June 12, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting June 12, 2012

Rationale:  It is 6:30 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the June 12, 2012 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:  Due to the refinancing of the entire series 2005 and part of the series 2008 general obligation bonds during the 2011 - 2012 school year it's necessary to modify the FY11-12 budget for the Bond Fund.  The Executive Director of Business will review the changes necessary for the BOE to consider prior to the legally required public hearing to be held prior to the July 2012 regular BOE meeting and action during the July 2012 regular BOE meeting.

Rationale:  GIPS has contracted for four years (two contract renewal cycles) with Directions, EAP as the provider of the Employee Assistance Program. While pleased with the services provided by Directions EAP, the Personnel Committee is recommending the district advertise for Requests for Proposals to evaluate services, programs and costs that may now be available, from both local and regional providers. To provide an adequate time frame to complete a thorough analysis of proposals, we are recommending renewal of the Directions EAP contract for one year (versus the customary two years). RFP's would then be solicited in the Fall of 2012, with a recommendation to the BOE in the spring or early summer of 2013. The cost per employee in the proposed contract is still at the same level as the original prices contracted in 2008.

Rationale:  An overview of the Extra Standard Committee Meeting and recommendations for the 2012-13 positions.

Rationale: 

ISSUE
Grand Island Senior High School athletics department funding resources from event gate fees.

The proposed practice below is honestly more in line with how most, if not all, other districts currently operate.  GIPS is the only district we know of with such a liberal admission policy for staff.  GIPS is, in essence, giving away the store!

 Current Practice
1.  All GIPS staff members and their entire family receive admittance into GISH activities for free by simply showing their GIPS badge. 

 Proposed Practice
1.  GIPS badge gains staff member plus one other person (family member or otherwise) admission to GISH activities.

OR

2.  GIPS staff can pay $25 for a pass (i.e. operates like current practice).

OR

3.  Sign up to work one (1) GISH activity (without compensation) to get their pass for free (in lieu of compensation for working the activity).

These rules would apply to all classes of GIPS employees (e.g. classified, certified, and administrative).

Likely Outcomes
The proposed future practice will likely result in either increased revenue and\or reduced expenditures for the GISH activities budget, which is the desired outcome.

Rationale:  The Board will be asked to approve the contract for Occupational Therapy with Megan Jaixen to provide occupational therapy services for early childhood students in CNSSP - reimbursed at the NDE approved rate of $58.00 / hour plus mileage at the state rate of 55.5 cents/mile.

Rationale: 

The review team has revamped the Student/Parent Handbook to organize detail and to implement needed information. Board members will be asked to approve the updated final copy .

Rationale:  Last month Mrs. Palmer presented the proposal to move 9-12 Skills Academy program to Success Academy. High School students are currently served at Westridge Middle School. The recommendation is to then move 6-8 Success Academy program to Westridge. Middle School students in the Success Academy program are currently served in the Success Academy building. This proposal addresses the need for students to receive educational support services in an age appropriate setting.

Rationale:  Last year, the District knew in the Fall of 2011 that there would be a significant decrease in funding for the 2011-2012 fiscal year; and administration was able to engage our staff, board and the community in planning for that funding decrease beginning in November of 2011. This year looking forward to the 2012 – 2013, there was less specific information about the funding until the March and April 2012 period. Thus,  activities related to personnel staffing plans were intentionally delayed until there was  more certainty as to what the certified state aid would be. Now that the Legislature has adjourned and funding amounts have been finalized, Mr. Stelk will present recommendations for staffing adjustments for the 2012-13 school year. The Board is being asked to consider these requests as outlined in the attached document.  Mr. Harden will present funding information as to the request as well.

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 Request for Proposal was issued and awarded to Holiday Travel. the Board is being asked to consider renewal of this contract with the noted increase for expenses.

Rationale:  Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §79-473 (Reissue 2008) Grand Island Public Schools and Northwest Public Schools have entered into good faith negotiations regarding the City of Grand Island Annexation Ordinance No. 9363.  Accordingly, the attached 'Annexation Agreement' is being presented to the Board for review and approval.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Facility and Finance Committee.  From this committee, there is also a possibility of a presentation and recommendation for action on any item which might have recently arisen requiring a short turn around time frame.

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.

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