March 12, 2007
SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES
Pender Public School – Room #112
March 12, 2007 – 7:00 p.m.
The Pender Public School Board of Education met in regular session in Room 112 on Monday, March 12, 2007. President Connie Felber called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Connie Felber, Robert McQuistan, J.J. Maise, Matt Peters, Jean Karlen and Dan Wichman. Absent: Connie Felber. Also present were Superintendent/Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood, Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver and Recording Secretary Barb Preston. Visitors: Rusty Bartlett, Norvin “Fuzz” Hansen, Renee Lehmkuhl, Maureen Wenke, Joan Hansen, Vicki Smith, Matt Kai, Pat Howell, Janice Howell and Cyndi Conroy.
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 approved as presented.
Motion to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2007 regular meeting and minutes from special meetings held on February 19, 2007 was made by McQuistan and seconded by Peters. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—Maise, Wichman, Peters, McQuistan, Karlen; Nays—None; Abstain—Felber; motion carried 5-0-1.
A motion to approve payment of bills as follows: General Fund - $178,381.83; Hot Lunch Fund - $9,081.52; and Payroll - $102,839.72 was made by Maise, seconded by Peters. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members and visitors moved to the Ag Ed classroom and enjoyed parli-pro demonstrations by the junior and senior teams. Those students will be participating in State parli-pro competition later in March. Board President Felber thanked the students for an excellent demonstration and wished them well in their upcoming competition.
Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver presented his administrative report using a Power Point presentation indicating that the third quarter has ended, Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for March 15th between 3 and 9 p.m. and report cards will be mailed out later this week. Siouxland Blood Bank will be using the multi-purpose room for their blood drive on March 13th and representatives have visited with junior and senior students regarding the importance of donating blood and how that blood is used. FFA week went well and Mr. Dolliver commended Mr. Bartlett and members of the local FFA chapter for their participation in a great program. An assembly presented by CCDC was provided for students in February and because no parents attended the March 5th presentation was not provided. On March 13th, a concert was presented by students from Nebraska Wesleyan. Winter extra curricular activities concluded with Flames receiving third in the Husker Nation competition and boys’ basketball playing in district finals and losing to Oakland-Craig who finished second in the State tournament. Activities currently underway include a musical presentation of “The Music Man”, 9 students taking advantage of boys’ golf and 12 girls and 10 boys participating in track. As a result of days missed for inclement weather, the 1 p.m. dismissal originally planned for Friday, May 4th, will be changed to a full day of school with regular dismissal times. Staff development opportunities were provided with the second day of training on layered curriculum provided by Dr. Fred Goerisch. Mr. Dolliver reported that he had attended a Region 3 meeting of area principals where they discussed current legislation. In addition, Mr. Dolliver was part of a Peer Review team on March 6th and felt that experience provides better implementation of the STARS assessment program at Pender. The Nebraska Council of School Administrators has set March 15th as the date for a new principal’s workshop and Mr. Dolliver will attend that conference.
Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood, using a Power Point presentation provided information as to the numbers of standards already tested, the number yet to be assessed and the students who are proficient or above. Aimsweb achievement charts will be distributed at Parent-Teacher conferences for students grades K-8. Reports on standards achievement will be mailed home with the fourth quarter report cards. Mr. Sherwood reported that he had provided a letter of support for the Nebraska Department of Roads “Safe Route to Schools” grant being prepared by Sonya Kelly. If awarded, this grant could provide up to $250,000 for a bicycle/walking path that would connect the school with the city park and district football field and would provide a safe route for students to get to school if they chose to walk or ride their bikes. President Felber also asked the board for their support in the form of a letter of support. Board consensus was to support Mrs. Kelly’s grant application.
Superintendent Joe Sherwood continued his 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. Superintendent Sherwood reported that four applications had been received for the library/media position and that one interview had been conducted. Two inquiries have been received for the Spanish position and if a qualified candidate can be found, administration will be asking that person to provide instruction for preschool, kindergarten, first grade and secondary students. Mr. Sherwood provided information that after our STARS Peer Review process in January, we received an Exemplary rating for grades 4, 8 and 11 in Reading and all 6 Criteria were met. Superintendent Sherwood informed the board that he had taken advantage of an opportunity to testify at a public hearing before the Education Committee regarding LB653 and that he followed up with a letter to Senator Rogert encouraging him to take the testimony provided at that hearing into consideration when making decisions. Mr. Sherwood also reported that Al Maul, Tammy Maul-Bodlak and he would be attending a meeting in Winnebago on March 15th conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding land in our district that is being considered for a move off the tax rolls and into trust. Mr. Sherwood invited any interested board members to attend the meeting as well.
President Felber implemented the Procedures for Public Comment established by the board in January. Mrs. Felber called on Cyndi Conroy to address the board. Ms. Conroy asked for clarification as to whether report cards would be mailed prior to conferences or whether they would be available at conferences. Mr. Sherwood clarified that report cards not picked up at conferences would be mailed to parents the following week.
President Felber thanked those present for adhering to the procedures established and for sharing their concerns with board members. Mrs. Felber also reminded patrons that the 30-minute pre-session was still available prior to each regularly scheduled board meeting.
Superintendent Sherwood presented a 2007-08 school calendar and stated that the calendar met the requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education by providing 180 student contact days and 185 days to meet teacher contract needs. This calendar would provide the necessary student contact hours for the Annual Statistical Summary and for the curriculum unit requirements outlined in Rule 10.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Peters to approve the proposed 2007-08 school calendar. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Felber informed board members that she had received a letter from PEA Negotiations Chairman Greg Conroy requesting that the PEA be recognized as the bargaining agent for the purpose of negotiating salary and benefits for all non-supervisory certificated employees.
Motion was made by Peters, seconded by Karlen to recognize the Pender Education Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for all non-supervisory certificated employees. President Felber stated the motion and the roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver shared information regarding tuition charged and instructor fees for area drivers education programs. Currently, Pender Public School’s drivers education course tuition is $190 per student and $110 of that amount is paid to the instructor. Mr. Dolliver recommended increasing the tuition to $200 and designating $120 of that amount for the instructor.
Motion was made by McQuistan, seconded by Maise to set the drivers education course tuition at $200 per student with $120 of that amount to be paid to the instructor. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members reviewed a request from the Nebraska Association of School Boards requesting that they nominate a board member to serve on the Legislation Committee. After discussion, the board agreed that they would not take advantage of this opportunity at this time.
Policy Committee Chairman Karlen reported that the committee (Karlen, Peters, Maise) had attempted to meet over the course of the month and had not been successful in those attempts. The committee caucused and agreed that every board member should read Sections 8000 and 9000 prior to the regular April meeting. The committee plans to meet and carefully review those two sections and compare them to current policy in the next few weeks.
Maintenance Supervisor Matt Kai presented information on bids to replace/repair the current lift system and because the bidding process was not complete, Mr. Kai asked the board to consider postponing formal consideration. In addition, Matt Kai presented bids on the replacement of the front doors on the secondary building. Board discussion followed and consensus was to ask the Building and Grounds Committee members to meet, thoroughly review and make recommendation to the board on the lift project and door replacement before the regular April board meeting.
Motion was made by McQuistan, seconded by Peters to accept the resignations of Erika Wolfe and Jody McQuillan effective at the end of the 2005-06 school year and to thank them for their years of service to the district. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Superintendent Sherwood informed Board members that one interview had been conducted for the library/media position; however, administration was not prepared to offer any contracts for board approval. Interviews for the library/media and Spanish positions will be scheduled as applications are received or suitable candidates are found.
Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver explained some alternatives for program development to be instituted during the 2007-08 school year. In planning for next year, Mr. Dolliver stated that future needs and possible program alternatives included consideration of hiring a foreign language instructor. An advertisement has been published for the last couple of weeks and two inquiries regarding the position have been received. Mr. Dolliver further explained that the software purchased to supplement this year’s program could continue to be used even if we had a teacher on staff. When reviewing offerings for secondary students, Mr. Dolliver discovered some needs in the areas of industrial technology and family consumer sciences and after careful consideration felt that industrial technology would best meet the needs of our students. Administration met with area manufacturers and they were very supportive and felt they could foster a relationship with the district by offering “real world” experiences. The instruction received through this program could provide local opportunities for our students and would enhance our students’ education. After developing a preliminary schedule for 2007-08, Mr. Dolliver determined that additional offerings in the area of IT would fit well and offer additional electives. The preliminary secondary schedule depicts a shift from two core teachers for grades 7-12 to two core teachers for grades 5-12 and allows for additional flexibility with electives. This shift is supported by standards assessment decisions, updating of Pender requirements and would provide a more varied level of offerings. Additional electives would not have an adverse effect on classes already available to our students and would only add choices for kids who are not interested in the current offerings. Mr. Dolliver concluded by asking board members to approve advertising for the industrial technology position.
Board discussion was held on budget impact, effect on other electives, cost of equipment and supplies for a new program and student interest. After discussion, the consensus was that more information was needed before a decision could be made. It was suggested that the Curriculum Committee and administration could meet and further explore the idea of adding an industrial technology program.
Superintendent Sherwood stated that all staff had been evaluated and that Mr. Dolliver and he were retaining all staff members. Contracts will be distributed to staff members on Tuesday.
President Felber asked if anyone would like to address the board regarding agenda items discussed by board members. No one took advantage of the opportunity.
Motion was made by Peters, seconded by McQuistan to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters for the purpose of preventing needless injury to the reputation of an individual and to prevent harm to the public interest at 9:45 p.m. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Peters to resume in open session at 10:26 p.m. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Felber stated that Superintendent Sherwood had provided an update on the ongoing Nebraska Department of Education Professional Practices Commission complaint filed in December and no formal action was taken as a result of executive session.
President Felber asked board members to consider rescheduling the regular April meeting from the second Monday to Monday, April 16, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. Board consensus was to hold the regular April meeting on April 16th.
Board members Felber, Maise and Peters volunteered to be available 30 minutes prior to the April 16th meeting to meet with concerned patrons. The Policy Committee members agreed to meet on Monday, April 9, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. to review Sections 8000 and 9000. Mr. Dolliver agreed to contact members of the Curriculum Committee to set up a meeting in the near future. After more bid information is received, the Building and Grounds Committee members will meet. Dan Wichman asked the Certified Negotiation members to meet prior to their first meeting with PEA representatives and it was agreed that a meeting would be scheduled after insurance rates were made available.
Moved by McQuistan, seconded by Peters to adjourn. President Felber stated the motion and the result of the vote being all ayes the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m. by acclamation.
Matt Peters, Secretary Barb Preston, Recording Secretary
AFLAC March Payroll 36.27
Ahern Fire Protection Repair Backflow Preventer 436.45
Alltel Cell Phones 322.96
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. March Payroll 900.00
KathyAnderson Mileage 46.62
A T & T Long Distance 306.33
BC/BS of NE March Payroll 29145.46
BRAINS.ORG CSPD Grant Books 2786.50
Family Resource Center SPED Services 369.25
Credit Bureau Services March Payroll 310.15
Crescent Electric Supply Co. Ballasts/Bulbs 572.88
Department Of Revenue March Payroll 4747.54
Dolezal Motor Co. Van Inspection/Svc 256.58
Jason Dolliver Mileage 48.50
Economy Market SPED/Classroom Supplies 74.36
Egan Supply Co Supplies 377.41
Envisions of Norfolk, Inc. SPED Services 2247.70
Educational Service Unit #1 SPED/Registrations 36696.29
Educational Service Unit #7 Registration 150.00
Farm Plan Filters 53.63
First Investors Corp March Payroll 364.45
First National Bank PS/Insvc/Ldg/UPS 1130.35
Lonnie Ford Mileage 77.70
Hampton Inn Lodging 133.90
Heartland Fire Protection Hood Annl Recert/Fire Ext 297.75
Susan Holstedt Admin Fees 238.50
Jay's Music Vocal Music 78.75
Lamp Auto Parts Lift Batteries 166.26
LaRue Coffee 48.00
Linweld Rental 33.50
Lorensen Lumber & Grain Cafeteria Window Rep/Salt 149.86
Madison National Life Ins Co March Payroll 535.35
Madison National Life March Payroll 472.06
Mass Mutual - Panorama March Payroll 1778.07
NE Council of School Attorney School Law Reporter Subs (3) 90.00
NE Council of School Admin Conference Registrations 999.85
Nebraska SchoolRetirement March Payroll 21445.76
Nebraska State Education Asso March Payroll 969.42
Nebraska School Bus Inc Reg Rt/SPED/Activities 16006.83
New York Life Insurance Co. March Payroll 100.00
Nogg Chemical & Paper Co Custodial Supplies 238.90
Omaha World Herald Classified Ads 480.24
Oppenheimer Funds March Payroll 480.44
Pender Ace Hardware Ag Shop Htr Repairs 152.73
Pender General Fund CSPD Inservice/Comp Rep 127.53
Pender Lunch Fund CSPD Insvc Meals 493.50
Pender Municipal Utilities Utilities 8786.95
Pender State Bank March Payroll 33528.47
P/T Community Ed Foundation March Payroll 157.43
Pender Times Notices/Proceedings 582.30
Pam Peters Mileage 13.32
Petty Cash Fund Transfer 295.80
Qwest Phone 395.83
Ray's Midbell Instrumental Supplies 5.35
S&H Tax Service March Payroll 4961.99
School Specialty Supply Cassette Tapes 180.00
Joe Sherwood Mileage/Reim 578.05
Smith's Farm Service Inc Van/Skidloader Gas/Discounts 399.76
Maynard Wells Reim - Batteries 30.00
Wingett & Smith Insurance Workers Comp Insurance 1492.00
