January 13, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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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.
The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools. |
2. CALL TO ORDER
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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. Brett Schuster, Nebraska Girls Track Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association
Rationale:
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association has named Brett Schuster, the Nebraska Girls Track Coach of the Year. Explanation “First, my role is to ensure that our coaching staff is building positive relationships with our student-athletes so that we can continue to set and maintain high expectations for all of the athletes in our track and field program, both in the classroom and on the track.” Schuster himself also meets high expectations. His athletic director, Mark Armstrong, commends Schuster for how he goes about his teaching and coaching responsibilities: "Brett is the utmost professional in everything he does. He is a true role model for his athletes and they hold both him and his staff in the highest regard. He is able to connect with the athletes, help them to reach their full potential, and effectively teach those life-lessons that result from participation in athletics.” On the track, Schuster’s teams have won the District title the past two years and won the 2014 Class A State Track & Field Meet. Track & Field has 17 events, each requiring a unique skill set. Throughout it all, Schuster has continued to learn how to teach and how to coach, and when they both happen at the same time: That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, Brett Schuster has been named Track & Field Coach of the Year for Nebraska by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association; and WHEREAS, Schuster is noted for the high standards he sets for himself, his assistant coaches, and his student-athletes; and WHEREAS, Schuster recognizes the connection between teaching and coaching, the value of building relationships with students and pushing them to reach their fullest potential in the classroom and on the track; and WHEREAS Schuster serves as a true role model for his athletes and they hold both him and his staff in the highest regard. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Brett Schuster for being named the Nebraska Girls Track Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. |
6.2. Update from the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools
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7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rationale:
In keeping with Policy 8420, 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.
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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. |
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.
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8.3. Option Enrollment Student Applications For 2014-15
Rationale:
On February 25, 2014, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option students for the 2014-15 school year. Applications have been received from students requesting that they be accepted as option students for the 2014-15 school year. Staff recommends that the students referred to in this agenda item be accepted for enrollment as they are in compliance with the Board resolution of February 25, 2014.
Explanation Staff has examined the applications of the students included in this proposal. The students meet one of the criteria set forth by the Board in its resolution of February 25, 2014. Staff recommends approval of these applications. Proposal That the Board adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS the students who have been assigned student numbers 401165, 280601, and 280599 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 25, 2014, with regard to such option students; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned students be accepted as option students on the condition and with the express understanding that all programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.
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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. Policy 4300-Selection and Assignment of Employees
Rationale:
The Human Resources Department works with several different employee groups with unique requirements for employment. As a result, the Human Resources Department maintains several different pools of employee candidates that represent the unique nature of the professional characteristics of these different groups. The existing policy mentions a single pool of employees, so the language needs to be revised to match the uniqueness of the candidate pools.
Explanation
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9.1.2. Policy 4620-Retirement Benefits
Rationale:
Early notification programs have been identified as effective ways to determine staffing needs and staffing flexibility, especially when faced with either a large number of potential hires or an uncertain labor market. While not a required annual program, the option of an early notification program would provide the Human Resources staff the advanced notice they need to make critical decisions early in the hiring process that would be impossible if staff notification did not occur until mid-March, which is well past the prime hiring season. Explanation
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9.1.3. Policy 4650-Travel Reimbursement
Rationale:
As the district continues to grow, many staff within the district must provide support or services to more geographically disparate buildings and those needs may change throughout the year. The revision in this policy would allow the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources to authorize travel reimbursement stipends those other groups who face travel requirements similar to administrators in meeting the needs of staff and students across the district.
Explanation
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9.1.4. Policy 4750-Civility of Employees
Rationale:
Over time, policies can become out of date and need to be revised to reflect new conditions in the schools. The language that has been added to this policy dealing with staff interactions with others captures new media of communication that are regularly used by staff.
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9.1.5. Policy 4780-Professional Boundaries Between Employees and Students
Rationale:
Over time, policies can become out of date and need to be revised to reflect new language used in the field of Human Resources. The language that has been added to this policy dealing with staff interactions with students clarifies the importance of the boundaries necessary for a positive and effective teacher and student relationship.
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9.1.6. Policy 4865-Work Made For Hire
Rationale:
The district seeks to provide an environment in which administrators, teachers, and staff can discover and transmit the knowledge and wisdom which will help to improve the quality of education. The rights of the district and individuals concerning production, ownership, and use of inventions, patentable and copyrightable materials, or other intellectual property or proprietary materials are important to make clear to all parties.
Explanation
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9.2. From the Superintendent
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9.2.1. State 21st Century Community Learning Center Continuation Grant Application
Rationale:
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CLCs) federally-funded grant program provides grants to eligible schools for the purpose of creating or expanding Community Learning Centers. The primary purpose of 21st Century funds is to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities designed to complement their regular academic program. All CLC services are provided during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session. The Community Learning Centers programs and activities are designed to build on the capacity of community partners and neighborhood schools. Each site is to have 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 which support family literacy, health, other family support services, and childcare. Explanation Other CLC success includes the continued partnership between school- and community-based organizations to improve alignment of activities to the school day curriculum, strengthening professional development, and sharing responsibility and accountability for program quality. It is projected that approximately 470 students will be impacted by the CLC opportunities at these three sites. The following program goals will guide the program design and delivery: Goal 1: Improve student learning performance in one or more core academic areas. Goal 2: Increase social benefits and improve behavior. Goal 3: Increase family and community involvement in schools. |
9.2.2. State 21st Century Community Learning Center Continuation Grant Application
Rationale:
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CLCs) federally-funded grant program provides grants to eligible schools for the purpose of creating or expanding Community Learning Centers. The primary purpose of 21st Century funds is to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities designed to complement their regular academic program. All CLC services are provided during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session. The Community Learning Centers programs and activities are designed to build on the capacity of community partners and neighborhood schools. Each site is to have 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 which support family literacy, health, other family support services, and childcare. Explanation Other CLC success includes the continued partnership between school- and community-based organizations to improve alignment of activities to the school day curriculum, strengthening professional development, and sharing responsibility and accountability for program quality. It is projected that approximately 360 students will be impacted by the CLC opportunities at these four sites. The following program goals will guide the program design and delivery: Goal 1: Improve student learning performance in one or more core academic areas. Goal 2: Increase social benefits and improve behavior. Goal 3: Increase family and community involvement in schools. |
9.2.3. Proposed 2015-16 Agreement with the Lincoln Education Association (Upon Ratification by LEA Membership)
Rationale:
The Lincoln Board of Education has recognized the Lincoln Education Association (LEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent to negotiate salary, fringe benefits, and working conditions for members of that employee group. The negotiation teams, representing LEA and Lincoln Public Schools, have reached a tentative agreement for the 2015-16 year and the LEA has approved the tentative agreement. |
10. SECOND READING, RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION
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10.1. From Board Committees
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10.1.1. Governmental Relations
Rationale:
On January 7, 2015, the legislature will begin a 90-day session. During that time, the Lincoln Public Schools staff lobbyist will be actively engaged in the process of attempting to influence legislation. Explanation In the process of attempting to influence legislation, there are occasions when it is not possible to survey the Board’s Governmental Relations Committee for specific guidance on a particular piece of legislation. In order for the lobbyist to be most effective, it is recommended that the attached guidelines be adopted so that the representation of Lincoln Public Schools is not hindered. Whenever possible the lobbyist will seek direction from the Board prior to engaging in lobbying activities on a given piece of legislation.
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10.1.2. Student Calendar for 2016-17
Rationale:
Each year a joint LPS/LEA committee, composed of parents, Board members, education association leaders, teachers and administrators, recommends a student calendar for the Board’s consideration. This year, in addition to the Calendar Committee, the Board’s Student Learning Committee reviewed the recommended calendar. The calendar that is coming before the Board is coming forward with the recommendation of both Board committees. It has been the practice of the Board to adopt calendars more than a full calendar year before it is in place. The Calendar Committee received input from the Community Curriculum Council, a district parent group with a representative from each school, and from a staff survey. Additionally, this year, the Student Learning Committee reviewed the calendar and provided feedback prior to recommending it to the full Board. The perspective of the Student Learning Committee was important to ensure that the recommended calendar is focused on student outcomes while still being responsive to the needs of the community.
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10.1.3. Technology Board Resolution
Rationale:
The Board of Education Technology Committee is bringing forth a proposed resolution for the purpose of directing staff to develop a technology implementation plan within existing funding parameters, providing for appropriate staffing, proposing sufficient professional development, and providing greatly expanded access to technology district-wide all in support of student learning.
Explanation The Board of Education Technology Committee brings forth a resolution to guide the implementation of the Lincoln Public Schools Technology Plan. Proposal That the Board approves the proposed resolution.
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10.2. From the Superintendent
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10.2.1. Nebraska State Personnel Development Grant
Rationale:
Nebraska received State Personnel Development Grants Program funds from the U.S. Department of Education. State Personnel Development Grants Program provides funds to assist states in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in early intervention, education, and transition services in order to enhance results for children.
Explanation Everett Elementary School is applying for a Nebraska Personnel Development Grant for up to $9,630 for the 2014-15 school year. The grant will fund the NDE approved activities focusing on behavior. Funds will support stipends for non-contract hours of staff development planning, data analysis, continued monitoring and evaluation of implementation of positive behavior supports. Proposal That the Board discuss the submission of the Nebraska State Personnel Development Grant application for up to $ $9,630 for a one-year period beginning October 1, 2014. |
11. ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
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12. EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS
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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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13.3.2. Monthly Financial Report
Rationale:
At the second Board meeting of the month, information regarding the district’s monthly financial report is presented. Because there was only one Board meeting in December, 2014, the November, 2014, report is presented at the first Board meeting in January, 2015.
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14. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD
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Wednesday, January 14, TCA Joint Board Meeting, 11:00 am, SCC Lincoln Campus
Friday, January 16, MLK Breakfast, 7:30 am, Embassy Suites Downtown Wednesday, January 21, GNSA, 9:30 am, NCSA Tuesday, January 27, Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, LPSDO |
15. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rationale:
In keeping with Policy 8420, 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.
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16. REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION
Rationale:
The Lincoln Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions. Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to: (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.
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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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