Pending Approval
January 22, 2008
The regular meeting of the Conestoga Board of Education was held Monday, January 14, 2008, at the Conestoga Elementary School, 104 East High Street, Murray, NE. Dennis Martin, President, called the meeting to order at 7:57 p.m. Present were Board Members Dennis Martin, Judy Simpson, Jeff Stanley, Dean Nickels, Pat Neu, Gary Todd.; Administrators Mark Sievering; Angela Leifeld, Eric Dennis and Robin Frost; five visitors.
Notice of the meeting was given in advance by publication and/or posting in accordance with the Board approved method for giving notice of meetings. Notice of this meeting and the subjects to be discussed at this meeting were given in advance to all members of the Board of Education. A current copy of the agenda was maintained as stated in the publicized notice.
At the beginning of this meeting, Dennis Martin, President, announced and informed the public that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the West wall of the meeting room.
Reorganization of the board for 2008
President Dennis Martin opened the floor for nominations for the office of President. Pat Neu nominated Dennis Martin, second by Gary Todd.
Motion by Judy Simpson to cease nomination and cast a unanimous ballot for Dennis Martin, President of Conestoga Board of Education. Motion seconded by Jeff Stanley. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. Dennis Martin, abstain.
Dean Nickels nominated Gary Todd for the office of Vice President, second by Pat Neu.
Motion by Judy Simpson, second by Jeff Stanley to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Gary Todd, Vice President of Conestoga Board of Education. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. Gary Todd, abstain.
Judy Simpson nominated Pat Neu for the office of Secretary, second by Gary Todd.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Judy Simpson to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Pat Neu, Secretary of Conestoga Board of Education. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. Pat Neu, abstain.
Gary Todd nominated Dean Nickels for the office of Treasurer, second by Pat Neu.
Motion by Jeff Stanley, second by Pat Neu to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Dean Nickels, Treasurer of Conestoga Board of Education. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. Dean Nickels, abstain.
Committee Assignments
1. Budget and Finance Dean Nickels, Dennis Martin, Gary Todd
2. Negotiations Pat Neu, Judy Simpson, Gary Todd
3. Americanism/Instruction/Policy Pat Neu, Judy Simpson, Jeff
Stanley
4. Transportation Judy Simpson, Dennis Martin, Jeff Stanley
5. Building and Grounds Gary Todd, Pat Neu, Dean Nickels
6. Legislative Liaison Jeff Stanley, Alternate Judy Simpson
Motion by Pat Neu, second by Judy Simpson to approve the minutes of the December 10, 2007, regular meeting. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Dean Nickels second by Judy Simpson to approve the claims as submitted. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote.
The agenda was set as presented.
SCHEDULED AUDIENCE: None
REPORTS:
Eric Dennis:
Currently 326 students compared to 317 in 2006-07. Three new
students at the beginning of 2nd semester.
Student teachers: Jenny Cook in kindergarten and preschool; Lalena
Carrizosa in first grade.
Angela Leifeld:
Enrollment remained the same, 279 students.
Completed formal evaluations of teachers.
Image Building Machine program targets areas of school academics
and participation. Grade levels will compete as teams in the areas
of GPA growth, attendance, tardies, disciplinary referrals, school
spirit, planner usage, academic detentions, and community
service.
NSAA game schedule for conference games received.
Security camera system has been implemented.
Wall mats in gym have been installed.
Robin Frost:
January 23, Math Peer Review will be held.
Two dual credit classes are offered for students through
Agriculture/Science classes.
Twenty-five of fifty-four 2006-07 seniors received a 26 or above on
the ACT test. ACT test results for the 2006-07 Conestoga students
was higher than the national and state level.
Five seniors received Regent Scholarships during the past three
years. Investigating the possibility of an academic hall of
fame.
Mark Sievering:
Board member incumbent filing forms for Judy Simpson, Dean
Nickels, Dennis Martin.
NRCSA spring conference will be held March 12 and 13 in
Kearney.
NASB workshop registrations are due.
NRCSA legislative review is scheduled January 22.
NRCSA/NASB: No report
COMMITTEE:
Buildings and Grounds: No report
Budget and Finance: No report
Negotiations: No report
Policy/Americanism/Instruction: No report
Transportation: No report
Legislation: No report
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Wind Energy: A company is investigating the placement of wind turbines in Cass County. A possible location will be at the high school. A presentation will be given by the company to the board members.
ACTION ITEMS:
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Judy Simpson to hold a board goal setting retreat on Monday, February 25, 2008, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Dean Nickels to appoint Jeff Stanley as the Government Relations Network Representative. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. Jeff Stanley, abstain.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Pat Neu to accept the Hart Floors bid as submitted. Motion carried 5-1 by roll call vote. Jeff Stanley, nay.
Bid for $12,884.00 to refinish the high school gym floor immediately following the basketball season. A bid of $2,250.00 to repair the portion of the gym floor damaged by water. Gym would be closed for approximately two weeks. Classes would be scheduled elsewhere during that time.
Motion by Dean Nickels, second by Judy Simpson to change the board of education meeting to begin on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Judy Simpson, second by Pat Neu to accept the revision of Policy 2008: Meetings. Board of Education meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month beginning with the March 11, 2008 meeting. The meeting time will be scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried 4-2 by roll call vote. Jeff Stanley, Gary Todd, nay.
Motion by Pat Neu, second by Gary Todd to enter executive session at 9:02 p.m. for the purpose of superintendent evaluation. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Dean Nickels to reconvene from executive session at 10:18 p.m. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Judy Simpson to approve the contract offered to Mark Sievering, Superintendent, as presented. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote.
FUTURE DATES:
January 22 NRCSA Legislative Forum
January 29 Foundation Board of Trustees meeting 6:30 p.m.
February 11 Board of Education meeting 12:30 p.m.
February 25 Board goal setting retreat 5:30 p.m.
Motion by Dean Nickels, second by Judy Simpson to adjourn as there was no further business to be brought before the Board of Education. Motion carried 6-0 by roll call vote. President Dennis Martin adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m.
