July 9, 2009 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting July 9, 2009

Rationale:  It is 6:40 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the July 9, 2009 regular 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: 

Planning continues regarding the GIPS alternative education plan including research from the district Alternative Education Committee and the More Success Committee.  Representatives from the Board of Education, building administration, central office and other GIPS staff have determined the need for action in regard to assuring every student succeeds in school. 

 

This plan includes; specific support at Senior High for incoming freshman that have previously exhibited at-risk behaviors, repurposing of staff to the alternative high school setting, closing Swift Multicultural Education Center and assigning the staff to the alternative site, differentiated instruction to meet individual student need, and acquiring Class.com, an online learning software that will expand student opportunity with new ways to learn and teach and keep students on track to graduate from high school.

Rationale:  Annually, the "Extra-Standard Committee" meets to review and recommend changes to the extra-standard schedule.  The committee met, reviewed, and recommends the changes as outlined in the attachment.  The 'base salary' follows one year in arrears from the certified salary schedule.  Otherwise the recommendations are based upon impacting the largest number of students possible.

Rationale:  Grand Island Public Schools currently spends approximately $250,000 per year on a per count print and copy arrangement with Eakes Office Plus.  Currently there is no effective means to control the print and copy activity on the MFD (Multi-Function Devices) [Sharp] devices.  Sharp has developed a software solution that will help the District count and control the individual usage on all sixty (60) devices currently under contract.  The administration anticipates that by managing the individual usage the total cost of this software feature enhancement will pay back in full plus over the remaining time left on the contract, which ends with the 2010 - 2011 school year. 

Rationale:  Based on study results from the Alternative Education Task Force, a need was determined for additional staffing to enhance the student success for those in the Alternative Education Program.  For the school year 2009-2010, it is recommended that the District add a 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher (to be funded through IDEA Funds) and a .5 bilingual Para Educator (to be funded through Title 3, LEP Funds).

Rationale: 

It is recommended that the Board aprove the increase in one music and one PE positon at the elementary level from .85 to 1.0 FTE for each position. This is due to the addition of five elementary classrooms. Cost including district payroll tax and retirement would be approx. $15,000.

Rationale:  No meeting this month.

Rationale: 

August 13 - T & L Work Session - 5:30 p.m.- Kneale Admin Bldg

August 13 - Regular Meeting - 6:30 p.m. - Kneale Admin Bldg