WESTSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DISTRICT 66 Board Meeting Minutes October 19, 2015

Transcription

1 WESTSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DISTRICT 66 Board Meeting Minutes The Board of Education Meeting of School District 66 was convened in open and public session on at 6:30p.m., at the Westside ABC Building, 909 South 76th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Board members present: Absent (Excused): Scott Hazelrigg, President David Williams, Vice President Beth Morrissette, Treasurer Martha Slosburg, Secretary Dana Blakely, Director Rosie Zweiback, Director Notice of the meeting was given by placing advance notice on the front page of the District's website no less than 48 hours in advance of the scheduled commencement of the meeting as authorized by Board Policy Notice for this meeting appeared beginning on October 15, 2015, and appeared continuously up through the start of this board meeting, a copy of which is attached to the official minutes. Notice of this meeting and the availability of the agenda was simultaneously given to all members of the Board of Education and available to anyone at the Board of Education office. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public. District Staff in Attendance: Blane McCann, Enid Schonewise, Mark Weichel, Bob Zagozda, Peggy Rupprecht, Ruby Larson, Kami Jessop, Alison McGinn, Brian Gabrial, Ryan Broshar, Amanda Moon, Melissa Hansen, Lynn Spady, Bob Brousek, Sandy Morrow, Garret Higginbotham, Sara Fye, Joy Fuller, Molly Hurley. Other in Attendance * : Rob Zimmerman, Dave Richardson, Kris Karnes, Joe Willett, Andrea Neuzil, Vanessa Schutte, Chris Forcade, Ethan Forcade, Jonah Harrison, Jacob Harrison, Rudy Harrison, John Goodwin, John Littler, Ethan Yaroch, Ashley Wegner, Joey Vollmer, Sean Vollmer, Bradley Like, Jack Moseman, Isaac Elander. * Members of the public are not required to identify themselves to attend. Attendee names appearing in these minutes are those who signed a voluntary sign in sheet. President Scott Hazelrigg called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board member roll call was taken and attendance is noted above. Ms. Hazelrigg welcomed the audience and asked if public notice had been given of the meeting under the Nebraska Open Meetings Act. Ms. Hurley responded that required notice had been given. He acknowledged that the meeting had been publicly announced and the agenda was available to any interested parties. Mr. Hazelrigg announced that a copy Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted at the meeting as required by law.

2 Page 2 of 7 Ms. Morrissette made a motion to approve the minutes of the Board of Education Meeting held on October 5, 2015, as presented. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Treasurer s Report Ms. Morrissette presented the treasurer s report and noted higher expenditures in Nutrition Services due to the kitchen construction. Less cash in the Nutrition Services Fund and Enterprise Fund is also due to kitchen construction costs. A higher cash balance in the Employee Benefits Fund is a result of a transfer that was made to carry the fund through the remainder of the fiscal year. Ms. Morrissette reported no variances of note for September Ms. Blakely moved for approval of total expenses in the amount of $8,208,581. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Communications Dr. McCann welcomed members of Boy Scout Troops 429 and 366 who were in attendance as part of the requirement for their Citizenship in the Community merit badge. Westgate Elementary Mr. Ryan Broshar, Principal Westgate Elementary and Ms. Amanda Moon, Teacher Leader Westgate Elementary, presented their school report. Mr. Broshar reported that over the past 4 ½ years that he has been principal, they have been focused on overcoming several challenges and creating a culture of change. Two of the major challenges facing their student body were low achievement scores and high behavioral concerns. Mr. Broshar and Ms. Moon stated that creating a culture of high expectations for their students has produced significant improvements in office referrals, increased NeSA test scores and higher numbers of engaged and hopeful students (as measured by the Gallup Student Survey). As one of the first district elementary schools to introduce Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) clusters, Mr. Broshar shared that they are now focusing on how to make the SEM clusters more student driven and less teacher driven. Additionally, they are implementing an increase in student choice during Intervention / Enrichment (I/E) time. The school has also seen increased involvement and engagement with their Parent Advisory Team and participation at Parent Collaboration Night, where teachers model a lesson for parents. Mr. Broshar stated that he and Ms. Moon are proud of the work that their staff has accomplished by creating a mindset of working together (reflecting, evaluating and getting better). For the Westgate staff, it comes down to their students and making them excited about learning. (A copy of Mr. Broshar s power point is attached to the official minutes.)

3 Page 3 of 7 Facilities Master Plan Monthly Update Mr. Rob Zimmerman, Principal, Project Advocates, presented a monthly update to the board on Phase I of the Facilities Master Plan. BVH Architects was selected for the Westside Middle School addition and renovation project. Interviews are scheduled for October 21, 2015, with four architect firms for the Oakdale project, and demolition and construction is on schedule for early 2016 at the Career Center / Swing School. Mr. Williams asked about vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Mr. Zimmerman stated that traffic studies would be done with involvement from the City. Ms. Slosburg requested that when involving consultants on design to include district staff who work in the identified area (classrooms, kitchens, libraries) to ensure their investment in the school design process. (A copy of the Executive Summary and the October 2015 Monthly Report is attached to the official minutes.) Swing School Design Update Mr. Zimmerman, along with Ms. Vanessa Schutte of DLR, presented the board with an update on the design concepts for the Westside Community Conference Center (CCC), which will serve as the Elementary Swing School beginning in the fall of Renovations will also be made to the lower level of the CCC to accommodate the Westside Career Center (currently located on the main level of the CCC) as well as the CAPS program, which is now located at the Underwood Hills Early Learning Center. DLR has been working with district staff from the Administration Office, Oakdale Elementary, the Career Center and CAPS program, along with members of the Oakdale Community Club and Project Advocates to develop plans for classroom space and programs associated with all three groups that will be be utilizing the Swing School. Ms. Schutte reviewed the schematic design of both the upper level (for elementary space) and lower level (for Career Center and CAPS programs). The Swing School Design Concept will be brought back to the Board for approval at the November 2, 2015 Board of Education Meeting. (A copy of the schematic design document is attached to the official minutes.) WMS Architect Contract Mr. Zimmerman presented a recommendation for approval and execution of a contract with BVH to provide design services for the renovation and addition project at Westside Middle School. BVH was selected from an initial pool of eight firms that submitted Statements of Qualifications, and then from four finalist firms that interviewed with the selection committee on October 7, The other firms that interviewed were DLR, Schemmer and BCDM. Ms. Slosburg inquired on the BVH contract fee of $930,000. Mr. Zimmerman confirmed that they verified the fee was in the range of what was anticipated for the scope of work to be completed. Reimbursable expenses are not to exceed $30,000. Mr. Hazelrigg, who sat on the selection committee, stated that all firms provided really good options for the district s choice for

4 Page 4 of 7 the Middle School project. What stood out with BVH was their understanding of middle school philosophy and how to incorporate the middle school philosophy into their designs. Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the negotiated contract with BVH. Ms. Morrissette seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (A copy of the recommended negotiated contract with BVH is attached to the official minutes.) CMR Delivery Method for High Priority School Projects Mr. Zimmerman presented a recommendation for approval of the Construction Management at Risk (CMR) construction delivery method for the High Priority projects (Hillside, Loveland, Paddock Road, Rockbrook, Westbrook and Westgate). The CMR delivery method provides the most value for fast track projects such as the High Priority projects. Ms. Blakely made a motion to approve the CMR Delivery Method for High Priority Projects. Ms. Slosburg seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (A copy of the motion is attached to the official minutes.) 2016 Caucus Committee Appointments Ms. Alison McGinn, District Counsel, presented the 2016 Caucus Committee for Board approval. Approval by the Board is necessary before the Caucus Committee can begin planning for the District s 2016 Caucus. Westside Community Schools holds a Caucus every two years to nominate candidates to fill vacancies on the Board of Education. There are two six year terms that expire every two years. The two board terms that end in May 2016 are currently held by Scott Hazelrigg and Martha Slosburg. The Board nominates the Caucus Committee in the fall preceding the election. Some of the responsibilities of the Caucus Committee include setting the date of the caucus; drafting caucus rules; setting filing deadlines for candidates intent to run; ensuring that caucus information is mailed to every household in the District; and running the caucus. The proposed members for the 2016 Caucus Committee are: Rod Anderson, Lori Gigantelli, Deb Kruse, Charlie Liakos, Kelly Tagge and Mike Williams. Ms Slosburg made a motion to approve the 2016 Caucus Committee. Ms. Blakely seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (A copy of the Executive Summary and 2016 Caucus Committee is attached to the official minutes.) Papio Missouri River NRD Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan Mr. Bob Zagozda presented a resolution for board approval for the district to join the Papio Missouri River NRD Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. Zagozda explained that the district was approached during the summer of 2015 to participate and that through our participation, the district would become eligible to apply for certain FEMA and state grants. The Plan s purpose is to reduce the community s risk to hazards such as tornadoes, severe storms,

5 Page 5 of 7 fires, hazardous chemical spills, etc. by identifying vulnerabilities in our community and measures to reduce those vulnerabilities. Mr. Zagozda and Rick Avard met with representatives from JEO Consulting Group this past summer. JEO Consulting was hired by the NRD to coordinate the administration of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) in our community. Other school districts have also joined the HMP, including Millard, Bennington, Papillion LaVista and Omaha Public Schools. The next step for Westside, upon board approval, would be to finalize our mitigation plan and explore funding opportunities. Ms. Morrissette made a motion to approve the resolution for Westside Community Schools to join the NRD Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (A copy of the Executive Summary, an NRD Project flyer and Westside Schools draft plan is attached to the official minutes.) K 6 Social Studies Ms. Ruby Larson provided an update on the K 6 Social Studies Toolbox. Every curriculum area has a Toolbox group that is comprised of representative teachers from each grade level, and the Toolbox process is used throughout the district to study best practices, develop curriculum and assessment tools and choose instructional materials. Ms. Larson reported that the Elementary Social Studies Toolbox group began reviewing materials from three publishers back in January 2014 and narrowed it down to two. In the spring of 2014, representatives from Teachers Curriculum Institute (TCI) and Pearson made presentations to the Toolbox group. The group decided on TCI. Ms. Larson stated that TCI materials were already in place for grade 6 for the school year, and TCI had been adopted during the curriculum selection in 2004, so the transition to the new version of TCI for K 5 has been relatively easy. Many of the new features of the TCI materials are interactive and blend well with the district s strategic plan and personalized learning. There are text features and additional digital resources that students can access on their ipads. Ms. Larson also reported that when the district purchases the digital version of materials, we get the textbooks for free. Training on the new TCI materials was held during pre opening activities in August TCI representatives provided our teachers with a half day of training that focused on content and how to use the new technology materials. On going training for classroom teachers is being made available during grade level meetings during the school year, and our Toolbox group and instructional coaches will provide additional support as needed. (A copy of the Executive Summary and Powerpoint is attached to the official minutes.)

6 Page 6 of 7 Americanism Curriculum Report (Written Report) Pursuant to District Board Policy #1170, a committee on Americanism meets on an annual basis. This committee, which met prior to this evening s Board Meeting, includes three members of the Board of Education, along with Social Studies department. The presentation focused on concepts related to Americanism and how they are addressed in elementary classrooms. A copy of Ms. Ruby Larson s report is attached to the official minutes. Perkins Grant Update (Written Report) Dr. Melissa Hansen provided the board with a comprehensive overview of the Carl A. Perkins grant funding within Westside Schools and how those funds are supporting career and technical education. A copy of Dr. Hansen s report is attached to the official minutes. Board Member Representation Update Ms. Blakely attended Nebraska Council on Teacher Education (NCTE) on October 9, 2015 in Lincoln, and reminded the group about the upcoming State Education Conference November 18 20, 2015 at the Embassy Suites LaVista. Ms. Morrissette reported that Dr. Keith Rohwer has been selected as the interim Executive Director of the Learning Community. Dr. Rohwer will serve for approximately 9 months, while the search continues for a permanent Executive Director. Ms. Slosburg shared that the Do Space, Omaha s first technology library, is set to open on November 7th in the former Borders Bookstore building at 72nd & Dodge. The library is all about technology and will have computers, kindles, 3D printers, coding and design software and other emerging technology. Legislative Update Dr. McCann reported that Superintendents from the Learning Community will be meeting with Sen. Sullivan and will be able to provide an update in the coming weeks. Announcements Dr. McCann reviewed upcoming events, which include: October 26, 2015 BOE Leadership Development Workshop 5:30 p.m. November 2, 2015 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m. November 3, 2015 Bond Oversight Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. November 16, 2015 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m. November 18 20, 2015 State Education Conference Embassy Suites LaVista November 26 27, 2015 Thanksgiving Break Schools / District offices closed December 1, 2015 Bond Oversight Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. December 14, 2015 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.

7 Page 7 of 7 Executive Session Mr. Hazelrigg asked for a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Mr. Williams moved for discussion regarding personnel matters and which is necessary for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and is in compliance with law. Ms. Morrissette seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. The board adjourned at 8:10 p.m. before going into closed session at 8:30 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and which is necessary for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and is in compliance with law. At 9:32 p.m. the Board returned to open session and, there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.