Conestoga Board of Education
Pending Approval
February 19, 2008
The regular meeting of the Conestoga Board of Education was held Monday, February 11, 2008, at the Conestoga Elementary School, 104 East High Street, Murray, NE. Dennis Martin, President, called the meeting to order at 4:22 p.m. Present were Board Members Dennis Martin, Jeff Stanley, Dean Nickels, Pat Neu, Gary Todd.; Administrators Mark Sievering; Angela Leifeld, Eric Dennis and Robin Frost; three visitors. Board member Judy Simpson, absent.
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.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Pat Neu to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2008, regular meeting and the January 12, 2008 Work Session. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Pat Neu second by Jeff Stanley to approve the claims as submitted. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
The agenda was set as presented.
SCHEDULED AUDIENCE: None
REPORTS:
Eric Dennis:
- Kindergarten Roundup is scheduled for March 19. Approximately 50 students are expected.
- Office personnel have completed the work in power school for the calling system to be implemented.
- February 28, the PTO will hold the Ice Cream Social/Basket Auction from 6:00 � 8:00 p.m..
Angela Leifeld:
- A new 8th grader enrolled. Have had students transferring in and out since semester.
- Outside marquee has been damaged. The door blew open due to high winds lately. Suggested by board members that it would be beneficial to make that into a permanent sign with the school logo and Conestoga Jr-Sr High School. Will get bids to fix the sign. Discussion was held concerning a digital sign to be installed.
Robin Frost:
- Math Peer Review was held. The new assessments need to be given to students, then submitted to Nebraska Department of Education before the review is accepted.
- The computer survey was conducted by Mr. Myrtue and submitted for informational purposes.
Mark Sievering:
- Comparison of bank reconciliation shows a current balance of $783,984 compared to this time last year at $375,482.
- Area schools will be hiring a lobbyist at a cost of $625 per school. This position will keep the schools updated on the learning community and related legislation which may affect the districts.
NRCSA/NASB:
Mr. Sievering attended the recent legislative meeting.
COMMITTEE:
Buildings and Grounds: Completed a walk through of all
buildings.
Budget and Finance: No report
Negotiations: No report
Policy/Americanism/Instruction: Committee needs to meet.
Transportation: No report
Legislation: No report
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
403b Changes: Mr. Sievering will meet with the CEA President and Head Negotiator concerning the changes which will become effective Jan. 1, 2009. The options available will need to be presented to staff members before the beginning of the 08-09 school year.
Softball Coop: Conestoga has cooped with Weeping Water in the past. Beginning with the 08-09 school year, Weeping Water plans to coop with Louisville or not offer the activity. Louisville has stated that if Weeping Water does not offer the activity, that school would like to coop with Conestoga.
Conestoga High School could field a team without a coop for the 08-09 school year.
Wind Energy: Steve Eveans, SEARCH representative, outlined the concept of a wind turbine being placed on land at the Jr-Sr High site. This ground would be leased, which would be revenue for the school. The company will have to complete tests on the site, wind speed, shadow effect, noise factor, and placement. Financial information will be sent to Mr. Sievering and consideration for the agreement will be presented at the March meeting.
Early Graduation Policy: Currently students are allowed to graduate mid term and wait to receive a diploma at the May ceremony. The student is allowed to participate in prom. A request was submitted by Mrs. Leifeld that wording changes be made, that students graduating would only be allowed to attend prom as a guest. The changes will be submitted for consideration at the March meeting.
Elementary Class Sizes: Request for an additional teacher in the elementary. Enrollment figures show a need to shift the numbers of teachers in certain grades, plus the hire of one additional teacher. Will be brought to the March meeting for consideration.
ACTION ITEMS:
Motion by Jeff Stanley, second by Pat Neu to enter executive session at 6:13 p.m. for the purpose of the renewal of Principals� contracts. Motion carried 4-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Dean Nickels, second by Gary Todd to reconvene from executive session at 6:52 p.m. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Jeff Stanley to approve the contract renewal of Elementary Principal, Eric Dennis; Curriculum Director/Jr-Sr High Assistant Principal, Robin Frost; and Jr-Sr High Principal, Angela Leifeld as presented. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
FUTURE DATES:
Board of Education meeting will be changed to the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on March 11, 2008.
Motion by Gary Todd, second by Pat Neu to adjourn as there was no further business to be brought before the Board of Education. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote. President Dennis Martin adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
