March 7, 2019 at 5:30 PM - GIPS BOE Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

It is 5:____PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the March 7, 2019 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.

Ms. Celmer, will you please call the roll?

Rationale:  Roll Call.

Rationale:  The Wasmer Elementary ukulele after school group will perform their school song. 

Rationale: 

The Mission  

Every Student, Every Day, a Success!  In educating students, we teach hearts as well as minds. 

Student Commitments  

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 be honored for their unique qualities and backgrounds;
- 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.   

 

 

Rationale: 

• Each individual addressing the board will be allowed 5 minutes. The Board of Education has the prerogative to limit speaking to 3 minutes when there are three or more patrons to allow speakers an opportunity to address the Board in a timely manner.
• We will not engage in dialogue with patrons presenting to the Board
• The Board president and superintendent will identify staff to follow-up on information requested from patrons
• The Board president may share a statement on behalf of the Board when addressing a major issue in the district

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? (pause)

Does anyone have a potential conflict of interest on agenda item 6.2? If so, please state the check number that you will be abstaining from voting on.

Rationale:  The Grand Island Starr Elementary School project won the top award in 2018 (Award of Excellence) from the American Concrete Institute (ACI) of Nebraska. The award presentation was held on Friday, February 8^th at the Rocco Theater in Lincoln.

Rationale:  Kayla Wichman will recognize Rachel Catlett for being named the 2019 School Counselor of the Year by the Nebraska School Counselor Association. 

Rationale:  The Nebraska State Literacy Association presented the Distinguished Educator Award to Dr. Amy Mancini. This award recognizes an educator who has supported literacy. Dr. Mancini was recognized during the organization's annual conference in February. 

Rationale:  Mr. Harden will recognize the members of the 2018-2019 Select Finance Committee.

Rationale:  Julie Martin, principal at Gates Elementary, will share how the True Schools grant focus on reading is addressing the following district goals and objectives: decrease excessive absenteeism, increase school connectedness, ensure a high commitment to learning, personalize education and enhance community connections. 

Rationale:  Charity LaBrie, principal at Seedling Mile, and staff will present on how the school is fostering the joy of reading. 

Rationale:  Jeff Gilbertson and Toni Palmer will introduce the 2019-2020 contract with American Alliance for Innovative Systems LLC (AAIS). AAIS will work in coordination with Grand Island Senior High to conduct 13 days of professional development training ("Daily Trainings") with teachers and appropriate staff on the topics of Career Academy and Content PLC Support at Grand Island Senior High.

Rationale:  Dr. Robin Dexter will present the 3-year renewal contract for the Ombudsman program. This renewal included the addition of a special ed teacher and a social worker to support 70 students in the OMB classroom. The addition of staff will bea $60,500 addition to current costs. Students needing special education support have increased as has the need to connect students to community agencies to increase behavioral health supports and to improve attendance. Funds to support the increase in costs will be requested from IDEA funds. 

Rationale:  Dr. Josh McDowell will present the proposed contract with the National Academy Foundation (NAF). NAF will provide a guaranteed and viable curriculum based on industry standards to students in the Academy of Business and Communication. 

Rationale:  Dr. Josh McDowell will present a purchase proposal for additional avionics equipment needed to complete the RV-12 plane kit.

Rationale:  As part of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Best Practices in School District Budgeting, districts are encouraged to adopt specific policies in the following areas;

Debt Management
Cash Reserve Policy - General Fund
Cash Reserve Policy - Other Funds
Revenue Policy
Expenditure Policy
Operating Budget Policy
Capital Asset Management Policy
Long-Term Financial Planning Policy
Debt Management Policy (attached)
Investment Policy
Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting Policy
Internal Control and Risk Management Policy
Procurement Policy

The District, in conjunction with legal council, has reviewed and modified the GFOA model language to met both Nebraska and District needs. Mr. Harden will review the policy highlights and process for both internal and external engagement and further processing of these financial policies.

Rationale:  Mr. Stelk will present and review the proposed staffing plan for 2019-2020.

Rationale: 

Luis Rodriguez, student representative, will present a report on GISH activities.

Rationale: 

Mr. Petsch will present the construction update. 

Rationale: 

Dr. Grover will present the superintendent report. 

Rationale:  Mr. Stelk will ask the board to approve the proposed staffing plan for 2019-2020 as presented and reviewed earlier in the meeting.

Rationale:  As shared at last month's meeting, during annual meetings with classified staff they asked if the district would consider providing classified staff with the option of having their salary annualized (payment spread equally over 12 months). Subsequently, 54% of eligible surveyed staff expressed an interest in participating. This annualized pay plan does meet all state and federal wage payment guidelines. If implemented, the effective date be the 2019-2020 school year. Mr. Stelk will ask the board to approve this proposal.

Rationale:  Dr. Josh McDowell will ask the board to approve a proposed contract with the American Alliance for Innovative Systems (AAIS) for instructional supports for the 2019-2020 school year as presented at last month's meeting.

Rationale:  Dr. Josh McDowell will ask the board to approve the purchase of an ambulance simulator from Simulator Solutions for the Academy of Medical Sciences as proposed at last month's meeting.

Rationale:  Dr. Josh McDowell will ask the board to approve the purchase of a Van's RV-12 airplane kit for the Academy of Engineering and Technology as proposed at last month's meeting.

Rationale:  Dr. Josh McDowell will ask the board to approve the purchase of a Redbird flight simulator for the Academy of Engineering and Technology as proposed at last month's meeting. Total cost is $279,239. 

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. 9715.  Mr. Harden will ask the board to approve the Annexation Agreement as presented at last month's meeting.

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 Leading for Learning Committee.

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

Rationale:  The Policy Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. There is no report. 

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

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

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration by The Greater Nebraska Schools Association and Legislative Updates.

Rationale:  A monthly update from the Nebraska Association of School Boards.  

Rationale: 

The Board will convene into executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations.

Rationale:  The Grand Island Education Association has been recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for the certified non-supervisory staff of the Grand Island Public Schools.  After bargaining in good faith with the GIEA, an agreement was reached for the 2019-2020 contract year.

Rationale:  Thursday, April 11, 2019 - Regular Board Meeting, 5:30 PM