January 14 School Board Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES
Pender Public School– Room #110
January 14, 2008 – 7:00 p.m.
The Pender Public School Board of Education met in regular session in Room 110 on Monday, January 14, 2008. President Connie Felber called the meeting to order at 7:03 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 Joe Sherwood, Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver, Kathy Anderson, Technology Coordinator, and Recording Secretary Barb Preston. Visitors: Sheila Dahlman, Vicki Smith, Matt Kai and Jason Sturek.
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 moving consideration of Agenda Item #16 before Item #13. The agenda was approved as amended.
Motion to approve the minutes of the December 10, 2007 regular 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 - $178,653.14; Hot Lunch Fund - $7,797.50; QCPU Fund - $300.00; Employee Benefit Fund - $1,728.00 and Payroll - $104,780.85 was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Felber implemented the Procedures for Public Comment established by the board in January. No one took advantage of the opportunity.
Secondary Principal Jason Dolliver reported that the second semester enrollment for grades 7-12 had increased from 151 to 153 students, shared the quarter ending dates for second semester and reviewed how the Peru State College on-line class is handled and that plans to change the current practice will be recommended for subsequent school years. In planning for next year, pre-registration will occur, followed by registration. Course and program offerings will be reviewed and instructional focuses will be addressed making any necessary changes for the 2008-09 school year. Mr. Dolliver reported on a STARS/NDE meeting that Lisa Johnson and he attended outlining the future of STARS. Principal Dolliver continues to explore Nebraska Online as a possible alternative to our current assessment system. The cost for the first year would be approximately $6,650 and $4,000 for each year after that excluding any teacher training/summer work as shared on a pricing sheet distributed to board members. Proceeds from the STARS grant would supplement the training costs for teachers. Mr. Dolliver asked for an interpretation on the new policy regarding non-NSAA trips and fundraising by informing the board that he had met with all activity sponsors and put a process in place to meet the new guidelines. Mr. Dolliver thanked the Booster Club for purchasing the new record boards and Tony Crippen, Ron Williams, Matt Kai, Taylor Williams and Nick Crippen for installing those boards on Sunday, January 6th. An assembly focusing on relationships was provided by CCDC to students in grades 6-12 at no cost to the district. Mr. Dolliver asked the board to consider how we could develop better activity programs. Do we need change? How do we get our students to achieve at peak performance and carry those skills into the classroom? Some possible areas to consider would be culture of the district, possible change of conference, expanding our junior high programs and providing development opportunities for our coaches and sponsors.
Elementary Principal Joe Sherwood’s using a Power Point presentation reported that he had provided two assemblies on Giving and Receiving, participated in four parent meetings, three meetings with elementary staff members and covering for elementary staff four times. In addition, Mr. Sherwood reported that he has been working on Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Grant for band instruments and that he had met with four “Student of the Month” nominees. Response to Intervention (RTI) progress monitoring in grades K-6 conducted indicated that of the 109 probes administered, students were showing progress in 101 of them. Plans for addressing the Rule 11 requirements for eligible kindergarten students beginning with the 2008-09 school year were shared. The new ruling will not allow an age-eligible kindergartener to participate in a preschool approved by Rule 11. It appears that we can address the needs of regular all-day kindergarten students, as well as, provide a program for students whose parents have determined they are not quite ready to attend kindergarten. By providing an alternative, the students in that half-day alternative class will be included in our State Aid calculation. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Superintendent Sherwood reported that he had sent one collection letter for preschool tuition and five for outstanding meal accounts resulting in resolution of some of the outstanding accounts. In addition, letters were sent to three employees who were determined to be out of compliance with a new legislative bill aimed at controlling manipulation of exemptions resulting in under-withholding for Nebraska Income Tax. All three have since filed a new W-4 which meets the new criteria. Mr. Sherwood reported that the State approved mileage reimbursement rate effective January 1, 2008 increased to 50 ½¢ per mile. Mr. Sherwood asked the board to consider approval of an inquiry letter to the Lewis & Clark Conference regarding the possibility of joining that conference in the future. Part of the planning for the future needs to include consideration of discontinuance of cross country due to lack of participation, defining the facility needs, the ADA bathroom remodeling plans and reviewing the letters of intent from staff members. Mr. Sherwood shared several graphs depicting results of surveying the staff in the area of knowledge and skill regarding various aspects of instruction.
Motion was made by McQuistan, seconded by Peters to adjourn sine die turning the meeting over to Superintendent Sherwood to allow for election of officers. Superintendent Sherwood stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Mr. Sherwood asked for nominations for the office of President of the Board of Education for 2008. Dan Wichman nominated Connie Felber and Matt Peters nominated J.J. Maise. Mr. Sherwood asked each member to vote by indicating their choice on a blank sheet of paper. The counting of votes resulted in each nomination receiving three votes. After discussion, J.J. Maise declined the nomination. A roll call vote was taken and the result being: Ayes—Wichman, Peters, McQuistan, Karlen, Maise; Nays–None; Abstain–Felber; motion carried 5-0-1.
Mr. Sherwood turned the meeting over to President Felber and she asked for nominations for the office of Vice-President. Robert McQuistan nominated Dan Wichman, Dan Wichman nominated J.J. Maise and Matt Peters moved that nominations cease. President Felber asked each member to vote by indicating their choice on a blank sheet of paper. The counting of votes resulted in Maise receiving five votes and Wichman receiving one vote. President Felber declared J.J. Maise as Vice-president for the 2008 year.
President Felber asked for nominations for the office of Secretary/Treasurer. Dan Wichman nominated Matt Peters, asked that nominations cease and that a unanimous ballot be cast. President Felber stated that Matt Peters would be the Secretary/Treasurer for the 2008 year.
Following Board discussion and consensus, the committees for 2008 were appointed with the chairman denoted with an asterisk as follows: Policy – Karlen*, Peters, Maise; Transportation/Facilities – Maise*, Peters, McQuistan; Curriculum/Americanism – McQuistan*, Felber, Karlen; Administrative Assistance – Wichman*, Felber, Maise; Negotiations – Felber*, Wichman, Karlen; Finance – Peters*, Wichman, Karlen.
Mr. Dolliver presented information regarding the purchase of replacement laptop computers for three teachers and the secondary principal. These computers were part of the budget approved in the fall. In addition, Mr. Dolliver and Mr. Sherwood asked for clarification of Policy 3130 – Purchasing Policies as to whether the intent was to require board approval for all individual items valued at more than $2,500 or for a total purchase order of $2,500 or more. After board discussion and review of the policy, consensus was that board approval would be required only when an individual item was more than $2,500. Board members expressed a desire to be kept informed of large purchases.
Mr. Sherwood presented information on bids received to provide an upgrade to our current wireless system. Bids have been received from three vendors for $13,701, $11,408 and $4,440. Mr. Sherwood explained why there was such a disparity between the bids and Technology Coordinator Kathy Anderson provided additional information. Further discussion on the benefits of improving our wireless capabilities resulted in a motion to accept the bid.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Peters to accept the $4,440 bid from Connecting Point of Norfolk to install the wireless system upgrade as specified and that the invoice be paid through the Depreciation Fund. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Jason Dolliver distributed copies of proposals from Kristine Muir, Flames sponsor, Tanya Oligmueller, vocal music, and Matt Dregalla, instrumental music requesting permission for trips and fundraising as required by Policy 5303 and 5307. Mr. Dolliver asked the board to clarify exactly what needs board approval regarding activity trips. He explained that while a process was in place, questions continue to arise. Policy Chair Jean Karlen suggested that when questions come up, they be directed to the Policy Committee members prior to formal board consideration as a means to streamline the process.
Board members discussed the proposals for trips by Flames members, and honor band and choir students and reviewed the possible financial impact on the district. The new policy allows students who qualify through the Federal Free and Reduced program and who sign a form asking for a waiver of any student paid amounts to be supported by district funds. Students will be required to participate in fundraising activities in an attempt to offset these costs. In addition, the district will be liable for any sponsor costs as provided in policy. Board members asked for additional information on the camps proposed for the Flames to be held in June, July and/or August.
Motion was made by Karlen, seconded by Maise to approve the requests made by Flames sponsor Kristine Muir to participate in the Midwest Regional Competition in January, 2008 and the Husker Nation Competition in February, 2008 as presented. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—Karlen, Felber, Maise, Wichman, Peters; Nays—None; Abstain—McQuistan; motion carried 5-0-1.
Motion was made by Karlen, seconded by Wichman to approve the trips and fundraising proposed for Honor Choirs and Honor Bands. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Building and Grounds Committee Chair Robert McQuistan reported that bids to install a garage door opener on the shop door had been received from Overhead Door and Days Door, however, at this time his recommendation would be to postpone the project as the door itself would probably need to be replaced in the near future and the opener could be installed at that time; administration concurred. Board consensus was to postpone the project.
Superintendent Sherwood asked board members to consider approving the letters of agreement that he provided in the packet with Charter West, Blue Ox, Pender Implement and Pender State Bank for their donations and advertising at the football field and in the Heese Event Center. These letters outline the implications of their sponsorship and any future rights of first refusal.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by McQuistan to approve the agreements for signage/sponsorship in the Heese Event Center and at the football field as presented. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being: Ayes—Felber, Wichman, Peters, McQuistan, Karlen; Nays—Maise; motion carried 5-1.
Policy Committee Chair Jean Karlen reported that her committee had briefly reviewed the Student Laptop Computer Checkout Procedures administrative regulation as modified by Superintendent Sherwood. The committee suggested additional amendments.
Motion was made by Karlen, seconded by Maise to approve the Student Laptop Computer Checkout Procedures administrative regulation (AR) as amended, except the Computer Damage/Loss Cooperative Fund portion, which is being further explored, and to request a report on how this AR worked at the end of the school year. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members received clarification from Larry Wingett on insurance implications as they relate to the School Van Usage/Mileage Reimbursement AR as presented at the December meeting. Board members discussed the AR and felt that it would be approved as the general guideline and that further modification would be sought in the meantime.
Motion was made by Karlen, seconded by Maise to approve the School Van Usage/Mileage Reimbursement AR to provide general guidelines, understanding that the AR will be modified to reflect suggestions made by our insurance carrier. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board members discussed upcoming opportunities for professional development for the board and superintendent. Board consensus was for Jean Karlen to attend the 2008 NASB Legislative Issues Conference to be held in Lincoln on January 28th. Dan Wichman volunteered to attend the 2008 Labor Relations Conference in Kearney on February 5th. Board members considered professional development requests for the superintendent to attend the McRel training for three days in March and to attend an Excellence in Education conference for two days in April. Members of Pender’s staff (Sherwood, Dolliver, Nitzschke, Smith) will be making a presentation during the Excellence in Education Conference. After discussion, board members approved Mr. Sherwood’s attendance for two days of the McRel training in March with the third day being a personal (PTO) day at his expense and approved his attendance at the conference in April.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Peters to approve Terri Lamplot to be added to our list of substitute teachers. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Felber reported that the Administrative Assistance Committee (Felber, Maise, Wichman) had been working on their assigned task of exploring options to fill a .5 FTE superintendent position. Connie Felber stated that the committee had put an ad on the Nebraska Association of Schools website at no cost to the district which resulted in 1 application and had advertised in the Omaha World Herald for two weeks which resulted in 10 applications. In addition, the committee members contacted three area schools and were contacted by four other schools interested in exploring the concept of sharing a superintendent. The committee actually met with board committees from four neighboring districts. The committee will report details of these meetings in executive session and ask for further direction from the board.
Motion was made by Wichman, seconded by Maise to move into executive session at 10:10 p.m. to receive a report from the Administrative Assistance Committee regarding exploration of filling the part-time superintendent position. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
Board member Jean Karlen left the meeting at 11:30 p.m.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Wichman to reconvene in open session at 12:02 a.m. President Felber stated the motion and the result of roll call vote being all ayes, motion carried.
President Felber stated that as a result of executive session, board members had agreed to continue to explore the option of sharing a superintendent with a neighboring district as their first option in filling the administrative need.
Board members shared possible agenda items for the Retreat scheduled for Saturday, January 26th. Suggested agenda items include: 1) Annual Report; 2) Possible conference change; 3) Preschool/kindergarten program changes; 4) Facilities planning; 5) Staffing; 6) Secondary issues such as School to Work, Early Graduation/Dismissal; 7) Superintendent position; 8) Goal setting.
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, February 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Motion was made by Maise, seconded by Peters to adjourn. President Felber stated the motion and the result of the vote being all ayes the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 a.m. by acclamation.
Matt Peters, Secretary Barb Preston, Recording Secretary
AFLAC January Payroll 36.27
Ahern Fire Protection Annl Fire Sprinkler Inspection 740.00
Alltel Cell Phones 162.03
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. January Payroll 900.00
AmSan LLC Custodial Supplies 158.46
Art-Fac Graphics, Ltd. New Van Magnetic Signs 70.50
A T & T Long Distance 152.92
BC/BS of NE January Payroll 32,865.66
Dell Marketing L.P. Computer 1,259.90
Department Of Revenue January Payroll 4,543.04
Dolezal Motor Co. Tokens 25.00
Echo Group, Inc. Ballasts 135.50
Envisions of Norfolk, Inc. SPED Services 1,739.70
Educational Service Unit #1 SPED/Newsletter/Reg 37,452.41
Farm Bureau Financial Services January Payroll 475.00
Farm Plan Starting Fluid/Parts 117.59
First National Bank Meal/UPS/Lodging 75.41
Harris W-2’s/1099’s 200.09
Susan Holstedt Admin Fees 221.40
Jostens, Inc. Diploma Covers/Diplomas 268.65
Junior Library Guild Library Books 881.00
Lamp Auto Parts Supplies 9.99
LaRue Coffee 48.00
Linweld Rental 62.20
Lorensen Lumber Screws/Snow Scoop/Gravel 34.89
Madison National Life January Payroll 563.73
Madison National Life January Payroll 456.90
Mass Mutual January Payroll 1,938.22
Mid States School Bus, Inc. Reg Routes/SPED/Activities 16,069.67
NPERS January Payroll 20,964.23
NSEA January Payroll 1,098.85
Omaha World Herald Classified Ads 426.64
Oppenheimer Funds January Payroll 456.04
Overhead Door Door Repair 102.25
Pender Ace Hardware Mirror Clips 3.30
Pender Municipal Utilities Utilities 10,116.98
Pender State Bank January Payroll 34,700.93
P/T Comm Ed Foundation January Payroll 161.20
Pender Times FS Uni/Proc/Not/Annl Report 870.94
Petty Cash Fund Transfer 10.00
Point Computer Systems, LLC Repair Server 140.00
Quill Corporation Nameplates 289.61
Qwest Phone 179.48
S&H Tax Service January Payroll 6,450.78
Smith's Farm Service Inc Van/Skidloader/Discounts 522.30
Tri Tech Sales Ignitor Kit/Valve 218.85
US Postmaster Annual Bulk Mailing Fee 175.00
Maynard Wells Uniforms 101.63
