March 20, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. Call the Meeting to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
LEADERSHIP • SERVICE • SUPPORT
Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public on ESU 7 website www.esu7.org and posted at location of meeting. Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7. Availability of the agenda and purpose of the hearing was communicated in the advance notice of the meeting and in the notice to the members of this hearing. All proceedings of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7 were taken while the convened hearing was open to the attendance of the public.
Discussion:
Roll call was taken at 5:30pm
Board President conducted the meeting. Staff present: Larianne Polk, Administrator Linda Shefcyk, Business Manager Mindy Reed, Secretary to the Board of Directors Marci Ostmeyer, Professional Development Director Tami Clay, Special Education Director Dan Ellsworth, Network Operations Director |
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1.1. Notification of Open Meetings Law
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This meeting has been preceded by reasonable advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room.
Attachments:
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1.2. Roll Call
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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1.3. Absent Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Board Secretary Jennifer Miller will be absent. She notified the Administrator prior to the board meeting. Board member Dawn Lindsley will be absent. She notified the Administrator prior to the board meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Approval of Board Member absences as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board Secretary Jennifer Miller was absent, she notified the Administrator prior to the board meeting. Board member Dawn Lindsley was absent, she notified the Administrator prior to the board meeting.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
All members present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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2. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The sequence of agenda topics is subject to change at the discretion of the Board.
Recommended Motion(s):
Agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Virtual Conferencing Option
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1411 authorizes virtual meetings for educational service units if the requirements of subdivision (2)(b) are met. The board will determine if next month's board meeting should allow for a virtual conferencing option.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the virtual conferencing option for the _______ board meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the virtual conferencing option for the _______ board meeting Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Discussion:
There will not be a virtual conferencing option for April.
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4. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
No visitors present.
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5. Public Comment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.
Citizens wishing to address the Board on a certain agenda item must complete the Request to be Heard Document prior to the start of the board meeting. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the Board may do so at this time. However, the Board will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents.
Discussion:
No public comments provided.
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6. ESU 7 Board Self-Assessment Review
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Board President Doug Pauley will describe the next steps for the ESU 7 Board Self-Assessment Review.
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
The Board Self-Assessment will be conducted every two years. The next Board Self-Assessment will be conducted in Fall 2024 with a review in Spring of 2025. Board President Pauley encourages the board members to go back and review the self-assessment information from the February 2023 Work Session.
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7. Consent Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. If any Board member wishes to discuss an item, it must be removed from the consent agenda at which time the remaining items will be acted upon. Consent Agenda Includes:
Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Consent agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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7.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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7.2. Presentation of Bills #75758 through #75900 totaling $804,736.96
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$804,736.96 - Bills #75758 through #75900 Inservice bills total: $0
Attachments:
()
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7.3. Reading of Article III, Section 2, A Fiscal Year
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7.4. Reading of Article III, Section 2, B Budget Preparation
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7.5. Reading of Article III, Section 3, A Report of Yearly Activities
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7.6. Reading of Article III, Section 3, B Annual Program Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7.7. Reading of Article III, Section 3, C Improvement and Evaluation
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7.8. Reading of Article III, Section 3, D Submission for Accreditation
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7.9. Reading of Article III, Section 3, E Annual Financial Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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7.10. Resignations
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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7.11. Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council Update/ 2023-2024 Master Services Agreement
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Approve the 2023-2024 Master Services Agreement and authorize Administrator Polk to sign the Agreement.
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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8. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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9. New Hire: Amy Richards, Professional Development Coordinator - Early Childhood Specialist for August 16-31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Amy Richards, Professional Development Coordinator - Early Childhood Specialist for August 16-31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024. Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Amy Richards, Professional Development Coordinator - Early Childhood Specialist for August 16-31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Amy Richards, Professional Development Coordinator - Early Childhood Specialist for August 16-31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024 as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Ostmeyer is excited for Amy Richards to join the ESU 7 Professional Development team. Amy is coming to ESU 7 from Grand Island Public Schools.
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10. New Hire: Brandy Thompson, Professional Development Career Academy Coordinator for July 1, 2023-August 31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Brandy Thompson, Professional Development Career Academy Coordinator for July 1, 2023-August 31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024. Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Brandy Thompson, Professional Development Career Academy Coordinator for July 1, 2023-August 31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Brandy Thompson, Professional Development Career Academy Coordinator for July 1, 2023-August 31, 2023 and school year 2023-2024 as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Ostmeyer is looking forward to Brandy Thompson joining the ESU 7 Professional Development Department. Brandy is a Schuyler graduate. Brandy has an abundance of experience she is bringing to ESU 7. Board member Joyce Baumert worked in Schuyler Community Schools when Brandy and her family attended and had nice things to say about Brandy and her family.
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11. New Hire: Kassandra Cornwell, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) for school year 2023-2024
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Kassandra Cornwell, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) for school year 2023-2024.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Kassandra Cornwell, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) for school year 2023-2024 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Kassandra Cornwell, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) for school year 2023-2024 as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Clay is looking forward to Kassandra Cornwell joining the ESU 7 Mental Health team. Kassandra is coming to ESU 7 from Genoa.
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12. New Hire: Calvin Frey, School Psychologist for school year 2023-2024
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Calvin Frey, School Psychologist for school year 2023-2024.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Calvin Frey, School Psychologist for school year 2023-2024 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Calvin Frey, School Psychologist for school year 2023-2024 as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Clay notified the board Calvin Frey started his career with ESU 7 as an intern. From ESU 7, Calvin went to ESU 1 and then to St. Paul. Director Clay is excited to have Calvin back at ESU 7.
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13. New Hire: Mariah Hunke, Speech Language Pathologist - Early Childhood for school year 2023-2024
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Mariah Hunke, Speech Language Pathologist - Early Childhood for school year 2023-2024.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Mariah Hunke, Speech Language Pathologist - Early Childhood for school year 2023-2024 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Mariah Hunke, Speech Language Pathologist - Early Childhood for school year 2023-2024 as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Clay is happy to have Mariah Hunke starting in the Early Childhood program as a Speech Language Pathologist.
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14. New Hire: Meridith Riha, Life Skills Resource Teacher for school year 2023-2024
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Meridith Riha, Life Skills Resource Teacher for school year 2023-2024.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Meridith Riha, Life Skills Resource Teacher for school year 2023-2024 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Meridith Riha, Life Skills Resource Teacher for school year 2023-2024 as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Clay reminded the board this is a position which was not filled last year. Meridith Riha is coming to ESU 7 from Schuyler.
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15. Reading of Article III, Section 5, K Procurement Plan - School Food Authorities
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article III, Section 5, K Procurement Plan - School Food Authorities as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article III, Section 5, K Procurement Plan - School Food Authorities as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Administrator Polk explained this added policy is in the event ESU 7 procures food for ESU 7 to prepare hot lunches. ESU 7 currently contracts with Columbus Public Schools for the hot lunches for the ESU 7 programs.
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16. April 2023 Board Meeting Time
Speaker(s):
Board President
Rationale:
The Board - Employee Recognition Dinner is scheduled on April 17, 2023 beginning at 5:00pm. It is recommended to change the Board Meeting time to 4:00pm to accommodate for the Annual Board Recognition Dinner. Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve an April 17, 2023 Board Meeting Time of 4:00pm.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve an April 17, 2023 Board Meeting Time of 4:00pm. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The annual Board Recognition Dinner will be held at the Ramada starting at 5:00pm on April 17, 2023, so the time of the board meeting will need to move up to 4:00pm.
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17. ESU 7 Administrator Contract Amendment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Board Negotiations Committee has proposed the salary amount for the ESU 7 Administrator for the 2023-2025 term as detailed in the attached contract. Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the amended ESU 7 Administrator Contract.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the amended ESU 7 Administrator Contract Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board member and Negotiations Committee Member Richard Stephens stated Administrator Polk is great and the board appreciates everything Administrator Polk does for ESU 7.
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18. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
Administrator Polk reviewed the attached ESUCC slide. Board members Bob Arp and Richard Stephens as well as Director Clay have all been mentors with TeamMates. NIAC has partnered with ESUCC to get information out to the schools related to the safety of their students.
Administrator Polk provided a reminder to the board by reading the legal update and reiterated the importance of not texting during a board meeting. Professional Development Report - Director Ostmeyer reminded the board about the External Visit taking place next week. Tuesday, March 28th is Day 0, the external team will arrive at ESU 7 at 4:00pm. The team will start by taking a tour of the ESU 7 campus. March 29, 2023 is the first official day of the External Visit. Additional stakeholder interviews will occur on March 30, 2023. There will be high level findings discussed in an exit on March 30, 2023. A formal report of the External Visit findings will be provided to ESU 7 in the weeks following the visit. Director Ostmeyer asked the board if anyone was interested in attending the exit report and no one indicated they were interested in attending. Special Education Report - Director Clay has finished up the Special Education projections and determined the services needed for next school year. Director Clay is in the midst of hiring staff. There are two positions left to hire. Director Clay feels confident the Early Childhood position will be filled but she is concerned about filling the Speech Language position. Director Clay will be working on the Maintance of Efforts for the next couple of months, starting with the non-public schools. Enrollment for Cen7ter and the Learning Academy is still ongoing. Enrollment for the Cen7ter should be solid by May. The Learning Academy enrollment is ever changing. |
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18.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
Goal 1 - The NASB/ESU 7 June Boardsmanship event will be for ESU 7 school boards to attend. The EventBrite invite will be sent out at the beginning of April. ESU 7 breakout sessions will include information on cybersecurity, Mental Health, and information about ESUs.
Goal 3 - Administrator Polk and board member Gary attended the Clarkson board meeting. The meeting went well and the Clarkson board was interested in the information provided. The Clarkson Superintendent and Principal are happy with the services ESU 7 is providing. Director Ostmeyer and board member Marni Danhauer attended the Central City board meeting. The meeting went well. There were not a lot of questions. Board member Marni stated Director Ostmeyer gave a great presentation and the Superintendent seemed receptive. |
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18.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
   Items inside this item include visit updates, quarterly report, etc.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Polk reviewed the attached screenshots for the ESU 7 information from SIMPL. The savings are expenses incurred by ESU 7 which are not passed along to the schools.
Director Dan Ellsworth provided the Technology Spotlight. Director Ellsworth reviewed the attached Central City documents. ESU 7 schools use every service except contracted Technology Support. Technology is trying to outline a budget for the schools and flatline the budget so there are no large changes. |
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18.3. Settlement Agreement
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Discuss the Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims between ESU 7 and Columbus Public Schools related to an Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility between the parties dated October 11, 2011 and make any necessary actions.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take action to execute a Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims between ESU 7 and Columbus Public Schools related to an Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility between the parties dated October 11, 2011.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take action to execute a Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims between ESU 7 and Columbus Public Schools related to an Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility between the parties dated October 11, 2011. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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18.4. Authorization to deed, distribute, and/or assign title and ownership of the South Building
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Authorize ESU 7 officials to cooperate and take any necessary or desired action to deed, distribute, and/or assign title, ownership, and any interest in any property possessed under the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility from the Interlocal Agency or Columbus Public Schools to ESU 7.
Recommendations: Discuss, consider, and take action to authorize ESU 7 officials to cooperate and take any necessary or desired action to deed, distribute, and/or assign title, ownership, and any interest in any property possessed under the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility from the Interlocal Agency or Columbus Public Schools to ESU 7.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take action to authorize ESU 7 officials to cooperate and take any necessary or desired action to deed, distribute, and/or assign title, ownership, and any interest in any property possessed under the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility from the Interlocal Agency or Columbus Public Schools to ESU 7. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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18.5. Termination of the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Education Facility
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Discuss the termination of the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility between ESU 7 and Columbus Public Schools dated October 11, 2011 effective July 31, 2023.
Recommendations: Discuss, consider, and take action to terminate the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility between ESU 7 and Columbus Public Schools dated October 11, 2011 effective July 31, 2023.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take action to terminate the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement for Joint Special Education Facility between ESU 7 and Columbus Public Schools dated October 11, 2011 effective July 31, 2023. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
ESU 7 will issue payment to Columbus Public Schools after they vacate the South Building.
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18.6. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Discussion:
Administrator Polk discussed the need for a replacement of HVAC in the North Building. The boiler is original and the HVAC is approximately 23 years old. Administrator Polk believes the replacement will cost enough to require an engineer to be contacted and the closed bidding process to be started. The Building and Grounds Committee will research what needs to be done. Business manager Linda Shefcyk has another contact for parking lot tarring and she will be reaching out to see if that project can be started soon.
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18.7. Personnel
Rationale:
All Classified/Non Cert Hires and Resignations under this item. Not an action item.
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18.8. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
During this item, the Administrator will provide a Legislative Update to members of the Board.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Polk updated the board on the legislative session. There has been a filibuster on the floor of the Legislature. Rules for debate: in General File, any bill can be debated for 8 hours, Select File 5 hours, and Final Reading 2 hours. The concern is that the session is on day 47 of a 90 day session and only one bill has become law so far. There are 800 bills being heard this year. Typically, there are very few night sessions; this year there are more than 15 debates scheduled. On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Brandy Rose will be testifying for the very first time for LB 527. Administrator Polk will also attend and read the testimony written by Ronelle Jackson.
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19. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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19.1. Handbook Committee Update
Rationale:
Handbooks have historically been approved by the board annually in the June Board meeting. However, this year that timeline needs to be moved up to May. The Board Handbook Committee is made up of Board Members Bob Arp, Joyce Baumert, and Dawn Lindsley (Chair). The Handbook Committee will need to review the handbooks proposed for 2023-2024 prior to the May meeting, which is expected to take 2 hours. Director Tami Clay and Student Services Principal Cara Neesen will attend as well.
Here is the timeline:
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20. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Discussion:
Administrator Polk talked about the NRCSA Legislative Forum. Governor Pillen attended the forum. There were also six or seven Senators in attendance as well.
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21. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Meeting adjourned at 6:54pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Mindy Reed, Recording Secretary to the ESU 7 Board. |
