April 26, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Notice of the time and place of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting was e-mailed to an extensive list of local and regional news media.  A mailing list is maintained at the Lincoln Public Schools District Office.  A public notice was published in the LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR.

The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale: 

For those interested in speaking during the public hearing, the same guidelines apply as public comment. Speakers should complete the blue contact card and present it to a staff prior to speaking. Speakers have a maximum of five minutes to speak. The Board does not engage in conversation with the speakers, but listens carefully to the comments as part of its collection of information for consideration of agenda items.

With that, I hereby open this public hearing before the Board of Education of Lincoln Public Schools. This hearing is being conducted under the provisions of the Nebraska Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fee Authorization Act and other Nebraska laws. The purpose of this hearing is to receive input regarding proposed Policy 5520. The input received in this hearing will be taken into consideration by the Board when we take action on proposed Policy 5520.

Rationale:  The attached minutes are intended to accurately reflect the action of the Board at its previous meetings.

Explanation
The minutes have been prepared for Board approval.

Rationale: 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.
• Members of the Board of Education will not respond or engage with speakers.
• Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may hand out printed materials to the Board but may not use any other form of media.
• The Board Chair may make adjustments to the public comment guidelines, according to Policy 8420.
• If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations or become abusive in language or behavior, the Chair may declare that person out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board.
• Anyone refusing to be identified will be prohibited from speaking.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

Explanation:

The Human Resources Division also includes the Office of Risk Management.  As such, in addition to the Lincoln Board of Education approving all contractual agreements with employees, all employee benefit issues, all personnel actions, and all other matters within the scope of the Human Resources Division, as part of the Human Resources Matters agenda; the Lincoln Board of Education also must approve the settlement of Workers’ Compensation claims, take action on tort claims filed against the district, and take action on all other matters within the scope of the Office of Risk Management.

This report includes routine Human Resources changes:

   a.  Administrator Employees:

            Elections – 9

   b.  Certificated Employees:

            Elections – 23

            Re-Elections Same Assignment – 6

            Re-Elections New Assignment – 1

            Changes of Status – 5

            Leaves of Absence – 110

            Separations – 18

   c.  Substitute Certificated Employees:

            Elections – 6

            Separations – 14

   d.  Classified Employees:

            Elections – 22

            Changes of Status – 2

            Leaves of Absence – 1

            Separations – 47

 

Proposal:

That the Board approve the Human Resources items presented in the attachment(s).*

 

*The information in the attachment(s) may be protected by privacy legislation until the Board of Education takes action on the staff recommendations.  Therefore, this attachment(s) is not included in agenda materials provided the public and the news media.  Any information in the attachment(s) that is not protected by privacy legislation, however, is available for public inspection from the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources upon request.

That the Board is approving the Human Resources items attached with the information as presented or as on file with official district records and documents relating to each such item, or in such other form as may be approved by the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, and that the Board hereby authorizes the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, to transact and complete each such item approved hereby, and to sign, execute, and deliver necessary documents or contracts, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action as may be necessary to complete each such item of transaction as contemplated, for and on behalf of this school district.

Rationale: 

At each meeting, the Board of Education is asked to approve certain items of routine business of the school district.

Explanation
The items included in routine business for this meeting are:

a.  REGULAR CLAIMS – Claims for the period ending April 26, 2016, were previously provided.                   
Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $45,244.36.                   

State Tax ACH Deposit of $753,063.60.                   

Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $100,051.09.                   

Office Depot ACH Transfer of $33,328.05.                   

Vendor ACH Transfer of $117,459.57.

b.  PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION – Payroll for the period ending April 15, 2016, in the amount of $139,274.33.

c.   GIFTS – Approval for the gifts listed on the attached gift report.

d.  BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS – Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the purchase of large kitchen equipment; a concrete project at East; the purchase of Chromebooks for students; classroom management training for teachers and administrators; photography services; construction engineer services for the Pedal to Prescott project; renewal of an online resource subscription, online database subscriptions, and digital software subscriptions; the purchase of a professional learning management system; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education approve the following items of routine business:

a. The regular claims for period ending April 26, 2016.

b. Payroll for the period ending April 15, 2016.

c. Gifts for Clinton, Kahoa, Meadow Lane, Northeast, and the district.

d. Bids/contracts/other routine business for the purchase of large kitchen equipment; a concrete project at East; the purchase of Chromebooks for students; classroom management training for teachers and administrators; photography services; construction engineer services for the Pedal to Prescott project; renewal of an online resource subscription, online database subscriptions, and digital software subscriptions; the purchase of a professional learning management system; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Rationale: 

On February 23, 2016, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option students for the 2016-17 school year.  Applications have been received from students requesting that they be accepted as option students for the 2016-17 school year.  Staff recommends that the students referred to in this agenda item be accepted for enrollment as they are in compliance with the Board resolution of February 23, 2016.      

Explanation
Staff has examined the applications of the students included in this proposal.  The students meet one of the criteria set forth by the Board in its resolution of February 23, 2016.  Staff recommends approval of these applications.      

Proposal  
That the Board adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, the students who have been assigned student numbers 273578, 202069 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 23, 2016, with regard to such option students;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned students be accepted as option students on the condition and with the express understanding that all programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.

Rationale:  *The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education  Board releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale: 

Each spring a transportation plan is prepared for the following school year.  District policy 3710 is reviewed and recommendations for operational changes are solicited from individual school buildings and various departments.  Schedules are prepared and a summary of needs is balanced against staff and equipment available to the district.  Each year a review of all routes for the current year are reconsidered.

Explanation
The Lincoln Public Schools Transportation Department will transport only those students who qualify under provisions of state law, including:

Elementary and Middle School students residing more than four (4) miles from the school in the attendance area within which they reside.

Special Education students whose individual education plan (IEP) require transportation as essential to learning.

Students who have been moved for the benefit of the district to relieve overcrowding, due to major facility renovations, efficiency in use of buildings and/or staff.

In addition, the Board, at its discretion, may approve other transportation areas based upon unique circumstances and for the purpose of equalizing school enrollments and facilitating programs. Attached is a tentative listing of all routes recommended for the 2016-17 school year.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the 2016-17 Transportation Plan.

Rationale: 

The Board of Education of Lincoln Public Schools annually reviews and approves Policy 5520 to ensure that its policy is in accordance with the Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fees Authorization Act.

The District’s general policy is to provide for the free instruction in school in accordance with the Nebraska Constitution and state and federal law.  This generally means that the District’s policy is to provide free instruction for courses which are required by state law or regulation and to provide the staff, facility, equipment, and materials necessary for such instruction without charge or fee to the students.

The District does provide activities, programs, and services to children which extend beyond the minimum level of constitutionally required free instruction. Students and their parents have historically contributed to the District’s efforts to provide such activities, programs, and services. The District’s general policy is to continue to encourage and to the extent permitted by law, to require such student and parent contributions to enhance the educational program provided by the District.

Explanation

Revisions to Policy 5520 reflect changes to fees and the fee waiver eligibility fees to address changes in cost while remaining in compliance with all applicable laws.

Proposal

That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 5520.

 

Rationale: 

The U.S. Department of Education through Title VII of the ESEA provides funds to fulfill the Federal Government’s unique and continuing trust relationship with and responsibility to the Indian people for the education of Indian children. These funds support the goal of ensuring programs that serve Indian children are of the highest quality and provide for not only the basic elementary and secondary educational needs, but also the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of these children. The purpose of this program is to support American Indian and Alaska Native students in meeting the same challenging state student academic achievement standards as all other students are expected to meet. The district has received federal funds for services for Native American students since the mid-1980’s. 

Explanation
Lincoln Public Schools Indian Education program will provide support to Native American students in grades PK-12 in the 2016-17 school year. Native American students are enrolled in all schools across the district representing about 60 tribes as designated by the parent. The funding from federal grants specifically for Native American students is $146,179. Decisions regarding the use of these funds are made in consultation with the Native American Advisory Committee.

Proposal
That the Board approves the submission of the required application for year three of the Indian Education grant to the U.S. Department of Education for $146,179. The original four-year grant was approved by the Board of Education in May 2014. No district-funding match is required.  

The grant application has a submission date of May 13, 2016. 

Rationale: 

In Policy 5112, the LPS Board expresses state requirements for the age of students eligible for K-12 public education.

Explanation

Revisions in Policy 5112 more clearly define the start and end of the school year for purposes of providing services to students approaching and reaching their 21st birthday.

Proposal

That the Board approve proposed changes to Policy 5112.

Rationale: 

The Lincoln Board of Education annually adopts a resolution stating the timeline and parameters for acceptance of option enrollment students.  In addition, the resolution will state the circumstances under which late applications to option in will be accepted.  An option student who has been accepted for enrollment in Lincoln Public Schools may request a particular school building, but the building assignment of the option student shall be determined by the Office of Student Services. Option enrollment students shall be assigned to a school open to transfer, and no option student shall be assigned to a school which the District categorizes as closed to transfer except under certain circumstances as determined by Policy 5119.

Explanation

This revision to Policy 5119 clarifies one of the conditions for which an option students can be assigned to a building closed to transfer.

Proposal

That the Board approve proposed changes to Policy 5119.

Rationale: 

Lincoln Public Schools adopts and shall enforce a policy of making technology resources available only to advance educational goals and objectives, supplement instruction and further school purposes. Policy 6441 outlines the operation and use of such technology resources by students, staff, and the community to meet this policy requirement.

Explanation

Periodically, changes in law require the addition of new language into policy.  The revision to Policy 6441 reflects required change in policy language.

Proposal

That the Board approve proposed changes to Policy 6441.

Rationale: 

Lincoln Public Schools welcomes parental involvement in the education of their children. We recognize that parental involvement increases student success.  It is Lincoln Public Schools’ policy to foster and facilitate, to the extent appropriate and in their primary language, parental information about and involvement in the education of their children. Policies and regulations are established to protect the emotional, physical and social well-being of all students.

Explanation

The revision of Policy 6443 is part of an annual review of the Parental Involvement Policy as required by Federal and State Law.  The revision that is proposed is not a change in intent, but a recent change in law.  The Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been reauthorized.  The revision acknowledges the requirement that LPS’s policy must meet all applicable law.

Proposal

That the Board approve proposed changes to Policy 6443.

 

Rationale: 

Public schools have a responsibility to develop critical-thinking skills in students.  This includes objectives and resources related to controversial issues in appropriate curriculum areas and grade levels and in classrooms and library media centers.  Controversial issues are included in the curriculum to help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an informed citizen in preparation for adulthood.  Policy 6450 provides guidance in the teaching of controversial issues.

Explanation

The revision to Policy 6450 are meant to reinforce the purpose of teaching controversial issues, express the importance of working with families, and expressing how the policy applies to unplanned conversations that occur in classrooms.

Proposal

That the Board approve proposed changes to Policy 6450.

Rationale: 

Based on enrollment, Lincoln Northeast High School is eligible for $20,000 in College Access funding annually for four years. These grant funds will enable counselors at Northeast to increase access to college information to students who would otherwise have barriers in getting the information they need. Offering programs at school such as College Club will make it easier for all students, especially our Free and Reduced Lunch-eligible students, to access this valuable information.  Grant funds will be used for travel, activities, materials, postage, printing, and staffing as per grant guidelines.

Proposal
That the Board approves the submission of a proposal to the EducationQuest Foundation for $80,000 to enhance college access activities at Lincoln Northeast High School. No matching funds are required by Lincoln Public Schools; however, Lincoln Northeast High School must secure the equivalent of 10% of the awarded grant amount through in-kind or monetary donations from community partners. Lincoln Northeast High School is in the process of securing commitments toward this match, should an award be given.  Possible partners may include but will not be limited to UNL, Southeast Community College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Hy-Vee, and Pizza Hut, as well as several individual business partners and Lincoln Northeast High School’s VIPs.

The application due date is June 10, 2016. 

Rationale: 

At the second Board meeting of the month, information regarding the district’s monthly financial report is presented.

Explanation
The monthly financial report for the month ending March 31, 2016, is attached.

Proposal
Information item; no Board action required.

Rationale: 

May 4
8:00 am - Chamber Coffee, Chamber Office
5:00 pm - LPS Retirement Celebration, Lincoln Country Club

May 10
6:00 pm - Board Meeting, LPSDO

 

Rationale: 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.
• Members of the Board of Education will not respond or engage with speakers.
• Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may hand out printed materials to the Board but may not use any other form of media.
• The Board Chair may make adjustments to the public comment guidelines, according to Policy 8420.
• If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations or become abusive in language or behavior, the Chair may declare that person out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board.
• Anyone refusing to be identified will be prohibited from speaking.

Rationale: 

Explanation
At this point, it is appropriate for the Board to meet in closed session for one of the stated matters and/or any other permissible closed session matters in compliance with the law.

Rationale:  The Lincoln Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions.  Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.  Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to:  (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.