March 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
| Minutes |
|---|
|
1. GPS Board of Education Information
More Information:
The meeting agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Central Office during regular working hours.
District Vision: Gering Public Schools provides a collaborative community, inspiring excellence and innovation in teaching and learning to empower student growth and leadership in school and life. District Mission: Gering Public Schools exists to equip today's learners with the skills necessary to be tomorrow's leaders. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of matters to be considered at the meeting. The Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools. If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so. We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now, so that you may be recognized during the 'Patron Comment' section of our meeting. These forms are located by the entry doors of the meeting room. Agenda items are subject to reordering at the discretion of the board president. Board members may request specific agenda item(s) be moved to a different place on the agenda. Please attend the entire meeting to ensure you hear discussion on a particular agenda item. |
|
2. Opening Procedures
|
|
2.1. Call to Order
More Information:
The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Executive Session for the protection of the public interest, or the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and if the individual has not requested a public meeting.
Discussion:
President Brian Copsey called this meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
|
|
2.2. Roll Call
|
|
2.3. Pledge of Allegiance
|
|
2.4. Open Meetings Act
More Information:
Pursuant to Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Statutes, the public is hereby informed that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted in the Board meeting room on the north wall.
Notice of this meeting was published in the Gering Courier on Thursday, March 14, 2024. |
|
3. Consent Agenda
More Information:
At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately.
|
|
3.1. Fund Amount
01 General $925,116.78 03 Employee $731.50 05 Activity $60,836.77 06 Cafeteria $109,559.88 07 Bond $700.00 08 Special Building $67,265.94 Fund Totals: $1,164,210.87 |
|
3.2. Minutes from the previous month's board meeting(s)
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.3. Approval of Claims/Bills
|
|
3.4. Board Policy Adoption
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i. First Reading of Board Policies
|
|
3.4.i.1. 502.1 RESIDENT STUDENTS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.2. 502.3 ENTRANCE ADMISSIONS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.3. 502.4 ATTENDANCE CENTER ASSIGNMENT
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.4. 502.5 STUDENT TRANSFERS IN
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.5. 502.6 STUDENT TRANSFERS OUT OR WITHDRAWALS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.6. 502.7 STUDENT RE-ENTRY TO SCHOOL
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.7. 502.8 EXCHANGE AND FOREIGN STUDENT ADMISSIONS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.8. 502.8R1 EXCHANGE AND FOREIGN STUDENT PROCEDURES
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.9. 502.10 ASSIGNMENT OF NEW STUDENTS TO CLASSES AND GRADE LEVELS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.10. 502.11 ASSIGNMENT OF CONTINUING STUDENTS TO CLASS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.11. 502.12 STUDENTS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.12. 503.01 APPLICATION FOR DISCONTINUING THE ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS YOUNGER THAN SIX YEARS OF AGE
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.13. 503.1 COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.14. 503.1F1 APPLICATION FOR DISCONTINUING THE ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS YOUNGER THAN SIX YEARS OF AGE
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.15. 503.1F2 BASC-2 BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL SCREENING SYSTEM (BASC-2 BESS) SUMMARY FOR EARLY KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.16. 503.1F3 YOUNG CHILDREN'S ACHIEVEMENT TEST (YCAT) SUMMARY FOR EARLY KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.17. 503.1R1 EARLY ADMISSION ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.18. 503.2 STUDENT ATTENDANCE RECORDS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.19. 503.3 STUDENT ABSENCES EXCUSED
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.20. 503.4 ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO ATTENDANCE
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.21. 503.4E1 EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM REPORT
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.22. 503.5 STUDENT RELEASE DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.23. 503.6 STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.24. 503.7 PREGNANT OR PARENTING STUDENTS
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.25. 503.8 MARRIED STUDENTS OR STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.26. 503.9 HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.27. 503.10 HOMESCHOOLING-REINTEGRATION
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.i.28. 503.10R1 HOMESCHOOLING-REINTEGRATION-ACADEMIC/ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATION
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.4.ii. Second Reading of Board Policies
|
|
3.5. Personnel Items
|
|
3.5.i. Certified Staff Contract(s)
|
|
3.5.i.1. Carrie Lepant-GMS Special Education Teacher
|
|
3.5.ii. Certified Staff Resignation(s)
|
|
3.5.ii.1. Byron Olsen-Director of Student Services
Attachments:
()
|
|
3.5.ii.2. Rebecca Montoya-GMS Special Education Teacher
Attachments:
()
|
|
4. Celebration of Excellence
|
|
4.1. Recognition of the FFA State Degrees.
Discussion:
Board Member John Maser had the pleasure to hand out the FFA State Degrees awards.
|
|
4.2. FFA state qualifying members to perform for the Board of Education.
Discussion:
The board of education was delighted to witness what the FFA Chapter will be presenting at the upcoming state meet. Thank you to the members and Carrie Johns for sharing the amazing work this club does.
|
|
4.3. Secondary Granding Task Force presentation on Grading Scale
Discussion:
Kori Knight, Mr. Stobel, and Mr. Shank presented their concerns in regard to the Secondary Grading Task Force. They have been looking into our current grading system, and how it impacts the students at GPS. There are several advantages for students if the district decides to lower the grading scale. Ex: Scholarships, alignment with college grading systems, and help with the all over GPA's for students.
|
|
4.4. Employee Recognition: "Bulldogs Going Beyond"
|
|
4.4.i. Andy Stobel- GHS ELA/German Teacher
Discussion:
Mr. Stobel was nominated by Mr. Boyd to receive this award. He was present at the meeting, and read his nomination letter to Mr. Stobel. Mr. Chavez was also in attendance to express how deserving Mr. Stobel is of this recognition.
|
|
4.4.ii. Chelsy Sanchez- Northfield Elementary Paraprofessional
Discussion:
Mrs. Sanchez was unable to attend, and will be recognized at the May BOE Meeting.
|
|
4.5. Building Report
|
|
4.5.i. Northfield Elementary- John Wiedeman
Discussion:
Mr. Wiedeman, along with Ms. Funk, Mrs.Sherfey, and a few bright students from Northfield had the honor of presenting the building report this evening. The BOE saw a slide show showing all the clubs that Northfield Elementary has to offer their students. STUCO, Girls Who Code, Cooking Club, Bulldog Ambassadors, and ALL Pro Parents are just a few of the clubs that the school has to offer. John Wiedeman stated these clubs are the "Pulse for what kids want to be involved in".
|
|
5. Reports & Discussions
|
|
5.1. Board Committee Report: Curriculum & Personnel
Discussion:
BJ Peters-Discussion was focused on curriculum grade inducing apathy. This gives the students a chance to succeed! The district is gearing up for summer school, as all buildings will be participating in the program. Please be mindful that spring testing starts April 1, 2024.
|
|
5.2. Board Committee Report: Business & Facilities
Discussion:
Greg Trautman - A/p listing was on target, and we are currently under budget. Hats off to Stacy and her team for staying fiscally sound, and making sure we are not over budget. Several students have been able to have their hand in the construction of the new preschool building at Northfield. We are in the process of updating our district vehicle fleet, as many of the vehicles we have now are worn down.
|
|
5.3. Monthly Finance Report
|
|
5.4. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Dr. Nicole Regan-Spring is here! And so is our pride. Kudos to our spring sports activities participants. Please be sure to check out our social media with all the success of our students. Mark your calendars for the GHS Spring Play, Music Man, as the showings will be April 11-13.
Legislative session is in high gear. It is looking like there will be approximately 6 package bills that senators are prioritizing focused on property tax relief and homestead exemption. Some of these bills loaded together will impact education and we are working closely with the senators and governor to navigate how this will impact school funding and policy. Summer Sun Food and Fun has launched with enrollment in Gering's YMCA camp for this season. We are able to offer full and part-time options. The camp begins May 30 and runs through Aug 9. The camp offers free transportation as well as food service for breakfast and lunch. Field trips, swimming, games, and reading programs are just a few of the activities the camp has to offer. We are in the 4th quarter with 10 weeks remaining in the school year. This is a critical time for state testing, the junior ACT exam, and, of course, our graduating seniors. |
|
6. Public Comments
Attachments:
()
|
|
7. Action Items
|
|
7.1. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding the purchase of a 2023 Nissan Rogue, for the amount of $31,484.00 from SID DILLON Dealership.
Attachments:
()
|
|
8. Board Comments
Discussion:
Greg Trautman- I am impressed with all the planning the district does on a daily basis. Board members put in a lot of countless hours to ensure the district runs smoothly. In closing, I would like to say "A goal without a plan, is just a wish".
John Maser-There are a million things going on at GPS, and the kids are killing it with all the activities they are involved in. It is amazing how much work goes into preparing our students for life after graduation. Tracy Wiese- I attended the Superintendent's Forum, and loved being informed of all the things happening within the district. It is great getting input, which guides us on how to move forward. The high school and middle school administrators that are here tonight are on board about changing the grading scale, so I hope we can come to a decision soon. BJ Peters- VALTS has 6 kids from Gering that will be graduating in May, and are participating in the GPS ceremony. Listening to kids and their stories has been an amazing experience as a board member. "We are all here for the kids". Brian Copsey- I love watching all the presentations! I appreciate each and every one of you, and your hard work. Dr. Regan and her team have created a board of education that has a plan and a map to get us there. |
|
8.1. Tentative Upcoming Board Meeting/Event Dates
More Information:
Future Board MeetingsSpecial Meeting: Tues, March 26, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)Regular Meeting: Mon, April 15, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers) Special Meeting: Tues, April 23, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office) Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:Personnel & Curriculum Committee: Tues, April 2, 2024 @ 7:00 a.m. (Central Office)Policy Review Committee: Thurs, April 11, 2024 @ 4:00 p.m. (Central Office) Finance & Facilities Committee: Thurs, April 4, 2024 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office) Upcoming Event Highlights:No School April 1, 2024 (staff & students)No School April 26, 2024 (PD/Teacher Work Day) |
|
9. Adjourn
Discussion:
This meeting was adjourned at 7:51 pm
|
