February 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular 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: 

Explanation

The TEAMS Award recognizes actual collaboration between library media specialists and teachers. The team approach at Scott Middle School demonstrates exactly that: a combination of research, community awareness, and presentation skills.

The perfect example of such collaboration is the annual Make a Difference fair created and coordinated by Jean Hellwege. Students learn about needs somewhere in the community or the country, typically centered around a need that a nonprofit organization tries to meet. The student then does the research, sometimes connecting it to a personal story. A paper is written and presentation boards created.  Then the public is invited to an event to see the various causes students have researched, and even make a donation to that nonprofit organization. More than 1,000 people attended last year’s fair and more than $12,000 was raised for charities. The project has also expanded to include honoring a community member for their impact on others.

Mary Reiman, director of Library Media Services for Lincoln Public Schools, said:

“Jean doesn't just talk about inquiry, she teaches the process. She and her teachers don’t just talk about collaboration, they collaborate. Students become the heart of the projects, totally involved in their own learning.  Jean is one of our strongest advocates for collaboration and authentic learning.  Jean is at the forefront in moving our students toward understanding the importance of 21st century skills.”

A key component of the award is that the project be available to others to replicate for their own school. Jean Hellwege and others from the LPS Library Media Services Department have shared this idea across the school district, community, and country, further demonstrating their commitment to students, teachers, and schools everywhere.

 

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: 

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.

Explanation

This report includes routine Human Resources changes:

   a.  Administrator Employees:

             Separations – 8

   b.  Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 3

             Changes of Status – 3

             Leaves of Absence – 3

             Separations – 2

   c.  Substitute Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 24

             Changes of Status – 14

             Separations – 1

   d.  Classifed Employees:

             Elections – 51

             Changes of Status – 7

             Separations – 59

   e.  Other:

             Civic Leaves – 1

 

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 February 9, 2016, were previously provided.                  
Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $5,461,620.12.                   

Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $64,370.88.                   

Office Depot ACH Transfer of $21,601.12.                   

Vendor ACH Transfer of $144,795.58.

b.  PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION – Payroll for the period ending January 29, 2016, in the amount of $14,249,255.49.

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 telephone services; long distance telephone services; data network switches; authorization of permanent and temporary easements and conveyances; 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 February 9, 2016.

b.  Payroll for the period ending January 29, 2016.

c.  Gifts for Schoo and the district.

d.  Bids/contracts/other routine business for telephone services; long distance telephone services; data network switches; authorization of permanent and temporary easements and conveyances; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

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:  Nebraska students may attend a school other than the one in the district in which they reside under the option enrollment statutes.      

Explanation
The attached resolution would admit any K-12 option students who meet the statutory and legal conditions and whose application is received by August 5, 2016.  

The resolution specifies the circumstances under which late-filed applications would be accepted.       

Proposal
That the Board discuss the option resolution for the 2016-17 school year. 

Rationale: 

Sealed bids were received from interested vendors for the construction of a new gymnasium, vestibule, elevator shaft with lobbies, and entrance canopy.  Renovations include four restrooms, three science rooms, one computer room, and corridors at Lefler Middle School.  The following award recommendation is for the construction and renovation project at Lefler Middle School by a general contractor.

Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to:

Sampson Construction (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                   $2,940,000.00

There were no other bidders.

It is recommended the following alternates be accepted:

Alternate A1 – Terrazzo flooring at ramp in main entry                             $    14,300.00 (Add)

A complete bid tabulation is available in the Purchasing Office.

This will be an expenditure of $2,954,300.00 from the Bond Fund or other appropriate facilities funds.

Proposal
That the Board discuss this award to Sampson 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 Sampson 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: 

The Board of Education assigns school attendance areas to property newly annexed to the City of Lincoln or newly platted.  This action establishes school attendance areas prior to the sale of residential lots, allowing purchasers to know what schools their children will attend.

Explanation
The City of Lincoln has annexed two parcels of land, which automatically brings these properties into the Lincoln Public Schools District.  These properties need to be assigned attendance centers so that potential purchasers of homes in this area will know which schools they will be attending:

Northbank Preserve, Annexation Ordinance #20264, for 2015-16 school year:  Norwood Park Elementary School, Dawes Middle School, and Northeast High School

Northbank Preserve, 2nd Addition, Annexation Ordinance #15107, for 2015-16 school year:  Norwood Park Elementary School, Dawes Middle School, and Northeast High School

Southlake, South 98th Street & Andermatt Drive, Annexation Ordinance #20273 for 2015-16 school year:  Kloefkorn Elementary School, Lux Middle School, and East High School

HiMark, South 88th Street & Pioneers Boulevard, Annexation Ordinance #20275 for 2015-16 school year:  Maxey Elementary School, Lux Middle School, and East High School

Proposal
That the Board approve the proposed attendance area assignments of the newly annexed properties.

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 approve 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 $1,670,408.00 from the Bond Fund or other appropriate facilities funds.

Proposal
That the Board approve 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 approve 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: 

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 Board approve the following resolution:

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 for the 2016-17 school year to be further examined with staff recommendations or Board of Education action in future school years.

Rationale: 

February 10:
Prosper Lincoln Summit, Pinnacle Bank Arena, 7:30 am
Face the Chamber w/Mayor Beutler, Lincoln Country Club, 12 noon

February 17:
TCA Joint Board Meeting, TCA, 8:15 am
GNSA Meeting, NCSA, 9:30 am

February 23:
Board Meeting, LPSDO, 6:00 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.