March 11, 2019 at 8:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

STRIVE  -  COMMIT  -  SUCCEED  -  District Mission Statement

Schuyler Community Schools in partnership with parents, students, and the community is committed to educate students to become skilled, knowledgeable and responsible citizens in a global society - District Vision Statement

Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public.  Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education

Rationale: 

This meeting has been preceded by advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session.  A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the front of the meeting room.

Nebraska Open Meetings Act:  http://nitc.nebraska.gov/documents/statutes/NebraskaOpenMeetingsAct_current.pdf

Rationale:  Alejandrina Lanuza was appointed to complete a two-year term of office at the regular February board meeting.  She will need to sign her oath of office to confirm her appointment.  See attached oath of office. 

Rationale:  Discuss, Consider and Take Action on the consent agenda

Rationale: 

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for recommending the annual district calendar, strategic planning process, technology, and promoting positive public relations and communications program.

Rationale: 
2019  Board Committee Recommendation:
Budget/Finance/Negotiations/Personnel:  Responsible for budget, finance, contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff negotiations and support staff contracts. Rich Brabec, Chuck Misek, Brian Vavricek
Building/Grounds/Transportation:  Responsible for recommending approval of the building and grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building maintenance and upgrade schedule. Chuck Misek, Rich Brabec, Brian Vavricek
Board Policy/Handbooks/Support Programs:  This committee is responsible for annual review of board policies, handbooks, and crisis/safety plans.  This committee is also responsible for the support and development of support programs (nursing, food service) in the district.  Virginia Semerad, Rich Brabec, Alejandrina Lanuza
Americanism, Curriculum, Assessment and Instructional Programs:  Responsible for reviewing curriculum recommendations, textbook selection, staff requisitions and inventory.  This is the only committee required by law (79-724) Virginia Semrad, Mynor Hernandez, Alejandrina Lanuza
Governance, Public Relations, Technology, and Planning:  This committee is responsible for recommending the annual district calendar, strategic planning process, technology, and promoting positive public relations and communications program.  Mynor Hernandez, Chuck Misek, Alejandrina Lanuza
Foundation Board:  Two board members are appointed annually to the Foundation Board.   The Schuyler Foundation meets the first Monday of the month at 12:00 PM.  The Foundation provides scholarships, employee recognition, community events, and special projects:  Brian Vavricek, Virginia Semerad

Rationale: 
Attached is the 2019-20 school calendar recommendation.  The SEA and administration have met and discussed calendar options and are recommending the attached calendar.

Recommended Changes
Staff Start Date:  Monday, August 12th
Open House:  Tuesday, August 13th, (1:00 to 8:00 PM)
Student Start Date:  Wednesday, August 14th
Replacement PD Date from Beginning of the Year:  Monday, October 21st
Winter Break:  Change from 14th to 21st (NSAA Calender Rollover,  State Wrestling Tournament)
Final Day for Students:  Tuesday, May 19th
Final Day for Staff:  Wednesday, May 20th

Rationale: 
We replace two classrooms of iPads each year.  In addition Mr. Droge manages computers, printers, and copiers on a rotation schedule.  See attached plan.

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for reviewing curriculum recommendations, textbook selection, requisitions/inventory, and instructional programs.

Rationale:  Attached is the 2019-20 Master Contract for special education services from ESU 7.  We only pay for the services we use.  The services outlined on the estimates are based on our use for the 2018-19 school year and anticipated services for the 2019-20 school year.  I attached the 2018-19 Estimate for comparison.

Rationale:  Dr. Gibbons and building principals have reviewed the textbook cycle recommendations and are working with teachers on updating books and materials in the area identified for 2019-20 school year.  The amount allocated for 2019-20 is much smaller due to the cost of the 2018 Reading Program costs.

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for recommending approval of building/grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building and maintenance and upgrade schedule.

Rationale:  Attached is the vehicle replacement plan with the plan for both large and small vehicle replacement.  The transportation committee recommends replacing car (wrecked) 64 and Van 4 (2018) and add 2 SPED vans and SUV. 
 

Rationale:  See attached plan for 2019.

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for budget, finance, and contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff, and support staff.

Rationale: 
1.  Kim Kobza:  SMS Language Arts Teacher (3/3 Benefit)
2.  Patricia Knutson:  SMS Special Education (2/3 Benefit)
3.  Lori Benesch  SMS Special Education (2/3 Benefit)

 

Rationale: 
1.  Kerry Weihl:  SES Special Education Teacher
2.  Brianne Mize:  SES Special Education Teacher
3.  Alexis Bruha:  Preschool Special Education Teacher
4.  Haley Block:  SMS Language Arts Teacher
5.  Lauren Nelson:  SMS Science Teacher

Rationale: 
1.  Charles Hosier:  SCHS CTE Instructor
2.  Casey Harper:  SCHS CTE Instructor
3.  Jordan Haas:  SCHS World History Teacher
4.  Tyrell Reichert:  SMS Special Education Teacher
5.  Cortland Cassidy:  SES Elementary Teacher
6.  Patricia Fellers:  SES Elementary Teacher
7.  McKenzie Smeal:  SES Elementary Teacher
8.  Blake Neuman:  SES Special Education

Rationale: 
Program Directors
Penny Janousek:  Business Manager
Ronnie Mundil: Maintenance and Transportation Director
Jeff Droge:  Technology Director
Jamie Ramirez:  Food Service Director
 

Rationale: 

Preschool and SES 3-5 Principal's Report:  Mr. Comley
Staff Member/Program Spotlight:  My spotlight this month is on the great work that School Improvement has done to help Schuyler Elementary go from "Good" to "GREAT" on the State of Nebraska rating scale for schools.. There was a massive amount of data and paperwork needed for this. Meghan Reinart, Darin Kovar, and Dave Gibbons did a great job organizing all of this paperwork. Again another great positive about a high achieving school in Schuyler!

SES K-2 Principal's Report:  Mr. Kovar
Staff Member/Program Spotlight:  I would like to highlight the work of Mrs. Sherri Klassen. Mrs. Klassen is our ELL coordinator, and administers our ELPA21 test. This year we had 470 students who had to take the test. Each student takes 2 different tests, that run around 70 minutes apiece. As you can imagine, this is no easy task, she does her best to pick times that work for teachers, and she coordinates make up test for students who are gone or absent. Mrs. Klassen does so many things to help our ELL students, everything from entering data, to paperwork for the State, and a hundred things in between. She is such an asset to our school, she is always so willing to help whenever she can. Mrs. Klassen helps make Schuyler Elementary a better place for kids!

Rural Schools and Dual Language Program Principal's Report:  Ms. Bebout

Program Spotlight:  This month I would like to highlight my Dual Language Program which was started in August of 2018.  We started with a K & 1st grade group. It has been very successful this year with a lot of hard work and dedication.  It is amazing to see students learning math, reading, science, and social studies equally in Spanish & English each day.  

We just had our 1st parent meeting on Monday to sign up Kindergarten students for next year.  We have 16 spots available and had over 38 parents attend wanting their child to have this opportunity.  It is exciting to see our families take advantage of this amazing opportunity for their children. I am looking forward to advantages this program is going to provide to the students in this district!

SMS Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Staff Member Spotlight:  In the month of March we are wrapping up the last of the formal observations.  I just did Mr. Block’s formal observation and was blown away by what I saw.  He was positive with students and used the CKH model very well.  He also had superb instruction of material and utilized many aspects of our instructional model.  His utilization of data to inform instruction is a great model for the rest of the teachers in our building.  SMS is very fortunate to have him as a 6^th grade math instructor.
Program Spotlight:  I would like to recognize our band program as well as they performed on March 4^th in the state capital rotunda.  Our middle school also had the great opportunity to participate in the CKH process champions, which is a refresher course for our teachers and builds our high performing teachers to coach the process of relational teaching to the rest of our staff.  It was a great opportunity and I was happy to be a part of it.

The SMS Principal’s Report:  Mrs. Burton
Staff Member Spotlights:  I would like to take a few minutes to highlight our SMS Music Department.  This department is comprised of Chrissi Bywater, Troy Ehmke, and Ben Coatney.  In recent years, we have worked to get more students into our music and fine arts programs by restructuring courses and requirements.  Mrs. Bywater has worked to develop the Sound Check performance group, as well as teaching sections of 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade music.  Mr. Ehmke has worked to continue to strengthen the SMS Band and continue to move the standard of performance higher for our students.  Mr. Coatney is an excellent compliment to both instructors.  He works with Mr. Ehmke during 6^th and 7^th band, and he teaches a section of 6^th grade music.  Our programs are growing, due to their efforts.  I am incredibly thankful for their positive impact on our students’ lives!
Notable Events:  *The 8^th grade selection playeded at the Nebraska State Capital Building on Monday, March 4^th.  We were joined by Senators Bostelman, Mozier, and Hansen, as well as Chief Justice Heavican.  It was a special day for the students, staff, and parents!
          *Our parent-teacher conferences are coming up on Tuesday, March 12^th.  Our goal at SMS is still 100% parent contact, and our teachers have been busy reaching out to parents to ensure a high level of interaction.
           *We are busy reviewing applicants for positions at SMS.  We have worked to secure a great special education teacher for the coming year!  He will be a solid compliment to our staff , students, and community!

SCHS Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Kasik
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  Jared Severson is in his 10^th year at SCHS. Prior to coming to Schuyler he grew up in Hopknsville, KY where he grew up with his mother.   He spent two years teaching at the college level before joining us.  Mr. Severson teaches Family Consumer Science and is our FCCLA sponsor where he has seen program numbers increase.  He also leads our Project "S" group that does a lot of community service.  Mr. Severson connects with kids in his classes and pushes them to be better.   Mr. Severson says, "The kids are the best part of Schuyler.  10 years ago when I came to Schuyler for the Registrar's position, I did not think I would stay.  I thought I would go back to the colleges then.  However, The students here are great kids, there is just a great community built around the kids and they are always working hard to do better no matter what.  I obtained my NE Teaching certification just to keep advancing and staying in the school and working more with the students here.  Even when working at SES and SMS for the after-school program, the students keep me going and motivated. "
Topics to mention:  We have P/T conferences on March 12^th with spring break to follow.  We continue to prepare for the ACT and fourth quarter.

SCHS Principal's Report:  Mr. Grammer.
Program Spotlight:  Our high school has for the past four years have worked hard to develop and grow program our Speech program at the high school.  We have always had a Speech program at SCHS, but enthusiasm for the program has waned the past few years. The Speech program, which we started building in earnest five years ago has shown signs of growth and enthusiasm.  In the Speech classes, students develop performance skills and speaking skills in relation to developing confidence in performing in front of audiences.  Mrs. Melanie Gustasfon is the teacher for the Speech classes at Schuyler Central High School. The purpose of developing this program was to give our students exposure and opion to performing other than in a play or musical. This is the second year that Mrs. Gustafson is running the class at the high school and she has been successful these past two years.  Every section and classes are all full and on waiting list.
Staff Member Spotlight:  The staff member to be recognized for their work in the high school this year is Mrs. Melanie Gustafson. Mrs. Melanie Gustafson has been our 9^th grade English and Speech teacher for the past two years.  She has taken on the challenge of re-building and developing our speech curriculum in classes and extra-curricular program at the high school. Mrs. Gustafson has taken on the responsibility of developing her speech program, as mentioned above, with energy and enthusiasm.  The students in her classes develop performance skills.  He has helped to grow this program and bring fun to the classroom of SCHS.   Students are lucky to have her as a teacher and staff are lucky to have her as a colleague.
Notable Events:  We are continuing our work with the state priority team, UNL EL team, DE, and PBL through DE.
          We have started to bring the Bond information process to a closure by completing the final meetings and last push to the end.  We had good meetings the past three weeks and very positive feedback.  Thank you to everyone for your work and thank you for all you do for our school and district.

Rationale: 
Youth Sports Director's Report:  Mr. Kovar
Staff Member/Program Spotlight:  I would like to highlight the work of Sara Sock and JR Svatora. We are working together to make a smooth transition in Youth Soccer, and they have both been extremely helpful as we plan for the upcoming season. We will have Kindergarten - 8th grade, for both boys and girls. We will work together to give kids a positive experience while learning the game of Soccer.

After-School Program Director's Report:  Ms. Bebout
Program/Staff Member Highlight: We are getting ready to start our final quarter of the after-school program!  I would just like to give a shout out to all of my staff working next quarter!  Our teachers are: Molly Smith, Robin Burton, Elizabeth Lickei, Kelly McClintic, Nicole Taylor, Sarah Leimser, Cindy Vacha, Abby Krueger, Mollie Maresch, Troy Ehmke, Misty Lawrence, Julie Kreikemeier, Amber Krula, Guillermo Gutierrez, Jared Severson, Hailey Block and Amber Beltrand.   Paras: Jen Svoboda, Mickaela Vazquez.  College Workers: Abigail Ramirez, Gabe Uribe, Gabi Garcia, Jessica Cuevas, Roxana Gurrola, Karina Adame, Kiara Gonzalez, Kathy Moran, Maribel Mendez, Alondra Avalos, Lesley Encarnacion, Shayla Nelson.  High School Workers:  Jacquelin Grado, Jasmine Magana, Juana Diego, Rosana Diego, Katelynn Stodiek, Tyanna Pena, Liliana Mendez, Morgan de Leon, Brian Magana, Roxana Galdamez, Guadalupe Velasquez, and Miranda Romero.
          We also have so many other people that help make our program successful.  Teachers who allow us in the classrooms, custodians who are patient to clean until after we leave, administrators who support us in many different ways, and the community that gives either monetarily or their time.  Looking forward to end the year on a great note!

SMS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to note a lot of the good things that I am seeing with the beginning of the hiring process and all of the work being done by Mr. Kovar and Mr. Kasik to improve our athletic programs.  There is a lot of focus on building our kids, coaches, and programs and I am proud to be a part of it!
Program Spotlight:  Our 7^th grade boys basketball team ended the year on a high note winning 3 of their last four games and our boys basketball team also got two good wins to finish the season off.  
Upcoming Events:  High School spring sports are already practicing, using the Field-House both before and after school.  This is a great advantage for our programs right now.  Middle School Track will be beginning March 18^th and we also anticipate getting to use the Field-House while we wait for the snow to clear.

SCHS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Kasik
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:   Clarissa Dunn is in her 5^th year here at Schuyler. She teaches ESL and is an Assistant Softball Coach and she is the Head Girls Soccer Coach.  Ms. Dunn spent one year teaching in Lincoln prior to coming to Schuyler.  She grew up in Rising City and attended Lakeview High School.  She is married to Jeremiah.  She is always willing to help out with extra-curricular activities and she works to make our school a better place.  Ms. Dunn says that the best part of Schuyler is "having the opportunity to be involved in the school and the community."
Topics to mention:  Winter sports have concluded with Speech Districts and State on the horizon.  We have around 200 high school athletes competing this spring for us.  It was just announced that Columbus High School will be partnering to provide SCS a full-time trainer at no cost to our district.  This is a huge opportunity for our district.  Weather continues to be a struggle with spring sports and our field house has been a life savior.

Student Services Director's Report:  Dr. Lefdal
Program Spotlight:  I would like to highlight Dave Gibbons and the work that he has done with Renaissance Learning.  The reports that we will have access to are amazing and will benefit our staff and students. I believe with his leadership and insight we will be able to help our students be more successful.  Amazing stuff!
Notable Topics:  A group of high school teachers including Mr. Paesl, Mrs. Shonka, Mrs. Stephenson, Mrs. Yosten, Mr. Kasik and myself attended the Capturing Kid’s Hearts workshop.  I look forward to more discussion regarding this program.
Looking ahead:  We are in the process of creating action plans at the high school to address the first couple of Thoughtexchange responses.  It is amazing how powerful this information is and we are excited to continue learning the process and how best to utilize the information.

Special Education Director's Report:  Mrs. Vrba
Staff Member Spotlight:  Lynne Rambour has played a crucial part of our high school special education team. She moved into the world of SPED 4 years ago. Lynne has served as my lead teacher for the high school team for the past 2 years. She is continuously working to improve students' studying skills, sense of responsibility and develop a true understanding of our whole governmental system.  Lynne, in all honestly, has been a genuine lifesaver by quietly and courteously stepping in to assist Jason Friesen's sub during his leave to obtain cancer treatments. Lynne has numerous prominent traits that I admire. She is a natural born leader, believes in giving every student a chance to be succeed, along with modeling determination, hard work and the resiliency to overcome any obstacle that may stand in a student's way! Her dedication to her students and to the teaching profession  is genuine and honorable.
Notable Events: The whole Special Education Team is hard at work trying to finish up IFSPs or IEPs or filling out paperwork for initial testing of students being referred from SAT but the most important task is fine tuning skills and ensuring mastery of learned information. We want all of our students to shine like "rock stars" at P-T Conferences and during state testing!

Curriculum and Assessment, Director's Report:  Dr. Gibbons
Staff Member/Program Spotlight - I wanted to thanks Rachel Wood, Kris Svehla and Andrew Hall for taking an hour out of their day last week to participate in a question and answer session with Renaissance so we can improve our use of the STAR 360 Assessments.

Assessments - This is a reminder that I have created a website with our data displays for the third through eighth grade Reading and Math NSCAS at https://sites.google.com/schuylercommunityschools.org/assessmentdata/home 

Data for all schools in the state can be found at http://nep.education.ne.gov/

Nebraska Reading Improvement Act - The Nebraska Reading Improvement Act goes into effect next school year.  I’ve attached the actual text of the law to this meeting. In a nutshell, this law requires us to assess students three times a year on an approved assessment. (We already use the approved assessments).  We are required to provide an intervention for any students who perform below a set threshold on the approved assessment. This supplemental reading intervention program must be implemented during regular school hours and include a summer reading program.

Professional Development - Principals took time from their busy schedules to learn about Reports in the STAR 360 Assessment system.  We are especially excited to see the information presented in the State Standards Mastery Dashboard as it will allow us to track student achievement levels on specific state standards.

Curriculum Development - The curriculum cycle should be attached and ready for your approval.

Rationale:  Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  I wish to recognize the administrative team, staff members, Schuyler Comite' Latino, Cargill, and Schuyler Community Schools Foundation for their work on informing the public on the proposed bond referendum.  Regardless of the vote, this group has worked to reach out to the district patrons, host meetings, provide information through the mail, door to door campaign, operate phone banks, post signs in businesses, create a video production, develop webpages and flat screen productions.  Special thank you to the Schuyler Community Schools Foundation for funding the promotional material and organizing the campaign.  Our goal was to do our best to inform the public without dividing a community.  Congratulations on your work on behalf of the district. 

Priority School Report:  Attached below

Rationale:  See Foundation website for Schuyler Community Schools Foundation Update

"NASB Update"
Welcome to March.  The Legislature is over one-third of the way through, with MANY of your peer board members coming to Lincoln to testify on various bills.  Thanks too, to all of the districts who have sent letters or contacted Senators on bills, specifically as it relates to school spending.  Your engagement, large or small, has an impact. 
To stay up to speed on all bills, most of which have constant movement, bookmark "Bills to Follow" at www.NASBonline.org
https://nasb.enviseams.com/legislative-bills
It is important to know how each specific bill impacts your specific district and community in both the short term, and long term.  Please let NASB know how we can help. 

February saw both the Budget & Finance Workshops, and the annual President’s Retreat.  Great attendance and engagement for all, thanks to those who were able to attend. 
In March, NASB will be:

• Conducting the NAEP State Convention (March 26-27 in Grand Island)
• Attending the NSBA Annual Conference (March 30 - April 1 in Philadelphia)
• Hosting Spring Legal Workshops (April 16 - Gering, April 17 - North Platte, April 24 - La Vista)

You can learn more, and register for the above events at www.NASBonline.org

Stay engaged online at www.NASBonline.org
Follow NASB on twitter at www.twitter.com/NASBonline using the hashtag #liveNASB
To see a quick glimpse at the various items the NASB is involved in, check out pages 10 & 11 each month in the Board Notes newsletter for "This Month In ..."  To access the latest newsletter, click here:
http://members.nasbonline.org/index.php/news-resources/board-notes
Thanks for all you do for your board, your community and the entire state by serving public education in Nebraska.