January 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Darren Duncan asked the board to review the district's activities policy regarding meals for students who travel to participate in extra curriculur activities. He explained that his daughter, who is senior, participated in an overnight trip to Holdrege, NE in December of 2011 for basketball. The family has been notifed the night before the trip that the district did not know if funds would be available for meals or not. Once in Holdrege the students were told thta they would be on their own for their meal. Duncan explained that over the last three years meals have been provided for these trips. Duncan feels that the district's policy os obsolete and outdated and asked the Board to review it. Similar districts provide meals under the following conditions: Scottsbluff provides meals if students travel more than 50 miles from home; Sidney provides meals if students travel 100 miles or more; and Alliance does not have an official policy, however the district does provide meals on any trips. In the past, booster clubs associated with the sport have provided funds for meals. In addition, Duncan expressed concern about student supervision while on this most recent trip. Board President Brunner told Duncan that the Board and district administrators will have further discussion on this topic. Activities Director Dave Pauli will also be invited for input.

Discussion:  Meisner explained that the Business Committee has reviewed the treasurer's report and recommends that the full board approve it.

Discussion:  Meisner stated that the Business Committee had reviewed Anderson & Shaw's application for payment #8 along with recent change orders and recommends that the full board approve.

Discussion:  Doll was appointed as Board Secretary.

Discussion:  New committees were assigned: Business Committee will consist of Brunner, Copsey and Miles; Curriculum Committee will consist of Peters, Doll and Winn; Facilities Committee will consist of Brunner, Doll and Copsey; Personnel Committee will consist of Miles, Peters and Winn; Building Committee will consist of Peters, Doll and Miles; Doll and Winn will continue to serve on the VALTS Board.

Discussion:  The Regular Board of Education meetings will be held at 7:00pm on the third Monday of each month unless otherwise communicated.

Discussion:  Three proposals were reviewed from the Star Herald, Gering Courier and Gering Citizen.

Discussion:  Everyone was invited to drive by the new Lincoln facility, where the limestone sign has been installed. The building is close to being enclosed now that the air exchange equipment has arrived and has been installed.

Discussion:  The Facilities Committee met at the Jr. High in January and toured the building. Also discussed was the draft 2012-2013 school calendar, the installation of water coolers, a window project at the high school, cabling at the new Lincoln site and cafeteria tables that were installed at Northfield Elementary.

Discussion:  Doll stated that the Curriculum Committee met and discussed an early graduation request, welcomed a newly hired administrative assistant, and reviewed social studies and language arts adoptions. These will be implemented in 2013-2014. The committee will wait for a full re-write from the state prior to final adoption.

Discussion:  Brunner recapped the Business Committee meeting, specifically referring to the payment applications and Title I delinquent funds that will be utilized to purchase computers for the Juvenile Detention Center. Window bids and a potential ConnectEd call regarding a drug policy within the district were also discussed.

Discussion:  Miles stated that the Personnel Committee reviewed an early graduation request, questions about the district's sick leave bank and its usage, which will be reviewed by a committee. Additional topics included the 2012-2013 draft school calendar. Committee goals were reviewed, as was the evaluation process. Teacher negotiations followed the meeting.

Discussion:  Hague distributed accreditation banners that can be displayed at each building. Hague explained that his January 26th newspaper article will discuss the potential drug testing policy in the district. A ConnectEd call will be made to all secondary students' parents asking their opinion on the subject matter. The actual call will be made on January 30th at 7:30pm. Results will be given to the Board for their consideration. Hague has been working on finishing the new Lincoln building. Brunner and Hague will be attending a GNS meeting on January 17th & 18th. Hague reminded the board that they are registered for an NASB workshop on February 1st at the Gering Civic Center.

Discussion:  Winn commented tht her first year serving on the Board of Education has passed quickly. Miles stated that he is on his last term for the Board but feels reassured that parents are providing more input than in years past.

Discussion:  The next facility committee meeting will be held at Cedar Canyon.