Board of Education: Board Meetings

December 10, 2007

by Veryle Winter

December 18, 2007

NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
NORFOLK, NEBRASKA

Notice—Notice of the regular meeting was published in the Norfolk Daily News on Saturday, December 3, 2007. 4:30 Session

4:30 Session—The Board of Education met on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. for the study session at the Norfolk Public Schools Administration Office, and at 7:30 moved to the City Council Chambers for the regular meeting. Members present included Jane McDaniel (arrived at 5:45 p.m.), Brad Krivohlavek (arrived at 4:40 p.m.), Julee Pfeil, Clark Froehlich, Alfredo Ramirez, and Paul Cazabon. Absent: None. Also present were Superintendent Marlene Uhing, Robert Waite, Dan DePasquale, and Doug Witte.

Legal Meeting – Marlene Uhing, Superintendent, called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a legal meeting of the Board of Education.

Open Meetings Act – Superintendent Uhing announced that a complete copy of the Open Meetings Act was available for review if anyone was interested and that a complete board packet is available for review.

Crisis Response Team (Lori Frohberg & Anita Theophilus) – Dr. Uhing introduced Anita Theophilus and Lori Frohberg, Crisis Response Team Chairs. They responded to questions regarding their role as a Crisis Response Team. They were thanked by the board for their voluntary service to this committee.

CaryAndrews of ERI (Reading Mastery) – Cary Andrews addressed the board and discussed the Reading Mastery and Connections Program. He was very complimentary about the program in Norfolk. He stated that while things may have been done differently he now feels that Norfolk has “turned the corner” and is moving forward with the new reading program. He stated that Norfolk has many exemplary teachers. Board members were urged to get into some of the classrooms to see the reading program in progress.

Panther Update – Dr. Uhing reported that she had visited with Mr. Gimbel and that he was very receptive to the idea of moving the Panther. We are to send him pictures and then he will may a final decision. If he agrees Dr. Uhing will send an addendum to the agreement we have with him which will then allow us to move the Panther.

NASB Plans – Dr. Uhing asked the board members to commit if they were planning to go to Orlando for the National School Boards Convention. Highlighting the convention will be a day on 21^st Century Schools. Veryle will be making reservations and getting flights booked this week.

Construction Update – Bob Waite reported that the two air handling units at Washington School will be installed after Christmas. Junior High is 98 percent complete. The Senior High will be having an Open House prior to their music concert on Sunday, December 16, 2007. Woodland Park has been completed. Jefferson has moved into their new office area and demolition has started in the old office area and some classroom areas.

Annual Report – Trudie DePasquale summarized the Annual Report for 2006-2007 to the Board of Education.

Adjournment – President Jane McDaniel adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m. The group enjoyed a meal together and then went to the City Council Chambers for the 7:30 p.m. meeting.

REGULAR MEETING
Consent Agenda

Regular Meeting – Jane McDaniel, President, called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:30 p .m. and declared a legally advertised meeting. She welcomed everyone.

Open Meetings Act – Jane McDaniel, President, announced that a complete copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the West wall in the City Council Chambers located at 309 Madison Avenue and that a complete board packet is available for review.

Amend Consent Agenda – It was moved by Paul Cazabon, seconded by Julee Pfeil, to pull Item C. Resignations/Early Retirements from the Consent Agenda and act on them separately. Roll call: Aye – Krivohlavek, McDaniel, Ramirez, Pfeil, Cazabon, and Froehlich. Nay – None. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda -- It was moved by Clark Froehlich, seconded by Brad Krivohlavek, to approve the remaining consent agenda items as listed. Roll call: Aye: McDaniel, Krivohlavek, Ramirez, Pfeil, Froehlich, and Cazabon. Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Minutes -- Regular Meeting, November 12, 2007, 2007
Board Retreat, December 3, 2007

Excused Absence – None

Claims – Approved claims in the amount of $198,900.57 for General Fund; $47,263.43 for Cooperative Fund; $29,672.30 for Lunch Fund; $16,772.70 for Reserve/Depreciation Fund and $215,402.43.09 for Special Building Fund.

Appointment of Officers – Approved the following appointments as board officers:

Marlene Uhing Secretary
Bob Waite Treasurer
Dan DePasquale Parliamentarian

Regular Agenda

Award for Excellence – The Award for Excellence award will continue next month.

Focus on Students – Senior High Junior Statesmen of American under the direction of Kathy Steinkamp gave the Focus on Students presentation.

Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Marlene Uhing's report included: snow removal for the district, construction update, and early retirement incentive plan.

Financial Report– Robert Waite gave the financial report.

Student Services Report – Mr. Witte reported on holiday program schedule and holiday schedule.

Instruction/Personnel – Dr. DePasquale reported on adding a new AP course to the curriculum, rearrangement of Senior High English course offerings, and ranking of the 25 largest school districts in the state for: (1) needs and challenges based on student characteristics, and (2) academic success based on Criterion Reference Tests, ACT, standardized tests, and the State Writing Assessment.

Finance Committee – There was no report.

Activities Committee Report – There was no report.

REGULAR AGENDA ITEM

Resignations/Early Retirements -- It was moved by Julee Pfeil, seconded by Brad Krivohlavek, to approve the resignations/early retirements of the following staff members effective at the end of the current school year:

Kathy Balsiger Senior High Family Consumer Science
Joan Baumgart Jefferson Elementary, Grade 1
Sandy Mefford Middle School Language
Linda Schram Lincoln Elementary, Grades 1& 2
Kay Huber Elementary Physical Education
Laurel Robins Lincoln Elementary, Grade 3
Jean Rumsey Jefferson Elementary, Grade 3
Steve Porter Senior High Math
Randy Pospishil Senior High English
Sharon Erickson Junior High Guidance
Judy Sovereign Elementary Music
Tom Gannon Senior High Science
Jan Puls Jefferson Elementary, Grade 5
Jean Higgins Bel Air Elementary, Grade 4
Rick Crosier Senior High/Junior High Ag Ed

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Dr. Marlene Uhing took over as temporary chairperson and announced that nominations for President were open. Clark Froehlich nominated Brad Krivohlavek for Board President. It was moved by Clark Froehlich, seconded by Julee Pfeil, to close nominations for President. Roll call: Aye –McDaniel, Ramirez, Pfeil, Cazabon, and Froehlich. Nay – None. Brad abstained from voting. Motion carried.

Brad Krivohlavek took over as President and thanked Jane McDaniel for her leadership during the past couple years as president.

Brad Krivohlavek announced that nominations for Vice-President were open. Julee Pfeil nominated Clark Froehlich for Vice-President. Paul Cazabon seconded the nomination. It was moved by Julee Pfeil to close nomination for Vice-President and Paul seconded the motion. Roll call: Aye – Krivohlavek, McDaniel, Ramirez, Pfeil, and Cazabon. Nay – None. Clark Froehlich abstained from voting. Motion carried. Clark thanked everyone for their support.

Future Meetings – Regular meeting, Monday, January 14, 2008, 4:30 p.m. study Session and 7:30 p.m. regular meeting; 2^nd meeting of the month on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 12:00 noon.

Adjournment – President Brad Krivohlavek declared the regular meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marlene Uhing, Secretary Jane McDaniel, President
Board of Education Board of Education