December 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
Minutes | ||||||||||||||||
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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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Discussion:
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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:
Board member Donald Ellison will be absent.
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.
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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. Virtual Conferencing for December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1411 authorizes virtual meetings for educational service units if the requirements of subdivision (2)(b) are met. The board will determine if next month's board meeting should allow for a virtual conferencing option.
The Board voted to have a virtual conferencing option for the following board meetings: December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024. |
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4. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
No visitors present.
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5. 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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6. 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:
Administrator 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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6.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.2. Presentation of Bills #77208 through #77350 totaling $912,025.86
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$912,025.86 - Bills #77208 through #77350 Inservice bills total: $0
Attachments:
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6.3. Resignations
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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6.4. Excess Lodging and Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
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6.5. Reading of Article III, Section 8, A Disposal of Property
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.6. Reading of Article III, Section 9, A Records Management and Disposition
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.7. Reading of Article III, Section 9, B Student Records
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.8. Reading of Article III, Section 10, A Communications to the Board
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.9. Reading of Article III, Section 10, B Complaints or Concerns of Employees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7. Board Spotlight - Early Childhood Special Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Lisa Duranski, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher will present the Early Childhood Special Education Spotlight to the board.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator and Teacher Lisa Duranski presented the Early Childhood Special Education Spotlight. Lisa is in her 31st year of teaching. The Early Childhood department is divided into two domains: Early Development Network, which is for 0–2 years of age, and Early Childhood Special Education, which is for 3–5 years of age. A large portion of the job is finding young kids struggling as soon as possible. The challenge is notifying the family of the child's delays, which can be difficult and emotional. The Early Childhood Special Education caseloads are the largest they have ever been. This year is unique in that many of the referrals are children born during the COVID pandemic. Children did not get the same experience as other children prior to COVID.
There are currently ten staff members who serve 180 children in 18 school districts. The frequency of visits for each child varies based on their needs. There is an EC Lending Library. The library offers supports or bridges towards the child's next skill, which schools can borrow on a short-term basis. Examples of some of the supports are grippers and scissors for fine motor supports, plates and spoons for feeding support, go talk for communication support and weighted vests for sensory support. If a student needs long-term support, the Early Childhood staff approach the school district to purchase the item. Early Childhood works with schools to help prepare them for incoming and or current students who may need assistance. Questions asked during the board meeting:
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8. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented.
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:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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9. HVAC Bid Opening Date Set
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Bids for the HVAC process will be immediately and simultaneously opened and read aloud in the presence of the bidders or representatives of the bidders at 2:00pm on January 22, 2024.
Discussion:
The bid opening for the North Building HVAC project is set to occur on January 22, 2024 at 2:00pm. The board does not need to be in attendance. The bid opening will consist of opening each bid and recording the information on a spreadsheet which is visible to all in attendance.
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10. January 2024 Board Meeting Date
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The ESU 7 Board of Education meeting is typically scheduled for the third Monday of the month, which in January would be January 15, 2024. There is a request to have the board meeting moved to the following Monday, January 22, 2024 to accommodate for the bid opening meeting, which will be the same day.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to move the January 2024 board meeting from Monday, January 15, 2024 to Monday, January 22, 2024.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to move the January 2024 board meeting from Monday, January 15, 2024 to Monday, January 22, 2024 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:
The January 2024 board meeting will be moved to January 22, 2024 at 5:30pm.
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11. Authorization of the Administrator to Pay January Bills prior to the January Board Meeting
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The ESU 7 Board of Education will meet on January 22, 2024. This Board action gives authority to the Administrator to pay the January bills prior to the January 22, 2024 board meeting. The ESU 7 Board will approve these expenses in the January 22, 2024 board Meeting. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and authorize the Administrator to pay January bills prior to the January 22, 2024 board meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and authorize the Administrator to pay January bills prior to the January 22, 2024 board meeting 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:
The board meeting was approved to be moved to January 22, 2024. Bills need to be paid by January 20, 2024, so this would give the Administrator the authorization to pay the bills and then the board will review the bills at the January 22, 2024, board meeting.
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12. Upcoming Board Vacancy - District 7
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Board Member, Dan Hoesly, submitted his resignation on November 20, 2023. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 32-562 requires the vacancy to be accepted by the rest of the board. Further, Section 32-574 states, "Unless otherwise provided by law, all vacancies shall be filled within forty-five days after the vacancy occurs unless good cause is shown that the requirement imposes an undue burden."
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the resignation as District 11 Board Member submitted by Dan Hoesly. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the resignation as District 11 Board Member submitted by Dan Hoesly Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board member Dan Hoesly submitted his resignation effective January 1, 2024. There is a potential candidate in district 7 who visited with Administrator Polk last week. Ideally, the vacancy will be filled within 45 days of the vacancy approval.
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13. Board Vacancy - District 11
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Board Member, Donald Ellison, submitted his resignation on November 21, 2023. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 32-562 requires the vacancy to be accepted by the rest of the board. Further, Section 32-574 states, "Unless otherwise provided by law, all vacancies shall be filled within forty-five days after the vacancy occurs unless good cause is shown that the requirement imposes an undue burden."
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the resignation as District 11 Board Member submitted by Donald Ellison. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the resignation as District 11 Board Member submitted by Donald Ellison Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Administrator Polk went to visit with board member Donald Ellison after the November 2023 board meeting. The decision to resign from the board was a difficult decision for Donald Ellison to make. Mr. Ellison will miss being on the board. The Buildings and Grounds Committee and ESU 7 leadership are looking into ways to dedicate the Oak/Maple conference room to Donald Ellison.
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14. District 11 Board Applications
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Applications have been received for the board vacancy in District 11. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 79-1217(2) states that the appointee will serve "for the balance of the unexpired term" of the board spot that has been vacated. Applications were submitted by:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and vote to approve the resolution appointing _________________ to the Educational Service Unit No. 7 Board position based on a vacancy for a term ending on December 31, 2026 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Two applications were received for the district 11 board vacancy. Administrator Polk read the Resolution out loud and the board voted on the candidate they would like to fill the vacant position. Director Ostmeyer and Director Clay tabulated the votes from the board. Candidate Steven Rinehart received 2 votes. Candidate Donn Graff received 9 votes.
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15. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
Administrator Polk reviewed the ESUCC Trivia with the board.
Special Education Report: Director Clay reported the Special Education Department has already started advertising and searching for employees for next year as there are a few positions to fill. The positions open for next year include three Speech Language Pathologists, a Resource Coach, an ASD Coordinator, a Licensed Mental Health Practioner, a School Psychologist, and possibly one to two Paraprofessionals. The new Special Education expanded program was a priority again during the Superintendent and Principal meeting held on December 14, 2023. Nine districts have signed and submitted the Interlocal Agreement for the Special Education Building Project. The school districts and their boards are asking great questions about the expanded program. Staffing is being discussed, and furniture choices will be discussed in the near future. The expanded program will start in the Learning Academy and move over to the South Building when the project is complete. Director Clay will update the ESU 7 board monthly on the Special Education Expanded Program. Administrator Polk met with the Fire Marshal to review the building specifications. The Fire Marshal had a few notes to consider. The next step is to hire an architect. The program space will be around 1,200 square feet. Administrator Polk will get in touch with RVW to start the building project process. Also, during the Superintendent and Principal meeting held on December 14, 2023, an alternative education program was mentioned. Administrator Polk will look at possible consortiums for online curriculum for schools. Professional Development Report: Director Ostmeyer assisted in facilitating the Superintendent and Principal meeting held on December 14, 2023. The Superintendents and Principals were thorough in analyzing their data. They focused on the needs of their district. Scheduling for annual consultation visits is underway. Director Ostmeyer would like to give a special shout out to the employees of the Print Shop. Director Ostmeyer is very proud of them. Last year during this time, the amount of orders to fulfill were stifling. This year, the Print Shop is on track with all orders. Technology Report: Director Ellsworth and the rest of the Nebraska Cybersecurity Network (NCNE) met and receiving the grant funds looks promising. The grant is good for three years. The position of NCNE Director has been filled. The NCNE will start recruiting for the engineer position. There has been conversation surrounding a statewide logging system. Director Ellsworth is advocating collecting purposeful data, data which can be acted upon. Director Ellsworth has talked to school districts about signing up for the help desk system used by ESU 7 if the school has no formal help desk system in place, to accurately count the number of help desk issues a school encounters. There have been a number of schools sign up since Director Ellsworth started the conversation. School staff are also encouraged to go through the help desk system and not just email the tech person. There was a question regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how the Tech Department is preparing staff. Director Ellsworth explains to staff that AI is there to help and aid, not replace what is being done. The Professional Development (PD) department is addressing AI conversation with teachers. |
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15.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
The Leigh Public School Board Meeting will be January 17, 2024. Administrator Polk and board member Gary Wiesler will attend.
The Lakeview Board Meeting, attended by Director Clay, Board President Doug Pauley, and Board Secretary Jennifer Miller went well. The Lakeview Board of Education asked additional questions about the Special Education Expanded program. |
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15.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
SIMPL Update: Administrator Polk and Director Ostmeyer presented a session at the AESA Annual Conference regarding SIMPL. There were 82 people in attendance at the session. There were multiple questions asked about SIMPL after the session from entities in Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Washington, and Minnesota. The Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC) is addressing how to provide SIMPL across state lines.
The Boardsmanship event scheduled for June 17, 2024, will be half an hour longer than the previous event. The upcoming event is scheduled to start at 5:00pm and end at 8:30pm, which would necessitate the board meeting to be moved to an earlier time. The recommendation would be to start the board meeting at 3:00pm and end it at 4:00pm to give time to prepare for the event before additional guests arrive. The board will vote on the time change for June at the May 2024 board meeting. Administrator Polk will reach out to NASB again regarding sponsoring the Boardsmanship event. Administrator Polk will also reach out to Justin Knight from Perry Law Firm to present at the Boardsmanship and possibly sponsor the event. The Regional PD Day is scheduled for January 3, 2025. Administrator Polk and the Agency Team will be asking for volunteers to present at the event. The goal is to provide professional development for the entire ESU 7 region. All 19 public schools are interested, confirmation of attendance will be gathered in the Spring. Administrator Polk talked with Superintendent of Columbus Public Schools, Dr. Troy Loeffelholz regarding using the Columbus High School facility for the event. Administrator Polk will work with Dr. Loeffelholz regarding a facilities use agreement. The Agency Team will communicate with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce regarding the project. The hope is for this event to turn into an annual event. |
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15.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item.
Discussion:
Administrator Polk provided the board with an update on some space challenges at ESU 7. One of the challenges is parking space. When there are large events, ESU 7 staff are asked to park in Gerard Park to leave spots for the guests attending the event. As ESU 7 continues to grow, there will continue to be a parking space concern. There are 89 parking spots in the parking lot and there are over 100 employees. Parking is a pressure point because ESU 7 is landlocked. There is a covenant in Columbus regarding sewage and drainage which prohibits ESU 7 from adding any more concrete on the property. If an additional parking lot is decided, it would have to be graveled. Administrator Polk will reach out to the City Council to inquire about the covenant and see if there have been any changes.
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15.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
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15.5. 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:
January 3, 2024, starts the second session of the 108th Legislature. This second session will conclude on or near April 18, 2024. Bromm and Associates creates and updates a bill tracker which Administrator Polk will link in the legislative update document. Speaker Arch announced his 60-day schedule. Starting January 3, 2024, bills will be introduced for the first ten days of the session. Hearings start on January 22, 2024.
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16. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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16.1. Buildings and Grounds Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
The Building and Grounds Committee met on December 13, 2023 with the architect for the HVAC project. Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairperson Bob Arp will provide an update.
Discussion:
The Buildings and Ground Committee met with an architect and RVW to talk about different options for the ESU 7 North Building HVAC project. The committee decided to have the equipment placed outside instead of inside and having to cut a hole in the roof of the North Building. Requests for bids will be going out, and the bid opening will be on January 22, 2024 at 2:00pm.
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16.2. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Negotiations Committee met on December 4, 2023, and December 11, 2023. The Negotiations Committee recommends a 4% total package increase. The increase includes $602 on the base, raising it from $38,166 to $38,768, and increasing the board's portion of health insurance paid from 100% single, which is $10,179.72 to 60% of employee/child, which is $11,299.39.
Committee Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and approve a 4% total package increase. This increase includes $602 on the base, raising it to $38,768, and increasing the board's portion of health insurance paid to 60% of employee/child, which is $11,299.39.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and approve a 4% total package increase. This increase includes $602 on the base, raising it to $38,768, and increasing the board's portion of health insurance paid to 60% of employee/child, which is $11,299.39 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:
The Negotiations Committee met on December 4, 2023, and December 11, 2023. After the discussions with the ESUEA, the Negotiations Committee recommended a 4% total package increase. The increase includes $602 on the base, raising it from $38,166 to $38,768, and increasing the board's portion of health insurance paid from 100% single, which is $10,179.72 to 60% of employee/child, which is $11,299.39, plus an additional personal day.
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16.3. Administrator Evaluation Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Administrator Evaluation Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Administrator Evaluation Committee met on November 15, 2023, to discuss and compile the Administrator Evaluation results. Ten of twelve board members responded to the evaluation. The Administrator Evaluation Committee met with Administrator Polk on December 11, 2023, to discuss the results. Administrator Evaluation Committee Chairperson Marni Danhauer will provide any additional update.
Evaluation Timeline: - August: Evaluation Committee Chair and Administrator review Evaluation Tool and Evalluation Policy/Procedures. - September: Full Board is provided a paper copy of the evaluation questions. - October: Administrator sends digital evaluation and evaluation resources to the Evaluation Committee Chair in the first week of October. The chair then forwards on to full Board for completion by October Board Meeting. Board will send their completed evaluation tool to the Evaluation Committee prior to the October Board Meeting. Administrator completes Evaluation Tool as self-assessment and sends it to Evaluation Committee Chair on or before October 31. - November: Committee Chair will send the completed Administrator self-assessment to the full Board after November 1. Evaluation Committee compiles results of full Board completed evaluations prior to the November Board Meeting. - December: Evaluation Committee meets prior to December Board Meeting to review with Administrator the results of evaluation. Report to full Board in December Board Meeting following Closed Session requirements with Administrator present. - January: Confirm Evaluation Committee members. Administrator provides Evaluation Committee with goals and shares with Board at January Board Meeting.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
The Administrator Evaluation Committee met with Administrator Polk to go over the evaluation results. The committee discussed aligning the evaluation questions to match the ESU 7 mission, vision, and beliefs. Board Secretary Jennifer Miller requests every board member submit the administration's evaluation next year.
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16.4. Administrator Intent to Extend
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
As per Administrator Dr. Polk’s contract, the Administrator shall, between Dec 1 and Dec 31 of the contract year, give the president of the board the "Administrator's Note of Intent to Extend," which is a written notice that the Administrator intends to extend the contract which allows the Board of Education to renew this contract for a period up to three years and make adjustments on the annual total compensation each year of the contract.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Polk gave Board President Doug Pauley the "Administrator's Note of Intent to Extend."
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17. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference attendees will report on their experience at the AESA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA.
Discussion:
Board Secretary Jennifer Miller and board member Bob Arp attended multiple sessions regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). Large language models (LLM) in AI are somewhat newer. There is so much language being entered into programs like ChatGPT. Board Vice President Jack Young added ChatGPT provides different information depending on what is asked of it.
Board President Doug Pauley attended numerous sessions on diversity. Disney's strategic focus is on delivering exceptional experiences. Administrator Polk added the keynote speaker at the conference presented on diversity in a new and impactful way. ESU 7 received a visit from an agency in Minnesota after the AESA Conference. The visitors were overwhelmed by the amount of data collected at ESU 7. |
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18. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Meeting adjourned at 7:42pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Mindy Reed, Recording Secretary to the ESU 7 Board. |