September 12, 2013 at 6:40 PM - Regular Meeting September 12, 2013

Rationale:  It is 6:36 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the September 12, 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: 

Rationale:  Dr. Dexter will administer the Oath of Office to Hannah Gilbertson, the new student board member for 2013-14 school year.

Rationale:  Updates will be given on the 4 areas of Board goals that are being worked on at the committee level.  Those areas are Leadership, Base Foundation, Curriculum and Culture.

Rationale: 

Schools identified as “in need of improvement” are required to fund “out of school tutoring time” for students meeting at risk criteria. We are in the second year of providing Supplemental Education Service and are issuing contracts to 5 providers. This strategy supports our District Strategic Goals for improving reading and math. Districts are required to support the service at $1184.00/student. Title 1 funds will be used to fund this strategy with possible support needed from the general fund. We are requesting Board support to fund and issue contracts for Supplemental Educational Service.

Rationale: 

On July 19, 2012, Neb. Rev. Stat. §79-777 (Cum. Supp. 2012) authorizing career academies became law. Central Community College and Grand Island Public Schools worked together to finalize the Career Pathways Institute Agreement. This agreement was presented as an information item  for Board review in August.

Rationale:  GIPS has been asked to become an initial member of the Nebraska Whole Child Project (NWCP) to work together with the Nebraska School Board Association (NSBA) and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) to address student fitness and health issues of Nebraska Children. A representative of
GIPS would act on the behalf of GIPS to bring Nebraska school districts, ESUs, universities, and state colleges together to share best practices for improving student fitness and health; and together student fitness data within Nebraska school districts, ESUs, universities, and state colleges. The first NWCP meeting is scheduled
for November.

Rationale:  On or before September 20th all Nebraska school districts are required to hold a public hearing and adopt a budget for the ensuing school year.  Earlier this evening a public hearing was held seeking public comment on the proposed 2013 - 2014 school year.  The Board must officially adopt the budget as an action item.

Rationale:  All Nebraska school districts must hold a public hearing and adopt a tax levy resolution setting the ensuing school year levy rate on or before October 13, 2013 (effectively. October 11, due to Columbus Day falling on the day after the due date).  Earlier this evening a hearing was held to obtain public input and comments on the proposed tax levy for the 2013 - 2014 school year.  The attached tax levy resolution outlines the fiscal year 2013 - 2014 tax levy necessary to operate the District.

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.