HAYES CENTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

March 19, 2012

 7:00 P.M. 

CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Board of Education for the Hayes Center Public Schools District #43-0079 was held on Monday, March 19, 2012 in the Conference Room at the High School. Notice of the meeting was given in advance by publication and posted in accordance with the Board policy of giving notice of such meetings. Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all Board members.

ROLL CALL- President Anderjaska called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with Superintendent Ron Howard, Principal Peggy Pruter, and Board members Joe Anderjaska, Kevin Large, Kris Kressin, Marian Richards, Randy Richter, and Bob Rosno present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: President Anderjaska reminded the visitors to fill out the sign-in sheet if they wished to address the board.

RECOGNITION OF OPEN MEETING LAW POSTER-The Open Meetings Law Poster was on display and recognized by President Anderjaska.

ADDITION TO AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA: Richards moved, seconded by Large, to adopt the agenda. Voting yes: Anderjaska, Kressin, Large, Richards, Richter, Rosno. Voting no: none. Motion passed 6-0.

AUDIENCE COMMUNICATIONS- Kris Kressin issued an apology to President Anderjaska for inappropriate language used in messages he left on Anderjaska’s phone. He also read a letter to the board regarding several policies and expressed concerns with other board members and a board candidate of investigating his behavior.  He defended his conduct as trying to do what was best for the school district. He has concerns about the petition carriers’ reasons for the petition and if Mr. Howard does not resign he has concerns on how the petitions were circulated and is contesting the recall efforts in defense of Mr. Richter’s ethics and reputation.

SERVICES REPORT: UPDATE ON STAFF TECHNOLOGY RELATED IN-SERVICES: Mrs. Jeffers thanked the board for allowing the staff to have technology related teacher in-service days. The time was used very effectively as teachers started with the basics and shared ideas, applications, and different ways to use the I-pads, Smart boards etc. They had time to collaborate as a full staff and also separately at the elementary school and high school. She feels they can now much more effectively use the technology in the classroom. The high school also did more with an introduction into web page and Google docs.

TEACHER ASSOCIATION UPDATE-None

BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: Richards reported that the negotiations teams had met and the teachers have presented their requests. They will meet again sometime after the board gets more information. Rosno questioned whether they were going to have a Communications Committee meeting this month. Mr. Large will coordinate with Mr. Howard to get a meeting date set. Randy would like to address Policy 2020.1 at the April meeting. The Buildings and Grounds committee will meet ahead of the next regular meeting to do a walk through and discuss possible summer projects. They will bring recommendations to the April meeting.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT-STATE AID/MID MONTH MEMO-Kressin had several questions on how the state aid formula works, how they get their figures and why other schools approximately the same size as us are receiving more state aid than we are.

Mrs. Pruter reported on the upcoming SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EXTERNAL AUDIT-Wednesday March 21^st, there will be interviews of teachers, students and staff with an oral exit report around 3:40, talking about our strengths and weaknesses as a district, followed by an extensive written report. Board members and patrons are welcome.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT-Congratulations to the boys basketball team and coaches on an outstanding season. Congratulations to the State Speech qualifiers; there are six qualifiers for State Speech on Friday. There will be 28 participants attending State FFA next week. FFA Officer interviews will take place tomorrow night with a panel of students, teachers, and outside individuals taking part with the students voting for officers after the interviews.  Congratulations to Megan Tidyman for placing 9^th in the State Spelling Bee. There are 8 girls and 15 boys out for track.  Their first meet will be Saturday in McCook. Six to eight students will be participating in All-State Band on Saturday in Kearney. NHS will be inducting 10 new members on April 10^th. Elementary students will be participating in Quiz Bowl Thursday in Imperial.  The cyber bullying workshops were very successful. Parent-Teacher conferences were well attended. There is still a lot coming up-Health Careers Exploration day, Inter-high day, Quiz Bowl, SWPPD here for a presentation to the Ag classes, Track meets-Jr. High and High School.

ACTION ITEMS-CONSENT AGENDA: Rosno moved, seconded by Large, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the approval of minutes for the February 13, 2012 Regular Meeting and Board Retreat,  approval of February General Fund claims of $45,267.99, and approval of March General Fund claim of $242,267.13 (Payroll $137,892.86   Claims $104,374.27).Voting yes: Kressin, Large, Richards, Richter, Rosno, Anderjaska. Voting no: none. Motion passed 6-0.

Richter questioned some of the expenses for house repairs. Some of them were labeled as the wrong house by the vendor.

The Board called Karen Haase, the school attorney at 7:51 P.M. to be available for questions.

SET DATE FOR RECALL ELECTION: Anderjaska clarified why he included the recall election as an agenda item again this month. According to the school attorney, the cheapest way for the district to handle the situation for the lawsuit would be to either do nothing or to set a date.  We may have a little more control if we set the date. If the date is the same as the primary election it will only cost the district about $440.  If the judge sets the date and it is a special election it will cost about $2500. Several questions were asked of Ms. Haase to clarify the results of votes taken, what would happen if no action is taken tonight, questions on what constitutes an illegal signature, the time frame for the recall, if the district has any liability if we don’t defend against the suit, if the district is obligated to pay the legal fees, if the rationale for the petition is not totally factual does that negate the recall. Haase stated that the recall votes that were cast 3-3 were not illegal. She also stated the schools have always paid legal bills, the $642 was the board’s responsibility, she re-iterated twice that the meeting was not illegal. Several more questions were asked of Ms. Haase before Anderjaska asked for a motion.

Richards moved, seconded by Large, to set Tuesday, May 15^th as the date for the recall election.

Discussion followed as to whether we were within the date for setting the recall; in Ms. Haase’s opinion we could possibly mute the lawsuit by setting a date. Kevin commented that this is one of our cheapest options but if there were signatures collected without it being read to them, tell us how many, if there are only a couple we should go ahead and set a date.  Rosno commented there are some but did not give any numbers. Richter also commented that there are several but again did not give specific numbers. After several more minutes of discussion Richards re-read the motion: Richards moved, seconded by Large, to set Tuesday, May 15, 2012 as the date for the recall election. Voting yes: Large, Richards, Anderjaska. Voting no: Richter, Rosno, Kressin. Motion failed 3-3.

BOARD APPROVAL TO DEFEND LAWSUIT- Kressin moved, seconded by Richter, to have the board defend itself in the lawsuit. Kressin questioned Connie Brott and Bill Tidyman if there was any way to make this go away. Connie replied for the petitioners. Anderjaska commented on the cost of litigation if there are not enough signatures that could be negated and that the money could be better spent somewhere else. Anderjaska commented that when he got elected as president of the board he did call Randy and ask him to resign and asked Randy if that was an option. Richter was not ready to say but reminded Anderjaska that there is another option out there. Kressin and Richter did offer to resign if Mr. Howard resigned . Anderjaska asked for the vote. Richards re-read the motion: Kressin move, seconded by Richter, to have the board defend itself in the lawsuit. Voting yes: Richter, Rosno, Kressin. Voting no: Richards, Anderjaska, Large. Motion failed 3-3.

APPROVAL OF LAWYER FEES FOR RECALL-Large moved, seconded by Rosno, that we approve the current fees-with no intent to set a precedent for future fees. Voting yes: Richter, Rosno, Kressin, Large. Voting no: Anderjaska, Richards. Motion passed 4-2.

The school attorney will find out what her response should be. Anderjaska will talk to petitioners and see if any resolution can be reached and let her know.

TABLED POLICIES FROM DECEMBER MEETING-2^nd READING- a.7020.2 SALE OF OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY    b.7020.4 GIFTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT-Rosno moved, seconded by Large, to approve second reading of policies 7020.2 and 7020.4.  Voting yes: Rosno, Anderjaska, Kressin, Large, Richards, Richter. Voting no: none. Motion passed 6-0.

REVIEW OF BOARD POLICIES 1000 AND 2000’S-1^ST READING- Mr. Howard questioned whether there were any changes we wanted to make. Some changes are needed in 2100.1- it needs to read “other duties as assigned”.

Rosno moved, seconded by Richter, to approve the first reading of 1000 and 2000 policies. Kressin questioned the three members who voted against the changes of the 1000’s in January, how to change the policy so they don’t contradict each other. Large also pointed out that there is still the option for two people to call a special meeting. After some discussion Anderjaska moved to table, seconded by Large. Voting yes: Anderjaska, Kressin, Richter, Rosno, Richards, Large. Voting no: none. Motion Passed 6-0.

DISCUSSION- 2012-2013  SCHOOL CALENDAR-Mr.Howard suggested the communications committee meet with the teachers to hear the items they would like to discuss. Large, Richter, and Rosno will find a time to meet with the teachers.

PA SYSTEM IN HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING-Mr. Howard request the board consider the purchase of a PA system in the future that could possibly tie all the buildings into one notification system.

JR. HIGH SPORTS- Mr. Howard asked the board to consider options for Jr. High sports (especially boys)-we can adopt a policy which would enable us to play with less than five. The policy could also be written to allow us to have girls play with boys and/or use 6^th graders on the 7^th-8^th grade team. The other option would be for us to co-op with another school. There may be some changes coming to Rule 10 that would not require a policy to be adopted. Anderjaska asked that Mr. Frecks come and give us a report as to how the coop worked last year and some recommendations for upcoming years. Numbers of boys in next year’s 8^th grade class-1; number of boys in next year’s 7^th grade class-2; number of boys in next year’s 6^th grade class -1. Mr. Howard will ask Mr. Frecks to prepare a survey for the parents and bring a report next month.

GRADUATION SPEAKER- Seniors would like ideas for a graduation speaker. There are several potential names that have come up. Mr. Hof chose the speaker last year. The board would prefer that the seniors choose their speaker.

INFORMATION ONLY- LEGISLATIVE UPDATES- Mr. Howard gave reports on the effects of LB 870 and LB 996 on our district.

SECURITY CAMERAS-Mr. Howard reported that the security cameras have been installed in the new high school and should be very beneficial for our school overall. We should begin the discussion of whether to improve the elementary camera system which is quite antiquated and does not connect to any server. Because of this we cannot record/save the feed or information provided on the cameras. 

GRANT-The district received a grant through ESU 15 and 16 to update the firewall and switches that will allow us to use the distance learning more effectively. This will be installed over the summer.

CORRESPONDENCE-CARDS OF THANKS-The Board received a thank you from Wagner’s Chevrolet on the purchase of the suburban.

Anderjaska will check to see if board correspondence via e-mail needs to be included in the minutes. Kressin thought it just needed to be available for public information.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS- GYM CAMERA, WALK-IN FREEZER BIDS, BUS SHOP ADDITION, KITCHEN DRAIN, PA SYSTEM, WEB PAGE UPDATE, 2012-2013 SCHOOL CALENDAR-the Communications Committee of Large, Richter and Rosno will meet with Mr. Howard to work on the calendar, POLICY 2020.1-Requested by Richter.

EXECUTIVE SESSION-Large moved, seconded by Richards, to enter into executive session for a strategy session with respect to staffing positions. Voting yes: Kressin, Large, Richards , Richter, Rosno, Anderjaska. Voting no: none. Motion passed 6-0.

President Anderjaska stated that the board will enter into executive session for a strategy session with respect to staffing positions. Mr. Howard and Mrs. Pruter were invited to join the board in executive session.

The board entered executive session at 9:44 P.M. The board came out of executive session at 10:35 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT-President Anderjaska adjourned the meeting at 10:36 P.M.

The next regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012, at 8:00 P.M., in the High School Conference Room. 

Mid - Month Board Report

3-28-12

• We received notice that we were awarded the $5,000 grant from Great Plains Communication.  I will provide more information as to how we will be using these funds in your board packet for April.
• A communications committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28th with the faculty to discuss their calendar proposals.
• Attached to this report is a list of projects developed by the custodial staff, administration and the transportation department.
• We have finished the parent letter asking for input from parents about next year’s junior high boys and girls basketball teams.  I will have that information for you and a recommendation at the April board meeting.
• Maury is in the process of changing the board room locks per your request.
• I did receive feedback from Joe and Kris about the administration letter and attachments that were sent out last week.  I did not hear back from anyone else and so no further action has taken place.  We are at the point where it will soon be too late to do anything.  Unless directed otherwise by you, as a group, I will leave things as they presently are for next year.
• Mrs. Hill has tendered her resignation as custodian effective April 12, 2012.  We have posted this position on our website and in the local paper.
• The insurance company has informed us that the Errors and Omissions claim we filed with regard to the recall is being interpreted by their legal counsel.  As more information is provided I will pass this on to you.  
• Mr. Wortman and the Senior class will provide for you who they have selected as the graduation speaker at the next board meeting.
• There were a few questions asked by the board pertaining to the budget at the March meeting.  Here is my response to the questions that you posed.

1. The vehicle taxes listed under “other receipts” in the “2012/13 STATE AID CALCULATED BY SYSTEM”, totaled $67,814.00 I have attached a copy of these “other receipts” for you (see attachment #1).  Examples of other fees under this column are fines, license fees, interest and in lieu of tax, which is a federal/state/county payment to local government that helps offset losses in property taxes.
2. The “income tax rebate”, is a line item in the “2012/13 STATE AID CALCULATED BY SYSTEM”, which is a percentage determined annually based on the Income Tax fund, net option funding and the statewide income tax liability of resident individuals.
3. There was a question as to why Maywood and Wallace received more state aid than we did, especially since they are similar in size to our district.  If you remember from the last mid month report, I explained the funding formula and how it addresses state aid.  I have included the 2012/13 State Aid Calculated By System sheet (attachment #2) so that you can compare the three schools.  If you add up column 2 through 7 this will give you the total resources found in column 8. If you subtract column 8, total resources from column 1,formula needs, this will tell you the Equalization Aid, which is column 9  (So formula needs -  resources = equalization aid).  Column 10 and 11 are adjustment columns that do not affect our district.  Finally, column 12 will give you the total state aid calculated.  The state aid formula, as it is presently written, is always reflective of net option funding, column 3, income tax rebate, column 4 and retirement aid column 7.  If you add up these three columns you can see where each of the districts are financially with regard to state aid.  Please remember that there are sometimes adjustments and recalulations based on information that we provide to the state office during the present school year.  However, the recalculations are generally very minimal with regard to causing any changes overall financially to the funding we receive.

As stated previously, if you have a positive net option enrollment your state funding will be

much greater than having a zero net funding.  For instance, if Hayes Center schools had

10 students more coming in from outside our district than going out of our district, we

would receive $7,161.93 per student (based on 2011-2012 formula which is derived from

the statewide average basic funding per formula student) times 10, which equals

$71,619.30 additional dollars in state aid.  I hope this explains the formula better for you.