August 13, 2007
SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES
Pender Public School – Room #110
August 13, 2007 – 7:00 p.m.
The Pender Public School Board of Education met in regular session in Room 110 on Monday, August 13, 2007. President Connie Felber called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the following members present: Connie Felber, J.J. Maise, Matt Peters, Robert McQuistan and Dan Wichman. Absent: Jean Karlen. Also present were Superintendent/Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood, Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver and Recording Secretary Barb Preston. Visitors: Norvin “Fuzz” Hansen, Rusty Bartlett, Lonnie Ford, Greg Conroy and Matt Kai.
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 time and place of the meeting had been published. The agenda was amended to include consideration of new policy 6600 for first reading, tabling consideration of New Policy 4000 (1st Reading) and new policy on Proposal on Reimbursing Tuition Fees to Teachers, exempting 5303 from the second reading when considering New Policy 5000-5417 for a second reading, and the amended agenda was finally approved.
Motion to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2007 regular meeting and the July 25, 2007 special meeting was made by McQuistan and seconded by Peters. President Felber 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 - $244,675.29; Hot Lunch Fund - $1,710.74; Payroll - $91,102.81; Depreciation Fund - $9,578.40; Bond Fund - $500.00; and Student Fee Fund - $3,900.00 was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan. President Felber 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 and shared information regarding teacher inservice days, first day for students, and schedule pickup/registration for students. In addition, Mr. Dolliver reviewed secondary enrollment and compared it to 2006-07 and reported on Administrator Days that he attended in Kearney. Several of our teachers and administrators will be attending “Teaching with Passion & Style” in South Sioux City on August 14th where nationally recognized educator and speaker Murray Banks will be the presenter. Principal Dolliver informed board members that he had completed 12 of the 33 required hours for his Educational Specialist Degree and that he plans to take two more classes this year. Mr. Dolliver reported that FFA members participated in UCAN on August 7th and a luau on August 10th along with many other valuable learning experiences this summer. Fall sports began on August 13th with participation levels as follows: Volleyball – 15; Golf – 5; Cross Country – 2 girls, 2 boys; Football – 27 boys.
Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood using a Power Point presentation provided an update on preschool and elementary enrollment. Mr. Sherwood reminded board members of an opportunity for the staff and board to meet during the inservice schedule on Tuesday, August 21st, at 8:00 a.m. Superintendent Joe Sherwood shared that the projected 2007-08 K-12 enrollment will be 301 students. Mr. Sherwood reviewed the possible impact on 2008-09 State Aid due to decreasing enrollment and further discussed an Elementary Class Size Allowance that our district may become eligible for that would possibly offset some of the State Aid loss. Faculty Committee assignments were distributed and discussed and Mr. Sherwood reported HunTel’s $525 donation to the Heese Event Center. A Pender Economic Development meeting summary was provided after that group met to discuss Native American issues and their impact on Pender as a whole. Board members suggested that a show of support for the community efforts should be initiated and Mr. Sherwood agreed to provide a copy of the minutes from the PED meeting and to inform board members of the next meeting inviting them to attend that meeting if possible.
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (CIA) Director Sherwood reviewed the results of the World Café activity held on August 9th attended by approximately 35 teachers, principals, board members, secretaries, students and community members. The group attempted to answer the questions, “In light of the predictions that half of the jobs available in 2020 don’t even exist today, what does Pender need to continue, add or change to adequately prepare the 2020 graduates for the complex global society they will enter?” Results of the discussion were: 1) Career pathways education; 2) Life skills: critical thinking and problem solving; 3) Information and communication – technology skills (ICT); and 4) Continue with the basics. Mr. Sherwood asked that the minutes reflect a special thanks to Russ Allen, Ryan Jensen, Dr. Matt Timm and Tyler Weborg for their contribution and participation in the World Café event. Mr. Sherwood further shared information on the School Improvement Process, upcoming STARS Peer Review and assessment reporting and several graphs resulting from parent, teacher and student surveys that were completed in May, 2007.
Jason Dolliver reviewed facts and information regarding a need to declare whether Pender Public School should remain at an 11-man football ranking beginning with the 2008-09 school year. Information was shared from an NSAA perspective and how the determination is made at that level. NSAA uses a three grade enrollment of 83 or below to determine those that are eligible to declare 8-man football status. A declaration is made for a 2-year period and a district can decide to remain at a higher level (11-man) if they desire. Mr. Dolliver presented facts regarding current enrollment figures and projected enrollment through the 2011-2012 school year and the number of students involved with football from 2004-05 through 2007-08. Future implications were discussed regarding a need to establish junior varsity and junior high schedules. NSAA will establish the varsity schedule as they have in the past. Mr. Dolliver stated that the cost to the district would be limited because slight modifications to the football field would be needed and equipment would not change. After discussion and audience comment, Mr. Dolliver stated that Administration would be making a recommendation for Board consideration very soon to meet the NSAA November deadline. Board members and administrators agreed that input from players, parents, patrons and staff would be welcome prior to this declaration being made.
President Felber implemented the Procedures for Public Comment established by the board in January. Mrs. Felber asked for completed public comment forms and no one took advantage of the opportunity to address the board.
Jean Karlen arrived at the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Board President Felber asked the board to consider approving the annual “take action” items as presented.
Motion by McQuistan, seconded by Peters to authorize the superintendent or his designee as the reporting agent for federal, state and local programs; set the regular meeting day for the second Monday of each month; designate the Pender State Bank and Charter West as the school funds depositories; designate Barb Preston as the recording secretary; designate Pender Times as the official record of board action; appoint the elected secretary/treasurer as the bank fund treasurer; appoint ESU #8 personnel as asbestos program coordinator; and designate the three posting places for meeting notices as the City Office, Post Office and Pender Times buildings. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members reviewed new information presented by Superintendent Sherwood regarding the potential approval of fundraising and subsequent trip for Space Camp Club members. After visiting with NDE Finance personnel, Mr. Sherwood shared that the district should establish a policy outlining board parameters for trips and subsequent fundraising, requiring all participants to take part in fundraising activities and the impact of providing assistance to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Board members developed a consensus that they could conceptually support the idea of educational trips and subsequent fundraising, however, a policy addressing the issues needs to be developed.
Mr. Sherwood stated that currently the mileage rate paid to all employees other than administration is 37¢ per mile. Administration is paid the current State approved rate which is 48.5¢ and Mr. Sherwood’s recommendation is that the board adopt a mileage rate that they feel is appropriate for the 2007-08 school year, however, he felt the State-approved (currently 48.5¢/mile) rate would be equitable for all staff members. Discussion regarding purchasing a district owned vehicle to reduce the amount of paid out for mileage reimbursement, reducing administrative mileage reimbursement to the 37¢ per mile rate and previously approved contractual obligations.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Peters to approve the mileage rate equal to the State approved rate (currently 48.5¢/mile) for all staff for the 2007-08 school year. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—Wichman, Peters, Karlen, Felber, Maise; Nays—McQuistan; motion carried 5-1.
Mr. Sherwood reviewed information on substitute teacher rates paid in area schools that had been distributed with the packet. Pender is on the low side of daily rates for subs and Mr. Sherwood recommended that the board approve an increase from $80 to $90 per day for substitute teachers.
Motion was made by McQuistan, seconded by Wichman to approve the substitute teacher rate at $90 per day beginning with the 2007-08 school year. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members agreed consider approval of staff handbooks at this point in the agenda. After discussion and in an effort to allow printing and distribution to staff at inservice next week, board members considered approval.
Chairperson Karlen moved that the committee recommendation to approve the Classified Staff Handbook as presented, which had been developed and contained suggested language by the district attorney be accepted. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members reviewed additions and modifications to the Certified Staff Handbook and further amended the document. Motion was made by Karlen, seconded by Maise to approve the Certified Staff Handbook as amended. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
The Certified Staff Evaluation Handbook was submitted for approval with minor changes in the evaluation document. Those changes were discussed and it was agreed to replace the word subordination with cooperation in the evaluation document.
Motion was made by Karlen, seconded by McQuistan to approve the Certified Staff Evaluation Handbook as amended. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Jean Karlen left the meeting at 10:10 p.m.
As allowed in Board Policy 3090 - Sales and Disposal of Books, Equipment and Supplies, Mr. Sherwood presented a list of surplus district equipment and supplies and asked for permission to dispose of those items. Mr. Sherwood recommended that the 60-quart mixer be traded for a table and a 5-shelf unit through a proposal made by Hobart. In addition he requested that the remaining equipment and supplies be listed for sale and that the board allow the superintendent to facilitate the sale of those items. Board discussion on the best means to dispose of the equipment was held.
Motion was made by Peters, seconded by Maise to approve the trade of the 60-quart mixer for a stainless steel table and a 5-shelf unit as proposed by Hobart. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan to dispose of the surplus items identified, to advertise this list of items for sale on the district websites and by posting the list with the meeting notice for the August 29th special meeting, and to authorize the superintendent to handle the sale of the identified items. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Jean Karlen returned to the meeting at 10:32 p.m.
Superintendent Sherwood asked the board to review information on the 2007-08 budget explaining that approximately $3,290,893 of the total $3,715,899 budget comes as a result of contracts, personnel negotiations and other fixed expenditures. The remaining balance provides some flexibility to meet board goals. Mr. Sherwood distributed a worksheet which listed possible 2007-08 budget goals and also allowed room for additional suggestions. Board members discussed the list and added other suggestions. Overall, three areas of concern surfaced repeatedly: 1) functional building; 2) proper resources for staff and students; and 3) improved technology. While goals were not clearly established at this meeting, Mr. Sherwood asked board members to return the completed worksheet to him by the end of the week for inclusion in the 2007-08 budget planning session.
In addition, Mr. Sherwood reported on possibilities of paying off the Qualified Capital Purchase Undertaking Fund bond obligations as early as December, 2008. If things continue at the current pace and an early payoff can be accomplished the district would save approximately $7,500.
President Felber opened the public hearing to hear support, opposition or criticism on the current Student Fee Policy #5416 was opened at 11:19 p.m. Superintendent Sherwood explained that no changes had been made.
President Felber closed the public hearing at 11:20 p.m.
President Felber opened the public hearing to hear support, opposition or criticism on the current Parental Involvement Policy #5609 was opened at 11:20 p.m. Superintendent Sherwood explained that no changes had been made and explained that the policy was designed to provide a format for encouraging parental involvement in all aspects.
President Felber closed the public hearing at 11:21 p.m.
President Felber opened the public hearing to hear support, opposition or criticism on the current Internet Safety Policy #5575 was opened at 11:21 p.m. Superintendent Sherwood explained that no changes had been made and that this policy was required to participate in discounted rates (e-rate) for telephone lines, long distance, distance learning, etc.
President Felber closed the public hearing at 11:22 p.m.
President Felber opened the public hearing to hear support, opposition or criticism on the current Internet Safety Policy #5575 was opened at 11:21 p.m. Superintendent Sherwood explained that no changes had been made and that this policy was required to participate in discounted rates (e-rate) for telephone lines, long distance, distance learning, etc.
President Felber closed the public hearing at 11:22 p.m.
President Felber opened the public hearing to hear support, opposition or criticism on the current Wellness Policy #5417 was opened at 11:22 p.m. Principal Dolliver, Chairman of the Wellness Committee, explained that this basic policy meets the requirements of statute and the Administrative Regulation that further supports policy is being modified and developed by the committee.
President Felber closed the public hearing at 11:23 p.m.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan to maintain the current Student Fee Policy #5416 as reviewed during the public hearing. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Peters to maintain the current Parental Involvement Policy #5609 as reviewed during the public hearing. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Peters to maintain the current Internet Safety Policy #5575 as reviewed during the public hearing. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan to maintain the current Wellness Policy #5417 as reviewed during the public hearing. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Policy Committee members Maise, Karlen and Peters presented and reviewed with remaining board members Section 2000, Section 3000, Series 6600, and Section 5000-5417 for respective readings. Amendments were made and suggested language was considered.
Chairperson Karlen moved that the committee recommendation for the second and final reading regarding Article 2 – Administration – Series 2000 be approved excluding 2110A, 2210A and 2220A. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Chairperson Karlen moved that the committee recommendation for the first reading regarding Article 3 – Business Operations – Series 3000 be approved as amended. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Chairperson Karlen moved that the committee recommendation for the first reading regarding Series 6600 – Special Education be approved as written. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Chairperson Karlen moved that the committee recommendation for the second and final reading regarding Article 5 – Students – Policy #5000-5417, excluding 5303 and 5417AR be approved as amended. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Consideration of Article 4 and a new policy proposal on reimbursing tuition fees to teachers is tabled for consideration at the September meeting.
Verbiage prepared by the district attorney for Paid Time Off leave provisions was presented to be included in an amendment to Mr. Dolliver’s 2007-08 contract.
Motion was made by Peters, seconded by Maise to approve the amendment to Mr. Dolliver’s 2007-08 contract regarding the Paid Time Off (PTO) leave provision wording. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members agreed that a special meeting would be necessary to review final expenditures and/or transfers for the 2006-07 budget and to review and formulate a budget for 2007-08. After discussion, it was agreed to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, August 29th, at 7:00 p.m. in Room #110.
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.
President Felber reminded board members that the next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Moved by McQuistan, seconded by Maise to adjourn. President Felber stated the motion and the result of the vote being all ayes the meeting was adjourned at 12:40 a.m. by acclamation.
Matt Peters, Secretary Barb Preston, Recording Secretary
Aaron Davis Presentations, Inc. Inservice Presenter 1,000.00
Alltel Cell Phones 317.25
Ameriprise August Payroll 900.00
A T & T Long Distance 171.64
BC/BS of NE August Payroll 30,228.08
Bracht's Carpet/Installation 1,521.45
Pamela Buchholz Uniform Reimbursement 156.51
Family Resource Center SPED Services 218.75
Dakota Business Systems Annual Copier Lease 6,864.00
Department Of Revenue August Payroll 4,701.93
Dolezal Motor Co. Van A/C Repair 412.85
Echo Group, Inc. Bulbs/Ballasts 236.50
Edmund Scientifics Sec Science Supplies 4.95
Envisions of Norfolk, Inc. SPED Services 829.92
Educational Service Unit #1 Newsletter Printing 202.58
Farm Plan Maintenance Supplies 8.81
First National Bank Video Tapes/Natl Conf/Meals 1,667.71
Flinn Scientific Inc Sec Science Supplies 84.02
Follett Software Co. Scanner Maintenance 520.00
Foundation for Edl Services, Inc. District Website 2,280.00
G*Neil Labor Law Posters 94.99
Harcourt Assessment, Inc. AIMSweb Pro 760.00
Harris Accounting Annl Support 2,071.00
Holiday Inn of Kearney Lodging 215.85
Susan Holstedt Admin Fees 477.00
Matt Kai Uniforms 250.00
King's Disposal Co Annual Trash Removal 5,940.00
Linweld Rental 59.75
Lorensen Lumber & Grain Ag Ed/Music Room 272.55
Madison National Life August Payroll 531.10
Madison National Life August Payroll 437.80
Mass Mutual August Payroll 1,763.81
McGraw-Hill Physics Teacher Edition 06.20
Midwest Office Automations Annual Maintenance 8,840.92
MSI Systems Integrators DL Router 7,397.90
NCSA Administrator Days/Annual Dues 1,577.00
NPERS August Payroll 20,401.32
NSEA August Payroll 969.41
Nebraska School Bus Inc SPED/Overage 1,952.73
New York Life Insurance Co. August Payroll 100.00
Nogg Custodial Supplies 326.54
Norfolk Daily News Subscriptions 191.00
Omaha World Herald Classified Ads 786.80
Oppenheimer Funds August Payroll 350.44
Orkin Pest Control 2007-08 Pest Control 950.17
Pender Ace Hardware Nozzles 18.85
Pender Activity Fund FFA Advisor Budgeted Transfer 1,000.00
Pender Depreciation Fund Budgeted Trans-Mntnce Eqpt 5,000.00
Pender General Fund August Payroll 45.27
Pender Grain Inc Weed Spray 36.00
Pender Implement Co Cold Water Pressure Washer 399.00
Pender Municipal Utilities Utilities 2,551.43
Pender State Bank August Payroll 31,894.09
Pender/Thurston Comm Ed Fndtn August Payroll 133.28
The Pender Times Notice/Class Ad/Proc/Ltrhd 406.22
Perma Bound Library Books 1,047.73
Perry Guthery Haase & Gessford Legal Services 220.00
Petty Cash Fund Transfer 662.34
PBCC Annual Equipment Lease 2,100.00
Puckett Florist Flowers 28.00
Qwest Phone 393.52
Ray's Midbell Piccolo Repair 111.37
S&H Tax Service August Payroll 3,433.94
Sargent Welch Telescope - HAL Grant 290.08
Joe Sherwood Mileage 62.57
Siemen Building Technologies, Inc. Annl Mntnce Agreement 21,273.00
Software Plus Business Supplies 69.43
Carol Springer Mileage 45.59
Sycamore Leaf Solutions, LLC Student Management Software 1,890.00
Teacher Direct Elementary Supplies 48.07
Leslie Timm Mileage/Conf Reim 368.23
Kimberly Urbanec Mileage 1,324.05
Maynard Wells Reim for Drill 224.00
Wingett & Smith Insurance Annual Premium 60,348.00
General Fund Total $244,675.29
Hot Lunch Fund Total $1,710.74
Payroll Total $91,102.81
Depreciation Fund Total $7,262.40
Bond Fund Total $500.00
Student Fee Fund Total $3,900.00
