Public Meeting Agenda: November 12, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. LPS BOARD OF EDUCATION INFORMATION

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. The Lincoln Board of Education shall also make available for examination and copying as requested by members of the public, at least one copy of all reproducible written materials to be discussed at the meeting.

2. CALL TO ORDER

3. ROLL CALL

4. ANNOUNCE OPEN MEETING ACT POSTING AND LOCATION

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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.

Attachments: (2)

Minutes - 10-22 Regular Meeting

11/12/2019 at 7:52 AM
Minutes - 10-22 Work Session

11/12/2019 at 7:52 AM

6. SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF SUCCESS

6.1. STAFF CELEBRATION: Nebraska Art Teachers Association Names Kacee Conley 2019 Middle School Art Educator of the Year

Rationale:

BACKGROUND:

The Nebraska Art Teachers Association has named Kacee Conley from Irving Middle School, the 2019 Nebraska Middle School Art Educator of the Year. The mission of the Nebraska Art Teachers Association is to advocate for and advance art education in Nebraska to fulfill human potential and promote global understanding. Conley has proven herself as a leader and advocate for art education, both on the state and national levels.

EXPLANATION:

The Nebraska Art Teachers Association has named Kacee Conley from Irving Middle School, the 2019 Nebraska Middle School Art Educator of the Year. The mission of the Nebraska Art Teachers Association is to advocate for and advance art education in Nebraska to fulfill human potential and promote global understanding.

Jason Shanahan, Principal at Irving Middle School, said this about Conley:

"Kacee's courses are popular with students, as they know they will be provided the opportunity to express themselves creatively as they develop their artistic skills. Her work as a professional extends beyond her classroom, as she serves the Irving community as the Equity Liaison. Kacee's talents as an artist and an educator in the classroom are recognized on the state and national level."

Lorinda Rice, Art Curriculum Specialist for Lincoln Public Schools, said the following about Conley in nominating her for the award:

"Kacee has been instrumental in developing new middle-level curriculum and has taken on the role of presenter of curriculum and instruction to her peers. Kacee connects art-making to topics of student interest outside of the art room, both through the integration of other curriculum and global thinking. Her focus on developing divergent thinkers, through various strategies, gives students who do not consider themselves artists opportunities to understand how artistic practices can develop capabilities of creative thinking for future problem-finders."

6.2. STAFF CELEBRATION: Marnie Zabel Named 2019 Nebraska School Psychologist of the Year by the Nebraska School Psychologist Association

Rationale:

BACKGROUND:

The Nebraska School Psychologist Association has named Marnie Zabel, from Belmont Elementary School, the 2019 Nebraska School Psychologist of the Year. School psychologists are uniquely trained to help children succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. With expertise in mental health, learning and behavior, school psychologists partner with families, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to help children thrive. Zabel has been doing all of this at Belmont for more than 30 years.

EXPLANATION:

The Nebraska School Psychologist Association has named Marnie Zabel from Belmont Elementary School the 2019 Nebraska School Psychologist of the Year. Zabel has served Belmont students and their families for more than 30 years.

Carrie Foster, a Special Education Supervisor for Lincoln Public Schools, and Molly Kuhl, School Psychologist for Lincoln Public Schools, said this about Zabel when nominating her for the award:

"Marnie has so many strengths and has impacted the families at Belmont Elementary School greatly. She has worked with multiple generations of families at Belmont. She is ethical, trustworthy and dependable. Students trust her, and families trust what she says and are willing to try anything that she suggests. The Belmont staff and fellow school psychologists confide in her."

Kim Rosenthal, principal at Belmont Elementary School, had this to say about Zabel:

"Marnie is a true advocate for students and Title schools. She works to make sure that we have provided students with appropriate interventions and have tried multiple strategies before verifying them as a student with a disability. Marnie's focus is always on building relationships with students and finding strategies to help them be successful in school and life. The success of Belmont students is in large part due to Marnie."

6.3. STEM ECO-SYSTEM UPDATE

Attachments: (1)

11-12 LNKSE presentation

11/12/2019 at 5:53 PM

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Rationale:

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

Persons speaking during Public Comment will be called forward individually by the Board Chair to the location identified for such purpose.
A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker. At the discretion of the chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time. Board members may share, address or consider comments from the public during public comment, at the end of public comment or when related business is on the agenda.
Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment. A "Record of Appearance" card is provided for this purpose.
Persons wishing to appear will be heard in the order in which the Chair of the meeting determines appropriate.
In cases where more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, their presentations to the Board may, at the discretion of the chair, be grouped together by topic.
If the number of people wishing to speak under the public participation portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled or the discussion be limited on the issue in question.
Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may make printed materials available to the Board but may not use any other form of media.

If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations set forth in this policy or on the agenda or if persons appearing before the Board or who are present at the Board meeting or public hearing become abusive in language or behavior, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board, require a change in behavior and may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting.

8. CONSENT AGENDA

Rationale:

8.1. Human Resources Matters

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. Certificated Employees:
Elections - 1
Change of Status - 1
Leave of Absence - 1
Separations - 3

b. Substitute Certificated Employees:
Elections - 35

c. Classified Employees:
Elections - 36
Change of Status - 3
Separations - 38

d. Board Resolution: Recognition of Lincoln Education Association (LEA) as
the Official Bargaining Agent for 2021-2022

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.

8.2. Routine Business

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 November 12, 2019, were previously provided.

                Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $6,682,503.98.

                State Tax ACH Deposit of $925,814.94.

                Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $132,189.67.

                Child Support ACH Transfer of $861.29.

                Blue Cross/Blue Shield ACH Transfer of $5,352,532.13.

                Term Life/Disability ACH Transfer of $187,301.50.

                Vendor ACH Transfer of $40,068.99.

b. PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION - Payroll for the periods ending October 15, 16, and 31, 2019, in the amount of $18,735,102.49.

c. BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS - Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the purchase of cameras for new buses, fruit cups, and trash can liners; the purchase of a membership participation fee; consent to allow zoning; interlocal agreements for school resource officers and a threat assessment officer; a memorandum of understanding related to exigent access to video feeds; items listed for auction; authorization of student branch banking; 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 November 12, 2019.

b. Payroll for the periods ending October 15, 16, and 31, 2019.

c. Bids/contracts/other routine business for the purchase of cameras for new buses, fruit cups, and trash can liners; the purchase of a membership participation fee; consent to allow zoning; interlocal agreements for school resource officers and a threat assessment officer; a memorandum of understanding related to exigent access to video feeds; items listed for auction; authorization of student branch banking; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Attachments: (1)

11-12 Bids & Contracts

11/4/2019 at 10:16 AM

8.3. Option Enrollment Student Applications for 2019-20

Rationale: On March 26, 2019, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option enrollment students for the 2019-20 school year. Applications for enrollment during the 2019-20 school year have been received and are in compliance with the Board resolution of March 26, 2019.

The application included in this agenda item has been examined by staff and meet one of the criteria set forth by the Board in the resolution of March 26, 2019. Staff recommends approval of the application.

Proposal
That the Board adopts the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the student who has been assigned student number 242270 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meets one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of March 26, 2019, with regard to such option students;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned student be accepted as option student 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.

Attachments: (1)

Option In 111219 Board Meeting

11/4/2019 at 9:29 AM

8.4. Enrollment of Expelled Students

Rationale: Lincoln Public Schools regulation 5460.1 and Nebraska state law provides that if a student has been expelled from any public or private school, and the student has not completed the terms or time period of the expulsion, the student shall not be permitted to enroll in this school district until the expulsion period from such other school has expired, unless the Lincoln Board of Education approves by a majority vote the enrollment of such student prior to expiration of the expulsion period. Student number 284478 (for purposes of confidentiality we are using an assigned number) has filed the proper application and has requested enrollment.

Explanation
The Department of Student Services has reviewed the application and the background information on the student and is recommending that the application be approved and that the student be enrolled in the Lincoln Public Schools Expelled Student Program for the remainder of this school year, subject to such terms and conditions as imposed by the Director of Student Services and all program rules and regulations until the term or time period of the original underlying expulsions are completed.
Proposal
That the Board approves the application and all recommendations of the Department of Student Services.

9. FIRST READING, ACTION AT NEXT MEETING

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.

9.1. From Board Committees

9.1.1. Policy 3905 - Sustainability

Rationale:

Lincoln Public Schools reviews policies on an on-going basis and updates policies to ensure their overall clarity and that they accurately reflect the ever-changing work of the district. The Planning Committee has reviewed the proposed Sustainability Policy and Regulation.

Explanation
Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Staff and the Board recognize the impact that district activities have on the natural environment and on the health and well-being of students, employees, and the community. Policy 3905 is to serve as a guideline and commitment to responsible stewardship to sustainability goals. Staff regulations under Policy 3905 as reviewed by the Planning Committee are to become effective with the approval of Policy 3905.

Proposal
That the Board review the proposed Policy 3905 on Sustainability.

Attachments: (2)

11-12 Policy 3905 Sustainability - Attachment

11/1/2019 at 8:41 AM
11-12 Sustainability presentation

11/12/2019 at 3:04 PM

9.1.2. Policy 6700 - Authorization of Student Activities

Rationale:

BACKGROUND:

Lincoln Public Schools policy collection includes some policies that require annual approval by the Board. These policies are reviewed by staff and forwarded to the Board for consideration at appropriate times during the year.

EXPLANATION:

This revision of Policy 6700 continues the existing activity program for students in high schools and identifies which activities may include participation in Nebraska Schools Activities Association (NSAA) competitions. The revision includes the addition of Unified Track as a new activity. Unified Track was sanctioned by the Nebraska School Activities Association in the fall of 2019. LPS staff completed a review of Unified Track and recommended that it be authorized for spring 2020. The recommendation from staff was presented to the High School Activities Council, who also recommended it for the spring of 2020.

Attachments: (1)

20191112 Policy 6700 Revision

11/4/2019 at 12:26 PM

9.2. From the Superintendent

10. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION

10.1. From Board Committees

10.2. From the Superintendent

11. EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS

12. ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

13. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/REPORTS

13.1. From Board Committees

13.2. From The Career Academy

13.3. From the Superintendent

13.3.1. Superintendent Update

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD

Rationale: November 14: SSKI Board Meeting, 12:15 pm, City/County Building
November 19: LPS Learning Lunch, 12:00 pm, LPSDO
November 20-22: NASB State Education Conference, Omaha
November 22: Scottish Rite Portrait Ceremony, 4:15 pm, LPSDO
November 26:
Board Work Session, 4:30 pm, LPSDO
Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, LPSDO

15. PUBLIC COMMENT

Rationale:

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

Persons speaking during Public Comment will be called forward individually by the Board Chair to the location identified for such purpose.
A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker. At the discretion of the chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time. Board members may share, address or consider comments from the public during public comment, at the end of public comment or when related business is on the agenda.
Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment. A "Record of Appearance" card is provided for this purpose.
Persons wishing to appear will be heard in the order in which the Chair of the meeting determines appropriate.
In cases where more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, their presentations to the Board may, at the discretion of the chair, be grouped together by topic.
If the number of people wishing to speak under the public participation portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled or the discussion be limited on the issue in question.
Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may make printed materials available to the Board but may not use any other form of media.

If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations set forth in this policy or on the agenda or if persons appearing before the Board or who are present at the Board meeting or public hearing become abusive in language or behavior, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board, require a change in behavior and may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting.

16. REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION

Rationale:

The Lincoln Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold a closed session by the affirmative vote of a majority of its voting members if a closed session is clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual. The subject matter and the reason necessitating the closed session are to be identified in the motion to close. Closed sessions may be held for, but shall not be limited to, such the subject matter and the reasons set forth in the Proposal section below.

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.

16.1. Request for Closed Session - Negotiations/Collective Bargaining, Property/Real Estate, Litigation, Security, Criminal Misconduct, Personnel, and Legal Advice Matters

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.

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.

PROPOSAL:

That the Board hold a closed session:

1. For strategy session with respect to negotiations/collective bargaining clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

2. For strategy session with respect to property/real estate matters clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

3. For strategy session with respect to pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

4. For discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

5. For investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

6. For personnel and the evaluation of job performance clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

7. For discussions of the legal consequences of specific action and legal advice clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

17. ADJOURNMENT

November 12, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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