March 20, 2017 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Mr. Peters reported that the Curriculum Committee discussed the secondary activity eligibility policy.  Mr. Hubbard reported to the committee the procedures currently being used for the policy.  The Curriculum Committee discussed potential changes to the policy to make it stronger.  Mrs. Winn stated that the goal of the committee will not be to lower standards, but rather make it more fair for students. 

Mr. Peters reported that a committee meeting was held with school attorney Rex Schulte and principal architect Corky Bradley from RB+B. A discussion was held about the differenc construction delivery options along with a potential timeline for the project.     

Mr. Holliday reported that the Business Committee examined the cost per student at each facility.  They also approved the AP Listing. 

Mr. Weideman, principal of Northfield Elementary, brought two teachers from the school to share building updates.  In celebration of Nebraska's 150th birthday, Mrs. Allison Wagner's 4th grade class took part in a project where each student drew the name of a famous Nebraskan and developed a report on that person.  The students dressed up as the character and shared their report with other students.  Student Olivia, demonstrated her project.  The character she portrayed was Malcolm X.  Sixth grade teacher Mrs. Shaylah Stephens, shared information with the board about improvements to their student management system that have been implemented throughout the school year.  Mr. Hastings vocalized his gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support of the school district.  He also expressed his thanks for the many community members, staff members, and students who have been a part of the development of this project since 2014.  Mr. Hastings provided a report to the board about the cost to educate a student at each of the elementary schools in the district.  The cost per student at each elementary school is:  1) Cedar Canyon -- $15,386; 2) Geil -- $5,978; 3) Lincoln -- $6,140; and 4) Northfield -- $6,215.  The cost per student is calculated by taking the total costs, such as utilities, supplies, and salaries and dividing it by the number of students enrolled. Cedar Canyon has a much higher cost per student largely due to smaller enrollment.  Based on the information presented, President Copsey requested that a special meeting be scheduled to receive further information about the report, enrollment trends, and receive feedback and community input on the future of Cedar Canyon Elementary.

Josh Lacey shared his excitement for the community support and the passage of the bond issue.  Mary Winn believes the bond was successful because of the citizens who were a part of the committee and the community taking ownership of the process.  She would like the board to visit the Scottsbluff High School and view the new facilities.  Brent Holliday would like the Gering Public Schools to continue to educate the community about the project.  Brady Shaul gave his appreciation for the hard work and dedication Dr. Wills and Allison Judy gave to the project.  BJ Peters discussed the importance of staying within the budget the community agreed to. Brian Copsey is excited to be a part of the building and renovation process.  He wants to welcome community members who did not share the vision to become a part of the process and ask questions.