May 10, 2022 at 5:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by President, Ruth Kozal.  The meeting was held at Scottsbluff High School. 

Discussion:  The meeting is being run in accordance with the Open Meetings Law.  The notice of the meeting was run in the Star-Herald as well as on the SBPS website.

Discussion:  One member of the public came to address the board.  Mr. Reno Anderson brought forth concerns with the contract with First Student, the third-party transportation company.  He would like the contract to be reopened and renegotiated.  Mr. Anderson has had issues with bus stop locations, as he lives out in the county.  Mr. Anderson said his children had to walk a mile at one point to get to the bus stop.  Mr. Anderson also has concerns about who reports to whom.  He feels that First Student currently has the ability to make decisions without SBPS, and it should be the other way around.  He was concerned about how much we are paying the company for fuel, maintenance and electricity for the First Student Buses.  He was also not happy that all the information that he requested in a Records Request was not given to him, and that a State Statute was the reason given.  He did not think that the particular statute applied.  

Discussion:  Student senate member, Sarah Griess, came to address the board with this month's update:

April was very successful. Our boys won district soccer and are heading to state, and our girls’ team finished second at districts. Both boys and girls have had a very successful track season. District track is being held today in Ogallala. Boys’ golf has had a successful season winning GNAC. Districts will be held next Monday, and we will be hosting state at Scottsbluff Country Club on May 24th and 25th. Girls Tennis will be attending state next Wednesday. We had a very successful AFJROTC awards ceremony, Tri- M induction ceremony was held last night, and we have hosted many banquet celebrations in honor of our Career and Technical Student Organizations. On top of all these items, seniors will finish their last day of school on May 13th, Class Day will be held on May 20th at 1:30 pm, and the Commencement Ceremony will be held on May 22nd at 1:00 pm. As always, May is a very busy time and we are working hard to finish this year strong!

Discussion:  Jodi Benson, Tiffany Jackson, Jessica Dutton, and Alicia Hastings came to present the Bear Cub Preschool's Mid-Year Celebration presentation.  They explained how the preschool has a team approach to their students.  They work together to find the best way to support each student, where they are on that day.  Sometimes they have a handful of students that are ready to learn and "come to the carpet" and sometimes no one is ready to learn, and that's ok.  They provide supports to all students and work hard to build a high-quality environment.  

 

Discussion:  This year's theme for Roosevelt is "Bring your A-game every day." The school has worked hard to focus on relationships, interventions, and attendance.  Really Great Reading Program. 

Ronda Roth and Aly Sissons presented information about the Really Great Reading program.  Since receiving a grant for early intervention programing, we were able to hire another teacher for the four in town schools to implement the program.  We look at the MAP scores from the Spring of the previous year to determine if a student qualifies to be in the program. Those under 30% percentile were placed in the program.  The program teaches foundational skills that they were missing.  At Roosevelt, our 2nd graders were missing a lot of skills, possibly due to COVID their Kindergarten year.  Mrs. Roth had to work hard to build relationships with the students.  Through the RGR program, the students began to gain confidence in not only reading but also social studies and math.  Our attendance rates started increasing once the students started to trust the teachers, and by staying in the program.  Their reading scores have gone up so much.  It's great to be able to give our students another tool in their toolbox.  

Discussion:  Mr. Shaddick introduced AFJROTC, SMSgt. Bill Runk to present about recent events with our ROTC program.  The high school also prepared a video to showcase just how many different activities and events our students have had the ability to participate in this year. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  First Reading only.  No motion made. 

Discussion:  Mr. Mason presented the annual review of Board Policy 5205 - Graduation Requirements.  Due to a change in the registration offerings for Juniors next year, we would like to mirror the language on the Graduation Requirements Policy.  The hours required to graduate will not change, but the name of the classes will.  The review has been tabled until June, when it can be brought forward with the Student Handbooks. 

Discussion:  This company will come out to the District and pack the Chromebooks up for transportation. B&W will write us a check for the price quoted, when they pick up the Chromebooks.  Once the company has them, they will inspect the Chromebooks for scratches, stickers or any writing on them.  They make sure that they all work, have keys that are visible, etc.  If everything is in good condition, they would possibly then send us another check for more. 

There was an error on the memo.  The company that we are suggesting to sell the Chromebooks to is B&W Liquidations. 

Discussion:  After we approve the bid, Rutt's Heating and Air Conditioning will start to procure all the materials.  We've allowed them to go into the school year since they would not be disrupting the learning environment. 

Discussion:  Scott Reisig congratulated Mr. Shaddick for how the walk out situation was handled.  Scott talked to students and staff and was able to see the communication that was sent to parents.  He thought it was very well done. 
Ruth Kozal gave thanks to the Staff Appreciation Festival sponsors and expressed her thanks to all of our staff members.  Kozal gave sympathies to Justin Shaddick and Lori Browning for their recent losses.  She wanted to congratulate everyone as we get down to the end of the year. 

Discussion:  Dr. Dick wanted to echo the comments about the staff appreciation.  He gave a big thanks to Foundation and Riverstone Bank and the Nebraska Arts Council.  It was great to celebrate teachers and all staff.  Dr. Dick congratulated Marianne Carlson for completing all of her tests for obtaining her CPA.  This is also our Board Secretary's last board meeting.  Dr. Dick thanked Ashley for her help over the last 11 months.