April 12, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
Agenda |
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1. LPS BOARD OF EDUCATION INFORMATION
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. |
2. CALL TO ORDER
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3. ROLL CALL
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4. ANNOUNCE OPEN MEETING ACT POSTING AND LOCATION
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5. PUBLIC HEARING ON POLICY 6443: PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
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6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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.
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7. SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF SUCCESS
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7.1. Jason Rushing, Computer Science Teacher at Humann Elementary School, Excellence in Teaching with Technology Award
Rationale:
Jason Rushing, a computer science teacher at Humann Elementary School, has won the Excellence in Teaching with Technology Award sponsored by the Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA). NETA is a grassroots organization open to everyone interested in sharing information about using technology in the educational process. NETA has approximately 2,500 members representing a four-state region. Explanation Jason Rushing is a computer science teacher at Humann Elementary School, but his ability to connect with students online and off makes him a natural teacher. While talking about computer codes and algorithms, Rushing uses a broad variety of learning styles to teach, such as standing at the whiteboard with markers, role-playing various activities, or attempting to act out parts of an algorithm. In addition, teaching the basics of computer safety, research and more are built into the curriculum that all students receive at Humann. Humann Principal Gena Licata appreciates not only the impact Rushing has on students but on fellow staff members as well: "Our students are engaged in meaningful, challenging instruction related to technology and computer science. All students have had experience with coding, critical thinking skills and problem solving. The staff looks to him as a resource, and he strives to collaborate with teachers to ensure all students have opportunities to engage in technology.” Rushing is well known among LPS elementary teachers and many more teachers throughout the state and region. Not only he is a thought-leader in the field of computer science teaching, but he also has expertise in the most effective and appropriate uses of technology in schools. He regularly gives presentations at conferences and continually researches and implements new strategies in teaching. Kent Steen, the Curriculum Specialist for computer science in Lincoln Public Schools, said: “Jason is an integral member of the computer science curriculum committee, helping shape the curriculum and assessment for the district. He is one of our two lead computer science teachers at the elementary level, providing guidance and support to 38 elementary school computer science teachers.” |
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rationale:
In keeping with Board Policy 8420:
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9. CONSENT AGENDA
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9.1. Human Resources Matters
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 Certificate Employees: Elections – 7 Changes of Status – 7 Separations – 3 b. Certificated Employees: Elections – 8 Re- Elections Same Assignment – 3 Changes of Status –2 Leaves of Absence – 78 Separations – 60 c. Substitute Certificated Employees: Elections – 33 Changes of Status – 2 Separations – 14 d. Classified Employees: Elections – 24 Changes of Status – 8 Leaves of Absence – 1 Separations – 32 e. Other: Civic Leaves – 1 Employment of Family Member – 2 f. Approval of recommended agreement with Gallup Inc. to subscribe to TeacherInsight, PrincipalInsight and SupportInsight. 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. |
9.2. Routine Business
Rationale:
At each meeting, the Board of Education is asked to approve certain items of routine business of the school district.
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9.3. Option Enrollment Student Applications for 2016-17
Rationale:
On February 23, 2016, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option students for the 2016-17 school year. Applications have been received from students requesting that they be accepted as option students for the 2016-17 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 23, 2016. WHEREAS, the students who have been assigned student numbers 292431, 411673, 221026, 404717, 412122, 412149 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 23, 2016, with regard to such option students; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned students be accepted as option students 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.
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10. FIRST READING, ACTION AT NEXT MEETING
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.
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10.1. From Board Committees
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10.1.1. Policy 5112-Age of Attendance
Rationale:
In Policy 5112, the LPS Board expresses state requirements for the age of students eligible for K-12 public education. Explanation Revisions in Policy 5112 more clearly define the start and end of the school year for purposes of providing services to students approaching and reaching their 21st birthday. Proposal That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 5112.
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10.1.2. Policy 5119-Option Students
Rationale:
The Lincoln Board of Education annually adopts a resolution stating the timeline and parameters for acceptance of option enrollment students. In addition, the resolution will state the circumstances under which late applications to option in will be accepted. An option student who has been accepted for enrollment in Lincoln Public Schools may request a particular school building, but the building assignment of the option student shall be determined by the Office of Student Services. Option enrollment students shall be assigned to a school open to transfer and no option student shall be assigned to a school which the District categorizes as closed to transfer except under certain circumstances as determined by Policy 5119. Explanation This revision to Policy 5119 clarifies one of the conditions for which an option students can be assigned to a building closed to transfer. Proposal That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 5119.
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10.1.3. Policy 6441-Technology Resources and Internet Safety
Rationale:
Lincoln Public Schools adopts and shall enforce a policy of making technology resources available only to advance educational goals and objectives, supplement instruction and further school purposes. Policy 6441 outlines the operation and use of such technology resources by students, staff, and the community to meet this policy requirement. Explanation Periodically, changes in law require the addition of new language into policy. The revision to Policy 6441 reflects required change in policy language. Proposal That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 6441.
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10.1.4. Policy 6443-Parental Involvement
Rationale:
Lincoln Public Schools welcomes parental involvement in the education of their children. We recognize that parental involvement increases student success. It is Lincoln Public Schools’ policy to foster and facilitate, to the extent appropriate and in their primary language, parental information about and involvement in the education of their children. Policies and regulations are established to protect the emotional, physical and social well-being of all students. Explanation The revision of Policy 6443 is part of an annual review of the Parental Involvement Policy as required by Federal and State Law. The revision that is proposed is not a change in intent, but a recent change in law. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been reauthorized. The revision acknowledges the requirement that LPS’s policy must meet all applicable law. Proposal That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 6443.
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10.1.5. Policy 6450-Controversial Issues
Rationale:
Public schools have a responsibility to develop critical-thinking skills in students. This includes objectives and resources related to controversial issues in appropriate curriculum areas and grade levels and in classrooms and library media centers. Controversial issues are included in the curriculum to help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an informed citizen in preparation for adulthood. Policy 6450 provides guidance in the teaching of controversial issues. Explanation The revision to Policy 6450 are meant to reinforce the purpose of teaching controversial issues, express the importance of working with families, and expressing how the policy applies to unplanned conversations that occur in classrooms. Proposal That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 6450.
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10.2. From the Superintendent
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10.2.1. EducationQuest Foundation College Access Grant Application - Lincoln Northeast High School
Rationale:
EducationQuest Foundation’s College Access Grants goal is to increase the percentage of graduates who enroll in post-secondary programs after high school. The program provides funding to Nebraska high schools to build and support activities that increase student enrollment in college immediately following graduation. The annual awards are paid over four years and range from $2,500 to $20,000, based on the size of the high school. Lincoln Northeast High School last received an EducationQuest College Access Grant in the 2008 grant cycle.
Availability of funds is announced every two years and applications are accepted through a competitive grant process. Awards made this cycle will run from the 2016-2017 academic year through the 2019-2020 academic year. Explanation Based on enrollment, Lincoln Northeast High School is eligible for $20,000 in College Access funding each year for four years. These grant funds will enable counselors at Northeast to increase access of college information to students who would otherwise have barriers in getting the information they need. Offering programs at school such as College Club will make it easier for all students, especially our Free and Reduced Lunch-eligible students, to access this valuable information. Grant funds will be used for travel, activities, materials, postage, printing, and staffing as per grant guidelines. Proposal The application due date is June 10, 2016. |
10.2.2. Resilient Firewall & Threat Management #8640
Rationale:
In compliance with Federal E-rate procurement requirements, a sealed proposal for Resilient Firewall equipment was sought from interested vendors. A traditional Firewall is a cybersecurity device that provides the first line of defense against electronic threats, serving as a gatekeeper between the district’s servers and the Internet. In addition to fulfilling this function, the current generation of Firewall equipment is capable of managing more advanced threats from outside and inside the network by employing intrusion detection/prevention software and providing control over applications that increase the vulnerability of the district network to inappropriate use. The existing Firewall equipment is five years old and does not provide either the necessary throughput to support the expected future volume of Internet traffic or inspection capabilities necessary to properly secure the district network and data. |
11. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION
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11.1. From Board Committees
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11.1.1. Newly Annexed Property to the City of Lincoln
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.
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11.2. From the Superintendent
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11.2.1. Humann Elementary School Classroom Additions and Renovation #8365
Rationale:
Sealed bids were received from interested vendors for the construction of walls, floors, roofs, structural systems, mechanical systems, electrical systems, interior and exterior finishes and associated site work for the renovation of and additions to Humann Elementary School. The following award recommendation is for the construction and renovation project of Humann Elementary School by a general contractor. |
11.2.2. Park Middle School Classroom Additions and Renovation #8369
Rationale:
Sealed bids were received from interested vendors for the construction of a new gymnasium, two classrooms, commons area, and miscellaneous support space. Renovations include a secure entrance and other miscellaneous renovations at Park Middle School. The following award recommendation is for the construction and renovation project of Park Middle School by a general contractor. |
11.2.3. West Lincoln Elementary School Classroom Additions and Renovation #8367
Rationale:
Sealed bids were received from interested vendors for the construction of an eight-classroom addition, security entrance, restrooms, interior renovations of existing classrooms, and resource rooms. The project also consists of expansion of the geothermal wellfield, replacement of existing pavement, bitumen system roof, and grade adjustments relative to new construction at West Lincoln Elementary School. The following award recommendation is for the construction and renovation project of West Lincoln Elementary School by a general contractor. Proposal |
12. EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS
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13. ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
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14. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/REPORTS
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14.1. From Board Committees
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14.2. From The Career Academy
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14.3. From the Superintendent
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14.3.1. Superintendent Update
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15. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD
Rationale:
April 13 - TCA Joint Board Meeting, TCA, 8:15 am April 14 - FLPS Inspire Awards Celebration, LNS, 6:00 pm April 16 - BackPack Extra Mile, East High, 10:00 am April 26 - Board Meeting, LPSDO, 6:00 pm |
16. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rationale:
In keeping with Board Policy 8420:
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17. REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION
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.
Explanation |
17.1. Request for Closed Session - Negotiations/Collective Bargaining, Property/Real Estate, Litigation, Security, Criminal Misconduct, Personnel, and Legal Advice Matters
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.
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. That the Board hold a closed session: 1. For strategy session with respect to negotiations/collective bargaining clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law. 2. For strategy session with respect to property/real estate matters clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
3. For strategy session with respect to pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
4. For discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
5. For investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
6. For personnel and the evaluation of job performance clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
7. For discussions of the legal consequences of specific action and legal advice clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law. |
18. ADJOURNMENT
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