October 14, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry stated that November 1st is a day off of school for both students and staff members
The next board meeting is November 11th
The Americanism Hearing will precede the regular meeting on the 11th

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry went through the board reports
He stated that this is one of the larger collection months for both the general fund as well as the bond fund
The bond payment is made prior to December 15th each year
Interest rates on the general fund are now at 4.5% for everything over $1.5 million
The depreciation fund will now generate interest at 4.5%
Mr. Gosnell asked what the teacher jean fund was
Mr. McMurtry explained that teachers are allowed to wear jeans every other Friday as long as they contribute to the fund which is then utilized for scholarship and to help out families who are in need throughout the school year

Discussion:  Mrs. Lucas read through the attached administrator report for both elementary, secondary, activities and school improvement

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry reported that building and grounds are currently navigating the end of the fall activities with a multitude of driving responsibilities.  Preparation will begin for the winter season which is the busiest of all for drivers.  A second intercom system was installed in the elementary principal's office.  This came from our safety committee meeting.  It was discussed that having only one point in the building in which the intercom can be used could be a safety issue if an emergency arises.  The North Platte Rec Center discussed the possibility of leasing a g.p.s. field painting system from them if they were to purchase one.  

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry talked about arrangements for the State School Board convention.  He will be going a day early as the commissioner's council meeting will be held in conjunction with the convention.  Board members are welcome to carpool in a school vehicle if they so choose.  Rooms have been booked at the Marriott which is right next to the convention center.  The first negotiations meeting is scheduled for October 25th at noon.  This should be a brief meeting and is required by law to occur prior to November 1st of each school year.  ESU 16 is hosting a senator's round table for area schools and board members.  Senator Jacobson, Senator Ibach and Commissioner Maher will be in attendance for the roundtable.  

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry took the board through the annual report which is required to happen each year.  Attendance and special education was discussed specifically.  Mr. Meyer noted that special education numbers were high in the district compared to state averages.  Mr. McMurtry noted that it has been nice to have some continuity in our state testing and that will continue for at least one more year with the NSCAS.  Multiple grade levels at Maxwell Public Schools have outperformed state averages on the reading, math and science NSCAS tests.  

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry discussed the history of Maxwell Public Schools and accreditation.  He stated that Maxwell became accredited first in 2016.  Every district was required to do so by 2017.  There were 2 options available at the time; Advanced Ed and Nebraska Frameworks.  Many people choose Advanced Ed because they were established globally and Frameworks was in its initial stages.  Since then, Frameworks has evolved and has turned into a very efficient and effective accreditation process that is aligned with all responsibilities of Nebraska schools.  Mr. McMurtry stated that the plan was to finish out this 5 year cycle with Cognia (formerly Advanced Ed) and then take a look at the possibilities of Frameworks in the future.  After attending both Cognia and Frameworks continuous improvement work days, Mr. McMurtry felt strongly that the time to switch is now.  Mrs. Heessel was in attendance at the meeting and she attending both CIP workshops.  She agreed with Mr. McMurtry and stated that Frameworks is much more efficient for what our responsibilities are for rule 10.  She said that Frameworks allows for us to complete items and make them a part of our accreditation directly.