MAY 12 MEETING
School Board Minutes
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES
Pender Public School– Room #110
May 12, 2008 – 7:00 p.m.
The Pender Public School Board of Education met in regular session in Room 110 on Monday, May 12, 2008. President Connie Felber called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. with the following members present: Connie Felber, Matt Peters, Robert McQuistan, Jean Karlen, J.J. Maise and Dan Wichman. Absent: None. Also present were Superintendent/Elementary Principal Sherwood, Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver, and Recording Secretary Barb Preston. Visitors: Jason Sturek, Tim Olin, Lisa Maise, Carri Mailloux, Rusty Bartlett 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 all other board members had received notice of the meeting and that the time and place of the meeting had been published. The agenda was amended by adding consideration of two additional bills to be paid through the Perkins Grant under Agenda Item #4 – Payment of Bills; review of Policy 6000-6120 for first reading under Agenda Item #10 – Policy; and by adding Deb Welsh’s resignation for consideration under Agenda Item #11 – Personnel. The agenda was approved as amended.
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2008 regular meeting was made by Wichman 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 - $167,508.75; Hot Lunch Fund - $12,574.09; Bond Fund - $63,001.86 and Payroll - $106,347.01 was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Superintendent Sherwood used a Power Point presentation informing board members of a concert scheduled in the Heese Event Center and a P-6 assembly set for May 15th. Mr. Sherwood reviewed spring AimsWeb probe results compared to fall and winter probes in spelling, reading, math and writing sequences. Results of the Statewide Writing assessment were reviewed highlighting the fact that all but 1 student in grades 4, 8 and 11 were proficient. In addition, Mr. Sherwood announced that Rachael Dahlman, 8th grade, was the only student from Pender who scored a perfect 8.00 on the writing assessment. Board members and Mr. Sherwood congratulated Rachael on her successful accomplishment. The staff inservice held on May 2nd was reviewed by Superintendent Sherwood highlighting “The Final Word” presentation made to staff. Mr. Sherwood reported that the NCLB and ILCD audits were both completed in the past couple of weeks and the district was found to be compliant in both areas. Employees who assisted with the audits were Tim Olin, Barb Preston, Dayleen Liakos, Katie Boyle, Tami Nelson, Pam Peters and Sheila Dahlman and Mr. Sherwood commended those employees for an excellent job preparing for the audits. Joe Sherwood reported that he had forwarded all of his files on the Heese Event Center to Pam Peters and that the Pender/Thurston foundation has expended $24,438.67 leaving a current fund balance of $31,899.81 available. The next step for the project would be to improve the sound and lighting and a bid of $49,000 was obtained in 2006 and would be subject to a 10% increase through July, 2008. In addition, of the 242 seats available for sale, 157 have been sold. Jay Heese, on behalf of BlueOx and in memory of family members paid for the seats and stage extensions outright. Lastly, Mr. Sherwood presented a video slide presentation set to music highlighting some of his accomplishments while an administrator at Pender.
Mr. Dolliver shared that the golf team had placed second at District competition qualifying them for the State Tournament competition and that Bret Meyer placed second individually at Districts. Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver reported that when the State Aid for the 2008-09 school year was recalculated based on recent legislation it resulted in a total amount of $393,003.07 and provided a $36,925.26 increase for the Pender district including a $48,648.27 prior year correction. Also, the district received a $3,188 reimbursement from Wingett & Smith Insurance as a result of a workmen’s compensation dividend. Mr. Dolliver reported that we received a letter notifying us that the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska was seeking to move another 88.9 acres of land into trust. We also received a copy of a letter written by the Thurston County Attorney appealing the decision on behalf of the County. A list of plans for moving administrative office personnel was shared with board members. Principal Dolliver reported that Matt Dregalla, band director, was working with the Band Boosters group to possibly sponsor a band student trip during the next school year. The yearbook sponsor has contracted with another company to provide services to produce the 2008-09 yearbook at a substantial savings. Mr. Dolliver reported on possible course requirement and schedule changes that may be made as a result of LB 1157 and Standards Revision. All board members were encouraged to attend graduation on Sunday, May 18th, at 1 p.m. and to sit on stage as a group. Board members were also invited to the Staff Appreciation coffee on May 22nd at 1:00 p.m. to honor milestones, retirees and employees who are leaving our district. Mr. Dolliver applauded the efforts of the instructors and music department students who participated in District Music contest recently. Pender received 7 of the 28 superior ratings at that contest. Mr. Dolliver congratulated Janice Howell on her receipt of an Achievement in Education award given by the Wayne Optimist Club recently.
Superintendent Sherwood asked Board members to consider a request for him to take his laptop computer with him when he leaves the district. Board members discussed the request and board consensus was to deny the request.
President Felber implemented the Procedures for Public Comment established by the board in January. Lisa Maise addressed the board and asked them to define the hiring philosophies of their administrative staff. She asked that the criteria for selection for interviews and ultimately the hiring of staff be explained. President Felber thanked Mrs. Maise for addressing the board and shared that her response would be addressed by the board and administration and answered via e-mail as she requested.
Motion was made by McQuistan, seconded by Peters to approve the enrollment option application of Lauren Munderloh from Wakefield to attend kindergarten beginning with the 2008-09 school year. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Rusty Bartlett, FFA Advisor, presented a request to allow 12 people to attend the FFA National Convention in November, 2008 at a cost of approximately $338.75 per person. The trip would be supported by Chapter fundraising and a $151.25 contribution from each member attending. The district would be responsible for the sponsor’s share of the cost and any students who requested a waiver. Mr. Bartlett explained that permission for a November trip is necessary at this time to meet the deposit deadlines for transportation and lodging.
Motion was made by Peters, seconded by Maise to approve the FFA students participation in the National Convention in November, 2008 and to allow the fundraising necessary. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Transportation/Facilities Committee Chairman JJ Maise asked board members to discuss the 2008-09 Midstates School Bus, Inc. transportation contract. Board member discussion resulted in questions regarding the term of the contract, cancellation provisions, and a question about liability insurance. Board consensus was to ask Mr. Dolliver to gather the information requested and to table consideration of this contract until the June board meeting.
Matt Kai, Maintenance, reported that as he was beginning to prepare an area for the construction of the new building at the football field, he was approached by Village representatives who expressed interesting in cooperating with the school district to erect a larger building that would address the need for restroom improvements and provide school district storage and maintenance space. Preliminarily, the plan would be to construct a larger building on the north end of the field and to share the cost with the district. Matt Kai reported that Village Board members would be discussing the improvement at Heyne Field during their May meeting. Board consensus was to continue to support the Transportation/Facilities committee members to move forward with the larger structure in a different location as long as no additional expense to the district would be incurred.
Members of the Transportation/Facilities Committee met with Jason Dolliver and Matt Kai prior to the meeting to review the ADA Restroom Renovations Schematic Design Drawings prepared by Jim Berg, BVH Architect. The committee reported that a few modifications needed to be made and then the drawings and bid specifications would be developed, bids would be obtained and presented to the board for acceptance. The restroom renovations are being developed in phases to allow financial planning to support the project. This year’s renovations will be made through the IDEA Grant and subsequent phases may be financed through the Qualified Capital Purpose Fund, IDEA Grant and/or the district budgeting process.
Jason Dolliver presented two bids received for a cooler to be paid through the Hot Lunch Fund. The first bid was received from Reinhart Food Service for $2,620 and the second bid was received from Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc. for $2,968.32. Mr. Dolliver recommended purchasing the cooler from Reinhart Food Service for $2,620.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan to accept the bid from Reinhart Food Service for $2,620 for the purchase of a cooler unit to be paid through the Hot Lunch Fund. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Policy Committee Chair Jean Karlen asked if there were any revisions to Section 1000, Policy #1300-1470 dealing with Community Relations prior to the second and final reading.
Committee recommendation was made to approve the second reading of Policy 1300-1470 as presented. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Policy Committee Chair Jean Karlen led discussion on Section 6000, Policy #6000-6120 dealing with Instruction. The Policy Committee had reviewed this section earlier and each policy was reviewed with all board members.
Committee recommendation was made to approve the first reading of Policy 6000-6120 as reviewed and amended. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Mr. Dolliver asked for the assistance of the Policy Committee members in developing an Administrative Regulation (AR) for accepting donations. The committee will meet with Mr. Dolliver at a later date to develop the AR.
Superintendent Sherwood presented information in addition to the information provided during his Superintendent’s report on the Heyne Event Center as requested. The agreement to provide only Pepsi products was reviewed and is in effect until 2016. The district received a $15,000 donation in exchange for selling only Pepsi products on district property. The donation was used to offset the purchase of stage curtains. Further, Mr. Sherwood reported that he had shared copies of all letters sent to donors and the conditions of accepting the donations at an earlier meeting.
Negotiations Committee Chair Felber reported that no meetings had been scheduled with the PEA to begin the negotiating process; however, Connie Felber plans to contact the PEA committee to set up a meeting yet this month.
Principal Dolliver presented three letters of resignation for board consideration including: Deb Welsh, Janice Howell and Sid Ready. Mr. Dolliver expressed his thanks for their years of service and wished them well in the future. In addition to considering the acceptance of the resignations, Mr. Dolliver asked for approval to advertise for the business position. Board consensus was to advertise for that position.
Motion was made by McQuistan, seconded by Peters to accept Deb Welsh’s resignation at the end of the 2007-08 school year and to thank her for her years of service to the district. 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 accept Janice Howell’s resignation at the end of the 2007-08 school year and to thank her for her years of service to the district. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Felber, on behalf of the board, congratulated Janice Howell on her recent award.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Peters to accept Sid Ready’s resignation at the end of the 2007-08 school year and to thank him for his years of service to the district. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Jason Dolliver informed board members that the summer mowing/maintenance position had been advertised for a couple of weeks internally and resulted in the receipt of two applications. Mr. Dolliver recommended the approval of a summer work agreement with Kyle Conroy for $6.55/hour for approximately 30-35 hours per week to provide mowing, yard maintenance and other services.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by peters to approve a summer work agreement with Kyle Conroy for $6.55/hour for approximately 30-35 hours per week. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Secondary Principal Dolliver asked the board to consider approving a 10-day extended contract with the librarian/media specialist and a 1-day extended contract with the FFA advisor for the 2008-09 school year. These extended contracts are considered annually.
A motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Karlen to approve a 10-day extended contract for the librarian/media specialist for the 2008-09 school year. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—Karlen, Felber, Wichman, Peters; Nays—Maise, McQuistan; 4-2 motion carried.
Board member Wichman asked that the board consider increasing the number of days in the FFA advisor’s extended contract because of the duties that need to be completed in the summer outside of the 185-day regular teaching contract. After discussion, board consensus was to table consideration of the FFA advisor’s extended contract until additional information and comparisons could be made with surrounding districts regarding the number of days, compensation, etc.
Principal Dolliver presented probationary teaching contracts with Kari Athey (Secondary Science), Dustin Krusemark (Art) and Audra Farrington (5th Grade) for board approval. Mr. Dolliver recommended approval of these three contracts.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Karlen to approve the 2008-09 probationary teaching contract with Kari Athey as the secondary science instructor. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members agreed that consideration of the art and 5th grade instructor contracts should be postponed until after executive session.
The 2008-09 extra duty assignments were presented by Jason Dolliver for board approval. Mr. Dolliver highlighted the changes made and asked that the board consider some additional assignments and compensation in some areas. The compensation issue would need to be resolved through the negotiation process with the PEA. Board members agreed that consideration of the extra duty assignments should be postponed until after executive session because some of the assignments were affected by the contracts that were not yet approved.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Peters to move into executive session at 9:46 p.m. to discuss the selection process used in determining the individual candidates for probationary contract personnel, the extra duty assignments on an individual basis and to provide an update on the personnel issue discussed during the April meeting. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Maise to reconvene in open session at 10:30 p.m. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Motion was made by McQuistan, seconded by Karlen to approve a probationary contract with Dustin Krusemark to serve as the art instructor for the 2008-09 school year. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—McQuistan, Karlen, Felber, Wichman, Peters; Nays – Maise; motion carried 5-1.
A motion was made by Karlen, seconded by Wichman to approve a 2008-09 probationary contract for the 5th grade position with Audra Farrington. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—McQuistan, Karlen, Felber, Wichman, Peters; Nays – None; Maise abstained because his spouse had applied for the position; motion carried 5-0-1.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan to approve the 2008-09 extra duty assignments as presented, subject to the 2008-09 negotiated agreement and with latitude for administrative discretion. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes; motion carried.
Board members discussed an interlocal agreement with Wayne to provide technology services for the 2008-09 school year at a rate of $20,000 for a .5 FTE position. Many questions were raised regarding the agreement and board consensus was to ask Mr. Dolliver to clarify the issues raised and to table consideration of the agreement until the June board meeting.
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, June 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and that meetings would be held on the third Monday beginning in July. Connie Felber communicated that Burma Kroeger, NASB, would be available in June to provide board training in a 2-3 hour session at a cost of $250, plus mileage. Board members agreed that June 5th at 6 p.m. would work for the training. President Felber shared training opportunities for the Nebraska School Law Seminar to be held in Kearney on June 13th and an Open Meetings Law Workshop to be held in Norfolk on June 24th. No board members were interested in attending the Law Seminar. Jean Karlen and Connie Felber expressed interest in the June 24th Open Meetings Law Workshop.
Motion was made 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 11:03 p.m. by acclamation.
Matt Peters, Secretary Barb Preston, Recording Secretary
