July 15, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Regular Business Meeting

Discussion:  Notice of this meeting was published in the Gering Citizen on Thursday, July 11, 2013.

Discussion:  Lisa Betz of the Gering Citizen presented their 2013-2014 Calendars, which are on sale for $5 each. All proceeds will be donated to the Gering High School Booster Club. Specifics about the calendar were discussed.

Discussion:  High School Principal Eldon Hubbard distributed an excerpt from the High School Staff Handbook related to eligibility for NSAA student activites. It states that if a student is failing a course, that student must work with their instructor or attend ELO classes. The student must also provide their coach or sponsor with evidence that that procedure has been followed. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for that week. Activities Director Glen Koski will cross refernce the down list to assure those needing help receive it. Koski will also have access to ICampus so that he may review grades for all activity participants and follow up with coaches and/or sponsors. The original Activities Handbook was adopted eleven years ago and has been revised several times. Hubbard indicated that Activity Directors had a difficult time embracing the Activities Handbook, therefore this information is being inserted into the Staff Handbook for easy access for coaches and sponsors. The High School's Student Handbook underwent a significant re-write last year and it now includes activity participation information, thus providing this information to parents as well. Hubbard indicated that this information will now be included in the Staff Handbook also. Non-staff coaches and sponsors will be provided with this information. Hubbard stated that policies and rules have been removed from the handbooks and are now referenced.

Discussion:  Peters provided a recap of the Curriculum Committee meeting, where they discussed ordering of language arts materials and reaffirmed that the Curriculum Committee will make language arts a priority.

Discussion:  Upp informed the Board that the Facilities Committee met at the City of Gering's softball diamonds to discuss the school district utilizing these fields instead of the fields at the Carpenter Center. The City initially expressed interest in the district using the fields east of pool, however after examining these fields the Committee would prefer to utilize fields 4 & 5 just south of the pool, as those fields provide lighting, bleachers, parking and access to public restrooms. Minimal work would need to be done to fields 4 and 5, such as the installation of higher lighting and fencing. The Committee asked that Koski coordinate a meeting between the City's Parks & Recreation Committee and the district's Facilities Committee for further discussion. Upp also stated that Koski approached the Committee for support in seeding the empty field north of the High School. This area could then be used for soccer and football practice. District staff is looking into sprinkler costs for this location. Hanson provided an update on summer maintenance projects.

Discussion:  Brunner provided a recap of the Business Committee Meeting. The bill list was discusssed and the Committee would like to see more detail listed on purchase orders when purchasing curriculum items. Other topics of discussion included district financial reports and elementary and Jr. High student handbooks. The Committee reviewed annual audit bids, discussed upcoming negotiations and reviewed contracted maintenance projects. The proposed Interlocal Agreement with the City regarding district use of the council chambers.

Discussion:  Meisner presented the financial report to the Board. Fund revenues and expenditures were reviewed. Peters inquired about the recently presented school finance workshops, specifically a monthly tracking report that shows balance comparisons and trends. Peters asked the Business Manager to provide that info on a regular basis. Hastings stated that he will develop financial priorities, cash reserves, long term data and future goals.

Discussion:  Hubbard emailed her report to the Board ahead of time and had Megan Patterson from the high ability program on hand. Patterson said she believes the district is moving in the right direction by providing instruction time and enrichment activities after school. Hastings said the district will identify specific needs to find what works best for students and the community. The process will start with identification of truly high ability students via cognative assessments.

Discussion:  Hastings expressed his interest in having contact with community and staff. He is interested in identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses throughout the district and plans to send a survey to all staff, students with emails, parents and community members. Hastings feels this would be a good first step to assist him in identifying goals. Hastings thanked the central office staff for their recent assistance and stated that he is looking forward to his first year.

Discussion:  Upp expressed his appreciation to High School Principal Hubbard for opening up the High School during Oregot Trail Days so alumni could take a tour while in town for class reunions. Doll stated that the district support of the City Band and band director Randy Raines means alot to the people of the community. Platte Valley Companies provided the band with matching shirts this year.

Discussion:  Because the Scottsbluff District is providing their own alternative learning program this year Gering now holds the majority of slots, therefore requiring a third representative on the VALTS Board. Currently Peters and Winn servce and Upp offered to serve as the district's third member.

Discussion:  The Facilities Committee Meeting was scheduled for August 8th at 4:30pm. The location is yet to be determined. The Personnel Committee Meeting was scheduled for August 7th at 4:30pm.