Oakland-Craig School Board Meeting Notice


   NOTICE OF MEETING

 

Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Oakland-Craig, in the County of Burt, in the State of Nebraska, a/k/a School District No. 014, has been scheduled on April 11, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Oakland-Craig Elementary Building at Oakland, NE, in the Board meeting room, which meeting will be open to the public.

 

 

The agenda is available for public inspection at the office of the Superintendent.

 

Secretary,

Julie Ehlers

Oakland-Craig Board of Education Meeting Minutes


The regular monthly Board of Education meeting was held Monday, March 14, 2016 in the Board Meeting Room in the Elementary Building. Administrators present were Superintendent Smith, Secondary Principal Droescher and Elementary Principal Bland. President Thiele called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and noted the Nebraska Open Meetings Law. Notice of this meeting was properly posted and/or published by advance Public Notice in accordance with Board Policy #2008 with notice and advance agenda given to the President of the Board and all members prior to the meeting date.

 

ROLL CALL

Roll Call was called with the following members present: Anderson, Brett Johnson, Kiley Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Ray, Richards, Schmidt and Thiele.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

            Pille moved that the agenda be approved as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

President Thiele welcomed approximately 20 visitors. Three patrons addressed the Board.

 

DLR – CURTIS JOHNSON UPDATES ON THE PARKING LOT, HIGH SCHOOL AND BOILER PROJECTS

Curtis Johnson of DLR updated the Board on several items. Specifications for the boiler project have been sent to contractors to bid on. Curtis presented cost estimates for paving the parking lot north of the elementary building. The assessment on the high school building is nearing completion. Curtis gave the preliminary report which included ideas on how to make the building ADA accessible. Cost estimates will be reported at a future Board Meeting.

           

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

            Student Representative, James Moseman, reported on the happenings at the High School. The Student Council would like to place 3 picnic tables outside the high school building. They will coordinate with the janitors on placement. The shop class will build them. Twelve students have completed the Microsoft Office Specialist certification. The FFA has received a Farm Credit Grant for $2,000 to be used for creating and maintaining a garden. The produce will then be used in the cafeteria as a first step to making a fully functional Farm to School Program. Tommy Nelson and Dylan Swenson were congratulated for their participation at the State wrestling tournament. The Girls Basketball Team was recognized for qualifying for the State tournament. James concluded his report by providing a list of upcoming events and activities.

 

APPROVAL OF MARCH 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE GENERAL FUND

Magnusson ­­moved that the March 2016 claims from the General Fund, in the amount of $81,643.51 be approved as presented. Pille seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MARCH 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE SAVINGS AND DEPRECIATION FUND

            Pille moved that the March 2016 claims from the Savings and Depreciation Fund, in the amount of $29,956.64 be approved as presented. Magnusson seconded the motion. Mr. Smith explained that this was for the purchase of the Chrome Books for the high school. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MARCH 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE LUNCH FUND

Ray ­­moved that the March 2016 claims from the Lunch Fund, in the amount of $10,207.69 be approved as presented. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 8, 2016 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Anderson moved to approve the minutes from the February 8, 2016 board meeting as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1 (Ray abstained). Motion carried.

 

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Pille reported that the Buildings Grounds and Transportation Committee met on March 1st. Items discussed included leaks in the gym, replacing the pickup and issues with the drain in the kitchen.

The Adhoc Committee met on February 17th, February 24th and March 7th. Smith provided a copy of the notes from those meetings. Members of the committee explained the selection processes for the bond underwriter and the architect firm. They suggested that we retain D.A. Davidson & Co. as the bond underwriter and Prochaska & Associates, Inc. as the architect firm.

 

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO RETAIN THE FIRM OF EITHER AMERITAS INVESTMENT CORP., D.A. DAVIDSON & CO., OR FIRST NATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS, INC., AS BOND UNDERWRITER AND APPROVE EXECUTION OF A PRE-BOND DISCLOSURE LETTER FROM THE SELECTED BOND UNDERWRITER SETTING FORTH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SELECTED BOND UNDERWRITER’S OBLIGATIONS AND LIMITATIONS DURING THE PERIOD UP TO ANY BOND ISSUE ELECTIONS RELATING TO A PROPOSED NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FACILITY.

            Richards moved (i) to retain the bond underwriting firm of D.A. Davidson & Co., (“Underwriter”), (ii) to approve execution of the Underwriter’s pre-bond disclosure letter dated March 14, 2016, (“Disclosure”) in the form on file with official school district records and as presented at this meeting, acknowledging Underwriter as the expected joint bond underwriter for and on behalf of Burt County School District 11-0014, a/k/a Oakland-Craig Public Schools (“OCPS”), along with Burt County School District 11-0001, a/k/a Tekamah-Herman Public Schools, and setting forth certain pre-bond underwriting services, obligations and limitations of the Underwriter to the school districts during the period up to any bond issue election relating to a proposed new secondary school facility (“Project”), and (iii) to authorize and direct the OCPS Superintendent of Schools, or other designee, to complete any such negotiations and make necessary modifications to the Disclosure as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent, or a designee in OCPS’s best interest, and to sign, execute and deliver the final Disclosure and any other necessary approvals or other transaction documents and make payments under such Disclosure as may be necessary to complete the transaction, and to implement and administer the same through the course of the Project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this School District. Schmidt seconded the motion. After discussion and on roll call vote, the following members voted in favor of passage and adoption of the above motion: Brett Johnson, Kiley Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Richards, Schmidt and Thiele. The following members voted against the same: Anderson and Ray. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-2; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO RETAIN THE ARCHITECT FIRM OF EITHER CANNON MOSS BRYGGER & ASSOCIATES, P.C., DLR GROUP INC., PROCHASKA & ASSOCIATES, INC., OR THE CLARK ENERSEN PARTNERS, INC., AND APPROVE EXECUTION OF A PRE-BOND PHASE ARCHITECT AGREEMENT, BY AND BETWEEN BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11-0014, A/K/A OAKLAND-CRAIG PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11-0001, A/K/A TEKAMAH-HERMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND WITH THE SELECTED ARCHITECT FIRM AS THE JOINT ARCHITECT FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN ARCHITECTURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH A PRE-BOND FEE LIMITATION OF $10,000 ($5,000 FOR EACH DISTRICT) DURING THE PERIOD UP TO ANY BOND ISSUE ELECTIONS RELATING TO A PROPOSED NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FACILITY.

 

Pille moved (i) to retain the architect firm of Prochaska & Associates, Inc., (“Architect”), (ii) to approve the Pre-Bond Phase Architect Agreement (“Agreement”) by and between Burt County School District 11-0014, a/k/a Oakland-Craig Public Schools (“OCPS”), and Burt County School District 11-0001, a/k/a Tekamah-Herman Public Schools, and with the Architect, in the form on file with official OCPS records and as presented at this meeting, as the joint architect for the school districts to provide certain pre-bond architectural and administrative services to the school districts during the period up to any bond issue election relating to a proposed new secondary school facility (“Project”), and (iii) to authorize and direct the OCPS Superintendent of Schools, or other designee, to complete any such negotiations and make necessary modifications to the Agreement as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent, or a designee in OCPS’s best interest, and to sign, execute and deliver the final Agreement and any other necessary contracts, certifications, approvals or other transaction documents and make payments under such Agreement as may be necessary to complete the transaction, and to implement and administer the same through the course of the Project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this School District. Brett Johnson seconded the motion. After discussion and on roll call vote, the following members voted in favor of passage and adoption of the above motion: Brett Johnson, Kiley Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Richards, Schmidt and Thiele. The following members voted against the same: Anderson and Ray. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-2; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE SPORTS CO-OP WITH TEKAMAH-HERMAN

            Pille reported that he and President Thiele met with a couple board members from Tekamah-Herman to discuss a possible sports co-op. Tekamah-Herman would like to co-op boys basketball due to projected low numbers for the next couple of years. After lengthy discussion, it was decided to not proceed with the co-op.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE ADDITION OF A 1.0 FTE TEACHER IN THE ELEMENTARY BUILDING

Principal Bland presented several options for class splits for the next school year and the possible need for an additional teacher in the elementary. Much discussion followed. At this time, an additional teacher will not be hired. It was decided to split the 2016-2017 2nd grade class but not split the Kindergarten.

 

CONSIDER AND ACT ON THE HIRING OF STAFF

            Pille moved that Alex Hoefling be hired as Vocal Music Education Teacher for the 2016-2017 School Year.   Anderson seconded the motion. Mr. Smith, Mrs. Bland and Mr. Droescher provided background information on Mr. Hoefling. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF ESU 2 TITLE COOPERATIVE     

Brett Johnson moved to approve the contract between Oakland-Craig Public Schools and ESU 2 for Title I Cooperative Services. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF 2016-17 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Brett Johnson moved to approve the Oakland-Craig Public Schools Calendar for 2016-17, as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. Mr. Smith explained that he polled the faculty and staff and the majority chose the option of teachers returning on August 15th with students starting on August 17th. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF FOUNDATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Brett Johnson moved to elect, according to the by-laws, the following community members to the Oakland-Craig School Foundation Board of Directors: Kiley Johnson, Andy Rennerfeldt and Paige Peterson. Ray seconded the motion. There was some discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1 (Kiley Johnson abstained). Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION OF TECHNOLOGY STAFFING AND COMPUTER CHECK-OUT

            Mr. Smith reported the Ryan Kroger has resigned from the position of Technology Coordinator effective June 10th. Gerald Brand has agreed to serve as our tech coordinator for the 2016-2017 school year. We are still working on the exact schedule for Mr. Brand but he will teach 2 science classes and we will continue to employ tech interns from Midland. In addition, ESU 2 will help with some of our needs. We are in the process of hiring a science teacher and reconfiguring the class load. Part of this reconfiguration will be to offer a few more ag classes by Mrs. Penke. President Thiele thanked Ryan for all he does for our district.

The administration will work on a computer check out policy for the upcoming school year. After much discussion, it was decided to require a $25.00 deposit to check out a computer for the remainder of this school year.

 

SUB PAY DISCUSSION

            Mr. Smith provided a comparison of substitute teacher pay in the area. Our current rate is the lowest in the area. After some discussion, it was decided to raise the substitute teacher pay to $105 per day.

 

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

            Brett Johnson thanked the Board Members that have been putting in extra time with the sports co-op and consolidation talks.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

            Elementary Principal Bland reported that MAP testing has been completed. NeSA Reading, Math and Science assessments will begin at the beginning of April. Parent Teacher Conferences were held last week with 96% of the parents attending.  Mrs. Bland congratulated Connor Guill for his 1st place finish and Kara Peterson for her 4th place finish in the Burt County spelling bee. She also thanked Corner Drug and the Mulder family for bringing world traveler Dean Jacobs to Oakland-Craig. He held assemblies for the entire school. She explained Breakout EDU which encourages students to think “outside the box” to solve problems. A list of upcoming events and activities was presented. Current PK-6th grade enrollment is 257 students, which is up 1 student from last month and 6 students from last year.

 

Secondary Principal Droescher reported current enrollment for the 7th through 12th grades at 186 students which down 1 from last month and 6 from last year.   NeSA Reading, Math and Science assessments will begin at the end of March. Congratulations were extended to Mrs. Meyer and students for tying for 2nd place at the East Husker Conference Art Show.  A list of upcoming events and activities was provided.

 

Superintendent Smith provided a list of upcoming Board Member workshops and asked members for plans to attend. Superintendent Smith provided the most recent state aid numbers that show we will receive about $50.00 in state aid next year. Smith shared a letter we received from patrons of another school district complementing our student section at a district basketball game. Smith reported that he will be covering for Mrs. Bland during her maternity leave. Since there is enough money in the QCPUF fund, we anticipate being able to pay those bonds off in May. Smith thanked Shannon Harney for coming up with a loader and moving some snow for us. He also thanked Paige Peterson for organizing the Boot Camp to raise money for the O-C Foundation.

 

 

There being no further business on the agenda of this meeting, President Thiele adjourned this meeting at 11:53 p.m.

 

Secretary,

 

 

Julie Ehlers

 

GENERAL FUND
ADE’S PEST CONTROL $185.00
AMERICAN BROADBAND CLEC $201.56
ANDERSON HARDWARE $313.17
APPLE COMPUTER $433.55
AWARDS UNLIMITED $134.65
BLACK DIAMOND ELECTRONICS $3,968.75
BLAIR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS $60.00
BLAND, JESSICA $115.00
CENTRAL VALLEY AG $1,718.78
CITY OF OAKLAND $540.55
CLASSIC SPORTSWEAR $399.54
COMFORT INN $83.00
CONTINENTAL RESEARCH $920.84
CONTINUUM RETAIL ENERGY SERVICES $5,572.69
DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE INC $116.66
DROESCHER, RUSTY $360.00
EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS $3,711.89
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES $650.00
EHLERS, JULIE $32.39
ESU 2 $36,187.43
FIRST BANKCARD $502.69
FOLLETT SCHOOL SOLUTIONS INC $131.30
FOOD PRIDE $283.68
GROTH, MARILEE $14.00
HOMETOWN LEASING $1,255.77
J W PEPPER AND SONS INC $61.98
JO-DEL ENTERPRISES $749.50
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL $286.87
KSB SCHOOL LAW $1,957.48
LUNCHFUND $1,830.00
MALCOLM HIGH SCHOOL $84.00
MELS SMALL ENGINE $21.90
MERCY MEDICAL SERVICES $100.00
MEYER, ANGIE $187.50
MIDAMERICA ADMIN & RETIRMENT SOLUTIONS $354.16
NASB $3,738.00
NCSA $85.00
NEBRASKA AIR FILTERS $127.96
NEBRASKA COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC ED $80.00
NEBRASKA LINK $1,338.40
NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER $5,438.87
NRCSA $1,140.00
O’KEEFE ELEVATOR $205.00
OAKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE $10.00
OAKLAND INDEPENDENT $11.35
OMAHA WORLD HERALD $2,551.80
PEARSON EDUCATION $174.79
PENKE, KYLIE $23.43
PROTEX CENTRAL $770.00
REVOLVING ACCOUNT $73.16
RJK ELECTRIC $80.00
RL CRAFT COMMERCIAL ROOFING $100.00
SMITH, JEFFERY $103.00
SUPPLYWORKS $1,597.11
SWEET, DALLAS $10.89
TELEPHONE CONNECTION, INC. $403.75
YOUNGS $54.72
$81,643.51
DEPRECIATION FUND
CDW-GOVERNMENT INC $29,956.64
SCHOOL LUNCH FUND
APPEARA $211.57
BRAUNGER FOODS $2,346.99
FIRST BANKCARD $117.97
FOOD PRIDE $178.24
HILAND DAIRY FOODS COMPANY $3,323.80
PEGLER SYSCO $4,029.12
$10,207.69

O

Oakland-Craig Board of Education February Meeting Minutes


The regular monthly Board of Education meeting was held Monday, February 11, 2016 in the Board Meeting Room in the Elementary Building. Administrators present were Superintendent Smith, Secondary Principal Droescher and Elementary Principal Bland. President Thiele called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and noted the Nebraska Open Meetings Law. Notice of this meeting was properly posted and/or published by advance Public Notice in accordance with Board Policy #2008 with notice and advance agenda given to the President of the Board and all members prior to the meeting date.

 

Schmidt moved that Terry Richards and Gus Ray are absent, excused. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

ROLL CALL

Roll Call was called with the following members present: Anderson, Brett Johnson, Kiley Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Schmidt and Thiele.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

            Magnusson moved that the agenda be approved as presented. Schmidt seconded the motion.   There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

            Student Representative, James Moseman, reported on the happenings at the High School. He reported that there are several opportunities for students to become more politically involved since this is a Presidential election year. Moseman congratulated the Quiz Bowl Team for qualifying for the televised round at the Morningside Quiz Bowl meet. He also congratulated the Girls Basketball team for winning the East Husker Conference tournament. James Moseman attended the Voice of Democracy State Finals in Lincoln and placed 5th. James concluded his report by providing a list of upcoming events and activities.

 

President Thiele welcomed approximately 15 visitors. One patron addressed the Board.

 

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE GENERAL FUND

Pille ­­moved that the February 2016 claims from the General Fund, in the amount of $94,118.44 be approved as presented. Brett Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE QUALIFIED CAPITAL PURPOSE UNDERTAKING FUND (QCPUF)

            Magnusson moved that the February 2016 claims from the QCPUF, in the amount of $900.00 be approved as presented. Brett Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

 

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE LUNCH FUND

Pille ­­moved that the February 2016 claims from the Lunch Fund, in the amount of $13,283.74 be approved as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 2016 BOARD MEETING

Pille moved to approve the minutes from the January 2016 board meeting as presented. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF BOARD GOALS

            Superintendent Smith read the Board Goals. Discussion followed. Schmidt moved to approve the Board Goals for 2016-2017 as amended. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Pille reported that the Buildings Grounds and Transportation Committee will meet in the near future. The Adhoc Committee met on January 26, 2016. Smith provided a copy of the notes from that meeting.

 

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO RETAIN THE PERRY LAW FIRM AND APPROVE THE JOINT COUNSEL AGREEMENT

            Magnusson moved to retain the Perry Law Firm and approve the JOINT COUNSEL AGREEMENT by and between Burt County School District 11-0001, a/k/a Tekamah-Herman Public Schools (“THPS”), and Burt County School District 11-0014, a/k/a Oakland-Craig Public Schools (“OCPS”), with the law firm of Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford, P.C., L.L.O., (“Law Firm”) as joint counsel for the school districts to assist and advise the school districts in regard and relating to a Community Education and Reorganization Plan (the “Plan”) generally along the lines of the Educational Planning Worksheet as presented by educational consultant Mr. Jerry McCall, ECS to the boards of education of the two school districts, a possible bond election, processing of the Plan through state and local officials to completion and all matters ancillary or related thereto (the “Work”), and that the Perry Law Firm shall perform such services hereunder as jointly directed by the THPS and OCPS boards and superintendents of schools. Smith explained this was necessary because Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman both have the same law firm as their general counsel. Schmidt seconded the motion. Much discussion followed. Voting results were: For Motion-6; Against Motion-1 (Anderson); Other-2 (Richards and Ray absent). Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE SPORTS CO-OP WITH TEKAMAH-HERMAN

            Superintendent Smith reported that he had been approached by Tekamah-Herman regarding a sports co-op for boys’ basketball and volleyball. Much discussion followed. The Board directed Smith to form a committee to discuss this further and then report back to the Board.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF BOILER BID FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

            Superintendent Smith shared the 3 bids that were received for replacing a boiler at the elementary. After much discussion, it was decided more specific information was needed. This item was tabled until next month.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF COMPUTERS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL

Principal Droescher and Superintendent Smith reported on the need for additional computers in the high school. After much discussion, Magnusson moved to approve an amount not to exceed $30,000.00 for the purchase of Chrome book computers to be used in the High School. Anderson seconded the motion. No additional discussion followed. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF SCHOOL CALENDAR

Smith presented the school calendar for 2016-2017. Some discussion followed. It was decided to table this item until next month.

 

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

            There were no board member reports.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

            Elementary Principal Bland reported that the NeSA Writing assessment has been completed. MAP testing has begun and the NeSA Reading, Math and Science assessments will begin at the end of March. Several 5th and 6th grade students will be participating in the spelling bee in Lyons next week. Bland presented projections of kindergarten number for the next 3 years. Kindergarten Round Up will be held on March 18th. The size and makeup of the current 1st grade class was discussed. A list of upcoming events and activities was presented. Current PK-6th grade enrollment is 256 students, which is up 1 student from last month and 7 students from last year.

 

Secondary Principal Droescher reported current enrollment for the 7th through 12th grades at 188 students which down 1 from last month and 3 from last year.   The results of the NeSA Writing testing will be provided as they become available. The second window of MAPS testing will begin on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Professional development has been focusing on instruction model work, Canvas training, Grit training and staff meetings. Droescher reported that he participated in a Career Academy tour of the Metro area with representatives from Pender, Bancroft-Rosalie, Lyons-Decatur NE, West Point Beemer and ESU 2. Tommy Nelson and Dylan Swenson were congratulated for their placement at the East Husker Conference wrestling tournament. A list of upcoming events and activities was provided.

 

Superintendent Smith provided a list of upcoming Board Member workshops and asked members for plans to attend.   Our FFA program received a $2,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America to expand the landscaping and plant vegetables at the elementary building. Curtis Johnson from DLR has started the high school assessment and will provide more information in the near future. Superintendent Smith explained the General Fund budget allocations and provided some historical data on state aid.

 

There being no further business on the agenda of this meeting, President Thiele adjourned this meeting at 10:28 p.m.

 

Secretary,

 

 

 

Julie Ehlers

 

GENERAL FUND
20/20 TECHNOLOGIES LLC $5,570.00
ACTIVITY $80.00
ADE’S PEST CONTROL $370.00
AMERICAN BROADBAND CLEC $141.88
ANDERSON HARDWARE $672.12
BARONE SECURITY SYSTEMS $351.96
BLACK DIAMOND ELECTRONICS $1,487.50
BLAND, JESSICA $153.00
CDW-GOVERNMENT INC $2,760.13
CENTRAL VALLEY AG $3,773.99
CHEMSEARCH $419.23
CHRISTENSEN ELECTRIC LLC $295.12
CITY OF OAKLAND $682.01
CONTINUUM RETAIL ENERGY $5,669.69
DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE INC $263.17
DOLLAR GENERAL-REGIONS 410526 $9.05
DROESCHER, RUSTY $372.50
EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS $87.89
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES $600.00
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #1 $5,386.88
EGAN SUPPLY $125.00
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND EQUIPMENT $119.40
ESU #6 $70.00
ESU 2 $38,506.99
FIRST BANKCARD $1,214.80
HOMETOWN LEASING $1,255.77
JO-DEL ENTERPRISES $778.00
K C PARTS $3,518.62
KSB SCHOOL LAW $1,935.65
LEARN2MOVE, LLC $1,176.06
LYONS-DECATUR N E $75.00
NASB $140.00
NEBRASKA AIR FILTERS $708.73
NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER $4,693.12
OAKLAND INDEPENDENT $605.14
OLSON PLUMBING AND HEATING $571.43
PLAINDEALER PUBLISHING $8.94
PROCOMPUTING CORPORATION $29.00
RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS $5,735.18
SAPP BROTHERS $105.00
SOFTWARE UNLIMITED INC $50.00
STANTON MUSIC BOOSTERS $162.00
SUPPLYWORKS $1,781.68
TELEPHONE CONNECTION, INC. $603.01
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – $390.00
VERN’S PLBMG & HEAT $13.80
WAYNE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL $600.00
$94,118.44
SCHOOL LUNCH FUND
ADVANCED FIRE AND SAFETY INC $112.00
APPEARA $206.46
BRAUNGER FOODS $2,305.42
FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM $3,395.41
HILAND DAIRY FOODS COMPANY, $3,481.99
PEGLER SYSCO $2,688.32
STROMQUIST, PAULA $4.54
VERN’S PLBMG & HEAT $1,089.60
$13,283.74
QUALITY CAPITAL PURPOSE UNDERTAKING FUND
FIRST NATIONAL BANK FREMONT $900.00

 

Consolidation Options Being Discussed


By Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

In March, the Board of Education hired Jerry McCall, with Education Consulting Services, and his decades of experience to assist board members in narrowing a focus to improve our facilities for our students. Through the work with Jerry, the recommendation was made to pursue a consolidated effort first and gauge the interest of other school districts, specifically Oakland-Craig and Lyons-Decatur Northeast. Since reaching out to those districts, it has been relatively quiet over the past several months. Lyons-Decatur Northeast indicated that they were not interested in further conversations at this time, stating that they had a relationship with Bancroft-Rosalie for activities with which they were pleased. Oakland-Craig expressed some interest, but felt they needed to evaluate all of their options.

Last week, committee representatives from Tekamah-Herman, Oakland-Craig, and Jerry McCall met to further discuss the potential of a consolidated effort between the two districts. The specific items discussed, in general terms, were the internal organization of grade levels in a proposed district, the potential site of a new high school, and the size of the building being to be built. These conversations are preliminary, with both Boards seeking additional definitive data from Education Consulting Services before making a commitment.

The committees asked for further clarification from Mr. McCall on potential educational programming for the proposed district and ideas of participation from Northeast Community College with career education and certification opportunities in a district of the proposed size. The committees are supportive of doing what is in the best interest of students. If education can be enhanced and facilities improved through consolidation, Tekamah-Herman representatives would certainly be interested in such an effort. The facility issues in our district are not improving and must be addressed in the near future. The Board members are attempting to make the best decision possible to address as many needs as possible.

The Board of Education at Tekamah-Herman wishes to be as transparent as possible with any potential election for the use of tax dollars. The members have spent countless hours interviewing, researching, and evaluating options. While this isn’t the only option available for the district, this is clearly the best option that must be investigated to its fullest, in the minds of the Board and representatives hired to guide the Board. Please feel free to communicate with your representatives about this and future issues.

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Tekamah-Herman Schools Asking for Patron Input


   By Brandon Lavaley, Superintendent of Tekamah-Herman Schools

As is the case with most decisions involving the district, the Board is asking for patron input. This week, however, it is a topic more immediate than improving our facilities. The Board of Education has made a commitment to addressing transportation needs, specifically before- and after-school bus routes, for the 2015-16 school year.

Over the past two years, the district has been unable to attract and hire any new drivers, while losing drivers for various reasons. At one point this spring, we were unable to fill all obligations made at the beginning of the school year and paid parents mileage to bring their children to school because of a shortage of drivers. There are currently teachers that drive routes creating concerns because of after-school practices, before- and after-school meetings, and other obligations with the respective teaching contracts. With these concerns considered, the Board would like input from the public, especially those affected by routes, concerning a potential change.

The first consideration is paying mileage to parents and eliminating daily routes. The parents would be reimbursed the mileage from home to school at the state rate, which generally changes every January 1st. Parents would be required to turn in documentation to receive the mileage, for accounting purposes, and be reimbursed on a monthly basis.

The second alternative being considered is to establish pick-up points for riders. If the routes were condensed down to three or four, for example, the buses would drive to a predetermined location and meet all parents and students at that site. Parents would obviously be responsible for transporting their students to and from that location. The driver would establish a time at which they would be at the site, provide a wait time they will sit, then return to the school or on to a second site, if necessary.

With both of these possibilities, the amount of time the students spend traveling will be greatly reduced. As our routes currently run, especially with a shortage of drivers, there are times students are on the bus for over an hour to get to or from school. The Board recognizes and understands that there is uncertainty with change and these alternatives may create some inconveniences, but they want to be as fair to the patrons as possible while falling in line with regulations. Most importantly, they want to do what is in the best interest of the students and district of Tekamah-Herman Schools. Please feel free to provide feedback to any articles and read archived copies at suptcorner.blogspot.com or personally contact a Board member. Thank you to everyone for your continued support of our students and Tekamah-Herman Schools.

Brandon Lavaley

Brandon Lavaley

Tekamah-Herman Superintendent on Future of School


Since the Board of Education approved hiring Educational Consulting Services and Jerry McCall to help guide them toward a decision concerning the future facilities of our district, there has not been a lot of information to report. What I can definitively share is that he is extremely thorough in his craft and will certainly have a multitude of information he is able to share with the Board.

Mr. McCall has the ability and resources at his disposal to gather far more information and predictive data, and in turn interpret those facts, more adeptly than any single body or organization (superintendent, Board of Education, community committee) could possibly imagine. He has been in contact with the leadership in both Tekamah and Herman, Burt County officials, economic development, community colleges, regional planners, staff members at within the district, and others to accrue as much information as possible before developing some of his own thoughts. He will be sharing with a Board committee as he works through the process, with goal to being for the Board to come to a consensus, based on facts and professional input, as to the best solution for Tekamah-Herman Schools. Mr. McCall is expected to be done with his work no later than September 1st, though may be completed sooner.

While I understand the public interest, and encourage that to be sustained, this is a process that must be completed. Following the failed bond election in November, the Board has continued to work toward a solution to our facility concerns. The issues are significant and have not been “placed aside”, but there may not be something to report on progress every week or even two. The Board is excited to have Jerry contributing his expertise and continues to focus on moving forward with addressing the facility needs as appropriately as possible.

I am available to provide tours of our facilities at any time for those that are interested. As is always recommended, please communicate with Board members about any questions, concerns, or conversations you may have regarding the district. The most effective school districts are those that have great teachers, wonderful students, good facilities, and positive public support from the patrons within the communities. We certainly have the ability to be a great district and hope each of you strives for the same.

Brandon Lavaley

Brandon Lavaley

Every Student, Every Day!


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (February, 2015)

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise

Nebraska Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt uses the mantra Every Student, Every Day! The State Board has begun a review of one of its major policies, G1, which addresses Nondiscrimination and Equal Educational Opportunity in Schools. This policy reflects the beliefs of the Commissioner and all State Board members. The review is intended to reaffirm our commitment to focusing on Every Student, Every Day. Diversity enriches our lives, our families and our communities. I embrace diversity friends, family members and coworkers with disabilities, from different races or cultures, differing religious views, and, yes, even differing political views! We are blessed to live in a country where we can have differing views but still share a common belief in freedom and democracy.

This month, the State Board spent quite a bit of time reviewing legislative bills that could directly or indirectly impact the Nebraska Department of Education and/or local school districts. During the review process, the Board determines whether to support, oppose or take a neutral position on legislative bills and resolutions. Last year, the Board spent quite a bit of time on proposed legislation which would have had a significant impact on “local control.” While that proposal did not move forward, a very similar bill is back this year. Legislative Bill 617 which was introduced by Sen. Tyson Larson of O’Neill, has a few good provisions but a requirement to retain 3rd graders not reading at “grade level” is quite disconcerting. The state should not make decisions about retention! That important decision should be a local decision between parents and teachers. Local school boards should make important decisions about the needs of the children they serve and determine retention practices. Do I think kids should be reading by 3rd grade? Yes! Do I know there are unique situations that affect children’s reading children who have disabilities or children whose first language is not English? Yes! But, most importantly, parents and teachers need to make decisions about retentionnot the Legislature!! The State Board voted to oppose LB 617. I believe local control of public education is an important value that we need to maintain. We elect local leaders to make the important decisions and, yes, sometimes difficult decisions, regarding educational opportunities and needs within our local communities.

The State Board of Education also took a major step toward implementing a new quality and accountability system in Nebraska. The new system, Accountability Quality Education System Today and Tomorrow (AQuESTT), was incorporated into Rule 10. To be accredited, public schools must meet Rule 10 requirements, so building AQuESTT and the accountability requirements into the rule appeared to be the logical step. Under AQuESTT, schools will be classified and held accountable for student achievement to keep the focus of schools on Every Student, Every Day!

Finally, the State Board has two study committees working to provide pertinent information and direction for Early Childhood Education and Career & Technical Education. Pat Timm of Beatrice chairs the Early Childhood Education study committee. John Witzel of Papillion chairs the Career & Tech Ed study committee. In an upcoming article I will highlight the preliminary recommendations of these two very important committees. 

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

 

 

Finding Balance Between State and Local Control


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (October, 2014)

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise

State Board of Education members in October spent a great deal of time on an issue that I believe illustrates the challenge of finding a balance between state and local control of PreK-12 education.

The issue sweeping the country and brought forward to the state board regarded the College Board’s Advanced Placement U.S. History course, APUSH. A state board policy committee took this issue up and put forward a resolution that generated quite a bit of discussion that was covered by several newspapers.

The College Board is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1900 with a mission to help students transition successfully to college. It provides opportunities for students to take SAT, a college entrance exam and to participate in Advanced Placement or college level courses. The APUSH course is considered a college-level course in U. S. History. It is a part of a host of courses approved by the College Board to allow students an opportunity to “test out” of various college courses while still in high school. Typically, students as freshmen or sophomores take high school level courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, history, English, etc., and then, in some school districts, they take an Advanced Placement course in one or multiple subject areas as juniors or seniors. To put APUSH in perspective, 1,371 Nebraska students enrolled in AP U.S. History compared to 26,133 students enrolled in other U.S. History courses offered in Nebraska schools during the 2013-2014 school year. That means the proposed resolution focused on a course that only 5 percent of Nebraska students take.

So, you may be wondering, what is the controversy?

Recently, the College Board rolled out the new APUSH framework which contained gaps in what some people consider essential historical information. I am not going to delve into the content of the framework, but instead share with you why I believe this issue should be discussed and resolved at the local school district level rather than the state level. In my view, this issue is an excellent example of the balance that needs to be established between state and local control.

First, school districts follow the Americanism statute (79-724) which is in Rule 10, a rule that provides the foundation for school accreditation. Secondly, school districts use the Nebraska social studies standards to develop curriculum and purchase materials to augment courses such as APUSH. Finally, on issues regarding specific courses, it is hard for me to understand why the Nebraska State Board of Education would step into an arena in which citizens across the state have elected 1,560 local school board members to make such decisions.

 

I do think it is important for the State Board of Education to establish and adopt standards, frame accountability for a quality education system and accredit schools. However, I think we should continue to work to find and respect the balance between state control and support for local school district authority in decisions related to curriculum, materials and instructional practices.

 

In my opinion, the proposed resolution and subsequent board discussion was important. However, this is an example of overreach that really does not benefit the students of this state; locally elected officials understand the needs of their communities. After much discussion, the State Board of Education did not vote on the resolution at the October meeting. The policy committee, however, will review, discuss and possibly bring the resolution forward again at a later date.

 

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

 

Choosing Flexibility


By

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (July, 2014)

As I mentioned last month, the State Board of Education is not meeting in July, so this month, the topics are “my choice” and the article focuses on two educational topics that, for me, are very important.

This month I will address accountability and the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA.) In my personal view, these two topics are interwoven and both important to the State Board of Education. In July 2013, I shared with you that I typically try to write articles that are informative and factual, well, watch out for the fireworks…I will now throw some opinions your way. As we know, if we read it on the Internet, or even in a newspaper, it must be true!!

Joe Dejka, a reporter with the Omaha World-Herald, provided an excellent overview of ESEA—now commonly known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The June 23rd OW-H article highlighted a State Board of Education discussion about pursuing an ESEA Flexibility “waiver” from certain federal government requirements. ESEA has an unrealistic goal of requiring all students to be 100 percent proficient in reading and math by 2014 Yes, that would be this year! In my opinion, if the State Board applies for ESEA Flexibility, it should occur only after Nebraskans across the state have an opportunity to voice their views on the issue.

So, before I continue painting the picture of what the Nebraska Department of Education and local schools will have to do to receive ESEA Flexibility, I think it is only fair to point fingers. The United States Congress has a job to do and, in the case of reauthorizing the federal ESEA law, that just has not happened!! I know you are surprised by this lack of action at the federal level!! Because Congress has not reauthorized ESEA—action that should have occurred in 2007–we find ourselves in this very difficult position.

Before I continue, I urge you to contact your Congressional representatives to encourage bipartisan collaboration on the reauthorization of ESEA.

Since reauthorization appears unlikely at this time, let’s look at what Nebraska’s request for ESEA Flexibility would entail. Nebraska would apparently be required to develop and implement a plan that would include: academic content standards that are college and career ready; issue annual report on the state’s college going rate and college credit accumulation rates for all students; establish an accountability system that includes student achievement on assessments, and the identification of focus and priority schools; ensure districts implement teacher and principal evaluation system that connects teacher evaluations to student performance and support systems; and, my favorite—reduce duplication and unnecessary burdens on school districts! The good news: several of the elements required at the federal level are included in the state’s Quality Education Accountability Act. The bad news: many of those elements have not yet been defined and that work will take input from the public and time to put in place.

Some readers may think one solution would be to just not take any federal education funds. For many schools, federal funding is a very important part of their budget, and it would be very difficult for local school districts or the state to make up for the loss of those federal dollars. If the State Board does nothing–like the U.S. Congress–our schools will be in a very difficult situation. What is the State Board of Education to do? Research options, become informed and get input from Nebraskans. ESEA Flexibility will not happen overnight and not without input from the public. In my opinion, we need to urge the U.S. Congress to work to reauthorize ESEA. In reality—my reality—we need to explore the feasibility of requesting an ESEA Flexibility waiver from certain federal requirements.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.