April 11, 2013 at 6:30 PM - April 11, 2013 Regular Meeting

Rationale:  It is 6:30 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the April 11, 2013 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:  Ms. Vahle had reported her pending absence from the April 11th meeting.

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: 

Brett Forsman is recognized for completing certification as a certified trainer for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Brett is the only certified trainer in Nebraska. This certification adds credibility to GIPS Career Pathways Institute, as well as helping students be career ready. As the accrediting body for the industry, NCCER establishes the benchmark for quality training and assessments. By partnering with industry and academia, NCCER has developed a system for program accreditation that is similar to those found in institutions of higher learning. This process fosters national unity among the construction industry while providing a defined career path with industry-recognized credentials. NCCER’s accreditation process assures that students and craft professionals receive quality training based on uniform standards and criteria. These standards are outlined in the NCCER Accreditation Guidelines and must be adhered to by all NCCER Accredited Training Sponsors and Accredited Assessment Centers.

Rationale:  The 2013-14 Traditional School was approved with an error. The correct dates are Jan 2, 2014 as a Teacher Prep Day, January 3, 2014 as a Teacher Professional Learning Day, and students return on January 6, 2014. The calendar committee identified this error on November 1, 2012 and the correction did not make it to the final draft for board approval. The Calendar Committee recommends the calendar with corrections.

Rationale:  The need to fill speech pathology positions has prompted CNSSP to contract with GI Physical Therapy for one speech pathology position. CNSSP currently has two positions unfilled. Speech pathology positions have been unfilled in previous years and CNSSP has hired speech pathology techs. Techs require supervision by our licensed Speech Paths that increases their already full caseloads. We are requesting approval of a three-year contract to maintain speech services and this contract is consistent with the costs associated with a GIPS speech contract with experience.

Rationale:  Dr. Winter will present a proposal submitted by the District Management Council to conduct a performance audit of Grand Island Public School current roles, schedules and pedagogical approaches found within the scope of CNSSP overall operations.

Rationale: 

Rationale:  The 2013-14 Traditional School was approved with an error. The correct dates are Jan 2, 2014 as a Teacher Prep Day, January 3, 2014 as a Teacher Professional Learning Day, and students return on January 6, 2014. The calendar committee identified this error on November 1, 2012 and the correction did not make it to the final draft for board approval. The Calendar Committee recommends the calendar with corrections.

Rationale:  In order to implement the terms and conditions of the fiscal year 2013 - 2014 negotiated agreement Grand Island Public Schools needs to enter into an agreement with a 'Third Party Administrator' to administer a trust agreement for the purposes of establishing a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for employees eligible to receive an annual employer provided contribution into an individual account.  These accounts can only be used for meeting health insurance deductibles while employed and for 'all' health related cost after employment ceases.  The agreement is with National Insurance Services who Grand Island Public Schools has an established long-term business relationship.

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.