November 12, 2020 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 November 12, 2020 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. Simmons, will you please call the roll?

Rationale:  Roll Call.

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.
• At regular business meetings any school district-related matter can be presented to the Board, but only agenda items can be acted upon during a given meeting. At special meetings, comments will be limited to the subject of action items of the meeting's agenda. 
• Speakers will not be permitted to make defamatory comments, or use abusive or vulgar language. Expressions of personal complaints about staff or students are discouraged at public meetings. Concerns about individuals should be brought to the attention of the appropriate administrative authority. Specific building or program concerns should be brought to the attention of the building principal or program supervisor. 

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 5.2? If so, please state the check number that you will be abstaining from voting on.

Rationale:  Monthly grant update as information for the Board of Education.

Rationale:  Barr MS Principal Josue Covarrubias will highlight Dr. Elena Garcia and the cast of "A Barr Virtual Christmas Carol".  

Dr. Garcia is producing this play through Zoom.  Students did auditions and are doing rehearsals completely online.  

The Show will be presented the week of December 7th.

Through this activity we are also committing to improving student connectedness to our building, as a part of our School Improvement Plan.

Rationale:  The importance of staff wellness to better meet student needs and academic achievement

Strategic Plan Connection - Social Emotional Learning: Given our current environment, it is more important than ever to be intentional about taking care of ourselves, so our staff can be present and be our best for students. This focus is providing our staff with tools and resources to be instructional leaders.

Rationale:  As part of the on-going work with District Management Group concerning administrative professional development around strategic budgeting, including A-ROI (Academic Return on Investment) Mr. Nate Levenson, Wayne Stelk, and Virgil Harden will update the BOE with specific attention to the changes to the budget calendar and processes for the development of the 2021 - 2022 fiscal year budget. 

Rationale:  Dr. Dexter will present the 2021 2022 GIPS District Calendar for BOE review

Rationale:  Annually, all Nebraska school districts are required to have an independent audit and file an annual financial report (AFR). For the Fiscal Year ending August 31, 2020 both the audit report and (AFR) will be presented for the BOE review.  

Both items were reviewed by the facilities and finance committee and were submitted to the proper local, state, and federal agencies in timely manner. The AFR matches the audit report so only the audit report will be presented as an action item next month for the BOE to accept and place on file.

Rationale:  GIPS and the Equity Task Force would like to work with Steve Gering of FourPoint Education Partners to put the equity framework and resolutions into action
 

Rationale: 

Mr. Petsch will present the construction update. 

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Kendall Bartling will give the student representative report to the Board of Education. 

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Dr. Grover will present the superintendent report. 

Rationale:  The disruption of COVID-19 has resulted in less visibility than promised for our sponsors of both electronic scoreboards.  We would like to make this right by extending each contract for one year at no additional cost.  

Rationale:  Since August 2019 when Grand Island Public School experienced a mold issue at Grand Island Senior High School (200 wing) we have been investigating indoor air quality solutions to mitigate or eliminate mold and other indoor air quality issues. Due to the additional concerns with COVID-19, influenza, etc. GIPS has investigated and proposes a total district wide implementation of a process that introduces non ozone depleting ions into the HVAC air stream actively cleaning the air by eliminating airborne particulates, odors and pathogens.

Rationale:  The District is seeking additional outside funding for the Early Childhood Learning Center at O'Connor Learning Center. In order to facilitate this the District needs to approve a naming right agreement so potential donors know and understand the District wishes, requirements, and structure of any potential gift.

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:  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 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 in the Governance 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 XX.

Rationale:  The next upcoming Regular Board of Education Meeting is Thursday December 10, 2020 at 5:30 P.M.