September 14, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Meeting w/ Budget Hearing

Discussion:  Public Hearing was opened by President B.J. Peters at 6:05 p.m., closing after no public comment at 6:08 p.m.

Discussion:  Public Hearing was opened by President B.J. Peters at 6:10 p.m., closing after no public comment at 6:12 p.m.

Discussion:  Principal Rocky Schneider highlighted progress and priorities of the 20-21 SY.  The established guiding coalition goals mirrored previous years, with a continued focus on student graduation rates and testing percentiles.  School is in session, including ECL, and sports have successfully launched with a significant amount of planning and preparation.  This week is homecoming; safety protocols are in place to ensure a safe celebration.  New to GHS this fall is our Ag Program.  Seniors will be completing ACT testing next week.  Pre-ACT testing for all sophomores and juniors will be proctored later this year.  Next week staff and students will have the opportunity to partake in Value-UP messaging from Mike Donahue.  In this assembly, mental health, building culture and student/staff empowerment will be the theme.  Mary Winn inquired whether lunch is open campus for all students.  Schneider stated it is open for everyone except freshmen.  Winn also asked who the guiding coalition is comprised of.  Schneider stated their group includes at least one department head, counselors and administrators, meeting every other Tuesday in the mornings.  

Discussion:  Chair Mary Winn noted the selection process for K-5 social studies curriculum, previously disbanded in the spring due to COVID, will begin on September 30.  Materials will then become available in spring.  ELA will follow soon after.  NWEA (MAPS) testing was going on when the committee met at the beginning of the month. Results are immediate which will allow student needs to be address accordingly.  Curriculum Director Kory Knight provided the handbook for Extended Campus Learning.  Kelly Tofflemire was acknowledged for sharing his expertise and assistance with technology during the creation of ECL programming.  The VALTS board meeting had taken place.  Director George Schlohauer reported maneuvering of schedules has allowed students to adhere to social distancing protocols.  During summer school 330 credits were awarded.  Gering has increased program enrollment from 16 to 20 students.  VALTS teacher Einfalt was recognized as KCMI teacher of the week.  "Teachers at VALTS are extraordinary.  They are the reason why it really works," stated Mary Winn.  

Discussion:  Brady Shaul reported that A/P was reviewed, the warranty walk-thru action items were addressed, and Curt Hanson, Maintenance Director, was present to provide a general report on facilities.  Winn inquired about the outdoor electronic signage not working.  Cooper assured the board that the final payment to Haussman Construction, although approved, has not been released.  Business Manager Tim Meisner indicated that this item is on the radar.  

Discussion:  The budget hearings have served as a committee report.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Cooper reviewed progress surrounding the 2019 Strategic Plan. 

1.  By 2021, Gering Public Schools will leverage community partnerships in order to improve sustainability and promote innovation to be a progressive leader in education within our region and state.
2.  By 2024, all three and four year-olds in Gering will have access to quality early childhood education with 50% enrolled in the Gering Schools District program.
3.  By 2021, Gering Public Schools will be equipped with a blueprint for prioritizing facility needs so as to remain consistently competitive academically and in activities.
4.  By 2024, all grade levels and content areas will have a clear and concise grading and reporting system based on best practices.

During his time in the district, he has seen significant process towards achieving these goals.    Every 5 years the State schedules an external visit.  GPS is scheduled to have one in March of 2021.  Our team is working to gather the statistical data requested by NDE.  One building administrator was selected to participate in evaluation.  Cooper announced John Wiedeman as that candidate stating "This individual has proven to be an up-and-coming, successful administrator.  He will represent our district well in this audit." 

Discussion: 

Future Board Meetings

Second Board Meeting - Tues, Sept 22 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

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Regular Board Meeting - Mon, Oct 19 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)

Second Board Meeting - Tues, Oct 27 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Facilities / Business Committee --  Thurs, Oct 1 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office) 

Curriculum / Personnel Committee  --  Thurs, Oct 6 @ 7:00 a.m.  (Central Office)

Policy Committee  --  Thurs, Oct 8 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office) 
 

Discussion:  Brent Holliday commended GHS stating "It's exciting to see the new facility, and the energy in it.  I enjoyed meeting here at the Freshmen Academy venue tonight."  B.J. Peters suggested the possibility of rotating at each of the buildings for future work sessions.  Mary Winn reflected on recent discussions with former students who have students attending elementary and high school.  She is thankful GPS is able to provide in-person learning.  There is so much frustration in other parts of the country; We are very fortunate!  Let's do everything we can to keep them here.  Brady Shaul echoed Holliday's appreciation for GHS hosting tonight's meeting.  He stated an optimistic part of him had hoped we would get to this point in the school year where things felt semi-normal, but worried that we may not have sports, homecoming, etc.  In closing, B.J. Peters also spotlighted having students in the classrooms/buildings.  The kids have easily adapted.  He extended his appreciation to staff and parents for continuing to engage students. It takes longer to carry out the necessary added protocols, but they are doing it.  It's a great day to be a Bulldog!  The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.