BOARD OF EDUCATION RETREAT MINUTES
February 19, 2007 9: p.m.
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION RETREAT MINUTES
Room #111
February 19, 2007 – 9:00 p.m.
The Pender Public School Board of Education held a retreat in Room #111 on Monday, February 19, 2007. President Connie Felber called the meeting to order at 9:00 p.m. with the following members present: Felber, McQuistan, Peters, Maise, Karlen and Wichman. Absent: None. Also present were Superintendent/Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood, Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver and Recording Secretary Barb Preston. Visitors: Cyndi Conroy, Renee Lehmkuhl, Maureen Wenke, Ray Welsh, Brenda Bartlett, Rusty Bartlett and Norvin “Fuzz” Hansen.
President Felber 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 Felber reviewed the agenda as presented, affirmed that every board member had received notice of the meeting and that the meeting had been published. The agenda was amended to include a public comment session immediately following Agenda Item #3 Discuss Special Education Director/Coordinator Position.
Superintendent Sherwood distributed copies of job descriptions for Special Services Coordinator, Elementary Principal, Secondary Principal and Superintendent. Several options were reviewed as presented at the regular board meeting on February 12th. Those options included: 1) Elementary Principal/SPED Director; 2) Psychologist/SPED Coordinator; and 3) SPED Teacher/Coordinator. Much discussion was held on these proposals and many questions were answered. Items of concern were whether or not the district could afford additional administration, how job assignments would be shifted if the superintendent was no longer the elementary principal, the trend to share a superintendent in schools our size, declining enrollment, how much of each scenario proposed would be reimbursable through special education and what would fit best in our system. The board narrowed consideration to the first two proposals and further considered the financial impact. The board expressed concern for the magnitude of the decision.
President Felber asked if any visitors from the audience would like to share their opinion on this issue. Cyndi Conroy reiterated the two scenarios the board was considering and shared that she felt the board should go with the psychologist/special education coordinator for the purpose of saving district dollars.
Ray Welsh asked the board to reconsider other options and whether or not a member of the current staff was interested in the position. Superintendent Sherwood stated that a meeting had been held with the entire special education staff and the present staff was not interested in a coordinator position. Mr. Welsh encouraged board members to consider all of their options.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Karlen to approve a contract with ESU #1 to provide a psychologist/special education coordinator for five days per week for the 2007-08 school year. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—Maise, Wichman, McQuistan, Karlen, Felber; Nays—None; Abstain—Peters; motion carried 5-0-1.
Felber, Wichman and Karlen volunteered to meet with patrons 30 minutes prior to the regular meeting scheduled to be held on Monday, March 12, 2007.
Moved by McQuistan, seconded by Wichman to adjourn. President Felber stated the motion and the result of the vote being all ayes the meeting was adjourned at 9:36 p.m. by acclamation.
Secretary Recording Secretary
Matt Peters Barb Preston
Barb Preston
Pender Public School
402-385-3244; extension 110
