Board Minutes
December 11, 2006
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES
Pender Public School – Heese Event Center
December 11, 2006 – 7:00 p.m.
The Pender Public School Board of Education met in regular session in Room 112 on Monday, December 11, 2006. President Mark Lander called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Franklin Fendrick, Robert McQuistan, Mark Lander, Connie Felber, Terri Reppert and Larry Simonsen. Absent: None. Also present were Superintendent/Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood and Recording Secretary Barb Preston. Visitors: Matt Peters, Dan Wichman, J.J. Maise, Matt Kai, Norvin “Fuzz” Hansen, Vicki Smith, Chad Smith, Tami Nelson, Rusty Bartlett, Kathi Siebrandt, Robbie Welsh, Lavennia Coover, Carri Mailloux, Tom Reppert, Tom Liakos and Marg Roberts.
President Lander notified those present that as of July 1, 2006, Nebraska Statute 84-1412(8) requires that the public be informed about the location of posted information regarding the Open Meetings Act and drew their attention to the copy posted in the meeting room and accessible to all members of the public.
President Lander reviewed the agenda as presented, affirmed that every board member had received notice of the meeting and that the meeting had been published. The board amended the agenda to move Agenda Item #10 Administrative Reports and to add a report by Board Member Connie Felber on the NASB Conference she recently attended to be considered following Agenda Item #4.
Motion to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2006 regular meeting and November 28-30, 2006 special meeting was made by McQuistan and seconded by Reppert. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
A motion to approve payment of bills as follows: General Fund - $161,102.73; Hot Lunch Fund - $13,712.91; and Payroll - $104,372.17 was made by McQuistan, seconded by Felber. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver presented his administrative report using a Power Point presentation indicating that the district had met the filing deadline for all NSSRS reports due to the Nebraska Department of Education. Mr. Dolliver praised the secretarial staff and Kathy Anderson, Technology Coordinator, for preparing and submitting all the data. Building administrators attended a safety meeting in Wisner presented by the Nebraska State Patrol to review administrative response to a hostage situation or a shooter inside the building. Mr. Dolliver informed the board that preparation is underway for the scheduled STARS Peer Review. Peer Review will provide an opportunity for teachers and administrators from other districts to evaluate our assessment system mid-year. This system will allow us to make corrections as suggested by the Peer Review team prior to submitting our portfolio by September 30, 2007. The student management software package used in the District (Sycamore) has recently been made available to all students and parents in Grades 10-12 and by winter break all students and their parents in grades 7-12 will have access. Parents are encouraged to contact Mr. Dolliver if it becomes apparent that a parent training session is needed.
Winter activities are in full swing; boys basketball has posted a 2-1 season so far; girls basketball 0-3; wrestling is off to a great start with many medals. The 1-Act play did well in conference and district competition and freshman Jason Wragge was nominated for best actor. FFA members participated in districts and qualified 17 people for State. Vocal music has experienced success with 2 students and 1 alternate being selected for All-State Choir in Lincoln; 8 students were also selected for the Kearney Honor Choir; and 3 students were selected for the Doane Honor Choir. Two instrumental students were selected for the Kearney Honor Band. The first semester has been successful and will end on December 22nd.
Superintendent/Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood provided a Power Point presentation reminding Board members, staff and visitors of the district Vision Statement. The Vision Statement includes goals as follows: 1) Maximum achievement for every child; 2) Family and community partnerships to foster population growth; and 3) Safe, healthy, efficacy enhancing and guidance rich learning environment. Mr. Sherwood shared results of a Title I survey prepared by Mrs. Liakos and informed the board more than 20 staff members, parents and board members have been trained in AIMSweb. Mr. Sherwood also touched on the upcoming STARS review process. New board members will be attending a workshop on December 13th to provide training. A new board policy manual will be distributed at the January meeting and the review process will take place over the first few months of 2007 and Mr. Sherwood asked the new board members to consider dates for retreats in January. Mr. Sherwood informed board members that administration had been working on non-teaching evaluation form development for positions such as guidance counselor, activities director, special services coordinator, achievement coordinator, technology coordinator and library/media specialist. In addition evaluation modifications/additions are being considered for the teaching evaluation form in response to recent happenings. An update on activity through Pender Economic Development group was provided. Lastly, Mr. Sherwood shared a response from Senator Preister regarding his recent inquiry and interest in clarifying issues related to the public’s right to comment at public meetings and the implications of Nebraska’s Open Meetings Act. Mr. Preister commented, “After reviewing the November 13, 2006 Pender Public School board of Education Agenda you forwarded to me, it is clear the Board is more than fulfilling the statutory requirement to allow the public to speak at meetings.”
Board member Connie Felber highlighted sessions she attended while taking advantage of the Nebraska Association of School Boards conference held recently in Omaha. She attended several informative sessions, such as “Making Goals a Reality”, “Thriving During Constant Change”, “Developing a Leadership Team”, etc. and plans to share that information with fellow board members at upcoming retreats. In addition, Mrs. Felber shared that she had been part of the AIMSweb training and was excited about the information that would be made available as a result of the probing.
President Lander welcomed all visitors to the meeting and provided an opportunity for input on items not on the agenda. Lavennia Coover asked the board several questions as to how things would be handled now that the personnel hearing was concluded. Board members invited Mrs. Coover to share her concerns and hear board response in executive session. Dan Wichman added to Mr. Dolliver’s report on winter activities by reporting that the 9th and 10th grade girls basketball team had just won their first game.
President Lander then provided an opportunity for patrons to address the board regarding items on the agenda.
Matt Peters asked for clarification on filling the board vacancy in January. Mr. Sherwood explained that the person appointed to the vacant seat would fulfill the term of Franklin Fendrick through 2008.
Marg Roberts asked the Board why money was spent on advertising for the food services manager position if the position had already been filled. Superintendent Sherwood explained that he advertised the position at the first available opportunity and began to interview at the same time. The position was not finalized until after the ad had run in The Pender Times and that no other applications were received for that position. Mr. Sherwood further explained that at last month’s meeting he was criticized for not advertising a position that we filled using qualified applicants information that we maintained on file. In an effort to respond to public wishes, an advertisement was placed for this position and now criticism was being offered for using the process.
Superintendent Sherwood asked the board to approve the providers of technology services (i.e. distance learning and Internet). This approval is part of the overall requirements of attaining the E-rate status that would make available reductions in our overall costs.
Motion by Fendrick, seconded by Reppert that providers of technological services to the district for the 2006-07 school year be approved. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Discussion was held with board members who will be serving as of January, 2007, regarding dates for retreats to provide training opportunities and to plan for the 2007-08 school year and beyond. Two dates were established: Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 27, 2007, at 8:00 a.m.
Maintenance Supervisor Matt Kai provided information on a water heater replacement. The water heater that needs to be replaced had a 3-year warranty and we are just into the 5th year of service for that appliance. Six bids were obtained ranging from $4,101.24 to $6,000.00. These bids did not include installation and Mr. k\Kai explained that Wally Juhlin had agreed to assist and he felt they could install the replacement water heater.
Motion was made by Fendrick, seconded by Simonsen to accept the bid for $4,101.24 from Plumbing & Heating Wholesale for the replacement water heater. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members agreed that addressing the need to fill the seat vacated by Franklin Fendrick in January would be discussed at the January board meeting. Members felt that would allow the new board members a chance to select the replacement.
Superintendent Sherwood asked the board to formally approve a work agreement with Roberta Kai to serve as the food services manager at a rate of $10 per hour. Mrs. Kai brings 16 years of experience to the district, as well as the certification required.
Motion was made by Felber, seconded by McQuistan to approve a work agreement with Roberta Kai to serve as food services manager. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board President Lander asked for comments from visitors on agenda items as discussed. No one took advantage of the opportunity to comment.
Motion was made by Reppert, seconded by Felber to go into executive session at 8:00 p.m. to review the superintendent’s evaluation and contract, to discuss possible litigation and to visit with Lavennia Coover regarding student concerns. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion to reconvene in open session at 10:33 p.m. was made by Fendrick, seconded by McQuistan. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Lander stated that as a result of discussion in executive session and review of the superintendent’s evaluation, the board members agree to give Mr. Sherwood a directive to create new evaluation procedures and modify the evaluation instrument. The proposed process and revised instrument are to be presented at the February, 2007 regular meeting for board approval. If board approval is given, approval will be sought from the Nebraska Department of Education.
Motion was made by Reppert, seconded by Felber to extend the superintendent’s contract for the 2007-08 school year with details to be negotiated at a later date. President Lander stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Lander stated that the board was in total support of Superintendent Sherwood’s filing of a complaint against Susan Urbanec with the Professional Practice Commission of the Nebraska Department of Education which could result in revocation of her teaching certificate.
The three recently elected and current Board members agreed to set the date for the annual board appreciation meeting for Sunday, January 14, 2007. Details will be made available as reservations are made.
President Lander stated that the next regular meeting would be held on Monday, January 8, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.
Moved by McQuistan, seconded by Fendrick to adjourn. President Lander stated the motion and the result of the vote being all ayes the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m. by acclamation.
Larry Simonsen,
Secretary Barb
Preston, Recording Secretary
AFLAC December Payroll 36.27
Alltel Cell Phones 319.32
Ameriprise December Payroll 1,118.07
A T & T Long Distance 303.10
Awards Unlimited Inc Plaques 157.01
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NE December Payroll 29,089.07
Child Development Cen SPED Services 273.00
Credit Management December Payroll 352.26
Department Of Revenue December Payroll 5,269.23
Dolezal Motor Co. Van Inspections/Maintenance 236.94
Economy Market Am Ed Week/Supplies 94.57
Edformation, Inc. AIMSweb Training 1,650.00
Egan Supply Co Custodial Supplies 1,034.57
Envisions of Norfolk, Inc. SPED Services 2,247.70
Educational Service Unit #1 Workshop Registrations 97.00
ESU #17 Workshop Registration 200.00
First Investors Corp December Payroll 364.45
First National Bank Lodging/Tech Supplies 937.95
GreenwoodTrust December Payroll 83.06
Harding, Shultz, & Downs Hearing Legal Fees 9,746.39
Harris W-2's/1099's/Workshop 148.79
Susan Holstedt Admin Fees 238.50
Jostens, Inc. Diploma Covers 153.98
Lamp Auto Parts Antifreeze/Battery 79.97
LaRue Coffee 24.00
Linweld Rental 35.50
Lorensen Lumber Buildling Supplies 88.95
Madison National Life December Payroll 535.05
Madison National Life December Payroll 472.06
Maise Electrical & Mechanical Crow's Nest/F-B Field Work 1,700.64
Mass Mutual December Payroll 1,769.07
Jody McQuillan Reimbursement 32.09
Midwest Office Automations Toner 1,103.49
NASB Workshop Registrations 270.00
NE Council of School Admin Counseling Acad Reg 150.00
NPERS December Payroll 22,223.80
NSEA December Payroll 969.42
Nebraska School Bus Inc Route/SPED/Activities/Overage 15,317.99
New York Life Insurance Co. December Payroll 100.00
Oppenheimer Funds December Payroll 480.44
Pender Ace Hardware Custodial Supplies 173.31
Pender General Fund December Payroll 45.27
Pender Municipal Utilities Wtr/Swr/Elec/Natural Gas 3,989.73
Pender State Bank December Payroll 35,404.28
P/T Comm Ed Foundation December Payroll 157.39
Pender Times Not/Proc/Ads 467.10
Perry Guthery Haase & Gessford Legal Services 13,399.75
Petty Cash Fund Transfer 306.63
Robin Phillips Mileage 113.22
PBCC Postage Machine Ribbons 178.47
Barb Preston Mileage 72.52
Puckett Florist Flowers 89.50
Qwest Phone 398.31
S&H Tax Service December Payroll 5,183.55
Joe Sherwood Mileage/Reim 493.66
Smith's Farm Service Inc Van/Skdldr Gas/Disc 114.35
Carol Springer Mileage 81.88
Thompson Publishing Group Title I Handbook 323.50
Kimberly Urbanec Mileage 548.24
Wayne County Clerk Election 2006 Expenses 58.46
