October 10, 2023 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. LPS Communications Team Honored by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) with 20 Publictions and Digital Media Excellence Awards
Rationale:
The Lincoln Public Schools Communications Team received recognition for its work by receiving 20 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards presented by the National School Public Relations Association in July 2023 for communication occurring during the 2022-2023 school year.
Explanation
Staff from the Lincoln Public Schools Communications Team were honored at the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) 2023 National Seminar on July 16 for their work during the 2022-2023 school year. The LPS team received Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards for 20 different projects, ranging from graphic design, written publication, video work and social media content. Each entry is judged on the overall excellence of the entry as well as its quality compared to other entries in the category. The top award in each category is the Award of Excellence. Awards of Merit and Honorable Mentions are also given in each category. A record number 1,800-plus entries were submitted in 2023. Members of the nationally award winning communications team led by Executive Director Mindy Burbach include Marlenia Thornton, Chris Warner, Brian Fitzgerald, Joshua Genrich, David Koehn, Brian Seifferlein, BriAna Wycoff, Otilio Meza, Brent Hardin, Emily Anton, Julie Dansky and Leo Lukin. Associate Superintendent for Civic Engagement John Neal writes: "The LPS Communications Team effectively shares the diverse stories of our students, parents, staff, and Board members in compelling words and images that reach to the heart of learning and teaching. Through their skill and artistic touch, they make it possible for the community to understand the sincere and deep dedication that goes into teaching and supporting our students. The Communications Team’s work is essential in continually earning the trust of the community of Lincoln." Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, The members of the Lincoln Public Schools Communications Team were honored by the National School Public Relations Association with 20 national Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards; and WHEREAS, the members of the LPS Communications Team effectively share the diverse stories of students, parents, staff, and Board members through various communication platforms to highlight the sincere and deep dedication that goes into teaching and supporting our students; and WHEREAS, the members of the LPS Communications Team enable and empower others in the school district to effectively communicate with their students, with their families, with their staff and with the community at large; and WHEREAS, the members of the LPS Communications Team are highly respected and valued by their colleagues not only at Lincoln Public Schools but across the state of Nebraska and the nation; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate the members of the Lincoln Public Schools Communications Team for receiving 20 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards from the National School Public Relations Association. |
6.2. David Koehn and Brian Seifferlein: National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter Emmy Award for Education/Schools - Long Form Content
Rationale:
Lincoln Public Schools Multimedia Content and Broadcast Technicians won the Regional Emmy Award in the category of Education/Schools - Long Form Content from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter for their work on the Seat Beside You: The World of Lisbeth.
Explanation
David Koehn and Brian Seifferlein are multimedia and broadcast technicians in the Lincoln Public Schools Library Services Department that have created a video series titled ‘The Seat Beside You’ to help share the stories of the students and staff of Lincoln Public Schools. This series helps others have a better understanding of the person in the seat beside them, making our schools and community become stronger. The World of Lisbeth, is the story of a young girl who immigrated from Guatemala with her mother Hilda. Hilda had to make a hard decision to leave her family behind in order to get her daughter the medical treatment and education she needed. This 17 minute documentary shows their experience in a new country and the LPS staff members who help them. David and Brian learned in July of 2023 that their video featuring Lisbeth won the Regional Emmy Award in the category of Education/Schools - Long Form Content from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter. Proposal That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, David Koehn and Brian Seifferlein are multimedia and broadcast technicians in the Lincoln Public Schools Library Services Department and recently won the Regional Emmy Award in the category of Education/Schools - Long Form Content from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter; and WHEREAS, David Koehn and Brian Seifferlein have created a video series titled ‘The Seat Beside You’ to help share the stories of the students and staff of Lincoln Public Schools; and WHEREAS, David Koehn and Brian Seifferlein use their creativity, knowledge, experience and passion to further the mission of Lincoln Public Schools in serving ALL students and families; and WHEREAS, David Koehn and Brian Seifferlein are highly respected and valued by their colleagues not only at Lincoln Public Schools but across the state of Nebraska and the nation; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate David Koehn and Brian Seifferlein for winning the Regional Emmy Award in the category of Education/Schools - Long Form Content from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter. |
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rationale:
The Board believes public attendance and participation, when appropriate to the business at hand, is beneficial to the work of the Board and models the importance of civic engagement and civil discourse to the community’s children, but it cannot impede the Board from completing the business of the meeting. 2. A time limit of three minutes will be allotted for any speaker unless prior to the beginning of the Public Comment agenda item, the chair sets a different reasonable time frame to be allotted for speakers in order to accommodate the number of persons who have submitted "Record of Appearance" cards. The time limit is per speaker, per meeting and may not be transferred or assigned to other speakers. 3. The chair may endeavor to organize public comment by what agenda items or other issues have been identified as topics by public speakers, adjust for the age of speakers, and/or split the Public Comment agenda item to be conducted in different positions within the Board’s Order of Business. 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. 4. In order to be called forward to address the Board during Public Comment, each person wishing to speak must obtain a "Record of Appearance" card from staff at the meeting in which they wish to speak. "Record of Appearance" cards are available beginning 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. Those wishing to speak must accurately complete the required sections of the card, and submit it to the appropriate staff member by 15 minutes after the start of the meeting. 5. Individuals will be called forward to speak by name, organization being represented, if applicable, and address. Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment by stating their first and last name and, if applicable, any organization they represent. 6. 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. 7. If the number of people wishing to speak under the public comment portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled. 8. Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may make printed materials (paper no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches) available to the Board but may not use any other form of media. Public speakers are asked to provide 10 copies of any copies of printed materials presented to the Board. Persons attending Board meetings and/or speaking to the Board during Public Comment or during a public hearing must follow all requirements established by the Board, as well as all Board, chair and staff directions in order to help maintain the order, proper decorum, safety and security, and the non-disruptive functioning of the Board meeting. These include, but are not limited to the following:
If at any time persons appearing before the Board do not comply with these or any other Board requirements, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons out of order and require a change in behavior, delay or recess the meeting, or refuse permission to continue to address the Board, and ultimately may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting. |
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Rationale:
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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: Proposal: 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.
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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 October 10, 2023, were previously provided. Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $6,514,039.04. Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $131,482.87. Child Support ACH Transfer of $13,942.00. Blue Cross/Blue Shield ACH Transfer of $6,795,439.60. Vision Insurance ACH Transfer of $57,106.56. b. PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION - Payroll for the period ending September 29, 2023, in the amount of $19,358,878.32. 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 vehicles; playground equipment group travel; settlement approval; 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 the period ending October 10, 2023. b. Payroll for the period ending September 29, 2023.
c. Gifts for Mickle, Southwest, and the district.
d. Bids/contracts/other routine business for vehicles; playground equipment; group travel; settlement approval; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.
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8.3. Enrollment of Expelled Student
Rationale:
Lincoln Public Schools regulation 5460.1 and Nebraska state law provides that if a student has been expelled from any public or private school, and the student has not completed the terms or time period of the expulsion, the student shall not be permitted to enroll in this school district until the expulsion period from such other school has expired unless the Lincoln Board of Education approves by a majority vote the enrollment of such student prior to the expiration of the expulsion period. Student number 281353 (for purposes of confidentiality we are using an assigned number) has filed the proper application and has requested enrollment.
Explanation: The Department of Student Services has reviewed the application and the background information on the student and is recommending that the application be approved and that the student be enrolled in the Lincoln Public Schools Expelled Student Program for the remainder of this school year, subject to such terms and conditions as imposed by the Director of Student Services and all program rules and regulations until the term or time period of the original underlying expulsions are completed. Proposal: That the Board approves the application and all recommendations of the Department of Student Services. |
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. Newly Annexed Property to the City of Lincoln
Rationale:
The Board of Education assigns school attendance areas to property newly annexed to the City of Lincoln or newly platted. This action establishes school attendance areas prior to the sale of residential lots, allowing purchasers to know what schools their children will attend.
Explanation
The City of Lincoln has annexed a parcel of land, which automatically brings this property into the district of Lincoln Public Schools. This property needs to be assigned attendance centers so that potential purchasers of homes in this area will know which schools they will be attending: East Dominion Estates, Annexation Ordinance #21518, for 2023-24 school year: Robinson Elementary School, Culler Middle School, and East High School. Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed attendance area assignments of the newly annexed property.
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9.1.2. Policy 4760- Standards of Ethical and Professional Performance- Certificated Staff
Rationale:
Periodically, new circumstances or changes in legislation or regulation from the state or federal government require the school district to make minor updates to align existing policy without changing the original leadership or organizational intent of the Board.
Policy 4760 is being amended to clarify that teachers with responsibilities for components of IEPs, IFSPs, 504 plans, and IHPs must read or make themselves aware of their expectations regarding IEPs, IFSPs, 504 plans, and IHPs. |
9.2. From the Superintendent
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10. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION
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10.1. From Board Committees
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10.2. From the Superintendent
Rationale:
Lincoln Community Learning Centers began serving four Title I eligible elementary schools with two Lead Agency partners in 1999. Over the past 24 years, the CLC Initiative has grown to its current capacity of serving 30 schools, K-12 with 10 Lead Agency partners. All CLC services are provided during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session including non-school days and summer. The Community Learning Centers programs and activities are designed to build on the capacity of community partners and neighborhood schools. Each site has an academic focus to assist participating students in meeting state and local academic achievement standards. Families of students served may also receive services in areas that support family literacy, health, other family support services, and childcare. The previous CLC Strategic Plan was developed and implemented in 2015, and many of the goals set forth in that strategic plan have been accomplished.
EXPLANATION: Over the past twenty-five years, the Coalition for Community Schools (Coalition) has mobilized and supported thousands of community school leaders across all 50 states and internationally and has led research and practice to guide the growing Community Schools movement. From these strong relationships and deep interactions, the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) has codified best practices and established Community School Standards, Coaching for Building Sustainable Systems, and a Community School Data Hub that guides the implementation and management of Community Schools nationwide. Additionally, the Coalition was a key partner in the research leading to Four Pillars of Full-Service Community Schools which guide implementation and support Community Schools as an evidence-based strategy promoting equity and educational excellence for every child. The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is the home of the Coalition for Community Schools, acting as the liaison between the Coalition’s national intermediaries and place-based networks. Lincoln Community Learning Centers is viewed as a national model for best practice Community Schools programming and engages hundreds of local community stakeholders, including leaders within Lincoln Public Schools, local philanthropy, lawmakers, Lead Agency partners, parents, students, and community members. The Coalition for Community Schools brings a national perspective to the planning, implementation, and growth of the Community Schools framework, and will engage our local community members and partners to develop a Strategic Plan that will guide, sustain, and scale the future of the Lincoln CLC initiative. |
10.2.1. Lincoln Community Learning Centers Strategic Planning
Rationale:
Lincoln Community Learning Centers began serving four Title I eligible elementary schools with two Lead Agency partners in 1999. Over the past 24 years, the CLC Initiative has grown to its current capacity of serving 30 schools, K-12 with 10 Lead Agency partners. All CLC services are provided during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session, including non-school days and summer. The Community Learning Centers programs and activities are designed to build on the capacity of community partners and neighborhood schools. Each site has an academic focus to assist participating students in meeting state and local academic achievement standards. Families of students served may also receive services in areas that support family literacy, health, other family support services, and childcare. The previous CLC Strategic Plan was developed and implemented in 2015, and many of the goals set forth in that strategic plan have been accomplished.
EXPLANATION: Over the past twenty-five years, the Coalition for Community Schools (Coalition) has mobilized and supported thousands of community school leaders across all 50 states and internationally and has led research and practice to guide the growing Community Schools movement. From these strong relationships and deep interactions, the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) has codified best practices and established Community School Standards, Coaching for Building Sustainable Systems, and a Community School Data Hub that guides the implementation and management of Community Schools nationwide. Additionally, the Coalition was a key partner in the research leading to Four Pillars of Full-Service Community Schools which guide implementation and support Community Schools as an evidence-based strategy promoting equity and educational excellence for every child. The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is the home of the Coalition for Community Schools, acting as the liaison between the Coalition’s national intermediaries and place-based networks. Lincoln Community Learning Centers is viewed as a national model for best practice Community Schools programming and engages hundreds of local community stakeholders, including leaders within Lincoln Public Schools, local philanthropy, lawmakers, Lead Agency partners, parents, students, and community members. The Coalition for Community Schools brings a national perspective to the planning, implementation, and growth of the Community Schools framework, and will engage our local community members and partners to develop a Strategic Plan that will guide, sustain, and scale the future of the Lincoln CLC initiative. |
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 Special Appointments
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13.3. From the Superintendent
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13.3.1. Superintendent Update
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14. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD
Rationale:
October 13: No School for Elementary Students
October 16-17: No School All Levels October 24: Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., SJDLC |
15. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rationale:
The Board believes public attendance and participation, when appropriate to the business at hand, is beneficial to the work of the Board and models the importance of civic engagement and civil discourse to the community’s children, but it cannot impede the Board from completing the business of the meeting. 2. A time limit of three minutes will be allotted for any speaker unless prior to the beginning of the Public Comment agenda item, the chair sets a different reasonable time frame to be allotted for speakers in order to accommodate the number of persons who have submitted "Record of Appearance" cards. The time limit is per speaker, per meeting and may not be transferred or assigned to other speakers. 3. The chair may endeavor to organize public comment by what agenda items or other issues have been identified as topics by public speakers, adjust for the age of speakers, and/or split the Public Comment agenda item to be conducted in different positions within the Board’s Order of Business. 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. 4. In order to be called forward to address the Board during Public Comment, each person wishing to speak must obtain a "Record of Appearance" card from staff at the meeting in which they wish to speak. "Record of Appearance" cards are available beginning 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. Those wishing to speak must accurately complete the required sections of the card, and submit it to the appropriate staff member by 15 minutes after the start of the meeting. 5. Individuals will be called forward to speak by name, organization being represented, if applicable, and address. Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment by stating their first and last name and, if applicable, any organization they represent. 6. 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. 7. If the number of people wishing to speak under the public comment portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled. 8. Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may make printed materials (paper no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches) available to the Board but may not use any other form of media. Public speakers are asked to provide 10 copies of any copies of printed materials presented to the Board. Persons attending Board meetings and/or speaking to the Board during Public Comment or during a public hearing must follow all requirements established by the Board, as well as all Board, chair and staff directions in order to help maintain the order, proper decorum, safety and security, and the non-disruptive functioning of the Board meeting. These include, but are not limited to the following:
If at any time persons appearing before the Board do not comply with these or any other Board requirements, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons out of order and require a change in behavior, delay or recess the meeting, or refuse permission to continue to address the Board, and ultimately 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 |
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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