January 27, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Special Meeting

Rationale: 

Notice of the time and place of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting was e-mailed to an extensive list of local and regional news media.  A mailing list is maintained at the Lincoln Public Schools District Office.  A public notice was published in the LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR.

The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale:  The attached minutes are intended to accurately reflect the action of the Board at its previous meetings.

Explanation
The minutes have been prepared for Board approval.

Rationale: 

Ann Jablonski, principal at Kooser Elementary School, has been named a Distinguished Principal by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals.

Explanation
Ann Jablonski has dedicated her professional life to education, including the last 17 years as an elementary principal. Her approach to running a school didn’t come as a completely new skill set from that as a teacher. She tries to provide leadership to a school as she provided leadership in her classrooms: plan, schedule, and follow through.  As a result of that philosophy, Kooser Elementary has an engaged parent population, energetic community volunteers, and students who see their school as a first step to bigger and greater things in academics and beyond.

Jablonski previously was an assistant principal at West Lincoln Elementary and principal at Norwood Park and Pyrtle elementary schools. In 2008, she was named principal for the brand new Kooser Elementary, located in northwest Lincoln, where she remains today with a student body of nearly 800 students.

She has served as a leader outside of her school, too. She is currently chair of the Lincoln Elementary Principals Association, and has been president and board member of associations for state and regional elementary principals and school administrators. She currently serves on the education committee for the Fallbrook Kiwanis Club of Lincoln, and has been honored recently by Junior Achievement of Lincoln.

This approach to working with other leaders to do what is best for kids has become embedded in her school’s culture. In her nomination form, she wrote:

“Our school identifies with a strong culture for learning. Staff sets the tone and supports a learning climate that is pleasant, positive, and safe. Relationships are valued, allowing significant learning to occur. Our school is welcoming and inclusive of all.”

Another tremendous impact of Jablonski’s effectiveness is her staff. They have come together to teach students to the best of their ability, knowing that their principal understands the value of evaluation and assessments, while not losing grasp of the wonders teachers make happen every single day. Jablonski serves as their inspiration, their rock, and their sounding board, ensuring everyone grows throughout their time at Kooser. This is tremendously appreciated, according to Cindy Schwaninger, director of Elementary Education, who said:

“Staff members appreciate her presence in their classrooms and have said Ann believes her staff is comprised of competent, caring professionals. She monitors, but doesn’t micromanage. This is extremely empowering for classroom teachers and they appreciate the level of respect Ann gives to all of her employees.”

Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, Ann Jablonski has been named a Distinguished Principal by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals; and

WHEREAS, Ann Jablonski is revered by co-workers and her teachers, who note her ability to inspire while letting them learn professionally as they teach; and

WHEREAS, Ann Jablonski has created a community of parents who are responsive to their school and willing to volunteer and participate in the education of students; and

WHEREAS, Ann Jablonski is known as a fun, engaging principal worthy of the respect of students, whom she sees as individuals each trying to do their best.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Ann Jablonski for being named a Distinguished Principal by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals, and her leadership for students and staff at Kooser Elementary School and Lincoln Public Schools.

Rationale: 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.
• Members of the Board of Education will not respond or engage with speakers.
• Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may hand out printed materials to the Board but may not use any other form of media.
• The Board Chair may make adjustments to the public comment guidelines, according to Policy 8420.
• If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations or become abusive in language or behavior, the Chair may declare that person out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board.
• Anyone refusing to be identified will be prohibited from speaking.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

Explanation
The Human Resources Division also includes the Office of Risk Management.  As such, in addition to the Lincoln Board of Education approving all contractual agreements with employees, all employee benefit issues, all personnel actions, and all other matters within the scope of the Human Resources Division, as part of the Human Resources Matters agenda; the Lincoln Board of Education also must approve the settlement of Workers’ Compensation claims, take action on tort claims filed against the district, and take action on all other matters within the scope of the Office of Risk Management.

This report includes routine Human Resources changes:

   a.  Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 8

             Changes of Status – 1

             Leaves of Absence – 1

             Separations – 1

   b.  Substitute Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 8

             Changes of Status – 4

             Separations – 4

   c.  Classified Employees:

             Elections – 29

             Changes of Status – 11

             Separations – 9

Proposal
That the Board approve the Human Resources items presented in the attachment(s).

 

*The information in the attachment(s) may be protected by privacy legislation until the Board of Education takes action on the staff recommendations.  Therefore, this attachment(s) is not included in agenda materials provided the public and the news media.  Any information in the attachment(s) that is not protected by privacy legislation, however, is available for public inspection from the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources upon request.

That the Board is approving the Human Resources items attached with the information as presented or as on file with official district records and documents relating to each such item, or in such other form as may be approved by the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, and that the Board hereby authorizes the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, to transact and complete each such item approved hereby, and to sign, execute, and deliver necessary documents or contracts, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action as may be necessary to complete each such item of transaction as contemplated, for and on behalf of this school district.

Rationale: 

At each meeting, the Board of Education is asked to approve certain items of routine business of the school district.

Explanation
The items included in routine business for this meeting are:

a.  REGULAR CLAIMS – Claims for the period ending January 27, 2016, were previously provided.                   
Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $42,097.53.                   

State Tax ACH Deposit of $748,763.27.                   

Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $60,509.05.                   

Office Depot ACH Transfer of $14,079.16.                   

Vendor ACH Transfer of $97,474.25.

b.  PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION – Payroll for the period ending January 15, 2016, in the amount of $129,231.49.

c.  GIFTS – Approval for the gifts listed on the attached gift report.

d.  BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS – Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the purchase of vehicles for the Grounds, Electrical, and HVAC Departments; an agreement providing for school resource officers; an agreement that provides partial funding for the Truancy Diversion Program; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education approve the following items of routine business:*

a.  The regular claims for period ending January 27, 2016.

b.  Payroll for the period ending January 15, 2016.

c.  Gifts for Eastridge, Fredstrom, Hartley, Meadow Lane, Saratoga, the district.

d.  Bids/contracts/other routine business for the purchase of vehicles for the Grounds, Electrical, and HVAC Departments; an agreement providing for school resource officers; an agreement that provides partial funding for the Truancy Diversion Program; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Rationale:  On February 10, 2015, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option students for the 2015-16 school year.  Applications have been received from students requesting that they be accepted as option students for the 2015-16 school year.  Staff recommends that the students referred to in this agenda item be accepted for enrollment as they are in compliance with the Board resolution of February 10, 2015.      

Explanation
Staff has examined the application of the student included in this proposal.  The student meets one of the criteria set forth by the Board in its resolution of February 10, 2015.  Staff recommends approval of this application.      

Proposal  
That the Board adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, the student who has been assigned student number 296838 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meets one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 10, 2015, with regard to such option students;  

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned student be accepted as an option student on the condition and with the express understanding that all programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.

Rationale: 

March 15, 2015, was the deadline for enrollment option applications to be completed for students wishing to attend school in a district other than the one in which they reside for the 2015-16 school year.  The Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education has authority to waive the deadline for late enrollment option requests (NDE Rule 7, Section 004.05).      

Explanation 
Requests from students who reside in the district of Lincoln Public Schools and wish to attend school outside of Lincoln Public Schools has been received after the March 15, 2015, deadline.  The Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education may deny or approve these requests.  If these requests is approved by the Board of Education, it will be forwarded to the option school district for their approval.    

Student Number            Option District
278303                                  Norris                                   
278304                                  Norris                                    
218947                                  Norris                                    
284097                                  Norris
234755                                  Norris     

Proposal 
That the Board approves the requests for option out for the 2015-16 school year.

Rationale:  *The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education  Board releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale: 

Each year a joint LPS/LEA committee composed of parents, Board members, education association leaders, teachers, and administrators recommends a student calendar for the Board’s consideration. In addition to the Calendar Committee, the Board’s Student Learning Committee reviews the recommended calendar.  The calendar that is coming before the Board is coming forward from both Board committees.  It has been the practice of the Board to adopt a calendar more than a full calendar year before it is in place. 

Explanation
As in previous years, the Calendar Committee has followed Board approved student calendar primary and secondary variables to design and recommend a student calendar that meets the Calendar Committee’s purpose statement, “The school calendar demonstrates the district’s commitment to learning.  It is based on sound instructional considerations and priorities ensuring the continuity, efficiency, and effectiveness of teaching and learning.  LPS established the following calendar variables to be considered by the Lincoln Public Schools Calendar Committee in devising the student calendar.”

The Calendar Committee received input from the Community Curriculum Council, a district parent group with a representative from each school, and from the District PTO group.  Finally, the Calendar Committee asked the Student Learning Committee to consider the proposed student calendar prior to recommending it to the full Board.  The perspective of the Student Learning Committee was important to ensure that the recommended calendar was focused on student outcomes while being responsive to the needs of the community.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed student calendar for the 2017-18 school year.

Rationale: 

Sealed bids were received from interested vendors for the construction of a two-story addition to expand the existing fitness center, modify the existing wood shop, and relocate  the overhead door at Northeast High School.  The following award recommendation is for the construction and renovation project at Northeast High School by a general contractor.

Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to:

Genesis Contracting Group (Firth, Nebraska)                                                      $1,690,000.00

Bid Results:
Genesis Contracting Group (Firth, Nebraska)                                                      $1,690,000.00
Sampson Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                         $1,965,000.00

It is recommended the following alternates be accepted:

Alternate #3 – Double Door Installation                                                      $  4,492.00(Deduct)
Alternate #4 – Fitness Center Flooring                                                       $ 15,100.00(Deduct)

A complete bid tabulation is available in the Purchasing Office.

This will be an expenditure of $1,690,000.00 from the Bond Fund or other appropriate facilities funds.

Proposal
That the Board discuss this award to Genesis Contracting Group.  To meet the projected completion date, it is necessary that construction begin as soon as possible following approval.  The Board, by approving this agreement with Genesis Contracting Group, is approving the award, the contract documents for this project, and all associated documents related thereto according to the terms and conditions as on file with district records or such other or additional terms and provisions as negotiated and approved by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee, and the Board is hereby delegating to and authorizing the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee to sign, execute, and deliver the contract documents and all such related documents, make all contract payments, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action and sign any other documents as may be necessary to complete the transaction, and to administer, operate, and/or implement the contract and all associated documents related thereto on a day-to-day basis during this project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this school district, and hereby designates the Director of Facilities & Maintenance, or another person as selected by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee from time to time as its program administrator under this agreement.

Rationale: 

Sealed bids were received from interested vendors for the addition to and renovation of the existing building at 710 Hill Street for the Nutrition Services Food Stores Warehouse and the temporary location of Humann Elementary School during the remodel of that existing school.  The following award recommendation is for an addition and renovation project for Nutrition Services Food Stores Warehouse and Humann Elementary Temporary School by a general contractor.

Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to:

Cheever Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                          $5,371,000.00

Bid Results:

Cheever Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                          $5,371,000.00
Sampson Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                         $5,392,000.00
Rogge Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                             $5,418,000.00
Hampton Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                         $5,440,800.00
Hausmann Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                      $5,628,000.00

A complete bid tabulation is available in the Purchasing Office.

This will be an expenditure of $5,371,000.00 from the Building Fund, Depreciation Fund, Nutrition Services Fund or other appropriate facilities funds.

Proposal
That the Board discuss this award to Cheever Construction.  To meet the projected completion date, it is necessary that construction begin as soon as possible following approval.  The Board, by approving this agreement with Cheever Construction, is approving the award, the contract documents for this project, and all associated documents related thereto according to the terms and conditions as on file with district records or such other or additional terms and provisions as negotiated and approved by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee, and the Board is hereby delegating to and authorizing the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee to sign, execute, and deliver the contract documents and all such related documents, make all contract payments, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action and sign any other documents as may be necessary to complete the transaction, and to administer, operate, and/or implement the contract and all associated documents related thereto on a day-to-day basis during this project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this school district, and hereby designates the Director of Facilities & Maintenance, or another person as selected by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee from time to time as its program administrator under this agreement.

Rationale: 

Sealed bids were received from interested vendors, for the replacement of an existing water cooled chiller with two new water heat pumps along with the replacement of four existing Air Handling Units (AHUs) with heat pumps within Southeast High School.  The following award recommendation is for Chiller/AHUs replacement at Southeast High School by a mechanical contractor.

Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to:

Waldinger Corporation (La Vista, Nebraska)                                                           $742,500.00

Bid Results:
Waldinger Corportation (La Vista, Nebraska)                                                          $742,500.00
Nifco Mechanical (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                                       $758,313.00
Grunwald Mechanical Contractors (Omaha, Nebraska)                                            $763,300.00

A complete bid tabulation is available in the Purchasing Office.

This will be an expenditure of $742,500.00 from the Building Fund or other appropriate facilities funds.

Proposal
That the Board discuss this award to Waldinger Corporation.  To meet the projected completion date, it is necessary that replacement begin as soon as possible following approval.  The Board, by approving this agreement with  Waldinger Corporation, is approving the award, the contract documents for this project, and all associated documents related thereto according to the terms and conditions as on file with district records or such other or additional terms and provisions as negotiated and approved by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee, and the Board is hereby delegating to and authorizing the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee to sign, execute, and deliver the contract documents and all such related documents, make all contract payments, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action and sign any other documents as may be necessary to complete the transaction, and to administer, operate, and/or implement the contract and all associated documents related thereto on a day-to-day basis during this project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this school district, and hereby designates the Director of Facilities & Maintenance, or another person as selected by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee from time to time as its program administrator under this agreement.

Rationale: 

Staff monitors enrollment trends in Lincoln Public Schools facilities, as provided in policy and regulation, as to available capacity, impact on educational program within the building, prior enrollment levels, and anticipated future growth within the building attendance area in order to determine availability for transfer.

Explanation
In particular, staff has been continuously monitoring the enrollment trends at North Star High School as the population within the North Star attendance area continues to grow.

The enrollment at North Star High School is approaching 2,200 and is expected to continue to grow.

Due to the factors noted above and in particular, the increasing enrollment and the ability of the school facility to serve students, staff has determined and recommended that high school selection forms for students living outside of the North Star attendance area, selecting to attend North Star be approved through the standard process for all forms filed by the filing deadline of January 31, 2016.

Staff has further determined and recommended that the North Star building is to be considered unavailable to transfers of students living outside of the North Star attendance area and selecting to attend North Star requested with high school selection forms filed after the filing deadline of January 31, 2016, and that all such selection forms will be denied until further staff recommendations or Board of Education action.

Proposal
That the Planning Committee discuss this resolution at the meeting scheduled for February 2 for possible Board action at its February 9 meeting.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, as provided by policy and regulation, staff is to monitor enrollment trends in Lincoln Public Schools facilities as to available capacity, impact on educational program within the building, prior enrollment levels, and anticipated future growth within the building attendance area in order to determine availability for transfer; and

WHEREAS, considering the listed factors and in particular, the increasing enrollment and the ability of the school facility to serve students, staff has determined and recommended that high school selection forms for students living outside of the North Star attendance area, selecting to attend North Star, be approved through the standard process for all forms filed by the filing deadline of January 31, 2016; and

WHEREAS, staff has further determined and recommended that the North Star building is to be considered unavailable to transfers of students living outside of the North Star attendance area and selecting to attend North Star requested with high school selection forms filed after the filing deadline of January 31, 2016 and that all such selection forms will be denied until further staff recommendations or Board of Education action.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education hereby supports, approves, and adopts the staff recommendations as provided above in this Resolution to take effect retroactively to January 31, 2016, and to continue in effect into the future until further staff recommendations or Board of Education action

Rationale: 

As part of the three-year policy review rotation, many policies are determined to be appropriate as currently written and are not revised.  Since these policies are recommended to remain in effect in their current form, they are not presented individually, but are moved forward for affirmation as a body of policies.

Explanation
The following policies are recommended to remain in effect as currently written 8000, 8001, 8002, 8003, 8004, 8005, 8100, 8110, 8120, 8121, 8122, 8123, 8130, 8210, 8220, 8230, 8250, 8260, 8270, 8310, 8311, 8314, 8320, 8330, 8340, 8400, 8410, 8420, 8430, 8440, 8441, 8450, 8460, 8470, 8480, 8500, 8501, and 8504.

Proposal
That the Board approve the recommended affirmation of these 8000 series policies.

Rationale: 

Parliamentary procedures are a set of rules for conduct at meetings that allow everyone to be heard and to make decisions without confusion.  Policy 8442 identifies that unless otherwise noted, the Lincoln Board of Education utilizes Robert’s Rules of Order for parliamentary procedures to conduct the orderly procedures of the meetings, protect the minority voice, and express the will of the majority.

Explanation
To provide for consistent and predictable conduct at Board meetings, the revision of Policy 8442 would clarify the required action necessary for Board action and identify who would decide questions of procedure and order.

Proposal
That the Board approve proposed changes to Policy 8442.

Rationale: 

The Nebraska Department of Education is again offering funds to Early Childhood Programs in local communities. The Early Childhood Education Grant Program is intended to support the development of children in the birth to kindergarten age range through the provision of comprehensive center-based programs. In most cases, the projects expand and/or combine existing pre-kindergarten programs funded through district, federal, or parent fees. Each project receives funding for up to one-half of the total operating budget of the project per year on a continuing basis, subject to availability of the funds. A public school or an educational service unit is the fiscal agent. Funded projects are required to operate in compliance with NDE Rule 11 Regulations for Early Childhood Education Grant Program. Rule 11 reflects research-based elements of quality early childhood education programs intended to produce strong outcomes for children.

Explanation
Lincoln Public Schools will provide high quality services to up to 200 children in up to ten part-day, center-based classrooms in LPS elementary school buildings through this grant. This program will ensure that each child enters a formal school setting with the same learning advantages as other children. Early childhood staff and partners will seek opportunities to promote the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of very young children and their families during these crucial early years.

These funds will serve three- and four-year-olds who qualify for participation in an inclusive environment. Services will be provided through a part-day (3.5 hours), five-day-a-week, center-based program, which greatly exceeds the minimum hour per week required by the Nebraska Department of Education. The staff will serve families using the program delivery model as is currently provided in existing school-based early childhood centers.

The program is based on research and best practices in the field of early childhood and family systems. By embracing the child and family in a secure, nurturing, and culturally appropriate environment, the child’s growth and development will flourish. Research demonstrates that the best approach to serve the families of these young children is through quality preschool services to assist with transitions to kindergarten. The program emphasizes the core elements of family involvement through home visitation with an emphasis on family literacy that supports education as a core family value.      

Proposal
That the Board approves the submission of this Early Childhood Expansion Grant application for up to ten additional part-day classes in the amount of $500,000 with a 100% match on the basic grant only. The match will be provided through various grant funds that are already in place.  An additional amount ($25,000) of grant funds will be requested and used for start-up costs (no match required for start-up costs), dependent upon final award.

The grant application is due to the Nebraska Department of Education by February 12, 2016.

Rationale:  At the second Board meeting of the month, information regarding the district’s monthly financial report is presented.

Explanation
The monthly financial report for the month ending December 31, 2015, is attached.

Proposal
Information item; no Board action required.

Rationale: 

February 3, Chamber Coffee, Chamber Office, 8 am

February 9, Board Meeting, LPSDO, 6 pm

Rationale: 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.
• Members of the Board of Education will not respond or engage with speakers.
• Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may hand out printed materials to the Board but may not use any other form of media.
• The Board Chair may make adjustments to the public comment guidelines, according to Policy 8420.
• If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations or become abusive in language or behavior, the Chair may declare that person out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board.
• Anyone refusing to be identified will be prohibited from speaking.

Rationale: 

Explanation
At this point, it is appropriate for the Board to meet in closed session for one of the stated matters and/or any other permissible closed session matters in compliance with the law.

Rationale:  The Lincoln Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions.  Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.  Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to:  (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.