Public Meeting Agenda: February 8, 2022 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: (4)

Minutes -Special Mtg 1-25-22

2/4/2022 at 5:49 PM
minutes - 1-25 Board Meeting

2/4/2022 at 5:49 PM
minutes - 2-1 Board Special Mtg

2/7/2022 at 10:56 AM
minutes - 2-4 Board Special Mtg

2/7/2022 at 10:56 AM

6. SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF SUCCESS

6.1. STAFF CELEBRATION: Brandi Benson from Lincoln Southwest High School Earns the 2021 Distinguished Advisor Award from the Nebraska High School Press Association

Rationale:

Brandi Benson from Lincoln Southwest High School earned the 2021 Distinguished Advisor Award from the Nebraska High School Press Association. The award honors someone who exemplifies high school journalism advising in Nebraska. Characteristics considered include years of service, publications advised, awards or honors earned, and ways they have positively influenced their students or their programs. Benson advises for both the student yearbook and the newspaper at Southwest.
Explanation:

Brandi Benson from Lincoln Southwest High School earned the 2021 Distinguished Advisor Award from the Nebraska High School Press Association.

Southwest Principal John Matzen had this to say about Benson:

"Brandi Benson helms an award-winning journalism department. Her true success lies not in the honors and trophies bestowed, but in the lives changed. Many students over the years have had their passion for journalism ignited in her class and whether they go on to a career in journalism or simply enter the world with the tools to examine issues from different perspectives, the world is better for it. That is her legacy."

6.2. ESU 18 - SNRP Update

Attachments: (1)

ESU 18 - SNRP Update

2/3/2022 at 8:39 AM

6.3. Update - 2021 LPS Pandemic Plan & Procedures and Action if Needed

Attachments: (1)

2022 Feb 8 LPS COVID Update

2/8/2022 at 6:05 PM

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:

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 Resouces 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. Certificated Employees:
Elections - none
Change of Status - 2
Re-Elect, Same Assignment - none
Re-Elect, Reassign - 1
Leave of Absence - none
Separations - 13

b. Certificated Substitute Employees:
Elections - 16
Change of Status - 1
Separations - 1

c. Classified Employees:
Elections - 28
Change of Status -3
Separations - 24
d. Administration Separtation - 12

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 February 8, 2022, were previously provided.

                Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $5,961,178.18.

                State Tax ACH Deposit of $966,531.15.

                Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $69,595.83.

                Child Support ACH Transfer of $13,307.35.

                Blue Cross/Blue Shield ACH Transfer of $5,932,115.37.

                Vision Insurance ACH Transfer of $56,577.22.

b. PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION - Payroll for the period ending January 31, 2022, in the amount of $17,352,594.37.

c. BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS - Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the purchase of grounds equipment; monitors; playground equipment; band uniforms; football equipment and supplies; CLC agreement amendments; professional services; trauma training courses; 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 February 8, 2022.

b. Payroll for the period ending January 31, 2022.

c. Bids/contracts/other routine business for the purchase of grounds equipment; monitors; playground equipment; band uniforms; football equipment and supplies; CLC agreement amendments; professional services; trauma training courses; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Attachments: (1)

2-8 Bids & Contracts

2/8/2022 at 7:48 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. Wheelchair School Buses

Rationale:

Proposals were requested from interested vendors to purchase eight wheelchair school buses with three-point safety belts for use by the Transportation Department. Proposals for gasoline engines were requested. The buses will be replacements to the fleet. Cost includes trade-ins. This will be an addition of three buses to the fleet.

Explanation
It is recommended that award for 8 gasoline buses be made to:

Nebraska Central Equipment (Alda, Nebraska) $952,276.00

There were no other proposals:

A complete proposal tabulation is available in the Purchasing Department.

This will be an expenditure of $952,276.00 from the Depreciation Fund.

Proposal
The Board, by approving this agenda item, is approving the purchase order and purchase from Nebraska Central Equipment according to the terms and conditions as presented or such other or additional terms and provisions as negotiated and approved by the Director of Transportation or a designee, and the Board is hereby delegating to and authorizing the Director of Transportation or a designee to take possession of the property and to sign, execute, and deliver all necessary contract 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, administer and implement the stated purchase order and the purchase transaction as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this school district.

9.2.2. South 70th Street and Carger Lane Infrastructure Project #10461

Rationale:

Bids were requested from interested vendors for the construction and installation of streets and related infrastructure on South 70th Street and Carger Lane.

Explanation
It is recommended that award be made to the lowest responsible vendor meeting specifications:

Bauer Infrastructure LLC (Lincoln, Nebraska)    $2,499,632.45

There were two other bidders:

K-2 Real Estate & Development (Lincoln, Nebraska)     $2,778,322.85
Constructors Inc. (Lincoln, Nebraska)    $3,141,013.05

A complete tabulation is available in the Purchasing Department.

This will be a total expenditure of $2,499,632.45 from the 2020 Bond Fund and other appropriate building funds.

Proposal
The Board, by approving this agreement with Bauer Infrastructure, 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.

10. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION

10.1. From Board Committees

10.2. From the Superintendent

10.2.1. Nebraska Corn Board Grant Application

Rationale:

The Nebraska Corn Board is a state agency funded through a 1/2-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state, which allows this Board to fund projects at multiple levels. Dr. James Blake, LPS Director of Strategic Initiatives and Focus Programs, has worked with the Nebraska Corn Board to describe LPS efforts at Northeast High School to develop the Early College and Career STEM Program, which focuses on the concepts of food, energy, water, and societal systems (FEWS2) to help students better understand agriculture. These areas of focus offer great potential to partner with the Corn Board to provide professional development for teachers in these areas.

Producers and others in industry acknowledge that the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in research relevant to corn production (e.g., plant biology and breeding, genomics, entomology, agronomy) is far too small. At the same time, there is confusion among consumers and voters about food, where it comes from and how it is produced. Consumer concerns about genetically enhanced crops, animal agriculture, and other facets of food production relevant to soy producers persist. Lincoln Northeast High School teachers have the potential to play a significant role in encouraging students to pursue careers in agriculture and in thinking objectively about these topics if they have the tools to do so.

Explanation
Through the 'Lighting the FEWS2 at Lincoln Northeast' program, teachers will learn about agriculture and food, integrated food, energy, and water systems as part of the 9th and 10th grade curricula - and this interest and learning experience will be leveraged through all students. If approved, Lincoln Public Schools would apply to the Nebraska Corn Board for $20,000 to pay for curriculum development in agriculture and ag education, pay stipends to teachers to attend relevant training in agriculture and ag education, and to pay costs related to field trips to UNL’s East Campus for both focus program teachers and students to learn and experience agricultural work in the field.

Proposal
That the Board approves the submission of an LPS application to the Nebraska Corn Board for $20,000 for a one-year commitment to assist with development and implementation of the Early College and Career STEM Program at Northeast High School. No match is required.

10.2.2. Nebraska Soybean Board Grant Application

Rationale:

The Nebraska Soybean Board is a state agency funded through a one-half of 1 percent per bushel checkoff on all soybeans sold in the state, which allows this Board to fund projects at multiple levels. Dr. James Blake, LPS Director of Strategic Initiatives and Focus Programs, has worked with the Nebraska Soybean Board to describe LPS efforts at Northeast High School to develop the Early College and Career STEM Program, which focuses on the concepts of food, energy, water, and societal systems (FEWS2) to help students better understand agriculture. These areas of focus offer great potential to partner with the Soybean Board to provide professional development for teachers in these areas.

Producers and others in industry acknowledge that the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in research relevant to soybean production (e.g., plant biology and breeding, genomics, entomology, agronomy) is far too small. At the same time, there is confusion among consumers and voters about food, where it comes from and how it is produced. Consumer concerns about genetically enhanced crops, animal agriculture, and other facets of food production relevant to soy producers persist. Lincoln Northeast High School teachers have the potential to play a significant role in encouraging students to pursue careers in agriculture and in thinking objectively about these topics if they have the tools to do so.

Explanation
Through the 'Lighting the FEWS2 at Lincoln Northeast' program, teachers will learn about agriculture and food, integrated food, energy, and water systems as part of the 9th and 10th grade curricula - and this interest and learning experience will be leveraged through all students. If approved, Lincoln Public Schools would apply to the Nebraska Soybean Board for $20,000 to pay for curriculum development in agriculture and ag education, pay stipends to teachers to attend relevant training in agriculture and ag education, and to pay costs related to field trips to UNL’s East Campus for both focus program teachers and students to learn and experience agricultural work in the field.

Proposal
That the Board approves the submission of an LPS application to the Nebraska Soybean Board for $20,000 for a one-year commitment to assist with development and implementation of the Early College and Career STEM Program at Northeast High School. No match is required.

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

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD

Rationale: February 16: GNSA Meeting, Zoom, 9:30 a.m.
February 18: No Elementary School
February 21: No School All Levels

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:

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

February 8, 2022 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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