Public Meeting Agenda: July 31, 2018 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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

3. ROLL CALL

4. ANNOUNCE OPEN MEETING ACT POSTING AND LOCATION

5. 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.

Attachments: (2)

Minutes 6-26 Regular Meeting

7/19/2018 at 11:12 AM
Minutes 6-26 Work Session

7/19/2018 at 9:52 AM

6. SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF SUCCESS

6.1. LPS Communications Team, led by Communications Director, Mary Kay Roth: Recognized by the National School Public Relations Association with eight national awards for communications and engagement initiatives

Rationale:

Effective communication between a school district and its community is essential for actively engaging the community and fostering a strong and lasting bond. A communications team is tasked with telling the story of the school district for many purposes, using a myriad of media, and embracing all of the opportunities to connect with the community.

When great work is done, recognition for that work can come in many forms. It can be evidenced in the awareness created in the community about the work of the school district, it can be seen in support for school district efforts, and it can come in the form of tangible recognition. The LPS Communications Team has received recognition for its great work in all of these forms, but most recently, by receiving eight different national awards presented by the National School Public Relations Association in June 2018 for communication occurring during the 2017-18 school year.

EXPLANATION:

Led by Communications Director Mary Kay Roth, the LPS Communications Team includes Mindy Burbach, Jason Keese, Julie Dansky, Chris Warner, Sam Stephan, Linda Pospisil, Cyndi Wigert, Brian Fitzgerald, Doug Dickeson, Cynthia Wehland-Falk and Linda Dickeson.

Their mission is to "help tell the stories of Lincoln Public Schools," and they do this by showcasing the quality teaching and learning taking place every day in our schools through thoughtfully written stories, photographs, videos, websites, social media, various graphic design elements, and community engagement projects. The team also assists schools with local news media coordination and crisis communication.

Eight team projects from the 2017-18 school year received national honors from the National School Public Relations Association. The projects submitted by LPS competed against all public and private school districts from across the nation with a student population greater than 25,000. The National School Public Relations Association is recognized as the leader in school communication and has honored the best work in school communications for more than 50 years.

Assistant Superintendent for Governmental Relations and General Administration, John Neal writes:

"Each day, the Communications team for Lincoln Public Schools makes it possible for students, parents, staff, and community members to feel connected to the school district, to be proud of the work of the school district, and to feel welcome to partner with the school district. Effective communication is one of the cornerstones of our success at Lincoln Public Schools."

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Rationale:

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 make printed materials available 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 set forth in this policy or on the agenda or if persons appearing before the Board or who are present at the Board meeting or public hearing become abusive in language or behavior, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons 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.

8. CONSENT AGENDA

8.1. Human Resources Matters

Rationale:

Explanation:
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 - 3
             Separations - 2
   b. Certificated Employees:
             Elections - 100
             Re-Elections New Assignment - 10
             Re-Elections Same Assignment - 6
             Changes of Status - 13
             Leaves of Absence - 26
             Separations - 6
   c. Substitute Certificated Employees:
             Elections - 13
             Separations - 48
   d. Classifies Employees:
             Elections - 94
             Changes of Status - 9
             Separations - 64
   e. Other:
             Civic Leaves - 1
             Employment of Family Members - 1

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

*The information in the attachment(s) may be protected by privacy legislation until the Board of Education takes action on the staff recommendations. Therefore, this attachment(s) is not included in agenda materials provided the public and the news media. Any information in the attachment(s) that is not protected by privacy legislation, however, is available for public inspection from the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources upon request.

That the Board is approving the Human Resources items attached with the information as presented or as on file with official district records and documents relating to each such item, or in such other form as may be approved by the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, and that the Board hereby authorizes the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, to transact and complete each such item approved hereby, and to sign, execute, and deliver necessary documents or contracts, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action as may be necessary to complete each such item of transaction as contemplated, for and on behalf of this school district.

8.2. Routine Business

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 July 31, 2018, were previously provided.

                   Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $6,119,722.13.

                   State Tax ACH Deposit of $915,937.79.

                   Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $264,191.02.

                   Child Support ACH Transfer of $19,069.86.

                   Office Depot ACH Transfer of $97,141.74.

                   Term Life/Disability ACH Transfer of $191,390.53.

                   Retirement ACH Transfer of $5,304,022.14.

                   Vendor ACH Transfer of $350,361.73.

b. PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION - Payroll for the periods ending June 29, July 2, July 6, July 15, 2018, in the amount of $17,297,795.83.

c. GIFTS - Approval for the gifts listed on the attached gift report.

d. BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS - Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the purchase of curriculum; the installation of concrete play slabs; the purchase of playground equipment and rubber tile; publication of the LPS Community News; the purchase of choral risers; the purchase of cafeteria tables; the purchase of core network routing and switch equipment; an annual subscription for a Single-Sign-On portal; the purchase of dance uniforms and accessories; an agreement to provide staff training; agreements to provide grant funding for CLCs; the purchase of online differentiated literacy instruction; agreements to provide mental health services; agreements for Adult ELL and Family Literacy classes; an extension to the Interlocal Agreement on Voter-Approved Bonded Indebtedness and City Annexation; agreement to provide snacks for the after school program; 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 July 31, 2018.

b. Payroll for the periods ending June 29, July 2, July 6, July 15, 2018.

c. Gifts for Clinton, East, Lincoln High, Moore, and Northeast.

d. Bids/contracts/other routine business the purchase of curriculum; the installation of concrete play slabs; the purchase of playground equipment and rubber tile; publication of the LPS Community News; the purchase of choral risers; the purchase of cafeteria tables; the purchase of core network routing and switch equipment; an annual subscription for a Single-Sign-On portal; the purchase of dance uniforms and accessories; an agreement to provide staff training; agreements to provide grant funding for CLCs; the purchase of online differentiated literacy instruction; agreements to provide mental health services; agreements for Adult ELL and Family Literacy classes; an extension to the Interlocal Agreement on Voter-Approved Bonded Indebtedness and City Annexation; agreement to provide snacks for the after school program; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Attachments: (1)

7-31 Gifts & Bids

7/25/2018 at 7:50 AM

8.3. Option Enrollment Student Applications for 2018-19

Rationale:

On February 13, 2018, the Board adopted a resolution to accept an option enrollment student for the 2018-19 school year. Applications for enrollment during the 2018-19 school year have been received and are in compliance with the Board resolution of February 13, 2018.

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 13, 2018. Staff recommends approval of these applications.

Proposal
That the Board adopts the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the students who have been assigned student numbers 289539, 417441, 426972, 426974, 423055 and 220252 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 13, 2018, 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.

Attachments: (1)

07 31 18 Board Meeting for 2018-19

7/24/2018 at 9:22 AM

8.4. Late Request for Enrollment Option Out 2018-19

Rationale:

March 15, 2018, 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 2018-19 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 have been received after the March 15, 2018, deadline. The Lincoln Board of Education may deny or approve these requests. If the requests are approved by the Board of Education, they will be forwarded to the option school district for their approval.

Student Number Option District
298224 Waverly
263366 Raymond Central
427121 Crete
214919 Omaha
427123 Waverly
427124 Waverly

Proposal
That the Board approve the requests for option out for the 2018-19 school year.

9. 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.

9.1. From Board Committees

9.1.1. Land Acquisition - Huntington Elementary School

Rationale:

It is recommended that Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) purchase real estate generally located at 4745 Adams Street, Lincoln, Nebraska in the northeast corner of the Huntington Elementary School site currently owned by Gary Swenson and Judy Swenson, husband and wife, as joint tenants. Legal description for the property is:

Lot 1, Block 41, University Place, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, except that portion condemned by the City of Lincoln, described in Report of Appraisers recorded May 10, 1972 as Inst. No. 72-7829; and

Lot 2, except the East 7.5 feet thereof, Block 41, University Place, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. (hereinafter the "Property").

The purchase includes all buildings and improvements on the Property. The proposed purchase price for Property is $370,000.00. The Board’s Planning Committee recommends the purchase.

The site provides the benefit of enhancing the otherwise land-locked Huntington Elementary School site.

Explanation
The Planning Committee is recommending that LPS purchase the Property and enter into a Property Purchase and Sale Agreement for such site with the current owners.

The proposed Property Purchase and Sale Agreement is attached.

Proposal
That the Board approve the proposed resolution.

RESOLUTION
LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BE IT RESOLVED, by Lancaster County School District No. 0001, a/k/a Lincoln Public Schools, a Class IV School District under the laws and statutes of the State of Nebraska, at this regular meeting of its Board of Education, ("LPS"), that the Property Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Swenson site ("Agreement"), in the form on file with official LPS records and as presented at this meeting, or with such changes as are approved by the Associate Superintendent of Business Affairs, should be and is hereby authorized and approved;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee for the School District should be and is hereby delegated the authority and is authorized and directed to sign execute and deliver such Agreement and any other documents or agreements called for in such Agreement or determined to be in the best interest of the District, for and on behalf of LPS, and is further hereby delegated the authority and is authorized and directed to complete and pay for all due diligence requirements, to retain and pay any necessary professionals for assistance, to pay the purchase price and all transaction costs and expenses, and to take or cause to be taken all other action necessary or appropriate to close the purchase and conveyance transaction upon satisfactory completion of due diligence, presentation by Seller of good title and an acceptable warranty deed or other necessary documents on the described property to be purchased, received and developed by LPS under the Agreement.

Attachments: (1)

7-31 Land Acquisition - Attachment

7/25/2018 at 7:54 AM

9.2. From the Superintendent

9.2.1. U.S. Department of Education Demonstration Grant for Indian Children Program

Rationale: The purpose of the Demonstration Grants for Indian Children program, funded through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, is to develop, test, and demonstrate the effectiveness of services and programs to improve the educational opportunities and achievement of Native American students in preschool, elementary, and secondary schools. The Department wants to support community-led, comprehensive projects that help Native American children to become college- and career-ready. This grant is designed to help communities improve educational outcomes, specifically college- and career-readiness, through strategies tailored to address the specific challenges and build upon the specific opportunities and culture within a community. Such strategies can include supplemental academic programs or courses, social-emotional services, cultural education, and other support services for Native American students and families.

An applicant must be a member of a partnership that includes at least one Tribal Organization and at least one LEA or BIE-funded school.

Explanation
Lincoln Public Schools proposes to apply for a demonstration grant to significantly enhance services to Native American students through the introduction or enhancement of evidence-based strategies, including mental health services at school, supplemental academic support during and after the school day, an additional Native American advocate, and programs and activities to encourage participation in The Career Academy or Focus Programs.

LPS is exploring potential partnerships with Tribes in Nebraska that will benefit our proposal most. The director of the Santee Sioux Nation Society of Care has agreed to partner in our grant proposal.

Proposal
That the Board approve the submission of an application to the U.S. Department of Education for a Demonstration Grant for Indian Children Program for up to $500,000 per year for up to four years. No district-funding match is required.

This grant application has a submission date of August 10, 2018.

10. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION

10.1. From Board Committees

10.2. From the Superintendent

10.2.1. 2018-19 Board of Education and Superintendent Annual Goals and Priorities

Rationale:

Annually, the Board of Education evaluates the Superintendent and develops Annual Priorities for the Superintendent for the coming school year.

Explanation

Nebraska law and Lincoln Public Schools policy require that the Board of Education evaluate its Superintendent of Schools each year. Completed evaluations are confidential reports that are placed in and become a part of the Superintendent's personnel file (Section 79-8,109).

The 2018-19 Board of Education and Superintendent’s Annual Goals and Priorities are presented below for consideration at this meeting.

By February 1, 2019, establish the Superintendent Facilities Advisory Committee to review needs, options, and priorities.
Evaluate the effectiveness of existing focus programs and explore options for alternative instructional delivery methods, and provide a report by April 1, 2019.
Implement a 21st Century Human Resources and Business System, with a status update by April 1, 2019.

11. EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS

12. ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

13. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/REPORTS

13.1. From Board Committees

13.2. From The Career Academy

13.3. Monthly Financial Report

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 June 30, 2018, is attached.

Proposal
Information item; no Board action required.

Attachments: (1)

7-31 Monthly Financial Report

7/20/2018 at 4:05 PM

13.4. From the Superintendent

13.4.1. Superintendent Update

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD

Rationale: August 1: Chamber Coffee, 8 am, Chamber Office
August 6: All Staff Event, 8 am, PBA
August 8: TCA Board Meeting, 8 am, TCA
August 9: Chamber Federal Legislative Summit, 8 am, Ashland
LPS Safe Walk/Ride to School Night, 6pm, LPS Elementary Schools
August 13: First Day of School
August 14: Board Meeting, 6 pm, LPSDO

15. PUBLIC COMMENT

Rationale:

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 make printed materials available 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 set forth in this policy or on the agenda or if persons appearing before the Board or who are present at the Board meeting or public hearing become abusive in language or behavior, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons 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.

16. 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
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.

16.1. 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.

PROPOSAL:

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.

17. ADJOURNMENT

July 31, 2018 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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