Minutes --- December 14, 2009 --- 4:30 Study Session
December 14, 2009
Norfolk Public Schools
Board of Education Study Session
December 14, 2009 04:30PM
Central Office Board Room
Attendance Taken at 4:28 PM:
Present Board Members:
Joel Carlson
Clark Froehlich
Mr. Bruce Mitchell
Julee Pfeil
Absent Board Members:
Dr. Brad Krivohlavek
Alfredo Ramirez
Updated Attendance:
Alfredo Ramirez was updated to present at: 4:38 PM
Dr. Brad Krivohlavek was updated to present at: 4:50 PM
1. Call to Order
Brad Krivohlavek, President, called the meeting to order.
2. Declaration of a Legal Meeting
Brad Krivohlavek, President, declared a legal meeting of the Board of Education. The meeting was advertised in the Norfolk Daily News on Thursday, December 10, 2009. A copy of the agenda is available at the desk of the recording secretary.
3. Reports and Discussion Items
3.1. Shaping the Future
The board received updates on projects related to boundary changes and facilities. There was a rescheduling of the meeting with the architects regarding Senior High. The footings and foundations are done. Bids are being advertised and will be opened on Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Members of the Finance Committee along with Mark Riley will be present to open the bids.
It has been recommended the names of the Middle School and Norfolk Junior High be retained.
The district is moving ahead for options for Sunny Meadow, Montessori and Northern Hills. The Early Childhood Center will be kept for use by the Central Office.
Mr. Hastings and Dr. Uhng have met with staff and asked for input for criteria when determining staff placement.
An internal committee is working on realignment of boundaries. Mr. Witte shared a PowerPoint presentation regarding the realignment of boundaries and how it will affect the enrollment at each of our elementary schools. Public meetings have been conducted at Northern Hills and Lincoln.
It is proposed that April 1 will be the date that boundary exceptions are determined. It is being proposed that all current boundary exceptions approved and active in 2009-2010 will be grandfathered in.
The district will be posting information on the Norfolk Public Schools website so that patrons can easily access the information.
3.2. Partnership with the City of Norfolk
The board discussed a request from the City of Norfolk related to Memorial Field and other recreational facilities.
Board members discussed the Memorial Field issue and there was some agreement that all parties involved need to work together for a common cause. It was not determined exactly how that will happen at this time.
3.3. School Calendar for 2010-2011
There was discussion regarding professional development time build into the school calendar. More information will be emailed to the board members regarding this topic.
3.4. Policy 503.4 Cooperative Activities
Discussion was held regarding cooperative activities. The board looked at our current policy and also discussed if we would want to make any changes in the policy regarding non-resident participation.
It was the general consensus that Norfolk Public Schools would be willing to coop in baseball for the ensuing school year. Mr. Morton was told to proceed with the paperwork that needs to be filed with the NSAA.
More discussion will take place on the other cooperative sports.
3.5. Nebraska Department of Education Race to the Top Grant
The Nebraska Department of Education is writing this grant with the primary objective of supporting schools in closing achievement gaps while increasing overall achievement, and improving high school graduation and college going rates. The board will sign off on the memorandum of understanding from NDE.
4. Action Items
5. Minutes of Meetings
Minutes of meetings held throughout the month were shared.
6. Other
1. National School Board Conference in Chicago, April 10-12.
2. 21st Century Teaching and Learning Conference in Norfolk January 19.
3. Policy Amendment
6.1. Personnel
7. Adjournment
Brad Krivohlavek, President, declared the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
