August 9, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting August 9, 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 August 9, 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:  No Report this month.

Rationale:  Mr. Jeff Gilbertson, Principal at Grand Island Senior High, will introduce Miss Riley Menagh as the 2012-2013 Board Student Representative.

Rationale:  Report on the GISH Teen Parenting Program as presented by Karen Kropp, Kim Ottman, and Bill Brennan. This group will share data and student interest stories that reflect the impact of the program.
Bill Brennan, St. Francis Medical Center

Rationale:  Grand Island Public Schools, along with six other area districts, contract with the Central Nebraska Support Service Program (CNSSP) for special education services. This contract has be reviewed, revised, and approved by the CNSSP Advisory Board. The next step is for GIPS to approve the contract with CNSSP for special education services.

Rationale:  The Boys and Girls Club of Central Nebraska has facilitated a program in Walnut Middle School since May 1st of 2009.  This contract delineates roles and responsibilities of GIPS and BGCCN. This contract has been reviewed, revised, and approved by GIPS and BGCCN personnel. The next step is for GIPS to approve the contract between GIPS and Boys and Girls Club of Central Nebraska.

Rationale:  Two different additional transportation routes are needed as we enter into the 2012-2013 school year.  First, an elementary route for children attending Starr elementary school under the continuous calendar to cover the 26 days between the start of the CSY and the 'regular' school year calendar.  Second, an additional route is necessary to allow several children to attend the Success Academy now that the (9-12) grade Skills and Success Programs will be housed at the Success Academy building.

Rationale:  The District has over time installed lawn sprinkler systems on various school grounds.  Walnut is no exception and in fact has some components of a larger sprinkler system in a City of Grand Island easement.  This agreement outlines the understanding the City of Grand Island and the District have in regards to the maintenance of said sprinkler system as the Walnut Safe Schools Project moves ever so slowly forward.

Rationale:  Grand Island Public Schools in cooperation with Saint Francis Medical Center (The Physician Network) operates a Student Wellness Center on the campus of Grand Island Senior High School.  As part of the cooperating activities both parties enter into a formal lease agreement for the space used by the Student Wellness Center.  The lease needs renewed and a proposed amendment to the current lease agreement is attached for the Board of Education's consideration.  The amendment extends the current agreement for a three year period from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.  All other terms and conditions of the current lease remain in effect and unchanged.

Rationale:  As the administration and Board of Education plan and evaluate both the physical plant needs and the financial resources to carry out the long term necessary upkeep and maintenance of over 1.8 million square feet of floor space, from time to time it becomes in the district’s best interest to issue Qualified Purpose Undertaking Fund (QCPUF) bonds.  Besides the needs, we currently have the capacity and ability to finance the issuance of about $1,600,000 of QCPUF bonds over a short two-year period within the Legislatively limited 5.2¢ levy authority.  The administration is asking for Board to approve the bond issue by approving the bond resolution as presented this evening.

Rationale:  Two different additional transportation routes are needed as we enter into the 2012-2013 school year.  First, an elementary route for children attending Starr elementary school under the continuous calendar to cover the 26 days between the start of the CSY and the 'regular' school year calendar.  Second, an additional route is necessary to allow several children to attend the Success Academy now that the (9-12) grade Skills and Success Programs will be housed at the Success Academy building.

Rationale:  Due to residency requirements for his employment, Brian Exstrum, board member from Ward C, submitted his resignation from the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education effective July 12, 2012.  It is now incumbent upon the board to appoint a replacement to fill the Ward C vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.  The recommendation being brought forward is to appoint Mr. Todd Elsbernd to fill that vacancy. 

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 monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Legislative Committee.

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