April 15, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
President Gould called the meeting to order at 6:08 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
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2. Motion to Excuse Board Member's Absence
Discussion:
All members present.
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3. Open Meeting Law
Discussion:
President Gould reminded the audience that the Open Meeting Laws would be followed.
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4. Consent Agenda
Discussion:
Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Black to approve the consent agenda as presented including the regular meeting minutes of March 11, 2020; special meeting minutes of March 18, 2020; March Financial Statement; and April monthly bills. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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4.1. Regular Minutes of March 11, 2020
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4.2. Special Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2020
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4.3. Financial Statement/Report
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4.4. Monthly Bills
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5. Correspondence/Recognition
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Discussion:
Appreciation was extended to all staff for working together to create new learning opportunities for our students during school closure due to COVID-19. The support of parents and guardians as learning is being facilitated at home is also appreciated. We want to continue our focus on learning as the data collected on each student will be important to ensure a successful transition next fall. We ask students to simply do the best they can on every assignment, activity, and assessment.
Thank you to hours of planning and preparing from our administrators, Steve Rose and Keely Reinert. They did a fantastic job of creating a foundation to implement remote learning. Thank you to Jared Shanahan and his crew for their work disinfecting school sites and high touch surfaces. They have also been working hard to complete several projects around the district. Overall, thank you to everyone for keeping the focus on providing academic, social, and emotional supports for our students during this time. Both Kris White and Tasha Osten have spent time updating our crisis plan to support our remote learning. Kindergarten staff delivered signs to each kindergartner. Students/families liked it so much that signs were made for all families. Special thanks to the delivery crew - primarily Mrs. Wiese and Mrs. Kohl at Val and Mr. Smith and Mrs. Wischoff in Ceresco. |
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6. Public Forum
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7. Discussion Items
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7.1. Administrative Reports
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Discussion:
Submitted by Allison Stansberry, 6-12 Principal
What a few weeks it has been! I am extremely proud of our staff here at the Jr-Sr High School for all they are doing for our students. We have really shifted our mindset from "Grading" to "Learning" and the conversations surrounding this have been very positive. Our staff has worked extremely hard to connect with our students. There is no doubt that more than ever, we have to have a lot of patience and grace as we continue to move forward and finish the 2019-2020 school year. Prom Royalty 2020 - While we were unable to host Prom on March 28, we still wanted to recognize our Prom Royalty. We sent a Google Form to all Juniors having them vote. Once we got the results, we went to the houses to crown and announce our winners. We then created a slideshow for social media! Our Prom Royalty is as follows: Prom Queen-Katherine Sydik; Prom King-Ethan Boyd; Prom Princess-Claire Wilson; Prom Prince-Triston LaMay; Prom Dutchess-Haley Hain; Prom Duke-Mikey McCoy. Student Body President and Class Elections - Congratulations to Sydney Blanchard for being named the 2020-2021 Student Body President! We will also begin class elections within the next week or so using Google Forms for voting! National Honor Society - Congratulations to our new National Honor Society Inductees: Logan Black, Kylee Polivka, Mitchell Albrecht, Lucas Buresh, Halle Heiss, Ryan Isaac, Grace Mueller, Connor Nichols, Michael Potter, Lauren Prososki, Joshua Masek, Elijah Nacke, and Skyler Sears. We have started recognizing students that have done a great job during this school closure! Teachers put in their nominations and then I send an email home and provide recognition on social media! Following is a list of students that have been recognized this far: Calleigh Osmera, Hunter Kohl, Madison Parham, Brooke Munford, Rachel Bos, Jaden Kohl, Asher Lahm, Ayla Rech, Maddie Peterson, Makenna Gehle, Moya Windhorst. Robert Ortiz, Caleb Redstrom, Noah Lorchick, Allyssa Groff, Kory Ball, Leyla Hilsabeck, and Nicholas Davison. Submitted by Brian Gralheer, Activities Director/Assistant Principal I have been working with Jared and Kyle Schwarting to create a running trail that outlines the perimeter of the recently purchased 67 acres along Agnew Rd, as well as some of the area to the south and southwest of the school. This on-campus trail will run approximately 1.5-2.5 miles once completed. We are hoping to have it ready by Fall of 2020. Raymond Central Public Schools is now enrolled with STOPit! This is an anonymous reporting tool designed to deter and mitigate a wide array of abuse, neglect, and inappropriate behaviors through student reporting. Students are now able to anonymously report incidents to RC administration from anywhere. Our goal with STOPit is to create a safer, kinder, school community both online and off. Information on how to access STOPit has been sent out to students and will be posted on our website soon. Unfortunately, the spring 2020 activity season will be memorable for student-athletes across the nation for the wrong reasons. The NSAA decided to cancel all school activities until June 1st. How this will affect the summer strength and conditioning, camps, and overall facility usage will remain to be seen. More than anyone else, I do feel for both the Raymond Central Class of 2020 and every senior across the nation. This shutdown has taken away an entire photo album of memories from each of our senior students. There have been a number of movements on social media to help provide solace to some of the seniors such as:
Many of our teachers and students have expressed how this period has made them realize the positive aspects of coming to school every day and how much they miss it (myself included). Submitted by Shelly Dostal, Elementary Principal at Valparaiso/K-5 Curriculum Director RC staff is awesome! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind! By working together, learning continues to happen for students. I am so proud of our staff for the collaboration, problem-solving, and teamwork they have shown throughout the phases of our new learning plan. We are truly better together! A Continuity of Learning Plan was submitted to NDE outlining the RC plan for learning during the pandemic. Assessment - State Testing (NSCAS) was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACT was also cancelled. We were informed that we will not be required to complete the Evidence-Based Analysis (EBA) either. NDE pursued and successfully received federal waivers for assessment and accountability provisions. We are developing plans for a new data management system, EduCLIMBER, to be operational this summer. Curriculum - The previous work that teachers did to identify essential learnings helped immensely when creating learning plans for Review and Remote Learning. Plans are being developed to bring closure to the school year. We are also developing plans on how school will begin as we know it needs to be different. Review and Remote Learning - You can view many of the materials on the www.rcentral.org website under the COVID-19 Resources tab. Grade Alike teachers and specialists developed two weeks of review materials for their students when school first closed. Then, Grade Alike teachers continued to work together to develop Remote Learning for students using guidelines established by the administrative team. Students in Grades K-3 received paper packets whereas most learning opportunities for students in Grades 4-5 are on Google Classroom as their delivery platform. Teachers developed a weekly lesson plan outlining learning for Reading, Writing, and Math to include with the assignments along with recordings to send out. Choice Boards were also included for additional learning opportunities. Specialists created choice boards for students as well. Teachers are regularly connecting with students/families via Zoom meetings, Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Class DoJo, phone calls, and emails. I am very proud of the teachers. The work they produced aligns with Essential Learnings for their grade level. Our goal is to continue the learning process and ensure that students are ready to begin the next grade in the fall. Communication and Teleconferencing - I have lost count of the number of meetings I attend via Zoom each week. I am meeting with each grade level or PLC group once each week. The curriculum directors group has met a number of times as well as various groups with the ESU2. We have conducted staff meetings and parent meetings via teleconference, too. We even held a PTO meeting via Zoom. Professional Learning - A huge thank you to Ms. Keely Reinert and Mr. Steve Rose for providing technology resources and trainings for staff in a timely and professional manner. Staff has learned so much in the past month! School Improvement/AdvancED - The Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on April 17 to review survey data, professional learning, and discuss next steps. Parent-Teacher Conferences were cancelled. Report Cards for third quarter were sent home with Review Packets on March 17 and 18. Teachers have been in contact with families. Planning for 2020-2021 - Mrs. Carlson and Mrs. Bohac are creating some recordings to share with families of the 2020-21 prospective kindergarteners since we are not able to have the actual meeting. We will be mailing out packets soon. There are currently a total of 41 kindergarteners registered in the district. We have been brainstorming ideas for a possible Visitation Time for prospective kindergarteners to be held this summer or in August prior to the start of school. PTO - Thank you to the PTO for providing a special treat for staff during the first week of March in conjunction with Nebraska Teacher Appreciation Day. Many of the activities PTO supports including the spring carnival, field trips, game night, and such were cancelled due to the pandemic. The Plant Sale for RC elementary students is still happening! Ordering is complete, however, a limited number of plants may be available for cash and carry on May 2. Pick up will look a bit different, with all orders prepackaged and customers picking up the plants in a drive through format. A huge thank you to Mrs. Kristine White and Mrs. Kendra Carlson for organizing the sale and making it happen. All proceeds benefit the Jump Start to Kindergarten and Kindness Retreats. Submitted by Ann Egr, Elementary Principal at Ceresco/Special Education Director I really don’t want to address all the things that had to be cancelled but I would like to celebrate all of the amazing things this district is doing. Teachers and support staff have worked extremely hard to develop learning packets that contain six weeks of new learning. Thank you to the Ceresco Library for allowing families to drop off packets there. Teachers are engaging with students through various social network platforms. It has been fun to join some of these zoom learnings! Signs were delivered to each elementary family by teachers and support staff. The idea started with the kindergarten team, but then quickly grew to each family. A special thank you to Mrs. Monica Blank in helping organize Cruiz Night on April 6. Originally, the intent was to help raise money for the splash pad and promote "take out Tuesday". Teachers lined the street while promoting social distancing. The turnout was amazing and emotional. It was uplifting to see all those sweet faces. Special Education teachers are doing their very best to hold virtual IEP meetings. They continue to work hard to meet the needs of students. I compliment them on their delivery of services while following procedural guidelines. On April 9 the decision was made to close playgrounds at all building sites. This was to promote social distancing and keep everyone safe. |
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7.2. Curriculum Report
Discussion:
Administrators gave an update on our remote learning.
The Board received a copy of the 2019-2020 MAP Student Growth Summary for grades 3-8. As of March 16, students in grades 6-8 were still finishing up testing and as a result the data is skewed. The administrative team has agreed to move forward with the following plan regarding MAP testing in the future.
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7.2.1. Remote Learning Update
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7.2.2. Review MAP Scores (Fall 2020 to Spring 2020)
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7.3. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
We are now in Week 5 of school closure. As a reminder, each school site is closed until further notice except for essential personnel. Last week the district closed all school site playgrounds per recommendation of our health departments. Playgrounds are now closed until further notice.
Thank you for your support, engagement and patience - we are in this together. Just keep doing your best as we appreciate what you are doing. It is unfortunate that the year has to end like this for our seniors - class of 2020. Please know we are working diligently to create an alternate graduation ceremony, however, are waiting for specific guidance from NDE. CARES Act - Under the recently enacted CARES Act, the federal government allocated roughly $66 million to Nebraska school districts. Roughly 10% of that amount goes to NDE, with the balance (nearly $58 million) to be distributed directly to Nebraska public school districts. NDE informs that, at this time (subject to change), the amount to be distributed to each school district will be calculated at roughly 83% of each district’s Title I allocations. Under this projection, Raymond Central PS is expected to receive $42,915.15, or 83% of $51,705, within 30-60 days (a rough estimate). Under the CARES Act, you are required to continue paying your employees and contractors to the greatest extent practicable. In discussions with NDE, they believe more federal guidance will be issued within the next 30 days. Lawsuit Update - Raymond Central Public Schools has been approved to intervene on behalf of Lancaster County in the lawsuit filed by Sunset Poultry (Special Permit #19035). Drake Research Article - Dr. Trent Grundmeyer has shared a draft of the research article Lessons learned in developing and leveraging a 360 evaluation for a first-year superintendent that will be submitted to the Journal of Educational Research. STOPIT App - Thanks to the work of Brian Gralheer, we now have our anonymous reporting app for students. While the app was purchased to provide a communication tool during closure, it will also be utilized for future years. All administrators, counselors, and Deputy Piitz have been registered to oversee the three building sites. |
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7.3.1. Goal 1: Continue a visible presence within the schools, the school community, and state.
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7.3.2. Goal 2: Continue the creation of a 10-year facilities strategic plan for implementation that addresses maintenance and improvements for existing building assets.
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7.3.3. Goal 3: Develop progress monitoring tools to evaluate the effectiveness of district initiatives to ensure sustainability over time.
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7.3.4. Goal 4: Create a two-way proactive and cohesive communications plan to inform and educate students, staff, and community members on district issues.
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7.3.5. 2019-2020 Raymond Central Strategic Plan
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7.4. Student Board Report - Isaac White
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Discussion:
Isaac White reported that students are busy with remote learning and also shared a few photos of students while social distancing. Isaac was recognized for serving as Student Board Member for the 2019-2020 year.
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7.4.1. Certificate of Appreciation (hard copy will be mailed)
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7.5. Facilities Report
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Discussion:
Thank you to Jared and PJ who were able to tear down the portable located next to the bus barn. Their time and effort in completing this goal for the district is very much appreciated.
The bus barn has had a complete makeover. The old concession stand and bathrooms has also been cleaned out. Thank you to Barb Ohnoutka, Jody Albrecht, and Kristi Sears for their time and energy painting accent walls at the Jr-Sr High School. The Valparaiso Elementary roof project has been cleared to begin before summer break as students will not return until August. |
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7.6. Review of Technology Plan
Discussion:
Keely Reinert - I am extremely proud of all of our teachers! They have risen to the challenge of remote learning. For some teachers, this has been a totally different way of delivering instruction, but I feel like they are growing as professionals through this. It has been wonderful to see teachers working together to help and teach each other new skills or different ways of educating our students. All of our high school teachers are using Google Classroom to deliver assignments to our students. They are also holding Zoom meetings to help to connect with our students.
Steve Rose - Staff at the Elementary has taken on the challenge of remote learning with great enthusiasm and determination. Teachers have embraced the new challenges of using technology and have really come together to support one another and their students during this difficult time. The learning curve has been ramped up and teachers are engaged in new learning almost every day. While some were reluctant at first, there has been an almost giddy enthusiasm as they share with me their triumphs when they master a new skill or see the impact that they can have on their students in a non-traditional way. YouTube creation, Zoom, SeeSaw, Enhanced Google Classroom and online communication have been just a few of the new adventures and enhanced use that our staff has embarked on. |
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7.7. Update of Raymond Central Crisis and Safety Protocol
Discussion:
The STOPit App has been launched. More information coming for students and families.
We have postponed the multiple stakeholder meeting that was schedule for April 22. It is now scheduled for Wednesday September 23rd @ 5:30 PM. |
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7.8. Committee on American Civics (Breitkreutz - chair, Springer, Burklund)
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7.9. Transportation Committee (Black- Chair, Breitkreutz, Springer)
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7.10. Finance Committee (Springer- chair, Blanchard, Breitkreutz)
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7.11. Facilities Committee (Blanchard- chair, Springer, Burklund)
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7.12. Negotiations Committee (Black- chair, Gould, Blanchard)
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7.13. Curriculum Committee (Gould - chair, Black, Burklund)
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7.14. Policy Committee (Springer- chair, Gould, Black)
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7.15. NASB Monthly Update
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7.16. Lease Purchase Terms and Agreement (formal approval May 2020) - Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action
Discussion:
At the May BOE meeting we will need to approve the lease purchase and total financing parameters for the replacement of 7 air handlers at the high school. We will be working with First National Bank Capitol Markets.
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7.17. Review 2020-2021 Student Fee Schedule - Consider, discuss and take all necessary action
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Discussion:
Motion by Black, second by Burklund to approve the 2020-2021 Student Fee Schedule. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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7.18. Graduation Requirements and Remote Learning Grading Resolution (Graduation Ceremony) - Consider, discuss and take all necessary action
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Discussion:
Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Blanchard to approve the Graduation Requirements and Remote Learning Grading Resolution due to school closure. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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7.19. Pay During Closure Resolution (Extend to May 15, 2020) - Consider, discuss and take all necessary action
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Discussion:
Motion by Black, second by Burklund to approve the resolution authorizing the Superintendent to pay Raymond Central’s hourly or nonexempt employees their normal wages during closure through May 15, 2020. RCV 5-0, Abstained-Breitkreutz. Motion carried.
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7.20. Review Public Forum Presentation(s) - Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action
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8. Action Items
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8.1. Approval of Staff Resignation
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8.2. Approval of Substitutes
Discussion:
Motion by Burklund, second by Springer to approve Jean Sklenar as substitute cook. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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8.3. Approval of Staff Appointments
Discussion:
Motion by Black, second by Springer to approve PJ Hass as Asst FFA Sponsor, Step 1. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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8.4. Approval of Title I Consortium Through ESU2
Discussion:
Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Burklund to approve the Title I Consortium Agreement through Educational Service Unit 2. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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8.5. Approval of Title IV Consortium Through ESU2
Discussion:
Motion by Springer, second by Black to approve the Title IV Consortium Agreement through Educational Service Unit 2. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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8.6. Approval of Student Teacher
Discussion:
Motion by Springer, second by Burklund to approve Student Teacher Emily Hauck with Jordan Luke in the fall of 2020. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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8.7. Approval of Mierau & Co., P.C. for 2020 and 2021 District Audits
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Discussion:
Motion by Black, second by Springer to approve Mierau & Co, PC for the 2020 and 2021 District Audits. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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8.8. Approval of Next Regular Board Meeting - Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Discussion:
Motion by Black, second by Blanchard to approve the next regular Board Meeting for Wednesday, May 13, 2020. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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9. Adjournment
Discussion:
Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Blanchard to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 PM. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.
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10. Important Upcoming Dates:
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