May 25, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
Agenda |
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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. |
2. CALL TO ORDER
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3. ROLL CALL
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4. ANNOUNCE OPEN MEETING ACT POSTING AND LOCATION
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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.
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6. SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF SUCCESS
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6.1. Student Celebration: Lincoln East Senior Mimi Yu selected as Nebraska's first Youth Poet Laureate
Rationale:
Lincoln East Senior Mimi Yu was selected as Nebraska's first Youth Poet Laureate. Mimi will read some of her award-winning poetry, and Lincoln East teacher Tina Le will talk about the writing process.
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6.2. Staff Celebration: The National Speech and Debate Association Honors Lincoln High School Debate Coach Victoria Freeman with the James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award
Rationale:
The National Speech & Debate Association has honored Lincoln High School Debate Coach Victoria Freeman with its James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award.
LPS Secondary English/Language Arts Curriculum Specialist Mindy Murphy said this about Freeman: "Victoria has been an outstanding member of LPS debate programming. She maintains a solid focus on the development of her students, as well as being a strong leader among the LPS debate coaches. Victoria devotes countless hours to ensure her program runs seamlessly." Lincoln Southwest High School Debate Coach Toni Heimes said the following about Freeman: "Victoria's knowledge of the logistical side of tournament software and her insightful judgment when working with tournament logistics make her an important part of the workings of the Nebraska debate circuit. This year, her work with virtual debate was integral to the overall success of the season. Most importantly, Victoria's work with equity and inclusion in the debate space has made her a crucial voice in our community." |
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:
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8. CONSENT AGENDA
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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: 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 May 25, 2021, were previously provided.
Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $66,010.42. State Tax ACH Deposit of $932,702.85. Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $117,121.18. Child Support ACH Transfer of $156.50. Term Life/Disability ACH Transfer of $198,244.22. Retirement ACH Transfer of $5,213,623.89. Vision Insurance ACH Transfer of $379.46. Vendor ACH Transfer of $10,852.57. b. PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION - Payroll for the periods ending May 6 and May 14, 2021, in the amount of $231,393.91. c. BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS - Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for playground equipment; cameras; parking lot replacement; fire alarm systems upgrades; curriculum; Nutrition Services disposable products; group travel; software; staff training; land exchange; CLC amendments; grant agreement; 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 May 25, 2021. b. Payroll for the periods ending May 6 and 14, 2020.
c. Bids/contracts/other routine business for playground equipment; cameras; parking lot replacement; fire alarm systems upgrades; curriculum; Nutrition Services disposable products; group travel; software; staff training; land exchange; CLC amendments; grant agreement; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.
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8.3. Option Enrollment Student Application for 2021-22
Rationale:
On February 9, 2021, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option enrollment students for the 2021-22 school year. An application for enrollment during the 2021-22 school year has been received and is in compliance with the Board resolution of February 9, 2021.
Explanation The application included in this agenda item has been examined by staff and meets one of the criteria set forth by the Board in the resolution of February 9, 2021. Staff recommends approval of the application. Proposal That the Board adopts the following resolution: WHEREAS, the student who has been assigned student number 443209 (for purposes of confidentiality, an assigned number is being used) meets one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 9, 2021, with regard to such option students; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned student be accepted as an option student on the condition and with the express understanding that all programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.
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8.4. Late Request for Enrollment Option Out 2021-22
Rationale:
March 15, 2021, 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 2021-22 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 Student Number Option District |
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.
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9.1. From Board Committees
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9.1.1. Naming New High School in South Lincoln
Rationale:
As directed by Policy 3997 and Regulation 3997.1, a committee of ten (10) community members (Becky Dunder, Halley Kruse, Richard Meginnis, Amanda Morales, Cindy Ryman Yost, Alynn Sampson, Kamryn Sannicks, Deb Schorr, Felecia Welke, and Ed Zimmer) and three (3) Board members (Bob Rauner, Lanny Boswell, and Don Mayhew) solicited and reviewed suggestions for names of the new high school to be built in south Lincoln near 70th Street and Saltillo Road. Over 200 names were suggested by more than 600 individuals. The committee met over the course of several weeks to discuss the submissions and make a recommendation to the Board.
Explanation The committee unanimously recommended that the new LPS high school in south Lincoln be named Standing Bear High School. Standing Bear (1829-1908) was a Chief of the Ponca Tribe when the tribe was forcibly removed from their homeland in Nebraska. When Standing Bear returned to Nebraska to bury his son, he was arrested and held for trial. Standing Bear prevailed and was declared a "person" according to law. He and his followers were free to return to their homeland. However, as all of the Tribe’s land had been taken from them, they had no home to return to. |
9.2. From the Superintendent
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9.2.1. U.S. Department of Justice Federal Grant - School Violence Prevention Grant Program
Rationale:
Lincoln Public Schools proposes to write a competitive application to the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), within the U.S. Department of Justice. This application is in response to the School Violence Prevention Program Grant. This program is designed to provide funding to improve security at schools and on school grounds through the following strategies: coordination with local law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence against others and self; placement and use of deterrent equipment; and acquisition and installation of technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency.
Explanation LPS utilizes many procedures and systems in order to ensure the safety of students and staff. The use of two-way radios for communication within school buildings has long been a standard mechanism for ensuring the safety of students and staff. Unfortunately, the replacement of this equipment in elementary and middle schools is not currently within budgetary options, and while the recommended life of these devices is 10-12 years, current projections for their replacement is on a 20-year timetable. In addition, current equipment used in LPS schools broadcasts an analog signal, while a digital signal is much stronger and offers greater communication options and flexibility for staff within a building. This grant provides an opportunity to replace current analog two-way radios in LPS elementary and middle schools with digital devices over the next three years. A plan is already in place to replace all high school radios. The grant application is due June 22, 2021. |
9.2.2. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant
Rationale:
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento program is designed to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. Under this program, State educational agencies (SEAs) and Local educational agencies (LEAs) must ensure that each homeless child and youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other children and youth. Homeless children and youth should have access to the educational and other services that they need to enable them to meet the same challenging State student academic achievement standards to which all students are held. States and districts are required to review and undertake steps to revise laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a barrier to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school.
Explanation The LPS Homeless Outreach Coordinator works with families experiencing homelessness to arrange transportation services for children to attend school and works with families to provide other supports that create a more stable environment for children experiencing homelessness. LPS will use funds received through the McKinney-Vento Act to continue to support the salary of the Homeless Outreach Coordinator and to pay transportation costs for homeless children to attend school. The grant application is due June 16, 2021. |
9.2.3. Proposed 2021-2022 Pay Rates for Substitute and Miscellaneous Employees
Rationale:
The Board of Education must approve all salary schedules/pay rates for the employees of Lincoln Public Schools.
Explanation Attached are the 2020-21 pay rates for substitute and miscellaneous employees and the proposed 2021-22 pay rates for such employees. The recommended salary increases range from no increase to a 1.00 percent increase, depending on the employee group. The determination of what salary to recommend is made in conjunction with the supervisor of that employee group and an assessment of the availability of candidates for the positions.
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9.2.4. New Northwest & Southeast Activities Complexes Construction Project #10133
Rationale:
Sealed bids were received on April 22, 2021, from interested vendors, for the construction of the New Northwest and Southeast Activities Complexes project.
Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to the lowest responsible vendor meeting specifications: Cheever Construction Co. (Lincoln, Nebraska) $15,419,000.00 There were two other bidders: Hausmann Construction, Inc. (Lincoln, Nebraska) $15,569,000.00 Sampson Construction Co., Inc. (Lincoln, Nebraska) $15,714,000.00 It is also recommended LPS accepts Alternate L-1 Asphalt Tennis Courts in lieu of Post-Tensioned Courts (deduct $57,000.00) and Alternate E-3-Eliminate Exterior Athletic Lighting RGBW fixtures (deduct $20,000.00). A complete tabulation is available in the Purchasing Department. This will be a total expenditure of $15,342,000.00 from the 2020 Bond Fund and other appropriate building funds. Proposal
The Board, by approving this agreement with Cheever Construction Co., 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 contract amendments, change orders, construction change directives, or 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. |
10. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION
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10.1. From Board Committees
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10.1.1. Naming New High School in Northwest Lincoln
Rationale:
As directed by Policy 3997 and Regulation 3997.1, a committee of twelve (12) community members (Randy Bretz, Rich Claussen, John Goodwin, John Harris, Randy Hawthorne, Dayna Krannawitter, Marian Price, Willie Shafer, Tammy Ward, George Weaver, Larry Wright, and John Yoakum) and three (3) Board members (Don Mayhew, Barbara Baier, and Annie Mumgaard) solicited and reviewed suggestions for names of the new high school to be built in northwest Lincoln at NW 48th and West Holdrege Streets. Over 200 names were suggested by more than 900 individuals. The committee met over the course of several weeks to discuss the submissions and make a recommendation to the Board.
Explanation
The committee unanimously recommended that the new LPS high school in northwest Lincoln be named Lincoln Northwest High School. |
10.1.2. Policy 5520 - Students - Student Fees
Rationale:
The Board of Education of Lincoln Public Schools annually reviews and approves Policy 5520 to ensure that its policy is in accordance with the Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fees Authorization Act.
The district’s general policy is to provide for the free instruction in school in accordance with the Nebraska Constitution and state and federal law. This generally means that the district’s policy is to provide free instruction for courses that 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 to address changes in cost while remaining in compliance with all applicable laws. Proposal That the Board approve revisions to Policy 5520 and Appendix 1.
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10.2. From the Superintendent
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11. EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS
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12. ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
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13. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/REPORTS
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13.1. From Board Committees
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13.2. From The Career Academy
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13.3. From the Superintendent
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13.3.1. Superintendent Update
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13.3.1.1. Monthly Financial Report
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14. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD
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May 27: LEA Open House, 1:00 pm, Clifton Center
May 28: LHS Graduation, 6:00 pm, PBA May 29: LSE Graduation, 8:30 am, PBA LNE Graduation, 12:30 pm, PBA LSW Graduation, 4:30 pm, PBA May 30: LNS Graduation, 12:00 pm, PBA East Graduation, 4:00 pm, PBA June 4: Asian Community Center Senior Recognition, 6:00 pm, LHS June 8: Board Work Session, 4:30 pm, LPSDO Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, LPSDO ESU 18 Board Meeting, following 6:00 pm meeting, 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:
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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.
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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. 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
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