December 14, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by President Maahs at 7:01 p.m. December 14, 2015.

Discussion:  Mr. Chaffee presented information regarding the research conducted by the Curriculum Committee regarding grading scale, community service and graduation requirements. The recommendation of the committee is to take no action as our systems are working well and allowing for student choice including dual credit work during their junior and senior year. Our district is similar to the majority of districts as sampled by Mr. Chaffee and Mr. Bottrell. Mr. Chaffee answered questions about the process, our requirements and comments about community service opportunities. The Board of Education thanked Mr. Chaffee and the entire committee for their work.

Discussion:  Susan asked for a spelling correction to be made to the 151109 minutes.

Discussion:  Susan asked why the Voice News bill did not total correctly. Mr. Hanger informed the Board that the accounting software totals the claims by invoice and individual claim so that the account payable total should be correct. Mr. Hanger added that he would ensure it is correct prior to issuing payment.

Discussion:  Also present were Mr. Kelley Baker, Jay Spearman representing Ameritas, Tim Ripp and Adam Post representing Clark Enersen and Barry Ballou representing the Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund.

Discussion:  Administrative reports were given by Mr. Hanger and Mrs. Walter. Mr. Bottrell attended the winter concert at Palmyra High School.

Discussion:  Tim Ripp and Adam Post from Clark Enersen presented information and documents regarding construction. Tim presented a work plan with potential meeting dates for the Board. Meetings were scheduled for January 11, January 25, and February 22 with Regular Board meetings on January 18 and February 8. Tim suggested that the Building Committee have a presence at the pre-bid meetings. Tim offered information on alternative bids and asked for the Board to review the spreadsheet provided with costs for each of those potential bid items. Adam Post presented information related to the plans for the buildings at the early stages of design work. Kelley Baker will inform the Board as to the best strategy to conduct the upcoming meetings.

Discussion:  Clayton, Kevin and Doug attended the State conference. Clayton commented that the speakers offered excellent information. Board members attended the session that offered information about construction delivery methods and took note of the caveats offered by the presenters. Doug thought that this was the best attended conference that he has been to and added that everyone should try to attend.

Discussion:  The committee will attempt to get together the first part of January.

Discussion:  Jay Spearman presented information related to the issuance of bonds in the amount of $1,830,000.00. Jay discussed bank qualification and noted that if entities issue less than ten million dollars per year it saves interest cost. If the school were to issue more than that amount it limits the buyers and therefore raises the interest rates. Issuing the amount specified by the resolution in December of 2015 will keep the issue bank qualified and allow the remaining amount to be issued in 2016. This allows the district to have an opportunity to save on the cost of capitalized interest.

Discussion:  Barry Ballou presented information related to the NLAF. Barry mentioned that he presented information at the December 7, 2015 work session. If the resolution is approved then membership would be in place prior to Tuesday December 22.

Discussion:  Mr. Hanger informed the Board members that the audit process was positive and no significant findings were noted. Mr. Hanger thanked Karen Hatcher for her work to prepare for the audit and for maintaining sound accounting practices throughout the year.

Discussion:  Mr. Hanger reported that the Rule 10 report is required by the State of Nebraska and by Board of Education Policy.

Discussion:  Mr. Hanger reported that the information reported is required by the State of Nebraska and Board policy.

Discussion:  The board entered into closed session at 9:48 p.m.

Discussion:  Clayton has attended these in the Past and they have provided valuable information regarding the upcoming legislative session.

Discussion:  The Board reviewed dates and times for the upcoming workshop opportunity.

Discussion:  Design meetings will take place on January 11 and January 25 at 5:30 p.m. A meeting has also been scheduled for February 22.

Discussion:  Superintendent Hanger informed the Board that it will be necessary to advertise the current opening for a school psychologist. Currently services are being provided on a temporary basis by ESU 4 personnel.

Discussion:  The Board established tour dates to include Wednesday December 16th departing at 1:00 p.m.for Friend and Centennial and Monday December 21 departing for Freeman, Weeping Water, Louisville at 8:00 a.m. These meetings are the result of a need to reschedule the original November 30 meeting which was cancelled due to weather.

Discussion:  Election of Officers, Construction update and working meetings on the first Monday of each month. The January Regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2015.

Discussion:  The meeting was duly adjourned at 10:15 p.m.