March 21, 2022 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board of Directors Meeting
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1. Call the Meeting to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
LEADERSHIP • SERVICE • SUPPORT
Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public on ESU 7 website www.esu7.org and posted at location of meeting. Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7. Availability of the agenda and purpose of the hearing was communicated in the advance notice of the meeting and in the notice to the members of this hearing. All proceedings of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7 were taken while the convened hearing was open to the attendance of the public.
Discussion:
Roll call was taken at 5:31pm
Board President conducted the meeting. Staff present: Larianne Polk, Administrator Linda Shefcyk, Business Manager Mindy Reed, Secretary to the Board of Directors Marci Ostmeyer, Professional Development Director Tami Clay, Special Education Director Dan Ellsworth, Network Operations Director |
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1.1. Notification of Open Meetings Law
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This meeting has been preceded by reasonable advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room.
Attachments:
()
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1.2. Roll Call
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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1.3. Absent Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take action to approve the Board member absences.
Recommended Motion(s):
Approval of Board Member absences as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board member Richard Luebbe was absent, he notified the Administrator prior to the meeting.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
All members present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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2. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The sequence of agenda topics is subject to change at the discretion of the Board.
Recommended Motion(s):
Agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
No visitors present.
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4. Public Comment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.
Citizens wishing to address the Board on a certain agenda item must complete the Request to be Heard Document prior to the start of the board meeting. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the Board may do so at this time. However, the Board will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents.
Discussion:
No public comments provided.
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5. Consent Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. If any Board member wishes to discuss an item, it must be removed from the consent agenda at which time the remaining items will be acted upon. Consent Agenda Includes:
Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Consent agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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5.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.2. Presentation of Bills #73786 through #73931 totaling $859,137.59
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$859,137.59 - Bills #73786 through #73931 Inservice bills total: $320.00
Attachments:
()
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5.3. Reading of Article I, Section 2, A Board's Name and Role
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.4. Reading of Article I, Section 3, A Election Districts
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.5. Reading of Article I, Section 6, D Line of Responsibility
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.6. Reading of Article I, Section 7, A Consultants
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.7. Reading of Article I, Section 7, B Legal Counsel
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.8. Reading of Article II, Section 1, A Location of Meetings
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.9. Reading of Article II, Section 2, A Regular Meetings
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.10. Resignations
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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6. Spotlights - Vision and Production
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Judy Zadina, Vision Coordinator, and Kaise Recek, Orientation Mobility Specialist, will provide the March Spotlight to the Board.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Vision Department Spotlight Vision - Judy Zadina, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, and Kaise Recek, Orientation and Mobility Specialist reviewed the attached slideshow. Kaise brought different canes and mobility assistive devices to show the Board as examples. Kaise reviews techniques and information with the paraprofessionals and information is sent home to the parents. Parents are able to come into school or Kaise can go to the home to help educate the parents on techniques for their visually impaired child(ren).
Production Spotlight - Nancy Smith, Production Personnel, explained what she does in the Production department. Nancy Smith reviewed the Production handouts Director Ostmeyer distributed to the Board emphasizing cost and time savings. |
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7. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8. Board Code of Ethics and Oath of Office
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Dan Hoesly was absent during the January 17, 2022 Annual Organizational Meeting and was unable to recite the Oath of Office. This opportunity is provided to Board Member Hoesly in this agenda item.
I, _____________________, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely and without mental reservations, or for purpose or evasions; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of member of the Board of Educational Service Unit No. 7, according to law, to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence; and that during such time that I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence. So help me God.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Board Member Dan Hoesly recited the Oath of Office. The rest of the board present recited the Oath of Office along with board member Dan Hoesly.
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9. New Hire - Cara Neesen, Student Services Principal
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Cara Neesen, Student Services Principal lives in Schuyler. Cara is currently a Principal at Schuyler Community Schools.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Cara Neesen will be hired as the Student Services Principal. She is currently a Principal at Schuyler Community Schools.
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10. Special Education New Hires: Lindsey Clarey, LMHP; Lindy Eberle, Resource/Behavior Teacher; Letishia Kleinschmit, Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contracts as presented for Lindsey Clarey, LMHP; Lindy Eberle, Resource/Behavior Teacher; and Letishia Kleinschmit, Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contracts as presented for Lindsey Clarey, LMHP; Lindy Eberle, Resource/Behavior Teacher; and Letishia Kleinschmit, Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11. Special Education Full Time Equivalent Changes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The below Special Education employees have decreased their FTE:
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contracts as presented for Rachel Garner, Speech Language Pathologist; Cassandra Krings, Teacher of the Deaf; and Tricia Spieker, Speech Language Pathologist.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contracts as presented for Rachel Garner, Speech Language Pathologist; Cassandra Krings, Teacher of the Deaf; and Tricia Spieker, Speech Language Pathologist Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Clay provided explanation as to the decrease for each of the personnel included in this action item.
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12. April 2022 Board Meeting Time
Speaker(s):
Board President
Rationale:
The Board - Employee Recognition Dinner is scheduled on April 19, 2022 beginning at 5:00pm. It is recommended to change the Board Meeting time to 4:00pm to accommodate for the Annual Board Recognition Dinner. Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve an April 19, 2022 Board Meeting Time of 4:00pm.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve an April 19, 2022 Board Meeting Time of 4:00pm Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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13. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
()
Goals:
Discussion:
Administrator Polk reviewed the Five Bold Steps attachment and the Quarterly Update attachment.
Administrator Polk reviewed the upcoming events and let the Board know to notify Secretary to the Board, Mindy Reed if they would like to attend any of the events. Administrator Polk reviewed the upcoming elections list. Vice President Jack Young provided the Board an update on the process when he went to submit his re-election paperwork. |
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13.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
Administrator Polk has had conversations with other ESU Administrators about what they do with onboarding new board members. Many of the other administrators said they do not have a formal process in place. Administrator Polk will work with a small committee statewide to develop this process. This information will be shared at upcoming board meetings.
School district board meetings - Secretary to the Board Mindy Reed will gather the Boards 1st and 2nd choice for school district board meetings. The list will be distributed at the May board meeting. Once the board determines their preferred months, the Directors will determine which meetings to accompany the board members. Communication materials will be put together for the board members to take to the board meetings they will attend. |
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13.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Discussion:
SIMPL Statewide roll out - There is a three-phase roll out for the ESUCC. Phase 1 should be completed by the end of this year. Phase 1 includes having all inventories in SIMPL and the access/plan data. The ESUCC has started working on having a statewide formula for calculating cost savings across Professional Development. Phase 2 will kick off in September with cost savings in Technology. Phase 2 also has to do with group purchasing. Phase 2 may or may not be only one year. Phase 3 will include other cost savings, including Production costs and implementation objectives, a way for us to measure what way services are being implemented at the district level.
Accreditation external visit will occur in the spring of 2023. There is a core group of staff who are leading the charge on this, including Director Ostmeyer, Cynthia Alarcon, and Amy Mazankowski. They will create a timeline and coordinate the process. The core group works closely with the Administrator and the agency team members. Director Tami Clay reported on the Early Development Network. This is an opportunity to partner with another agency. The Early Development Network is funded through NDE and DHHS. We are exploring the possibility of bringing them under the ESU 7 umbrella. Currently, the END works with ECDHD. More information will be available in the upcoming board meetings. |
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13.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the playground project including a fence, not to exceed $300,000 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Discussion:
Playground Update - Administrator Polk reviewed an ariel photo showing where the playground items would be located. The quotes provided are with the recommendations made during the February board meeting. No one has responded to the fence quote request at this time. Secretary Jen Miller had insight into steel prices. After much discussion, no action was taken to formally approve a budget for the playground project. Informally, the board supports a playground addition. It was recommended to wait until steel prices trend downward before committing to a project quote. Administrator Polk is continuing to look into grants and applying for the ones we qualify for.
Director Clay discussed the Learning Academy's kitchen needs. Currently, the dishes are being done in the bathroom sink. Director Clay is asking for a sink for the kids to do the dishes. There are a few students who have sensory issues who cannot eat the food provided by Columbus Public Schools. Costs and quotes have not been requested since these items are currently just for visibility. Director Clay has some possible solutions which do not require construction. Director Clay will continue to update the board on this issue. Board President Doug Pauley would like to have an opportunity to tour the Learning Academy and look at the areas of concern. This will be scheduled at an upcoming meeting. |
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13.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
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13.5. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
During this item, the Administrator will provide a Legislative Update to members of the Board.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Polk reviewed the attached Legislative update document and noted the bills highlighted in yellow are ones of greatest importance at this time.
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14. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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14.1. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of activities and discussions from the Negotiations Committee will take place during this item.
Recommended Motions:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve a 7.9% total compensation package increase for the general staff group excluding Migrant group, Special Education certificated group, and Administrator for contract year 2022-2023 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s) #2:
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve a 18.56% total compensation package increase for the Migrant Education group for contract year 2022-2023 as recommended by the Department of Education funded by the Migrant Education Program grant Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s) #3:
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the total compensation package for Administrator Larianne Polk including 4.39% increase to salary + cost of single insurance + $10,000 for comparability/merit for contract year 2022-2023 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Secretary Jennifer Miller provided an update on the joint Negotiations and Budget Committee Meeting. The Negotiations Committee shared their philosophy and explained how the committee did a comparability study.
The board expressed their appreciation of Administrator Larianne Polk as a true leader who inspires her staff to work hard and care about the work being done. |
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15. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Discussion:
Board Member Richard Stephens attended the Finance and Budget Workshop. He provided an update on the areas he enjoyed.
Administrator Polk attended the NRCSA Spring Conference. There were some sessions focused on the Board and Administrator Polk encouraged the board members to see if they could attend the NRCSA Spring Conference next year. The Keynote speaker, Laurie Smith, was voted Rural Teacher of the Year. Her story was submitted to National NRCSA and she won the National Rural Teacher of the Year. Laurie's philosophy is to "Go be the light...go be amazing!". Ryan Foor, the liaison to the State Board of Education, facilities a panel discussion with board members Kirk Penner, Patti Gubbels, Maureen Nickels, and Robin Stevens. Three areas discussed were positive outcomes from the pandemic, teacher pipeline and shortage, and statewide assessment system. Board President Doug Pauley attended the United Way Meeting for volunteers. He would encourage everyone to go next year if possible. |
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16. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Meeting adjourned at 7:57pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Mindy Reed, Recording Secretary to the ESU 7 Board. |
