April 14, 2011 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting April 14, 2011

Rationale:  It is 6:30 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the April 14, 2011 meeting.  Notice of this meeting has been advertised in the Grand Island Independent, which is the District's designated method of giving notice of these meetings.

We want those in attendance to know that copies of the Open Meetings Act are available at the entrance to the Board Room.  If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so.  We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now so that you may be recognized during the Public Forum part of our meeting.  These forms are also located by the entry doors of this room.

Mrs. Wagner, will you please call the roll?

Rationale:  Roll Call.

Rationale: 

The Mission  

Every Student, Every Day, a Success
Within the Grand Island Public Schools,
- every student will be taught to read, write, and communicate effectively; solve problems; acquire and apply knowledge; and demonstrate mastery through performance to the best of the student's abilities;  
- every student will be treated with fairness and dignity;
- every student will experience a sense of belonging, contribution, and success; and
- every student will develop responsibility and show respect for others as well as oneself.  
In educating students, we teach hearts as well as minds.

Rationale:  The first item on the agenda tonight is the Consent Agenda.  The Consent Agenda to be approved is as follows:

(items read.)

This is the Consent Agenda as published.  Would anyone like to remove any items or add any items to the Consent Agenda? 

Rationale:  Grand Island Physical Therapy will provide OT and PT services and will bill out at the Department of Special Education approved rate ($58.00/hour for 2010-2011), mileage (state approved rate), and travel time at $47.50/hr.

Rationale:  Due to refinancing the field turf COP (Certificates of Participation) and proposed changes in General Fund expenditure limitations it is necessary to amend Grand Island Public Schools fiscal year 2010 - 2011 budget as previously adopted. The District will need to hold a hearing and officially amend the fiscal year 2010 - 2011 budget during the May 12, 2011 Board meeting.

Rationale:  Grand Island Public Schools has a business banking relationship with Wells Fargo Bank. Wells Fargo is consolidating their operations in regards to the collateralization of public funds and wishes the District to sign an agreement outlining new terms and conditions of the processes, methods, and means to be used to properly collateralize excess funds held by Wells Fargo on the behalf of the District. A sample agreement is attached and will be presented for approval during the regularly scheduled May meeting.

Rationale:  Grand Island Public Schools has a business banking relationship with the Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund. In order to conduct fund business an official proxy statement must be on file with fund administration. This proxy is only used when the District's official representative is unable to attend meetings and vote on behalf of the District. By position the Director of Business is the District's representative. Additionally, Mr. Harden is also on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund as well as representing the District.

Rationale:  Annually the District plans for both current term projects via our "Project List" and for far-term facilities issues via our "Long Term Facilities Plan".  Normally we conduct a BOE workshop to review these plans in more detail.  However, with the recent emphasis on budget planning issues for next fiscal year and the need to move the process forward the administration will be presenting these plans via a quick overview as an informational item.  The Board may seek to review in more detail at a later time if necessary and appropriate.

Rationale:  Due to the Federal Stimulus funding known as ARRA, which ends with the 2010 - 2011 fiscal year, also known as the "Cliff Effect".  The anticipated and currently projected state aid (TEEOSA) reduction to GIPS in the amount of $5.7 million dollars.  Administration recommended both a large number of and severe spending reductions for the 2011 - 2012 school year.  After input from the public via a town hall meeting, various other methods, a budget workshop, and consideration of the recommendations the Board of Education needs to take action to allow administration the ability to move forward with implementation of the recommendations and the planning of the 2011 - 2012 school year.

Rationale:  The District's current drivers education program instructor resigned recently, which prompted the administration to look for alternatives to the current delivery model (in-house).   Upon inquiry we became aware of a possible contractual agreement for the Nebraska Safety Center at UNK to provide Driver Education to GIPS students that are 15 years old or older.  The Nebraska Safety Center will provide four phases of instruction to students learning to drive on site at GISH during the month of June.  The first phase is the classroom.  The second and third phases include a driving range and simulation facility and are housed at the Ron and Carol Cope Nebraska Safety Center for Safety Education and Research in Kearney (Driving Range).  Students will be bused to the facility. Simulation develops perception, judgment, exposure to a variety of road surfaces, driver impairment and reaction skills. Students will practice vehicle operation and specific maneuvers during the multiple vehicle driving range phase. The fourth phase is on-street instruction in actual traffic situations. The cost for each student attending is $300. There is no cost to the district for the contract or service provided.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Facility and Finance Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Teaching and Learning Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Personnel Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Policy Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration by the Grand Island Education Foundation.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Legislative Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Public Relations Committee.