Public Meeting Minutes: July 14, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion: President Gould called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

2. Motion to Excuse Board Member's Absence

Discussion: Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Lange to approve the absence of Derek Matulka. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

3. Open Meeting Law

Discussion: The audience was reminded that the Open Meeting Laws would be followed.

4. Consent Agenda

Discussion: Motion by Burklund, second by Breitkreutz to approve the consent agenda as presented including the regular meeting minutes of June 16, 2021; workshop meeting minutes of July 7, 2021; June Financial Statement; and July monthly bills. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

4.1. Regular Minutes of June 16, 2021 and Board Workshop on July 7, 2021

Attachments: (2)

2021-6-16 Print

7/14/2021 at 4:27 PM
2021-7-7 Board Workshop

7/14/2021 at 5:27 PM

4.2. Financial Statement/Report

Attachments: (1)

Financial Statements

7/12/2021 at 9:30 AM

4.3. Monthly Bills

Attachments: (1)

Monthly Bills

7/12/2021 at 9:31 AM

5. Correspondence/Recognition

6. Public Forum

7. Discussion Items

7.1. Administrative Reports

Attachments: (5)

AP_AD July 2021 Report

7/7/2021 at 7:00 AM
Jr_Sr High July Board Report

7/7/2021 at 2:25 PM
Val July BOE 2021

7/9/2021 at 11:25 AM
Val Summer Academy Wrap Up

7/9/2021 at 11:25 AM
Ceresco July 2021 Boe Report

7/9/2021 at 3:00 PM

Discussion: Submitted by Allison Stansberry, Jr-Sr High School Principal
     Congratulations to Rosalie Tvrdy for being selected into the Youth Leadership Lincoln Program. Selected members spend one day a month together. The Youth cohort is interactive and hands-on helping the participants develop leadership and team participation skills. They have the opportunity to meet with community leaders from across Lincoln and learn how they can help maintain the quality of life we enjoy. Each month during the year they’ll learn about community visions, business, government, human services, and health.
     Theme this year will be "Making Waves" - As the tides change, after a challenging year, we come together as a staff and as a community in a new way with a deepened focus on impact, both individual and collective. In considering when, where, how, and why we make an impact, we strive to create a steadfast sense of belonging amongst the turbulent currents around us. We strengthen and empower ourselves and support each other so that we can make a positive difference in the world around us. We’ll do this by reconnecting with one another with joy at the center; this can be a buoyant and positive force for ripples of change.
     Open House/Orientation - We will be sending communication out next week regarding Back to School Open House/Orientation. Currently, the plan is as follows:
August 4th:
3:00-6:00 (Grades 7-12)
6:30-8:00 (6th Grade Orientation)
August 5th:
1:00-6:00 (Grades 7-12)
6:30-8:00 (6th Grade Orientation)
     We plan on doing the 6th grade orientation similar to last year. We will have families sign up for a night and go through 3 rotations: Handbook, Technology, Fees/Forms/Etc.
     One thing that will help our process is having our forms online. This will allow families to fill these out at home so when they come in they just have to take care of fees, chromebooks, etc. We will have computers set up and available for families to use if they choose to fill them out here.
     Cell Phone Policy - Research: https://awayfortheday.squarespace.com/survey
As you have or will see in the Student Handbook, we are updating the handbook to align with Board Policy. Previously, the handbook stated that electronic devices would be up to the discretion of the teacher. As we find, phones are becoming more of a disruption to the learning environment and having an impact on the learning of our students. Therefore, the handbook was updated to state the following based on School Board Policy 5101:
Electronic Devices:

1. 1. Philosophy and Purpose. The District strongly discourages students from bringing and/or using electronic devices at school. The use of electronic devices can be disruptive to the educational process and are items that are frequently lost or stolen. In order to maintain a secure and orderly learning environment, and to promote respect and courtesy regarding the use of electronic devices, the District hereby establishes the following rules and regulations governing student use of electronic devices, and procedures to address student misuse of electronic devices.
  2. Definitions.
    1. "Electronic devices" include, but are not limited to, cell phones, Mp3 players, iPods, personal digital assistants (PDAs), compact disc players, portable game consoles, cameras, digital scanners, lap top computers, and other electronic or battery powered instruments which transmit voice, text, or data from one person to another.
  3. Possession and Use of Electronic Devices.
    1. Students are not permitted to possess or use any electronic devices during class time or during passing time except as otherwise provided by this policy. Cell phone usage is strictly prohibited during any class period; including voice usage, digital imaging, or text messaging.
    2. Students are permitted to possess and use electronic devices before school hours, at lunch time, and after school hours, provided that the student not commit any abusive use of the device (see paragraph (d)(1). Administrators have the discretion to prohibit student possession or use of electronic devices on school grounds during these times in the event the administration determines such further restrictions are appropriate; an announcement will be given in the event of such a change in permitted use.
    3. Electronic devices may be used during class time when specifically approved by the teacher or a school administrator in conjunction with appropriate and authorized class or school activities or events (i.e., student use of a camera during a photography class; student use of a lap top computer for a class presentation).
    4. Students may use electronic devices during class time when authorized pursuant to an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 Accommodation Plan, or a Health Care Plan, or pursuant to a plan developed with the student’s parent when the student has a compelling need to have the device (e.g., a student whose parent is in the hospital could be allowed limited use of the cell phone for family contacts, so the family can give the student updates on the parent’s condition).
  4. Violations.
First Violation. Depending upon the nature of the violation and the imposition of other appropriate disciplinary action, consequences at a minimum may include a relinquishment of the electronic device to the school administration and a conference between the student and school principal or assistant principal. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until such time as the student personally comes to the school’s main office and retrieves the electronic device.
Second Violation. Depending upon the nature of the violation and the imposition of other appropriate disciplinary action, consequences at a minimum may include a relinquishment of the electronic device to the school administration and a conference between the student and his/her parent/guardian and the school principal or assistant principal. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until such time as the student’s parent/guardian personally comes to the school’s main office and retrieves the electronic device.
Third Violation. Depending upon the nature of the violation and the imposition of other appropriate disciplinary action, consequences at a minimum may include a relinquishment of the electronic device to the school administration, a conference between the student and his/her parent/guardian and the school principal or assistant principal, and suspension of the student from school. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until such time as the student’s parent/guardian personally comes to the school’s main office and retrieves the electronic device.

     *We will be emailing home with this change and update next week along with information regarding the open house/orientation.
     Classes: One thing that is important to bring to light is that we are seeing an increase in class sizes in the junior high. For example, our 7th grade reading class has sections of 26 and 27 students. Due to the nature of scheduling and current staffing, offering more sections of reading is not an option at this time. Also, in August I will update with current enrollment numbers by grade level.
We are still looking for an Industrial Tech Teacher. We are hoping we can find someone to step into the role at least the second semester.
     Upcoming Dates:
     July 27th-July 30th: Administrator Days (Kearney)
     August 3rd/August 4th: Back to School Open House/Orientation
     August 3rd: K-8 Discovery Ed Training
     August 4th: 9-12 Discovery Ed Training
     August 5th: New Teacher Training
     August 6th: All Staff Return
     August 11th: First day with students (12:00 Dismissal)

Submitted by Brian Gralheer, Assistant Jr-Sr High School Principal/Athletic Director
     I think I can speak for our coaches when I say that it is great to have a normal summer. The restrictions of last year did not allow us to host team or youth camps, and also restricted our athletes' access to the weight room. It is great to have our youth and varsity players back in the weight room and in the gym doing the things they love.

- Our JH and HS volleyball teams are expecting record numbers for the upcoming fall. Some of the camp sessions in June had to spill over to the new gym for capacity purposes. It is certainly a good problem to have. They have also participated in team camps in Waverly and Wayne State.
- Our Boys BB team has stayed busy with consistent open gyms, leagues and camps in Lincoln and Concordia.
- Our Girls BB team has also been active in summer activities with games at UNK, Sterling, and in Lincoln.
- Mustang Softball has stayed busy as well hosting youth camps and competing in a team camp at Millard South.
- The Football team has been competing in a 7-on-7 league in Ashland and Platteview.
- The Wrestling team competed in the Chadron State and Wilber-Clatonia team camps.

Some key dates to note for the upcoming fall sports season:

- 8/9/21 - First day of Fall Practice
- 8/9/21 - 6:30 PM - Parent Meeting in the Main Gym - Followed by breakout sport-specific meetings in various locations.
- 8/11/21 - Fall Sports Pictures - Senior Athlete Pictures - 3:00 PM
- 8/16/21 - Softball Jamboree vs Wahoo @ Valparaiso - 6:00 PM
- 8/23/21 - Volleyball Jamboree @ Hastings St Cecilia - 5:30 PM
- 8/26/21 - XC Meet @ East Butler - 4:30 PM
- 8/27/21 - Football @ Fillmore Central - 7:00 PM

Submitted by Shelly Dostal, Elementary Principal at Valparaiso/K-5 Curriculum Director
     Summer Academy finished their last day on July 1. A huge thank you to the families and staff who made this program possible. Civic Nebraska provided wrap around child care at a discounted rate and provided transportation to the Ceresco site from Valparaiso. Jumpstart Kindergarten Class will meet the last two weeks of July for an abbreviated session this year. Thank you to Mrs. Kendra Carlson and her assistants for leading this program.
     Plans are being developed for the 2021-2022 school year. The administrative team has met and continues to move forward, supplies and materials have been ordered, custodial crews have been working in the building, classroom spaces have been assigned and teachers are gearing up for the year. Class size numbers continue to be a concern with the smallest class at 22 and most at 24-25. The School Improvement Team will meet again in August. The back to school PTO pool party will be held on July 30 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Wahoo pool. New teachers will attend RC orientation on August 5 with all staff reporting on August 6. New to the education profession teachers will attend the ESU#2 New Teacher Academy on August 2 and 3. Meet and Greet your teacher time is scheduled for August 9. The first day of school will be August 11, dismissing at the elementary at 11:45am.
     The administrative team has been busy. Personally, I have been reviewing data, attending various webinars and will continue to attend meetings virtually and in person throughout the remainder of the summer. The administrative team will attend the annual Nebraska Administrator Days Conference in Kearney on July 28-30.
     Mrs. Lopez will complete her administrative assistant duties on July 30. She will train new hire Kindra O’Malley on July 26-30. Congratulations to Kathleen Cooper and family on the birth of her son Joseph on June 28.
     The handbook has been updated for board approval. Please see proposed changes.

Submitted by Ann Egr, Elementary Principal at Ceresco/Special Education Director Elementary
     Updates and revisions to the 2021-22 handbook have been made. The proposed changes are a separate item for board approval.
     Custodial staff continues to working hard! The facilities look great!
     We need to be mindful of the elementary class sizes. The smallest class is 23 and that is kindergarten.
     Meet and Greet night is scheduled for August 9, 2021. I can’t believe that is right around the corner!
     The Administrative Team will be attending Administrator Days at the end of July. This event will be in person at Kearney.

Elementary Summer Academy Wrap Up - 12 Sessions
**Attendance varied due to vacations that were scheduled prior to the planning of Summer Academy and also prescheduled RC volleyball camp.
      Valparaiso
      Number of students attending: 28

Attendance: 15 students had perfect attendance; 5 students missed one day; 3 students missed 2 days.
Overall attendance rate: 90.8%
Staff members at Valparaiso included: Mrs. Kendra Carlson, Mrs. Cindy Peterson, Mrs. Jamie Enevoldsen, Mrs. Shelly Hlavaty, Mrs. Ashley Carlson, Mrs. Melani Nelson, and Mrs. Yvonne Brenner. Substitutes were Mrs. Maggie Niewohner and Mrs. Kris White. Mr. Matt Smith transported students each day.

Ceresco
Number of students attending: 30

Attendance: 10 students had perfect attendance; 9 students missed one day; 11 students missed more than 2 days. Overall attendance rate: 88%
Staff members at Ceresco included: Mrs. Monica Blank, Mrs. Traci Hummel, Ms. Diane Ahlsrand, Miss Makenzie Fredrickson, Ms. Cherie Swanson, Mr. Matt Smith, Mrs. Leann Wiese, and Mrs. Kathy Fredrickson. Substitutes were Mrs. Maggie Niewohner and Mrs. Kris White. Mr. Matt Smith drove the bus.

     Out of the mouths of children, "I thought this was going to be boring, but it was really fun!" A student who was hesitant to participate in Summer Academy had perfect attendance.
     Two other students exclaimed, "This was the best day ever!"
     Reluctant readers asked to take home books to read over the summer. Valparaiso students completed 1,083 units using the Lexia reading skills program while Ceresco students completed 1,097 units.
     Students also enjoyed making ice cream, creating bridges, and programming with the Bee Bots, S’mores pizza box oven, and the Pringle Challenge.

7.2. Curriculum Report

7.3. Superintendent's Report

Attachments: (1)

2021-2022 Superintendent Goals.docx

7/14/2021 at 5:32 PM

Discussion: Summer Facility updates are progressing as expected. The roof project is almost finished, the installation of the portable unit is on track with siding and plumbing as the next major phases. The cement work out by the new storage shed has been completed. The striping of the parking lot is the remaining 'big' project for the summer.
Administrator Workshop - The six administrators are planning to attend the in person Administrator Days workshops at the end of July. One of the days is devoted to NDE updates and insights.

7.3.1. Goal 1: Ensure continuing well being of staff and students by creating an equitable framework for responding to and recovering from a pandemic.

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.

7.3.3. Goal 3: Develop progress monitoring tools to evaluate the effectiveness of district initiatives to ensure the sustainability over time.

7.3.4. 2021-2022 Raymond Central Strategic Plan

Attachments: (1)

District Strategic Plan 2019-2025

7/9/2021 at 2:06 PM

7.4. Facilities Report

7.5. Review of Technology Plan

Attachments: (1)

July 2021

7/9/2021 at 11:37 AM

Discussion:      Kidwell has finished installing the new camera on the outside of the high school.
     We are currently working on inventorying the Chromebooks. Keely Schaffer and Steve Rose have been working to sort through the iPads to see which ones can be utilized in the elementary technology classes, kindergarten, and PK. When that is finished we will set up the elementary Chromebook carts.
     New staff computers are being set up and some have already been in to pick them up.

7.6. Update of Raymond Central Crisis and Safety Protocol

7.7. Committee on American Civics (Breitkreutz - chair, Springer, Burklund)

7.8. Transportation Committee (Breitkreutz- chair, Springer, Lange)

7.9. Finance Committee (Springer- chair, Blanchard, Breitkreutz)

7.10. Facilities Committee (Blanchard- chair, Springer, Burklund)

7.11. Negotiations Committee (Blanchard - chair, Gould, Lange)

7.12. Curriculum Committee (Gould - chair, Burklund, Lange)

7.13. Policy Committee (Springer- chair, Gould, Lange)

7.14. NASB Monthly Update

Attachments: (1)

0721 NASB Monthly Board Meeting Update

7/7/2021 at 12:06 PM

7.15. Review Student Participation Numbers

Attachments: (1)

Raymond Central Student Activity Participation 2020-2021

6/11/2021 at 12:58 PM

Discussion: Brian Gralheer presented Raymond Central student participation numbers by activity/grade level and the last five years history. He also presented data using academic information from Raymond Central students indicating that participation in extracurricular activities does show an increase in academic success.

7.16. Discuss the Return to Learn plan for the 2021-22 school year.

Attachments: (1)

Return to School Safely.docx

7/14/2021 at 5:25 PM

Discussion: The draft of our 2021-2022 Safe Return to School Plan will be posted to the website asking for feedback, comments, input from patrons. The Board will meet to review any changes prior to posting the final plan.

7.17. Review Public Forum Presentation(s) - Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action

8. Action Items

8.1. Approval of Staff Resignation(s)

Discussion: Motion by Burklund, second by Lange to accept the resignation of Deb Shanahan as Valparaiso Cook. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.2. Approval of Staff Appointment(s)

Discussion: Motion by Blanchard, second by Breitkreutz to approve the staff appointment of Kindra O’Malley as Valparaiso Administrative Assistant, Step 1. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.3. Approval of Substitutes

Discussion: Motion by Burklund, second by Lange to approve Trisha Alexander as substitute teacher; Samantha Kenning as local substitute teacher; and Megan Johnson as substitute paraeducator. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.4. Approval of Propane Bid

Attachments: (4)

Farmers Coop

7/13/2021 at 4:16 PM
Frontier Coop

7/13/2021 at 4:16 PM
Otte Oil & Propane

7/13/2021 at 4:16 PM
Bid History

7/14/2021 at 10:29 AM

Discussion: Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Lange to accept the propane bid of $1.389 from Otte Oil & Propane as the supplier for district tanks from September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.5. Approve changes to technology forms.

Attachments: (3)

K - Elementary Technology Fee

7/7/2021 at 2:09 PM
6-12 Chromebook Case Sign Up and Take Home

7/7/2021 at 2:09 PM
2-5 - Elementary Technology Fee

7/7/2021 at 2:09 PM

Discussion: Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Burklund to approve changes to the 2021-2022 Technology Forms presented. Grades 1-2 will be moving to chromebooks with Kindergarten being the only grade using ipads. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.6. Approval of elementary and secondary student/parent handbooks

Attachments: (4)

Jr_Sr High Handbook Changes 2021-2022

7/8/2021 at 4:17 PM
Handbk-Stu 20-21.docx (1)

7/8/2021 at 4:17 PM
21-22 Parent Handbook Changes to BOE

7/8/2021 at 4:38 PM
RC Elem Handbook 2021-22.docx

7/8/2021 at 4:38 PM

Discussion: Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Blanchard to approve changes to the 2021-2022 Elementary and Secondary Student/Parent Handbooks as presented. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.7. Approval of Staff Handbook

Attachments: (2)

Jr_Sr High Staff Handbook Changes

7/9/2021 at 8:57 AM
Handbk-Staff 21-22.docx

7/9/2021 at 8:57 AM

Discussion: Motion by Lange, second by Burklund to approve changes to the 2021-2022 Staff Handbook as presented. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.8. Raymond Central's Updated Teacher Evaluation Tool (process, protocol, and rubric) - Consider, discuss and take all necessary action

Attachments: (1)

Copy of Teacher Performance and Evaluation Framework Revised 07.07.21 (3)

7/9/2021 at 2:14 PM

Discussion: Motion by Burklund, second by Gould to approve the Updated Teacher Evaluation Tool (Process, Protocol, and Rubric) as presented. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.9. Approval of Foreign Exchange student from Spain for the 2021-22 school year.

Discussion: Motion by Blanchard, second by Lange to approve a Foreign Exchange Student from Madrid, Spain for the 2021-2022 school year. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.10. Approval of budget workshop date.

Discussion: Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Lange to approve the Budget Workshop date of Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 6:00 PM. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

8.11. Approval of Next Regular Board of Education Meeting - Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Discussion: Motion by Blanchard, second by Breitkreutz to approve the next regular Board Meeting for Wednesday, August 11, 2021 and also a Special Board Meeting for Monday, July 26, 2021. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

9. Adjournment

Discussion: Motion by Blanchard, second by Breitkreutz to adjourn the meeting at 6:46 PM. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.

10. Important Upcoming Dates:

August 5 - New Teacher Meetings
August 6 - K-12 Staff PD
August 9-10 Teacher Workday/PD
August 11 - First Day of School for Students
August 11 - Regular Board of Education Meeting @ 6:00 PM

July 14, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Web Viewer