January 10, 2013 at 6:30 PM - January 10, 2013 Regular Meeting

Rationale:  It is 6:30 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the January 10, 2013 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:  A motion is necessary to adjourn the 2012 Board of Education and appoint Robin Dexter, Secretary of the Board, as acting Chairman, to call the 2013 Board of Education to order and preside during the election of the 2013 President of the Board of Education.

Rationale:  Dr. Dexter will administer the Oath of Office  to the newly elected, re-elected, or appointed board members, who consist of:  Terry Brown, Lori Coen, Todd Elsbernd, Roger Harms, Heidi Vahle
 
    I, ________, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, and faithfully and impartially perform the duties as a member of the School Board of School District Number 2 of Grand Island, Nebraska, commencing January 10, 2013 according to law and to the best of my ability, so help me God.

Rationale: 

In past years, the Board established Board Operating Principles and recently updated those principles into Policy #2111 .   Each Board member, at the time the new Board is convened, will sign the acknowledgment of the Board Operating Principles.  The signed document will be placed on file with the January 2013 Board minutes.  

Rationale:  Dr. Dexter will convene and call to order the 2013 Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education.

Rationale:  The Secretary of the Board will entertain a motion for nominations for President of the Board of Education, conduct a written ballot, and announce the results.  The newly elected President will then chair the remainder of the meeting.

Rationale:  The President of the Board of Education will entertain a motion for nominations for Vice President of the Board of Education, conduct a ballot, and announce the results of the election.

Rationale:  The President will inform Board members of the Standing Committees and Special Committees for 2013 and ask them to consider which committees they would prefer.

Rationale:  The Grand Island Education Association continues to represent the certificated teachers employed by the Grand Island Public Schools.  The Association requests that the Grand Island Public Schools recognize the Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for the district's non-supervisory certificated staff for the 2014-2015 contract year.

Rationale:  The first Employee Assistance Plan contract with Directions, Inc. was signed in 2008 and has been renewed three times since then without going back out for bids. While the district is completely satisfied with the current provider, it is good practice to periodically evaluate both current and interested providers to assess the overall best options for the district. Requests for Proposals were solicited in October 2012, and four proposals were received for our review.

Rationale:  Kent Naylor, David Klemek, Brett Forsman, Ed Kinne, Lance Shrader and Kip Ramsey will present
an update on curriculum and program development for the Skilled and Technical
Sciences program to be housed at the new CPI Facility.

Rationale:  Dr. Dexter will share progress to date at OMB to include graduate information and
costs of contract renewal. Approval of contract renewal will be included in the
budget planning process.

Rationale:  Dr. Dexter will recommend adoption of the GIPS Preschool 2013-2014 Calendar.
Discussion will include changes to professional learning days to align with preschool
assessments, student contact days, and home visit schedule.

Rationale:  The sign for Jefferson Elementary School lies exactly on the right of way for Broadwell Avenue.  The Department of Roads requires a clean or clear right of way as a standard business practice.  This agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of the District and the City of Grand Island regarding this matter.

Rationale: 

Per current state statute Nebraska school districts are required to have an independent audit conducted annually.  Grand Island Public School District contracts with the independent audit firm of Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway, & Luth, P.C. to conduct the annual audit.  Business Director, Virgil Harden  will  give an executive overview of the 2011 - 2012 audit report and answer questions that Board members might have.  An action item to accept and place the 2011 - 2012 audit report on file will appear on the February 2013 meeting agenda.  Additionally, the audit report is posted on the District's web site along with the past three years.

Rationale:  As we move forward with iPad deployment throughout the district it is necessary to consider providing students and their families the opportunity to purchase an "iPad Repair Plan".  The "iPad Repair Plan" would provide students and their families with the assurance their iPad would be repaired or replaced at the district discretion regardless of the reason or expense of the repair.  On a second semester trial basis we will offer students the opportunity to purchase upfront $15 "iPad Repair Plan" with a sliding deductible of $10, $25, and $50 for the first, second, and third claim, respectfully.  After a third claim the district would re-evaluate the students ability to take the iPad from the school building.  Prior to the start of the 2013 - 2014 school year we will review our actual experience from expected and make changes to the plan design cost to account for the whole year and other issues as they develop.

Rationale:  The GIPS Teaching and Learning Team is recommending the adoption of a curriculum
mapping system. Teachers and administrative staff will use the CurricuPlan tool to
develop, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of curriculum in all content areas. The
CurricuPlan system will house standards, curriculum maps, lesson plans, assessments,
and resources. A consult will provide professional learning to content and grade level
staff in the areas of unpacking state standards, developing common formative and
summative assessments, and writing lesson plans to meet standards. Consultant fees
and staff time will be paid for out of Title II funds. The initial cost of CurricuPlan is
expected to be up to $27,000.00; with an annual cost thereafter of $30.00/instructional
staff member.

Rationale:  The committee is recommending the use of an evaluation tool that is attached for the superintendent evaluation.  There is also a time line attached as to how this tool might be implemented.  This evaluation process requires collaboration between the superintendent and the board members - a "blended evaluation" that allows for input from all and allows for the setting of different targets each year.  The timing allows for input prior to board retreats and allows the superintendent goals to be tied to board goals.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Facility and Finance Committee.  From this committee, there is also a possibility of a presentation and recommendation for action on any item which might have recently arisen requiring a short turn around time frame.

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 Public Relations Committee.