December 10, 2009 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting December 10, 2009

Rationale:  It is 6:30 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the December 10, 2009 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:  Amanda Levos, ELA Teacher at Grand Island Senior High, in recognition of being selected as the Multicultural Person of the Year.  Introduced by Mrs. Burling.

Rationale:  The 2008-2009 Islander Newspaper Staff is being recognized for earning the Award of Distinction from the Nebraska High School Press Association.  Judy Lorenzen is the Faculty Advisor and the awardees are being introudced by Mr. Joe Kutlas.

Rationale:  Nicole Greenwalt,, of Grand island Senior High, in recognition of winning the Nebraska Press Womens's Entertainment writing category.  Introduced by Judy Lorenzen and Mr. Joe Kutlas.

Rationale:  Tom Bauer, a sophomore at Grand Island Senior High, in recognition of being selected as an alternate for the 2009-2010 Nebraska Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra.  Introduced by Mrs. Christa Speed.

Rationale:  Victoria Bialas, a student at Grand Island Senior High, in recognition of being selected to the 2009-2010 Nebraska Music Educators Association All-State Band.  Introduced by Mrs. Christa Speed.

Rationale:  Barr Middle School Students, Kyla Buettner, Hannah Gilbertson, and Carly Wahlmeier, in recognition of being selected for the 2010 Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Eighth-Grade All-State Band.  Introduced by Mr. Lew Cole.

Rationale:  Leigh Uhing, an eighth-grade student at Westridge Middle School, in recognition of being selected as an alternate for the 2010 Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Eighth-Grade All-State Band.  Introduced by Mr. Terry Speed.

Rationale:  12 Kids in Direct Service (12 K.I.D.S.) from West Lawn Elementary  are being recognized for various top honors in the 2009 Nebraska State Fair's Education Department division.  Group members include:  Preston Sundermeier, Samantha Bonsczynski, Lindsay Luth, Alexis Socha, Bailey Johnson, Sophia Bardales, Sienna Kunze, Thomas Schoenstein, Sierra Bixenmann, Matthew Thompson, Dre' Socha, and Kylie Wetzel.  Introduced by Dr. Wanda Stelk.

Rationale:  Part of the 2009 - 2010 certification of state aid to Nebraska school districts included American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) - State Fiscal Stabilization Funds (SFSF) monies.  Grand Island, like all Nebraska school districts who received these funds, had to submit and receive approval for our spending plan as it relates to these Federal monies.  One component of the ARRA - SFSF spending plan included Data Warehouse expenditures.  Grand Island Public Schools Director of Management Information Systems, Mr. Maurice Shellhaas will be on hand to review the specifics of the technology spending plan and respond to any questions that might arise.  The Facilities and Finance committee reviewed the proposal during their last meeting and recommends moving forward with the plan as presented.  These funds are on a reimbursement basis from the State of Nebraska.

Rationale: 

GISH After School Program Update:

The Board approved an after school program to be implemented at GISH starting in December. The original plan was to include 2 teachers and 3 para-professionals. Due to several certified teachers volunteering to work with students after school we are planning to support 3 certified teachers in lieu of para-professional positions. This staffing plan will keep the program within the approved budget and will be evaluated in February. The After School Program (ASP) will start December 8, 2009.

Rationale:  Band uniforms for Grand Island Senior High School are on a ten year replacement cycle.  Current uniforms are ten years old and in order to have new uniforms in for the start of the 2010 - 2011 school year an order needs to be placed by the end of December.  Current uniforms where paid for at 100% District expense and over time as a lease purchase.  The GISH Band Director and a student model will be on hand to describe and show Board Members the desired new design and outline fiscal impact.

Rationale:  Per current state statute every Nebraska school district is required annually to have an independent audit conducted.  Grand Island Public School District contracts with the independent audit firm of Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway, & Luth, P.C. to conduct the annual audit.  Marcy Luth with the firm of (AMGL) presented the fiscal year 2008 - 2009 audit report to the Board during the November meeting.  The audit report is also posted on the District's web site for access by members of the public.

Rationale:  Annually, legal counsel reviews and make recommendations to ensure GIPS is in compliance with all applicable laws governing the operation of our 403(b) plan.  The only recommended change this year relates to the "Heart Act", which proposes the "Protection of Persons Who Serve in a Uniformed Service" as it relates to 403(b) contribution(s) and survivor rights.  The attached documents outlines the recommended resolution.

Rationale:  In an effort to provide better and more convenient services to immigrant families and to operate The Outreach Center as efficiently as possible the attached Agreement is necessary to cost share between the District and the Grand Island Multicultural Coalition.  Currently the office space is at Old Walnut.  However, that space is now more expensive and not as conducive to serving clientele as the new proposed space.  The agreement is necessary to clearly document that GIPS is willing to cost share as long as funding is available for the Outreach Center activities.  Additionally, the attached Agreement Cost document outlines the cost to be incurred on a monthly and annual basis.

Rationale: 

Title 1 Para Support:
We are requesting the addition of up to10 para professional positions to support academic achievement in 8 of our high need elementary schools. The district receives notification of federal funds available in Aug/Sept and then submits a plan for spending to be approved by the Nebraska Dept. of Education. Our plan, to include additional para-professional support, was approved Nov. 30. We would like to have the para support in place by the beginning of second semester.

Special Education Para Support:
We are requesting 2 full time para-professionals to support students with individual education plans in 3 elementary schools. These positions are needed due to an increase in the number of students requiring a specialized education program.

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 Teaching and Learning 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 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 Committee.

Rationale:  January 14, 2010 - 6:30 PM - Regular Board Meeting - Kneale Administration Building

January 21, 2010 - 5:30 PM - Board Retreat Part 1 - Crane Meadows - I-80 and Alda Rd.

January 23, 2010 - 8:30 AM - Board Retreat Part 2 - Crane Meadows - I-80 and Alda Rd.

February 18, 2010 - 6:30 PM - Regular Board Meeting - Kneale Administration Building

Rationale:  January 14, 2010 - 6:30 PM - Regular Board Meeting - Kneale Administration Building

January 21, 2010 - 5:30 PM - Board Retreat Part 1 - Crane Meadows - I-80 and Alda Rd.

January 23, 2010 - 8:30 AM - Board Retreat Part 2 - Crane Meadows - I-80 and Alda Rd.

February 18, 2010 - 6:30 PM - Regular Board Meeting - Kneale Administration Building