May 23, 2017 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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.

Over the years Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel has added a student member to his “Weather Team,” as Lincoln North Star High School senior Kyler Johnson offered his services as an official weather forecaster and storm hunter.

Kyler will talk about his time at LPS, high school experience, future plans – and his partnership with the superintendent. 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• Persons speaking during Public Comment will be called forward individually by the Board Chair to the location identified for such purpose.
• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.  At the discretion of the chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time.  Board members may share, address or consider comments from the public during public comment, at the end of public comment or when related business is on the agenda.
• Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment.  A "Record of Appearance" card is provided for this purpose.
• Persons wishing to appear will be heard in the order in which the Chair of the meeting determines appropriate.
• In cases where more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, their presentations to the Board may, at the discretion of the chair, be grouped together by topic.
• If the number of people wishing to speak under the public participation portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled or the discussion be limited on the issue in question.
• 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.
• 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, require a change in behavior and may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting. 

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 Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 3

             Changes of Status – 1

   b.  Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 27

             Changes of Status – 5

            Re-Elections Same Assignment –15

            Re-Elections New Assignment – 3     

             Leaves of Absence – 2

             Separations – 25

   c.  Substitute Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 2

             Separations – 22

   d.  Classified Employees:

             Elections – 22

             Leaves of Absence – 2

             Separations – 56

   e.  Other:

             Employment of Family Members – 3

             Civic Leaves – 1

             Workers' Compensation Lump Sum Settlements – 1

   f.  Approval of recommended board resolution regarding Voluntary Life and Disability Benefits Plans carrier.

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.

On February 14, 2017, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option enrollment students for the 2017-18 school year.  Applications for enrollment during the 2017-18 school year have been received and are in compliance with the Board resolution of February 14, 2017.      

Explanation 
The applications included in this agenda item have been examined by staff and meet one of the criteria set forth by the Board in the resolution of February 14, 2017.  Staff recommends approval of the applications. 

Proposal   
That the Board adopts the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the students who have been assigned student numbers 246640 and 401245 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 14, 2017, 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.

March 15, 2017, 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 2017-18 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  
A request from a student who resides in the district of Lincoln Public Schools and wishes to attend school outside of Lincoln Public Schools has been received after the March 15, 2017, deadline.  The Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education may deny or approve this request.  If this request is approved by the Board of Education, it will be forwarded to the option school district for their approval.    

Student Number            Option District
283619                                Waverly                                                                    

Proposal  
That the Board approves the request for option out for the 2017-18 school year.

The Lincoln Public School District issued $100,000,000.00 in general obligation school bonds on February 11, 2009.  The bonds were the second series of bonds issued for funding a comprehensive ten-year facilities improvement plan.  Bond principal and interest are scheduled to be repaid through January 15, 2039.

Explanation
The current bond market may allow for an advanced refunding at a reduced interest rate.  This would result in a reduction of debt service payable.

Staff will work with the district’s financial advisor (Ameritas Investment Corp.), with its bond counsel (Gilmore & Bell), and with its general counsel (Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford) to finalize the attached resolution and to meet all other requirements necessary for the advanced refunding of these bonds if and when the district were to proceed.

The U.S. Department of Education through Title VI of the ESSA provides funds to fulfill the Federal Government’s unique and continuing trust relationship with and responsibility to the Indian people for the education of Indian children. These funds support the goal of ensuring programs that serve Indian children are of the highest quality and provide for not only the basic elementary and secondary educational needs, but also the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of these children. The purpose of this program is to support American Indian and Alaska Native students in meeting the same challenging State student academic achievement standards as all other students are expected to meet. The district has received federal funds for services for Native American students since the mid-1980’s.  The following table reflects a January student count and the grant award amount received in recent years.  Grant award amounts vary by year according to the total amount of Indian Education funds available at the federal level and are not based only on the number of students per program.

*Indicates count from January 2017 submitted with current grant request.

Explanation
Lincoln Public Schools Indian Education program will provide support to Native American students in grades PK-12 in the 2017-18 school year. Native American students are enrolled in all schools across the district representing about 60 tribes as designated by the parent. The funding from federal grants specifically for Native American students is $138,292. Decisions regarding the use of these funds are made in consultation with the Native American Advisory Committee.

Proposals were requested from interested vendors to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to be delivered to all cafeterias as needed during the period of July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, with renewals for 2018-19 and 2019-20.

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

Greenberg Fruit Co., Inc. (Omaha, Nebraska)                                             estimated $950,000.00 annually

There was one other proposal which offered fewer of the requested items and was evaluated at a higher cost comparison.  A complete tabulation of proposals is available in the Purchasing Office.

This will be an estimated expenditure of $950,000.00 annually from the Nutrition Services Fund.

Proposal
That the Board discuss this award to Greenberg Fruit Company, Inc.  The Board, by approving this purchase with the above vendor, 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 this purchase order.

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, 2017 through June 30, 2018.

Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to the lowest responsible vendors meeting specifications, based on estimated expenditures:
American Bean Company (Edison, New Jersey)                                                     $19,648.75
Cash-Wa Distributing (Kearney, Nebraska)                                                           173,071.77
Reinhart Foodservice (Omaha, Nebraska)                                                             455,100.90
Rotella’s Bakery                                                                                                       1,629.60
Sysco (Lincoln, Nebraska)                                                                                    822,627.43
Tecumseh Poultry (Waverly, Nebraska)                                                                  37,620.00
Thompson Foods (Grand Island, Nebraska)                                                           512,046.90
Tyson                                                                                                                  419,866.00
US Foods (Lenexa, Kansas)                                                                                  521,503.28
Total                                                                                                               $2,963,114.63

There were 293 items on the quotation requests.

This will be an estimated expenditure of $2,963,114.63 from the Nutrition Services Fund.

Proposal
That the Board discuss this award to the above listed vendors.  Lead times are two to four weeks before delivery, so first orders will need to be placed in June, 2017.  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.

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 that 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 approves Policy 5520 and Appendix 1.

Children’s Hospital in Omaha is committed to preventing childhood obesity through proactive programs focused on education. Children’s dedication stems from its mission, “To improve the life of every child - through dedication to exceptional clinical care, research, education and advocacy” and its responsiveness to the health concerns of Heartland families. By providing leadership and support to the communities it serves, Children’s hopes to achieve its vision of eliminating childhood obesity. Three years ago, Children's created Preventing Childhood Obesity Community Grants to harness the strength of community partners and touch as many young lives as possible. In 2016, Children’s opened the Center for the Child and Community in Lincoln, which opened up this grant competition to Lincoln organizations.  This year, Children’s will award grants to non-profit partners in Omaha and Lincoln, equipping them to improve the health and lives of children.

Explanation
Lincoln Public Schools would like to expand a pilot project it has been conducting in four middle schools this year using fitness monitoring watches in PE classes. By using Children’s grant funds to purchase additional fitness monitoring watches that will accommodate four more middle schools, LPS will be able to move closer to its goal of a more rigorous and consistent program for all middle school students served by the district.

The fitness monitor watches allow students to track their heart rate and level of exertion during PE classes. The students can personalize their learning through activity goal setting, fitness levels, and rate of perceived exertion.  The monitors provide constant formative assessment and provide the needed feedback for optimal motivation. The trackers sync with a computer and create a visual display that students can watch as they work to make sure they are staying in their healthy heart zone. In addition to purchasing sets for four schools, the grant will provide resources for professional development around the use and implementation for middle school PE staff as well.

Proposal
That the Board approve the submission of a proposal to Children’s Hospital in Omaha for a Preventing Childhood Obesity Community Grant in the amount of $25,000 for the one-time purchase of fitness monitoring watches for four middle schools. No match is required for this grant.

This proposal is due May 24, 2017.

May 25: Bryan Community Graduation, 7 pm, East High School

May 28: Graduation

Lincoln Southwest, 12 pm, Pinnacle Bank Arena

Lincoln Northeast, 1:30 pm, Devaney Sport Center

Lincoln North Star, 3:00 pm, Pinnacle Bank Arena

Lincoln East, 4:30 pm, Devaney Sports Center

Lincoln High, 6:00 pm, Pinnacle Bank Arena

Lincoln Southeast, 7:30 pm, Devaney Sports Center

June 6: Board Retreat, 4 pm, Nebraska Club

June 7: Chamber Coffee, 8 am, Chamber Office

Jun 13:

Board Work Session, 4:30 pm, LPSDO

Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, LPSDO

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• Persons speaking during Public Comment will be called forward individually by the Board Chair to the location identified for such purpose.
• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.  At the discretion of the chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time.  Board members may share, address or consider comments from the public during public comment, at the end of public comment or when related business is on the agenda.
• Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment.  A "Record of Appearance" card is provided for this purpose.
• Persons wishing to appear will be heard in the order in which the Chair of the meeting determines appropriate.
• In cases where more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, their presentations to the Board may, at the discretion of the chair, be grouped together by topic.
• If the number of people wishing to speak under the public participation portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled or the discussion be limited on the issue in question.
• 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.
• 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, require a change in behavior and may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting. 

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.