Public Meeting Agenda: January 26, 2021 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. The Lincoln Board of Education shall also make available for examination and copying as requested by members of the public, at least one copy of all reproducible written materials to be discussed at the meeting.

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: (1)

minutes -1-12 Board Meeting

1/14/2021 at 1:56 PM

6. SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF SUCCESS

6.1. Staff Recognition: Ryan Escamilla, Lincoln High Associate Principal Honored With Annual Distinguished School Administrator Award by the Nebraska School Librarians Association

Rationale:

The Nebraska School Librarians Association has honored Lincoln High School Associate Principal Ryan Escamilla with its annual Distinguished School Administrator Award. The award recognizes a school administrator who has made worthy contributions to the operations of an exemplary school library and advancing the role of the school library. The purpose of the award is to honor administrators outside the library profession who, through individual leadership and sustained effort, have made worthy contributions to the operations of school library services and advancing the role of school library services in education.

Explanation:

The Nebraska School Librarians Association has honored Lincoln High School Associate Principal Ryan Escamilla with its annual Distinguished School Administrator Award. The award recognizes a school administrator who has made worthy contributions to the operations of an exemplary school library and advancing the role of the school library. Escamilla has been at Lincoln High for four years and has supervised library services the entire time.

Here’s what Lincoln High media specialist Paula McClung said about Escamilla in her nomination letter:

"When decisions need to be made that affect a staff member of our library or our library program, he comes directly to us and seeks our involvement in that decision. His keen sense of staff relationships and the way he seeks to gather information is certainly one of the most valued skills an administrator could have, and with Ryan, this is certainly the case in all he does."

Lincoln High media technician Carter Hulinsky had this to say about Escamilla:

"He puts the needs of our students and school library above his own. He never takes any credit for any of his efforts, and would never consider himself deserving of this distinguished award."

"Although it can be challenging at times, I am grateful to work with the kids I do. They have taught me the value of patience and flexibility. All children have great value and are worth the time and sacrifice it sometimes takes."

6.2. Update - 2020 LPS Pandemic Plan & Procedures and Action if Needed

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Rationale:

In the interest of maintaining the orderly decorum of the Lincoln School Board's meetings, the following rules are established for the conduct of all person attending a meeting of the Lincoln Board of Education and for those participating in public comment:

Face coverings that cover the nose and mouth are required for all individuals attending Lincoln Board of Education meetings. This requirement is in alignment with the recommendations of the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department for individuals in public settings and to protect other participants at the Board meeting who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to COVID-19. When participating in public comment you may only remove your face covering while at the podium and addressing the board.

No signs, posters, placards, etc. shall be affixed to the walls, doors, etc. of the Lincoln Public Schools District Office or any room therein, except by LPS staff in connection with District business and then only with permission of the Superintendent or designee.

No sign, placard, or poster which is carried by hand shall be permitted in the Lincoln Public Schools District Office building or any of its rooms.

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

Rationale:

8.1. Human Resources Matters

Rationale: The Human Resources Division also includes the Office of Risk Management. As such, in addition to the Lincoln Board of Education approving all contractual agreements with employees, all employee benefit issues, all personnel actions, and all other matters within the scope of the Human Resources Division, as part of the Human Resources Matters agenda; the Lincoln Board of Education also must approve the settlement of Workers’ Compensation claims, take action on tort claims filed against the district, and take action on all other matters within the scope of the Office of Risk Management.

Explanation:
This report includes routine Human Resources changes:

a. Administrator Employees:
Transfer - 1

b. Certificated Employees:
Elections - 9
Change of Status - 5
Re-Elect Same Assignment - 2
Re-Elect Change of Assignment - 1
Leave of Absence - 4
Separations - 3

c. Substitute Certificated Employees:
Elections - 14
Separations - 8

d. Classified Employees:
Elections - 36
Change of Status - 2
Leave of Absence - 3
Separations - 35

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 January 26, 2021, were previously provided.

                Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $89,090.13.

                Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $37,651.60.

                Child Support ACH Transfer of $666.25.

                Retirement ACH Transfer of $5,305,438.01.

                Vendor ACH Transfer of $4,242.95.

b. PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION - Payroll for the period ending January 15, 2021, in the amount of $298,735.38.

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 laptops; authorization of an easement; items listed for auction; 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 January 26, 2021.

b. Payroll for the period ending January 15, 2021.

c. Gifts for Kahoa.

d. Bids/contracts/other routine business for the purchase of laptops; authorization of an easement; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Attachments: (1)

1-26 Gifts & Bids

1/22/2021 at 11:32 AM

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

9.2. From the Superintendent

9.2.1. Resolution for Option Enrollment Students 2021-22

Rationale: Nebraska students may attend a school other than the one in the district in which they reside under the option enrollment statutes.

Explanation
The attached resolution would admit any K-12 option students who meet the statutory and legal conditions and whose application is received by August 6, 2021.

The resolution specifies the circumstances under which late-filed applications would be accepted.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the option resolution for the 2021-22 school year.

Attachments: (1)

01 26 21 OPTION ENROLLMENT RESOLUTION

1/19/2021 at 12:53 PM

9.2.2. West Vine Street Infrastructure Project #10085

Rationale:

Bids were requested from interested contractors for the construction and installation of streets and related infrastructure on West Vine Street, between NW 48th and NW 50th Streets, and NW 50th Street, south of West Vine Street. Upon receipt of bids, the south NW 50th Street improvements are being removed from the scope of the project.

Explanation
It is recommended that award for the West Vine Street improvements (NW 48th and NW 50th Streets) be made to the lowest responsible vendor meeting specifications:

K-2 Real Estate & Development (Lincoln, Nebraska) $1,517,517.55

There was one other bidder:

MTZ Construction LLC (Lincoln, Nebraska) $1,832,001.20

A complete tabulation is available in the Purchasing Department.

This will be a total expenditure of $1,517,517.55 from the 2020 Bond Fund and other appropriate building funds.

Proposal
The Board, by approving this agreement with K-2 Real Estate & Development, is approving the award, the contract documents for this project, and all associated documents related thereto according to the terms and conditions as on file with district records 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 delegating to and authorizing the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or a designee to sign, execute, and deliver the contract documents and all such related documents, make all contract payments, 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 to administer, operate, and/or implement the contract and all associated documents related thereto on a day-to-day basis during this project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this school district, and hereby designates the Director of Operations, 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 agreement.

9.2.3. District WiFi Infrastructure #10052

Rationale:

The CLASS technology plan includes budget resources to update the wireless network (Wi-Fi) infrastructure throughout the district after the equipment has been in service for six years. The proposed equipment will update the LPS network to the WiFi 6 standard in all locations.

WiFi 6 is the next generation WiFi networking standard providing greater throughput and more reliable connectivity in areas congested with high concentrations of devices. The continued expansion in the number and different types of devices in the district, along with an increase in reliance upon the connectivity of those devices to meet instructional objectives, reinforces the decision to implement a more capable and up-to-date WiFi infrastructure.

Explanation
The majority of devices on the LPS network use wireless connectivity to access resources. It is the only form of network connectivity for the district’s 45,000 Chromebooks and 9,000+ iPads and it is the primary method used by more than 4,000 staff members to connect district-issued laptops. Currently, over 90% of the clients on the network connect via wireless and the LPS network hosts up to 100,000 devices every day. A robust, reliable, and resilient wireless network plays a critical role in the instructional, operational, and administrative work of the district.

The existing wireless equipment is nearing end of support from the manufacturer. Most of the current wireless access points are at least seven years old. Aruba is beginning to remove support for these devices. The hardware update will allow network upgrades and improvements to continue to occur.

In compliance with Federal E-rate procurement requirements, sealed proposals for Wireless Network Infrastructure, including Access Points and associated software licensing, were sought via Request for Proposal #10052. Eight responses were received and the associated solutions were analyzed based on an E-rate compliant rubric.

It is recommended that the Board award a purchase to Datavizion LLC (Lincoln, NE) to purchase 4,504 Aruba wireless access points, associated management and security software and five years of support and maintenance for the equipment and software.

Description	Cost	E-Rate Program Funding	LPS Cost After E-Rate
Wireless Access Point hardware, software and associated accessories including mounting hardware and cables	$1,589,064.22	$949,369.70	$639,694.52
Monitoring software licensing and hardware maintenance for controllers	$75,911.04	$0.00	$75,911.04
Totals	$1,664,975.26	$949,369.70	$715,605.56

As indicated in the table above, the district has filed all appropriate forms with the Federal E-Rate program to receive Category Two funding of 60% on eligible goods and services.

This will be an expenditure of $1,664,975.26 from CLASS plan Funds with partial reimbursement being sought from the Federal E-Rate Program.

Proposal
The Board by approving this purchase with DataVison LLC., is approving the provisions of the agreement 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 delegating to and 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 to administer, operate, and implement the same on a day to day basis during its term as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this school district.

10. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION

10.1. From Board Committees

10.2. From the Superintendent

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. From the Superintendent

13.3.1. Superintendent Update

13.3.2. 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 December 31, 2020, is attached.

Proposal
Information item; no Board action required.

Attachments: (1)

1-26 Monthly Financial Report

1/14/2021 at 8:46 AM

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD

Rationale: January 27 - Wellness, Am Civics, MC Committee Mtg, 6:00 p.m., Zoom
January 28 - SSKI Board Meeting, 12:15 p.m., LPSDO
February 9 - TCA Joint Board Meeting, 8:00 a.m., TCA
Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., LPSDO

15. PUBLIC COMMENT

Rationale:

In the interest of maintaining the orderly decorum of the Lincoln School Board's meetings, the following rules are established for the conduct of all person attending a meeting of the Lincoln Board of Education and for those participating in public comment:

Face coverings that cover the nose and mouth are required for all individuals attending Lincoln Board of Education meetings. This requirement is in alignment with the recommendations of the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department for individuals in public settings and to protect other participants at the Board meeting who may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to COVID-19. When participating in public comment you may only remove your face covering while at the podium and addressing the board.

No signs, posters, placards, etc. shall be affixed to the walls, doors, etc. of the Lincoln Public Schools District Office or any room therein, except by LPS staff in connection with District business and then only with permission of the Superintendent or designee.

No sign, placard, or poster which is carried by hand shall be permitted in the Lincoln Public Schools District Office building or any of its rooms.

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 a closed session by the affirmative vote of a majority of its voting members if a closed session is clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual. The subject matter and the reason necessitating the closed session are to be identified in the motion to close. Closed sessions may be held for, but shall not be limited to, such the subject matter and the reasons set forth in the Proposal section below.

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

January 26, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

"Although it can be challenging at times, I am grateful to work with the kids I do. They have taught me the value of patience and flexibility. All children have great value and are worth the time and sacrifice it sometimes takes."

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