July 8, 2010 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting July 8, 2010

Rationale:  It is 6:46 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the July 8, 2010 meeting.  Notice of this meeting has been advertised in the Grand Island Independent, which is the District's designated method of giving notice of these meetings.

We want those in attendance to know that copies of the Open Meetings Act are available at the entrance to the Board Room.  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 Public Forum part of our meeting.  These forms are also located by the entry doors of this room.

Mrs. Wagner, will you please call the roll?

Rationale:  Roll Call.

Rationale: 

The Mission  

Every Student, Every Day, a Success
Within the Grand Island Public Schools,
- every student will be taught to read, write, and communicate effectively; solve problems; acquire and apply knowledge; and demonstrate mastery through performance to the best of the student's abilities;  
- every student will be treated with fairness and dignity;
- every student will experience a sense of belonging, contribution, and success; and
- every student will develop responsibility and show respect for others as well as oneself.  
In educating students, we teach hearts as well as minds.

Rationale:  The first item on the agenda tonight is the Consent Agenda.  The Consent Agenda to be approved is as follows:

(items read.)

This is the Consent Agenda as published.  Would anyone like to remove any items or add any items to the Consent Agenda? 

Rationale:  Grand Island Public Schools is seeking to close College Street between the blocks of Custer and Lafayette streets.  To that end, a committee of administrators, board members, and concerned citizens approached the City of Grand Island to seek said closure.  Mr. Petsch and Mr. Brown will update the Board of Education concerning past, current, and planned activities on the College Street closure. 

Rationale: 

Proposal to Plan for the Implementation of the Career Tech Center (Facilitator Funded by Perkins Innovations Grant)

First read of a proposal submitted by Dr. George Copa to facilitate the development of a Learning Plan for the Career Tech Education Center to be housed in the Adam’s Street Property. The proposal includes timeline, recommended committee membership, cost for travel, preparation/planning, facilitation, and final report.

Rationale:  As the District continues to put an emphasis on addressing 'at risk' student populations, the idea of a dedicated probation officer much like the dedicated truancy official from the Hall County Court has been proposed.  This item was an informational item last month.  After several procedural questions, the issue was sent back to committees.  An update will be presented by both the Facilities and Finance and Teaching and Learning team members.  Mr. Schutz will also be available for additional information regarding the proposal.

Rationale:  During the 2008-2009 school year Grand Island Public Schools implemented a limited bussing program via the newly enacted poverty plan.  The initial contract was for a two year period as we developed expertise and knowledge in the transportation services area.  As administration reviewed transportation services within the District, it was decided to expand the contract to include all areas of transportation except for the charter and in-house transportation conducted by Mr. Kutlas and the administration building.  To that end, a Requests for Proposals (RFP) was issued for transportation services.  The scope and process was reviewed as an information item during the June meeting.

Rationale:  CNSSP contracts with various service providers for professional services in areas where need is greater than zero but less than full time for all the various CNSSP districts combined.  Occupational therapy is one of those areas.  In keeping with District practice all contracts are approved by the Board.  Administration reviewed the proposed contract and this item was an informational item during the June meeting.

Rationale:  In late December 2009, the District acquired the site formally known as the "Pentair Building" now referred to as the "Adams Street Property" for planned vocational instructional programming to be developed as time and resources allow.  The initial plan has several phases and additional planning is taking place.  This construction contract is for "phase one" to add handicapped accessibility to restrooms, add accessibility to all levels of the facility via an elevator, and slightly remodel the 'office' area into usable classroom space as a temporary site for the S.A.N.D.S. program while that facility is under construction. 

Rationale:  As the fiscal year end draws near, the District needs to modify the general fund budget in several program areas.  However, the total planned spending is to remain the same as originally approved.  Since there is no increase or decreases in the total spending (Budget Amendment) to the general fund, a hearing is not necessary.  Moreover, it is appropriate to have on file a Board motion approving the modification of the planned spending that differs from the original adopted budget even though total spending will not change.

Rationale:  Per current state statute every Nebraska school district must hold a hearing on student fees, including a review of the sources and uses of fees from the most recent school year.  Additionally, Districts must officially accept the report and adopt the planed fees for the upcoming school year.  Therefore, the Facilities and Finance committee recommends the Board approve the school year 2009-2010 report on student fees and adopt the school year 2010-2011 student fees policy and administrative procedures as presented.

Rationale:  The NE K-12 Math Standards were approved by the State Board of Education on October 8, 2009.  The standards are organized into four areas:  Number Sense Standards, Geometric/Measurement Standards, Algebraic Standards, and Data Analysis/Probability Standards, all linked together by the process skills of Communication, Multiple Representations, Problem Solving, Connections, and Reasoning.

Rationale: 

The Alternative Task Force is presenting the SANDS Operating Principles and Procedures Handbook. Task force members used the Exemplary Practices in Alternative Education: Indicators of Quality Programming, a framework developed by the National Alternative Education Association, to guide their work. The handbook was presented for discussion at the June 1st Teaching and Learning Board of Education Committee meeting and the June 10th Regular Board Meeting.  The handbook is presented for approval with the understanding that this handbook and procedures is a work in progress.

Rationale: 

Revisions to the PK-12 Grand Island Public School Student and Parent Handbook for 2010-2011 were presented for discussion at the June 10, 2010 regular board meeting.  The Board is being asked to approve the revised handbook at this time.

Rationale:  Annually, the "Extra-Standard Committee" meets to review and recommend changes to the extra-standard schedule.  The committee met, reviewed, and recommends the changes as outlined in the attachment.  The 'base salary' follows one year in arrears from the certified salary schedule.  Otherwise the recommendations are based upon impacting the largest number of students possible.

Rationale:  Crossing Guards for selected schools within the district have been provided through an agreement with the GIPD, which required the district to reimburse the GIPD 50% of the labor costs associated with this program. The district has received notice that the GIPD will no longer provide nor participate in the costs associated with placing crossing guards at selected schools. After discussion with school administrators and the board of education, continuation of this program, for the safety of our students has been deemed as necessary.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Facility and Finance Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Teaching and Learning Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Personnel Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Policy Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration by the Grand Island Education Foundation.

Rationale:  A quarterly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration by the NASB Board of Directors.