May 24, 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: 

Hunter Sieckmeyer, a senior at Lincoln Southeast High School

Haley Martin, a senior at Lincoln North Star High School

Rationale:  The purpose of Leadership LPS is to help aspiring administrators in the Lincoln Public Schools further develop their leadership potential and prepare for the principalship through a variety of quality leadership experiences focusing on the Lincoln Public Schools system.  The following LPS administrators have completed the 18 month course:

1. Kelly Apel
2. Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi
3. Jeff Brehm
4. Amy Carnie
5. Kristin Finley
6. Mike Gillotti
7. John Gloe
8. Betsy Gomez
9. Michaela Hahn
10. Tonya Jolley
11. Mark Larson
12. Gena Licata
13. Angee Luedtke
14. Liz Miller
15. Terri Nelson
16. Takako Olson
17. Cheryl Richter
18. Daniele Schulzkump
19. Erik Witt

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:

            Elections – 1

            Changes of Status – 1

   b.  Certificated Employees:

            Elections – 31

            Re-Elections New Assignment – 3

            Re-Elections Same Assignment – 17

            Changes of Status – 11

            Leaves of Absence – 3

            Separations – 7

   c.  Substitute Certificated Employees:

            Elections – 1

            Separations – 16

   d.  Classified Employees:

            Elections – 17

            Changes of Status – 2

            Separations – 36

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 May 24, 2016, were previously provided.                   

Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $45,097.38.                   

State Tax ACH Deposit of $754,595.46.                   

Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $80,955.60.                   

Office Depot ACH Transfer of $32,874.55.                   

Vendor ACH Transfer of $69,032.58.

PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION – Payroll for the period ending May 13, 2016, in the amount of $135,277.83.

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

BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS – Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the purchase of cheer squad uniforms and accessories; the purchase of cafeteria tables; the purchase of large cleaning equipment; the renovation of a classroom at North Star; agreements to provide deaf or hard of hearing services; an amendment to a facility lease agreement; an agreement for a curriculum pilot; items listed for auction; a memorandum of understanding regarding check cashing; 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 May 24, 2016.

b.  Payroll for the period ending May 13, 2016.

c.  Gifts for Northeast, Pershing, and the district.

d.  Bids/contracts/other routine business for the purchase of cheer squad uniforms and accessories; the purchase of cafeteria tables; the purchase of large cleaning equipment; the renovation of a classroom at North Star; agreements to provide deaf or hard of hearing services; an amendment to a facility lease agreement; an agreement for a curriculum pilot; items listed for auction; a memorandum of understanding regarding check cashing; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

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.      

Explanation
Staff has examined the applications of the students included in this proposal.  The students meet one of the criteria set forth by the Board in its resolution of February 23, 2016.  Staff recommends approval of these applications.      

Proposal  
That the Board adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, the student who has been assigned student number 412905 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meets 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 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, 2016, 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 2016-17 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, 2016, 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
193508                                  Waverly                                   
412513                                  Raymond Central                                    
262993                                  Milford                                      

Proposal 
That the Board approves the requests for option out for the 2016-17 school year.

Rationale: 

The Community Health Endowment (CHE) of Lincoln is a municipal endowment dedicated to making Lincoln, Nebraska, the healthiest community in the nation. To achieve this vision, CHE invests in health-related nonprofits and agencies; works to ensure a strong healthcare safety net and access to quality, coordinated care and medical homes; and convenes the community around important health issues. Availability of funds is announced twice annually and applications are accepted through a competitive grant process.  Current applicants will apply for a preliminary Phase I proposal in June, and based on a review, may be invited to apply with a more comprehensive Phase II proposal in September. Awards made through the current cycle will start January 1, 2017, and depending on the request made, run up to three years—through December 31, 2020.

Current priorities include:

• Innovative practices that result in health care and behavioral health providers taking an active role in helping patients stay healthy outside of a clinical setting, including non-traditional collaborations between health care, behavioral health, and social/human services;
• Intentional linkages between housing, health, neighborhood organizations, financial institutions, and economic development; and
• Prevention-focused efforts that foster healthy behaviors and lead to improved health outcomes.

CHE also encourages applicants to consider the relationship of poverty to the issue being addressed.

Explanation
Lincoln Public Schools proposes to request Community Health Endowment (CHE) support to modify its existing Transition program for high school students. Currently, Student Services oversees two Transition classrooms: one each at Lincoln High and Southeast High School, both of which help students transitioning into high school from multiple situations such as other districts, juvenile justice settings, hospitalizations, etc. A teacher and para-educator in a dedicated classroom help these students re-acclimate to the coursework, schedule and school environment, and communicate with their teachers as appropriate. Meanwhile, students returning to home and school from acute care or residential mental health programs receive little of the formal support or follow-up necessary to help them continue with recovery, which often results in lost school time, recidivism and, ultimately, dropping out of school.

A CHE grant will support the salary of a full-time licensed therapist, contracted through a community partner organization, to join the Transition classroom at Lincoln High (the classroom will utilize the existing teacher and para-educator). This will allow the district to pilot a broader scope of transition for students returning from acute or long-term mental health placements back into the school environment with mental health support.  Based on attendance, behavior and academic outcomes of students involved in the pilot, the district may expand the program to include Southeast High School’s Transition classroom at the end of the grant. Through developing partnerships with local and regional placement providers, a better system of communication will also be developed through the pilot so that LPS is more aware of the population of students returning from such placement. The gradual transition from the program back into the general school population will be very individualized and will be informed by a wellness plan developed with each student at discharge from placement.

Proposal
That the Board approves the submission of a Phase I proposal to the Community Health Endowment for up to $100,000 per year for up to three years. This grant would provide the funds for LPS to pilot a new service by contracting with a licensed therapist to become part of the Transition classroom team at Lincoln High School. No matching funds are required for this proposal, which is due June 3, 2016.

Rationale: 

The Community Health Endowment (CHE) of Lincoln is a municipal endowment dedicated to making Lincoln, Nebraska, the healthiest community in the nation. To achieve this vision, CHE invests in health-related nonprofits and agencies; works to ensure a strong healthcare safety net and access to quality, coordinated care and medical homes; and convenes the community around important health issues. Availability of funds is announced twice annually and applications are accepted through a competitive grant process.  Current applicants will apply for a preliminary Phase I proposal in June, and based on a review, may be invited to apply with a more comprehensive Phase II proposal in September. Awards made through the current cycle will start January 1, 2017 and depending on the request made, run up to three years with an end date of December 31, 2020.

Current priorities include:

• Innovative practices that result in health care and behavioral health providers taking an active role in helping patients stay healthy outside of a clinical setting, including non-traditional collaborations between health care, behavioral health, and social/human services;
• Intentional linkages between housing, health, neighborhood organizations, financial institutions, and economic development; and
• Prevention-focused efforts that foster healthy behaviors and lead to improved health outcomes.

CHE also encourages applicants to consider the relationship of poverty to the issue being addressed.

Explanation
Several years ago, LPS worked with the Lancaster County Medical Society and Community Health Endowment to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for all secondary schools. This equipment has been proven valuable each year, as one or two incidents due to sudden cardiac arrest happen per school year somewhere in the district. Last year, for the first time ever, one such incident occurred at an elementary school involving a student with an undiagnosed heart condition who almost died as a result of sudden cardiac arrest. Thankfully, school staff performed CPR on the student until an ambulance arrived and treated the student successfully.

According to Student Services, 596 students within LPS have a known cardiac condition, a statistic that continues to rise with the incidence of childhood obesity, as does the likelihood of undiagnosed cardiac conditions. In an emergency situation, AEDs are easy to use and save lives.

Lincoln Public Schools proposes to request Community Health Endowment (CHE) support to help purchase AEDs for all elementary schools in the district. CHE has agreed to consider support for the purchase of AEDs specifically in the twenty elementary schools that serve the highest proportion of low-income students, or Title I schools.  It is estimated that 20 AEDs will cost approximately $32,500.  Of this amount, $20,000 may be awarded to LPS without a match requirement.  The remaining $12,500 must be matched dollar for dollar.  LPS and the Foundation for LPS (FLPS) are working to secure this match.  FLPS is also working with LPS to secure funding for an additional $32,500 to purchase AEDs for the remaining 19 elementary schools and the new Marilyn Moore Middle School.

Proposal
That the Board approves the submission of a Phase I proposal to the Community Health Endowment for up to $32,500 for the one-time purchase of AED equipment for 20 elementary schools. Dollar for dollar match is required for $12,500 of this amount, for which staff are working to secure.

This proposal is due June 3, 2016.

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: 

Annually, the Board of Education evaluates the Superintendent of Schools.  The 2015-16 evaluation of Steve Joel, Superintendent, has been completed and will be recommended for approval to be placed in his personnel file. A copy of the public summary of the Superintendent’s evaluation is attached.

Explanation
The annual evaluation of Steve Joel, Superintendent, has been completed and will be placed in his personnel file and the public summary thereof is attached.

Proposal
That the Board of Education consider and approve the Superintendent’s 2015-16 evaluation to be placed in his personnel file and the public summary thereof.

Rationale: 

Annually, the Board of Education evaluates and reviews the contract of the Superintendent of Schools.  The 2015-16 evaluation of Steve Joel, Superintendent, is in the process of being completed and has been recommended for approval to be placed in his personnel file, and his contract is being recommended for extension and increased compensation. Copies of a public summary of the Superintendent’s evaluation are available, and the proposed contract for approval is attached.

Explanation
It is recommended that the current contract for the Superintendent be amended and approved.

The proposed contract is attached.

Proposal
That the Board of Education consider and discuss an extension and compensation increase and the proposed contract for approval.

Rationale: 

Annually, the Board of Education reviews the contracts of the Associate Superintendent for Instruction, the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs, the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, and the Assistant Superintendent for General Administration and Governmental Relations.

Explanation
It is recommended that the proposed two-year contract for each of the three Associate Superintendents and the Assistant Superintendent be amended and extended for one year to June 30, 2018.  It is also recommended that a total salary increase of 2.85 percent, overall total package increase of 2.91 percent, be approved for this group for 2016-17.  Each contract is within the parameters set by the Board of Education.

Included in the total package increase for each of the three Associate Superintendents and the Assistant Superintendent are all district costs including the district’s contributions to health insurance, state retirement, and Social Security.

The proposed contracts are attached.

Proposal
That the Board of Education consider and discuss the recommended one-year contract extensions and total salary increases of 2.85 percent (overall total package compensation increases of 2.91 percent) for the Associate Superintendent for Instruction, the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs, the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, and the Assistant Superintendent for General Administration and Governmental Relations.

Rationale: 

The Lincoln Board of Education has recognized the Custodial Employees Association, the Maintenance Employees Association, the Lincoln Public Schools Association of Office Professionals, and the Transportation Employees Association as the exclusive bargaining agents to negotiate salary, fringe benefits, and working conditions for members of the respective employee groups.  Mr. Robbie Seybert has negotiated with each employee group.  Mr. Seybert has also met and conferred with the representatives from the Administrator and Technician groups.  Tentative agreements have been reached between Lincoln Public Schools and the respective employee groups for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

Explanation

The proposed agreement for each employee group is as follows:

          Administrators:

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.09% (compensated on a percentage basis). 
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.10% (compensated on a flat basis).

             Custodial Employees Association:

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.29% (compensated on a percentage basis).
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.31% (compensated on a flat basis).
• Declined dual option, open enrollment plan for health insurance.

  Maintenance Employees Association:

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.19% (compensated on a flat basis).
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.21% (compensated on a percentage basis).

  Office Professionals Association:

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.30% (compensated on a percentage basis).
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.31% (compensated on a flat basis).
• Declined dual option, open enrollment plan for health insurance.
• Agreed to delete language in the handbook which restrained the association from allocating the district funds ($1,250 annually).

  Technicians:  
  

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.21% (compensated on a percentage basis).
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.23% (compensated on a flat basis).
• Declined dual option, open enrollment plan for health insurance.

  Transportation Employees Association:

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.48% (compensated on a percentage basis).
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.49% (compensated on a percentage basis).
• Declined dual option, open enrollment plan for health insurance.
• Added language (at the District's request) to restrict abuse of the overtime benefit that employees received on the weekend, regardless of how many hours they work during the week.
• Deleted language for field trips.

Health insurance will increase by 4.9% in 2016-2017 (4.9% projected for the following year) and each employee group will hold its employees harmless (money comes out of the package so the district covers the increases).  Minor editorial changes (years, pay, PPACA, etc.) were made in most agreements.  These settlements are within the parameters set by the Board of Education.

Included in the total package increases for each employee group are all district costs including the district’s contributions to health insurance, state retirement, and Social Security.

Proposal

 That the Board of Education consider and discuss the proposed agreements with the Administrators, the Custodial Employees Association, the Maintenance Employees Association, the Office Professionals Association, the Technicians, and the Transportation Employees Association for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

Rationale: 

Proposals were requested from interested vendors to provide transportation services and loan certain employees to Lincoln Public Schools as directed by the Lincoln Public Schools Transportation Department. The contract would be effective from August 12, 2016, through the last day of school in May, 2019.

Explanation
It is recommended that Lincoln Public Schools enter into an agreement with First Student, Inc., who was the only vendor to respond.

The contract provides for up to 15 drivers and 6 route buses based on the rates below:

*First Student-owned and operated school buses $265.00 (per route)
*District-owned and First Student-operated school buses $220.00 (per route)
*Additional/excess/shuttle driver hourly rate $41.00
*Hourly charter transportation $40.00 Other hourly charges $30.75
*All costs will increase by 2.5 percent each year

This will be an estimated annual expenditure of $1,200,000.00 from the General Fund.

Proposal
The Board, by approving this contract with First Student, Inc., is approving the provision of the agreement by them and all associated documents related thereto, according to the terms and conditions as presented, 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 authorizing the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs, or a designee, to sign, execute, and deliver such documents, 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 implement the same as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of the district.  The Board, by approving this contract with First Student, Inc., hereby designates the Director of Transportation, or another person selected by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs from time to time as its program administrator under this contract.

Rationale: 

Proposals were requested from interested vendors to provide shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen food products for use by Nutrition Services for all locations.  The contract prices are for the period of July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017.

Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to the lowest responsible vendors meeting specifications, based on estimated expenditures:

Thompson Foods (Grand Island, Nebraska)                                                        $1,410,174.72
Sysco (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                                               1,131,326.17
US Foods (Lenexa, Kansas)                                                                                258,499.76
Reinhart Foodservice (Omaha, Nebraska)                                                               207,569.50
Cash-Wa Distributing (Kearney, Nebraska)                                                               33,638.65
Tecumseh Poultry (Waverly, Nebraska)                                                                   21,780.00
Mrs. Clark’s Foods (Ankeny, Iowa)                                                                          19,409.20
American Bean Company (Edison, New Jersey)                                                            6,740.25
Total                                                                                                           $3,089,138.25

There were 281 items on the quotation requests.

This will be an estimated expenditure of $3,089,138.25 from the Nutrition Services Fund.

Proposal
That the Board discuss this proposed award to the above listed vendors.  Lead times are two – four weeks before delivery, so first orders will need to be placed in June 2016.  The Board, by approving these purchases with the above vendors, hereby designates the Director of Nutrition Services, or another person as selected by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs, or a designee from time to time, as its program administrator under these purchase orders.

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:

Prairie Village North, Annexation Ordinance #20312, for 2015-16 school year:  Pershing Elementary School, Mickle Middle School, and Northeast High School.

Grandview Estates 1st Addition, Annexation Ordinance #20308, for 2015-16 school year:  Maxey Elementary School, Pound Middle School, and Southeast High School.

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

Rationale: 

Each spring a transportation plan is prepared for the following school year.  District policy 3710 is reviewed and recommendations for operational changes are solicited from individual school buildings and various departments.  Schedules are prepared and a summary of needs is balanced against staff and equipment available to the district.  Each year a review of all routes for the current year are reconsidered.

Explanation
The Lincoln Public Schools Transportation Department will transport only those students who qualify under provisions of state law, including:

Elementary and Middle School students residing more than four (4) miles from the school in the attendance area within which they reside.

Special Education students whose individual education plan (IEP) require transportation as essential to learning.

Students who have been moved for the benefit of the district to relieve overcrowding, due to major facility renovations, efficiency in use of buildings and/or staff.

In addition, the Board, at its discretion, may approve other transportation areas based upon unique circumstances and for the purpose of equalizing school enrollments and facilitating programs.

Attached is a tentative listing of all routes recommended for the 2016-17 school year.

Proposal
That the Board approve the 2016-17 Transportation Plan.

Rationale: 

The Board of Education of Lincoln Public Schools annually reviews and approves Policy 5520 to ensure that its policy is in accordance with the Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fees Authorization Act.

The District’s general policy is to provide for the free instruction in school in accordance with the Nebraska Constitution and state and federal law.  This generally means that the District’s policy is to provide free instruction for courses which are required by state law or regulation and to provide the staff, facility, equipment, and materials necessary for such instruction without charge or fee to the students.

The District does provide activities, programs, and services to children which extend beyond the minimum level of constitutionally required free instruction. Students and their parents have historically contributed to the District’s efforts to provide such activities, programs, and services. The District’s general policy is to continue to encourage and to the extent permitted by law, to require such student and parent contributions to enhance the educational program provided by the District.

Explanation

Revisions to Policy 5520 reflect changes to fees and the fee waiver eligibility fees to address changes in cost while remaining in compliance with all applicable laws.

Proposal

That the Board approve proposed changes to Policy 5520.

 

 

Rationale: 

Each year, the Business Affairs Office makes recommendations to the Board of Education for tuition charges for regular and special education programs.  This is done in accordance with Policy 3300 and Regulation 3300.1.

Explanation
The following is the recommendation for tuition charges for the 2016-17 school year for the programs noted.  The rates are intended to recover the district’s anticipated actual costs for the 2016-17 school year.

Regular Instructional Program:
2016-17 Rates                                                          
                               Per Year                   Per Semester               Per Day           
Grades K-6               $9,050.00                     $4,525.00                 $51.42           
Grades 7-8              $10,850.00                     $5,425.00                 $60.28           
Grades 9-12             $12,650.00                     $6,325.00                 $70.28           

Based on 176 days elementary and 180 days secondary.

Specialized Services for Special Education Programs: Special education tuition rates will be determined using the calculation provided by the Nebraska Department of Education.  The rate will include Lincoln Public Schools’ cost per student calculated pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-598(3) plus Lincoln Public Schools’ average cost per student for special education services adjusted upward for students receiving an even more intense program.

Proposal
That the Board approve the proposed tuition rates.

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 April 30, 2016, is attached.

Proposal
Information item; no Board action required.

Rationale: 

May 25:  LPS Multicultural Institute,  8:00 am or 12:30 pm, LSW

June 1:  Chamber Coffee, 8:00 am, Chamber Office

June 2:  FLPS Donor Coffee Event, 9:00 am, TCA

June 7: North Star Boundary Public Open House, 6:00 pm, Culler Middle School

June 15:

TCA Joint Board Meeting, 8:15 am, TCA

Board Budget Work Session, 4:30 pm, Board Room

Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Board Room

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.