April 10, 2012 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: 

Kirk Langer, director of Technology at Lincoln Public Schools, and Kent Steen, assistant principal at Kooser Elementary School, are the Nebraska Educational Technology Association 2012 winners of the Excellence in Leading with Technology award. 
The award is presented for outstanding achievement in implementing technology to improve teaching, learning and administration.

Explanation

Langer and Steen are both leaders in the school district, in the state, and in the nation, in implementing educational technology. 

Langer has overseen the merger of various technology platforms in the school district, creating a cohesive, user-friendly system that provides efficiencies for teachers, staff and students.   Not only was Langer a witness to the fire that destroyed LPS District Offices last spring, he was also the first to recognize the challenge of putting the school district’s entire technology system back together again.

Under Langer’s watch, the school district has implemented systems that help in the following ways: scheduling for staff, student grades, employee attendance, e-meetings for the Lincoln Board of Education, distance learning and the Teacher 1:1 laptop implementation.

Additionally, Langer has been involved in numerous school district committees, councils and teams, in state associations and groups, and various efforts regionally and nationally to share best practices in educational technology.

Steen, as an assistant principal for an elementary school and as a former teacher, has first-hand insight into the potential of technology use in the classroom. Steen promoted the use of assistive technology in the classrooms, and students have learned and grown from his creativity and programs.

Routinely, Steen’s staff and students look to him for ideas and solutions, and his principal will tell you he always responds to those who need his help. He is willing to offer support, willing to explain, and of course willing to teach.

Steen’s good work, however, doesn’t stop at Kooser’s door, but is evident throughout the school district due to his work with school improvement groups in the school district.

This award also recognizes that Langer and Steen are willing and eager to partner with schools in and outside of their school district, and with technology groups across the region and nation. They are commonly asked to speak at conferences or write for industry-trade magazines.

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, Kirk Langer, director of Technology at Lincoln Public Schools, and Kent Steen, assistant principal at Kooser Elementary School, are the Nebraska Educational Technology Association 2012 Winners of  Excellence in Leading with Technology award presented for outstanding achievement in implementing technology to improve teaching, learning and administration, and

WHEREAS, Langer and Steen have been recognized by the leading educational technology group in Nebraska for their ability to inspire others to use technology to improve the educational experience, and

WHEREAS, Langer and Steen are highly respected locally and nationally for their willingness to be innovative and comprehensive in their approach to technology in schools, and,

WHEREAS, under Langer’s watch, the school district has recovered from a major fire that impacted the technology of the school district, and has implemented systems that help in the following ways: scheduling for staff, student grades, employee attendance, e-meetings for the Lincoln Board of Education, distance learning and the Teacher 1:1 laptop implementation, and,

WHEREAS, Steen has first-hand insight into the potential of technology use in the classroom, promoted the use of assistive technology in the classrooms, and students have learned and grown from his creativity and programs, and

WHEREAS, Langer and Steen are role models for excellence in technology in schools, both at the administrative level and in the classrooms.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Kirk Langer and Kent Steen for earning the Excellence in Leading with Technology award from the Nebraska Educational Technology Association.

 

 

Rationale:  In keeping with Policy 8420, 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.

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.

This report includes routine Human Resources changes:
   a.  Administrator Certificated Employees:
            Elections – 4
            Re-Elections Same Assignment – 1
            Changes of Status – 6
   b.  Certificated Employees:
            Elections – 5
            Leaves of Absence – 25
            Separations – 50
   c.  Substitute Certificated Employees:
            Elections – 14
            Changes of Status – 1
   d.  Classified Employees:
            Elections – 31
            Separations – 16

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

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:

1. REGULAR CLAIMS – Claims for the periods ending April 10, 2012, were previously provided.
   

   Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $4,636,026.75.

   Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $88,280.13.

   Office Depot ACH Transfer of $28,340.30.

   Vendor ACH Transfer of $55,842.60.

2. PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION – Payroll for the period ending March 31, 2012, in the amount of $13,550,293.15.


3. BIDS/CONTRACTS – Bids/contracts will be presented for approval for playground equipment and rubber tile for the Kloefkorn Elementary School site; musical instruments and supplies for use at all school locations; Lincoln Public Schools District Offices structural shell; wireless access equipment to be installed at Hartley, Kloefkorn, McPhee, and Roper elementary schools; internet protocol network equipment for Hartley, Roper, and Kloefkorn elementary schools; lamps and ballasts replacements at various locations; an agreement with Broken Bow Public Schools for educational services; a contract for newborn hearing screening improvements; a contract for facility use software, services, and support; architectural/engineering services for the LPS Distribution Center Print Shop project; and any other bids and contracts as presented.

Proposal:

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

1. The regular claims for periods ending April 10, 2012.

2. Payroll for the period ending March 31, 2012.

3. Bids/contracts for playground equipment and rubber tile for the Kloefkorn Elementary School site; musical instruments and supplies for use at all school locations; Lincoln Public Schools District Offices structural shell; wireless access equipment to be installed at Hartley, Kloefkorn, McPhee, and Roper elementary schools; internet protocol network equipment for Hartley, Roper, and Kloefkorn elementary schools; lamps and ballasts replacements at various locations; an agreement with Broken Bow Public Schools for educational services; a contract for newborn hearing screening improvements; a contract for facility use software, services, and support; architectural/engineering services for the LPS Distribution Center Print Shop project; and any other bids and contracts as presented.

*That the Board is approving routine business and the listed bids and contracts with the information and in the form as presented, and except as to amount bid or total contract price, in such other form as may be approved by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs, or his designee, and that the Board hereby authorizes the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs, or his designee, 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 the transaction as contemplated, for and on behalf of this school district.

Rationale:  March 15, 2011, 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 2011-12 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 Lincoln Public Schools District and wishes to attend school outside of the Lincoln Public Schools District has been received after the March 15, 2011, 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

                                     162303                                                Norris

Proposal

That the Board approve this request for option out for the 2011-12 school year. 

Rationale:  Lincoln Public Schools regulation 5460.1 and Nebraska state law provides that if a student has been expelled from any public or private school, and the student has not completed the terms or time period of the expulsion, the student shall not be permitted to enroll in this school district until the expulsion period from such other school has expired, unless the Lincoln Board of Education approves by a majority vote the enrollment of such student prior to expiration of the expulsion period. Student numbers 288588, 244528, and 229402 (for purposes of confidentiality we are using assigned numbers) have filed the proper applications and have requested enrollment. 

Explanation

The Department of Student Services has reviewed the applications and the background information on the students and are recommending that the applications be approved and that the students be enrolled in the Lincoln Public Schools Expelled Student Program for the remainder of this school year, subject to such terms and conditions as imposed by the Director of Student Services and all program rules and regulations until the term or time period of the original underlying expulsions are completed.

Proposal

That the Board approve the applications and all recommendations of the Department of Student Services.

Rationale:  On January 24, 2012, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option students for the 2012-13 school year.  Applications have been received from students requesting that they be accepted as option students for the 2012-13 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 January 24, 2012.

Explanation

Staff has examined the applications of the students included in this proposal.  The students meet all of the criteria set forth by the Board in its resolution of January 24, 2012.  Staff recommends approval of these applications.

Proposal

That the Board adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS the students who have been assigned student numbers 272772, and 288603 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet all criteria of the Board resolution of January 24, 2012, 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.

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:  Board policies are regularly reviewed to assure consistency with changes in federal or state statutes, administrative directives, or recommended changes in district practice.  The board’s policy review committee has recently completed a review of the policy listed in this agenda item.

Explanation

• Policy 6441: Technology Resources and Internet Safety Policy.  This policy revision allows that students shall be educated about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with others on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.  This sentence is added to bring the existing policy into compliance with new requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Proposal

That the Board discuss the recommended policy revision.

Rationale:  A $10,000 grant for the 2012-13 school year, subject to review for renewal in the subsequent two school years, is offered by the ASCD Whole Child Initiative. The purpose of the grant is to provide support and training so that schools will be able to:

• Make the instructional and student support changes necessary to support school improvement efforts.
• Build a culture of success in school and develop opportunities to expose students to college and career options and guidance.
• Create opportunities for teachers and other staff to learn about, practice, implement, and evaluate research-based strategies that address identified problems and are aligned to school goals.
• Establish practices to develop the conditions for learning within a positive school culture and climate

Explanation

Development) is an educational leadership organization dedicated to advancing best practices and policies for the success of each learner. ASCD’s Whole Child Initiative (www.ascd.org/wholechild) is an association-wide effort to change the conversation about education from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the development of children who are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged within a sustainable approach to education and community engagement.

In May 2012, ASCD will select a small group of schools from across the United States and Canada to become part of their Whole Child Network (WCN). WCN Schools in the network will receive implementation support through a three-school-year grant cycle to ensure a sustainable, comprehensive approach. This approach is based on research demonstrating that a comprehensive approach that engages all stakeholders creates sustainable, meaningful outcomes for students, including but not limited to increased academic achievement.

Each WCN school will also receive individualized support from ASCD in developing a plan to implement a whole child approach to education in their schools, including a needs assessment. The implementation will be customized using both face-to-face training and virtual and print services, tools, and products that address the various needs identified by the assessment, such as instructional program improvements, job-embedded professional development, student support, health and safety, and teacher/leader effectiveness.

Fredstrom Elementary School has been previously recognized by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation as a national recognition award recipient. This designation is an indication of reaching an important benchmark in improving the learning and working environments of students and staff by making significant changes in the areas of healthy eating, physical activity, and staff wellness. As a result, Fredstrom has the capacity and commitment to become a comprehensive implementer of a whole child approach to education within their school community and is therefore a strong candidate to meet the selection criteria for the WCN.

Proposal

That the Board authorize submission of this $10,000 grant for the 2012-13 school year, subject to review for renewal in the subsequent two school years.  No matching funds are required. 

Rationale:  Board policies are regularly reviewed to assure consistency with changes in federal or state statutes or administrative directives or recommended changes in district practice.  The board’s policy review committee has recently completed a review of the four policies listed in this agenda item. Explanation

Policies recommended for revision are as follows:

• Policy 5360: Directory Information.  The revised policy allows the district to withhold distribution of directory information if the district determines that the potential recipient of the information poses a risk to student safety or well-being, including but not limited to circumstances where the potential recipient is a registered sex offender.   The revision further states that the district will provide an opt-out form for parents who wish to restrict distribution of directory information regarding their student.
• Policy 6340:  Staff Development Services for Gifted Program.  The revised policy updates the language so that it is consistent with present practice.

New policies recommended for adoption are as follows:

• Policy 6603: State Assessments.  This policy reflects present practice; it is required by NDE Rules 10 and 27.
• Policy 6283: Activities, Concussions.  This policy outlines the training and education regarding concussions that will be provided by the district.  It further describes procedures to be followed when there is a reasonable suspicion that an athlete has suffered a brain injury or a concussion.  The responsibility of coaches is described in the policy, as is the responsibility of students and parents. 

That the Board approve the proposed policy revisions and adoptions.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

The current session of the Nebraska Unicameral convened January 4, 2012, and will continue for 60 legislative days.

Explanation

Lincoln Public Schools Assistant to the Superintendent for Governmental Relations, Mary Campbell, will report to the Board on the progress of state and federal legislation at each Board meeting.

Proposal

For information only; no action is requested.

Rationale:  April 18:  Face the Chamber Luncheon at the Country Club at 12 noon

April 19-24:  NSBA Annual Conference - No Board meeting on April 24

May 2:  Chamber Coffee at the Chamber Office at 8 a.m.

May 6:  Kahoa Elementary Open House, 2-4 p.m.

May 8:  Board Meeting

Rationale:  In keeping with Policy 8420, 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.

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.

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 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.