May 19, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Robert Rahmig spoke regarding upcoming Strategic Planning Meetings, grades offered at Cedar Canyon Elementary, bus routes and seating at the tracks.

Discussion:  Janelle Schultz and three of 19 students who participated in the Journalism State Championship competition, a NSAA sanctioned event, explained the process of participation, placement and competition recognition. This is the 4th year in a row that they GPS has won.

Discussion:  Chief George Holthus and Freshman Academy Assistant Principal Kraig Weyrich, along with Captain Jason Rodgers, High School Assistant Principal Shawn Seiler and High School Principal Eldon Hubbard, met and discussed the cooperative efforts, implementation and utilization of a School Resource Officer (SRO). This group met with board committees prior to presenting the concept to the full board. The project would involve placing an experienced full time Gering police officer in the school buildings for nine months out of the year. This individual will be responsible in assisting both students and staff with law violations, developing relationships between the students and the police department, and facilitating communications between the district and law enforcement. Research has shown that the key to this type of program is placing the right individual in the position. District staff would be involved in the selection process. The SRO could also participate in crisis planning, drills, education and policy review. The individual can provide a primary response, assist personnel with violations and can be a resource to the school community. Training will be provided specific to building needs. They will work closely with counselors, can explain legal ramifications and can assist and facilitate HHS interviews with students. The SRO will also act as a liason between the Juvenile Detention Center, the probation office and the school district. Benefits to the district if this position is implemented could include an increased perception of safety in the buildings, deterrence of law violations, faster response time, facilitation with issues and this individual will become a positive roll model for the students. Benefits to the Gering Police Department could include a reduced workload to officers, they would have one of their own in the school buildings, an improved image of the police department from students, improved police service to 19% of Gering population (the students) and education to the community on police relevance. Seiler stated that 286 incidents occurred this year that involved police involvement. Hastings reminded all that incidences of school violence are on the rise in suburban, upper-middle class districts. He believes that the implementation of this position will benefit the district greatly and will make the schools a safe place by providing a better learning environment by aleaving stress on staff and students. Gering PD will establish parameters and protocols with the Sherriffs Department to monitor Cedar Canyon Elementary. The school district will fund 50% of this position and the police department will fund 50% of this position, which is expected to cost $37,000 to $45,000 annually including benefits. Overtime will be covered by either party, depending on the reason. The district will provide office space and computer access and the City will provide a uniform, a vehicle and maintenance, insurance and personalized equipment. The entities will apply for a federal grant in June to offset associated costs. The position will be implemented in October of 2014.

Discussion:  Elementary Principals Mary Kay Haun, Betty Smith and Pam Barker presented a brief review of the new language arts program for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades that will soon be implemented. The trio distributed information and presented an overview of the Wonders curriculum. After training for two and a half days with a consultant, they held a conference call with Norfolk and are excited to apply student's skills and knowledge to build upon their strong foundations. A video was shown to the board about the program's core components. The district expects to begin the program with actual books but will eventually evolve into the technology component. Wonders was chosen because it addresses NeSA standards and students can apply their previous reading skills to this program. The principals encouraged the board to view other videos that are available for additional information. An example of a daily instructional plan was provided for review and the importance of having all kids receive grade level instruction was discussed. Board members were invited to the buildings to view progress. An additional two days of training will take place in the fall and teachers will have access to the materials to they can review it over the summer. Sixth grade will be adopting Pearsons Curriculum. Peters expressed his support of this program and is excited for the opportunity to present it to the students.

Discussion:  Peters said that the Curriculum Committee received an update on a recently conducted technology audit from staff from ESU in Kearney. The district's core network infrastructure is in fairly good shape, although additional work will need to be completed in the area of communication. The district plans to implement more regular meetings to ensure no issues slip through the cracks. Assessment has been completed. There will be no Curriculum Committee meeting in June.

Discussion:  Upp stated that the Facilities Committee met and concentrated on creating a list of priorities for the Jr. High and Freshman Academy. This building is in decent shape when compared to other district priorities. Major issues in the district are at the High School. Business Manager Tim Meisner confirmed that summer maintenance has been scheduled.

Discussion:  Copsey was absent for the Business Committee so Brunner explained that they met with Meisner to review the bill listing, the trial balance summary and preliminary numbers for state aide. This committee will be working with the Facilities Committee to determine priorities from a financial standpoint.

Discussion:  Winn said that the Personnel Committee met on May 8th and discussed classified pay and the district organization table.

Discussion:  Hastings said that the Gering Public Schools District was proud to graduate 148 students at this year's graduation ceremony at Western Nebraska Community College. Over three million dollars in scholarships were awarded this year. He hopes the Gering staff is proud of the role they play in the success of these students. He also provided kudos to staff for their hard work in pulling off the graduation ceremony. Hastings provided an update regarding strategic planning meetings, which are scheduled for July 13, 14 & 15, 2014. Fifteen hours will be spent meeting about this project. Teams will consist of 35 representatives, including parents, staff from each level, administrators, classified staff, local business leaders, ESU & WNCC personnel and board members. Hastings provided an update on the status of Cedar Canyon Elementary. Students in 4th grade have been visiting other elementary buildings in town for a tour and orientation. There will be no change to the grade configuration this year. The district will make the transition from 4th to 5th grade a posititve one and will continue discussions regarding the future of this facility.

Discussion:  Upp thanked the principals for their involvement in the selection of the Wonders curriculum. Copsey reminded all that there are lots of end of year activities. He thought the graduation ceremony was done well and it was gratifying to see all of the young adults with their achievements. Brunner said that this was his 11th and final graduation ceremony. It still gives him goosebumps when kids walk across the state to receive their diploma, as it is a culmination of everyone's efforts. Doll mentioned that this years graduation was a great experience. Visitors he spoke with said that the decorum was very impressive and that the ceremony had alot of dignity. Doll also mentioned the district music program and stated that Band Director Randy Raines and Misty Curtis did a fantastic job with the kids as they scored a superior plus rating. Both the jazz band and mass band concerts were amazing. Winn reiterated that the graduation ceremony was great. She felt that the crowd was well behaved, everyone gave great speeches and the music was fantastic. Winn also stated that Dr. Upp was the keynote speaker at the Elks Scholarship Banquet two weeks ago. Scholarships totaling $46,000 were awarded that night. Winn also attended the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Chuck Deter. Many former wrestlers were in attendance, which shows the impact Deter had on the students and community. Peters said that going to the Gering Graduation is a highlight of serving on the board. He also felt that the decorum of visitors and students was at a high level and everyone did a nice job.