

Rationale: 
Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale:  Dr. Adler and members of the Administration will use this time to recognize and celebrate various members of the Ralston Public Schools Community for positive accomplishments.

Members being recognized for Monday, May 8th, 2023 Include:

• Andrew Creek - NSAA State Journalism Champion
• Pamela Castaneda Martinez - NSAA State Journalism Champion
• Ms. Kelley Lange - Ralston High School Yearbook Advisor

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 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
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 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

Rationale: 

Consent agenda items include minutes from the April 24 meeting; April Financial Report, April bills in the amount of $459,471.94 for the General Fund, and $3,388,588.27 for the Special Building Fund. Prior to the meeting, Carrie Hough and Liz Kumru reviewed the bills. 

Recommend the following teachers be hired for the 2023-24 school year:
Melissa Thomas - RMS - Science.  MA-Nebraska Wesleyan, MA-Bellevue University, MA-College of St. Mary.  Previous Experience:  Iowa Western Community College (2015-2023).  
Holly Tomaso - KW/SY - SPED.  BA-College of St. Mary, MA-Peru State.  Previous Experience: Omaha Public Schools (2015-2023).
Joseph Steele - RHS - Math.  BA-UNL, MA-UNL, PhD-University of Wisconsin.  Previous Experience:  Omaha Public Schools (2013-2023)
Ashley Montes - KW - SPED.  BA-UNO.  Previous Experience:  Omaha Public Schools (2010-2023). 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Cognia Standard 11:  Leaders create and maintain institutional structures and processes that support learners and staff members in both stable and changing environments.
Board Policy 3007, Review of Bills.         

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
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 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs. 
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  As a result of the successful bond election on October 12, 2021, the administration recommends that the Board of Education consider approval of a District #54 General Obligation Bond resolution to complete Phase 2 of the Future Ready Ralston Bond Projects.  Scott Keene, the District's Bond Advisor, will be on hand to outline details of approving a general obligation bond resolution and the strategies to be used in financing included projects over time.  Mr. Keene and Mr. Buckingham will address any questions the Board of Education may have and outline the next steps in this process.
 

Rationale:  Mr. Coady Pruett of KSB School Law, has advised the Board of Education about the concept of Construction Manger at Risk Method of Construction.  This method of construction is being used for Phase 1 of the Future Ready Ralston Bond projects.  Dr. Adler and Mr. Buckingham will outline the details required to use the Construction Manager at Risk method for Phase 2 of the Future Ready Ralston Bond projects as well as review Board of Education Policy 3042 Construction Management at Risk Contracts.

Rationale:  Dr. Michael Rupprecht will provide an update to the Board of Education on the current status of recruitment and retention across all employee groups.  Dr. Rupprecht will also address any questions that the Board of Education may have along the way.

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will provide an overview of the District Financial Report for the month.  Mr. Buckingham will address any questions that the Board of Education members may have on any part of the financial statements.  

 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Cognia Standard 11:  Leaders create and maintain institutional structures and processes that support learners and staff members in both stable and changing environments.
Board Policy 3001, Budget

Rationale:  Dr. Adler, Mr. Buckingham, and members of the administrative team will provide an update to the Board of Education on the progress of various projects in motion with the 2021 Future Ready Ralston Bond Initiative.



 

Rationale:  Ms. Mary Roarty will provide an update on any information or recent happenings with the Ralston Schools Foundation.

The administration recommends the appointment of Nathan Hankenson to RSF Board of Directors.  This action item is located in Standards Based School Improvement.

Rationale: 

Dr. Adler will update the Board regarding Legislative issues. 

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Mrs. Elizabeth Kumru will update the Board of Education on items and information that is under consideration with the Nebraska Association of School Boards.

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public.

Rationale: 

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

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale: 

The Board and Administration will review proposed policies.

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
Board Policy 2001, Role of the Board of Education.

Rationale:  Policy 1003 - Purpose and Direction Statement was reviewed at the Board of Education's April 24th Meeting.  After feedback and input, the administration recommends the approval of the amended and attached Policy 1003.

Rationale:  Policy 6052 - Correspondence Courses was reviewed at the Board of Education's April 24th Meeting.  After feedback and input, the administration recommends the approval of the amended and attached Policy 6052.

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.

Rationale: 

Supplemental Documents include the following:

Bill Review Schedule - 2023

 

Rationale: 

Board of Education Meeting - Mon., May 22 - 6:00 p.m.

May 10 - 6:30 pm - Senior Honors Night - RHS
May 21 - 2:00 - RHS Graduation - Liberty First Credit Union Arena                                              

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.