May 11, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  Information concerning the Open Meeting Law, Chapter 84, Article 14 of Nebraska State Statutes, is posted in this room and in the hallway.

Rationale:  To be introduced by Mrs. Cara Lucas-Richt, Director of Student Services:  The students from Ms. Diffey and Ms. Shields preschool classrooms will be leading the Board in the Pledge.

Rationale:  The Blair Community Schools Board of Education will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of public comments on proposed changes to Board Policy 504.20-Student Fees for the 2015-16 school year.

Rationale: 

The Blair Basketball Club is making a donation in the amount of $5,600.00 to Blair Community Schools to be distributed as follows:

$4,000.00 - for scholarships to eight BHS senior basketball players.
   $350.00 - to Blair High School
   $350.00 - to Otte Middle School
   $350.00 - to Arbor Park
   $350.00 - to Deerfield Elementary School
   $200.00 - to the Blair Community Schools Foundation

Rationale:  Consideration of of the following communications:

1. A letter has been received from Mr. Anderson, BHS Principal, asking permission for the Skills USA National Qualifiers to attend the National Conference June 22nd - June 25th in Louisville, Kentucky.  He is also requesting financial assistance for the adviser fees for the trip.
2. A letter has been received from Mr. Anderson, BHS Principal, regarding the 2015 FBLA State Leadership Conference.  Mr. Anderson is requesting permission for Mrs. Olson to accompany the national qualifiers to the FBLA National Conference that will be held in Chicago, IL from June 28th-July 3rd, 2015.  He is also requesting financial assistance for the adviser fees for the trip.   

The administration recommends approving both requests, and per Board policy 607.05-Student Field Trips, Excursions, and National Conventions, the district will fund the sponsor’s transportation, lodging, meals, registration fees and other expenses associated with the event.  In addition, unless otherwise approved by the superintendent, reimbursement for sponsors will be made on the basis of one sponsor for every 15 students that qualify.

Rationale:  This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may address the board about matters of public concern.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK:

Rationale: 

The Policy Committee met on Monday, April 27, 2015.  Meeting minutes are attached.

Items from this committee for proposed Board action:

1. Approval of changes to PK-12 Student/Parent Handbooks for 2015-16.

Rationale: 

The Curriculum Committee met on Thursday, April 30, 2015.  Meeting minutes are attached.

Rationale: 

The Building, Grounds, and Transporation Committee met on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.  Meeting minutes are attached.

Items from this committee for proposed Board action:

1. Approve modifications to the Arbor Park commons/pit area to make it operational for a lunch area.

Rationale: 

The Finance Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.  Meeting minutes are attached.

Items from this committee for proposed Board action:

1. Approval of Student Fees for the 2015-16 school year.
2. Approval of a lump sum classified staff salary increase to be allotted by the Superintendent.
3. Approval of a lump sum administrator salary increase to be allotted by the Superintendent.
4. Approval of the purchase of new scoreboards to be paid for through advertising revenue.
5. Approval of early pay-off of General Obligation Bonds to save interest expense.

Rationale:  Discussion and consideration for an add/change order as outlined below:

At the pre-construction meeting held on April 1, a question was raised regarding the ability to drain water away from an area behind the press box in relation to the new pole vault/jump runways adjacent to that area.  This question stemmed from discussions on tree and soil removal from behind the press box area in relation to the grade of the entire new pole vault/jump runway area.  Upon reviewing the plans and talking with contractors, it was determined that not enough soil would be removed to provide for complete surface drainage of the area behind the press box.  Since the grade reduction would not be sufficient, continuing pooling of water over time could possibly cause damage the new construction as well as the concrete area behind and around the press box.  The water that pools in that area dissipates into the soil, sometimes percolating under the concrete and draining through cracks or seep holes at the bottom of the bleachers.

This was not an engineering omission, but an information point made by school staff as the plans were being reviewed with engineers and contractors.  Joe Zadina/Lamp Rynearson has supplied a solution to that concern by adding an inlet and drain that ties into the drains that are currently planned for each pit and plant box for the pole vault. The total cost of the change/add is $5,254.30.  The proposed change will provide protection for the new construction, and will also provide a remedy for removing standing water to address possible issues with the sub-soil drainage and possible long-term damage to the concrete area around the press box and bleachers.

Upon consultation with district personnel, the administration recommends the change/add be considered for approval.  

Rationale: 

New teachers for approval:

1. Karen Anderson - 3rd Grade, Arbor Park
2. Jason Arp - 6th Grade Science, Otte Blair Middle School
3. Tracy Bye - K-2 Library/Media Specialist, Deerfield
4. Justine Carroll - 5th Grade, Arbor Park
5. Amanda Grabbe - 3rd Grade, Arbor Park
6. Cassandra Rolland - 8th Grade Science, Otte Middle School
7. Andrea Ruiz - 9-12 Spanish, Blair High School 

Rationale: 

Resignations have been received from the following certified staff, effective upon the conclusion of the 2014-15 school year:

1. Colleen Collins - 6th Grade, Special Education Resource Teacher, Otte Middle School
2. Natalie Ringen - Special Education - Deerfield
3. Shawn Ekwall - Social Studies Teacher - Blair High School

Rationale: