Norris School District

NORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 160

Board of Education

June 12, 2008

Regular Meeting

Central Office Board Room

The regular meeting of the Norris School District 160 Board of Education was convened in open and public session at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2008 in the Central Office Board Room.  Board members present: Larry Grosshans, Jim Plouzek, Jim Craig, Patty Bentzinger, Craig Gana and Tom Kohn. Administrators present included Dr. Roy Baker, Galen Boldt, John Skretta, Mary Jo Rupert, Bob Brandt, and Art Teacher Andrew Carlson.  Additional attendees included other community members and interested parties.

Superintendent’s report

Dr. Baker presented information on the following items:

Upcoming dates, events:

·         June 13 – School Law Seminar, 8:00 – 3:00 Kearney Holiday Inn.

·         June 26 – NASB Board workshop on the Open Meeting laws. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., North Star HS.

·         July Board meeting:  Thursday, July 10.

·         August Board meeting – Thursday, August 14. 

Personnel:  resignation – Tini Van-Oehlertz, Food Service Director;  hiring –Ryun Theobald, HS Chemistry, replacing Matt Heibel; Jennifer Hutzler, .75 FTE Middle School Art, Added position, necessitated by increased enrollment in Art. 

The 2007-08 budget will be amended to reflect higher receipts and expenditures in the Activities and QCPUF Funds.  The amendments will have no impact on property taxes.

Board Requests/Report

The Building and Grounds Committee met with Keith Brunkow and reviewed the schedule for grounds and field maintenance.

Open Forum/Citizens’ requests/comments related to agenda items

No requests were made.

Consent agenda

The consent items were approved by unanimous consent. 

Site study – Olsson Associates report.

James Burroughs and Pat Phelan were present to give an update on the study.  The report will be completed by July 1, and presented at the July 10 Board meeting.

Sale of Cheney property

Dr. Baker reported that he met with Christ Lutheran Church representatives and Greg Perry to discuss a variety of scenarios.  If by July 1, CLC does not have City Council approval to relocate portables on their parking lot for school purposes, they will need the Cheney site through 2010, and will buy the Cheney property.  If City Council approval is granted, CLC will not need the Cheney school property at all. They will give up their lease, including their right of first refusal, and Norris will be free to sell the Cheney site.  Dr. Baker went on to report interest from three other parties in the property.  Motion was made by Gana, seconded by Grosshans to proceed with a sealed bid procedure to sell the Cheney property should Christ Lutheran Church relinquish their option to buy the property.  Voting  yes:  Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Kohn, and Bentzinger.  Motion passed, 6-0.  If CLC does not purchase the property, notice will be published regarding the opportunity to submit sealed bids.

Curriculum/program report on Art

High School Art teacher, Andrew Carlson, presented a report describing what we do at Norris in Elementary, Middle, and High School  He reported on a full complement of programs that include a broad medium and wide variety of courses offered. The Board was very appreciative of these informative and impressive presentations.

Student Handbook Approval

Middle School Principal Mary Jo Rupert presented changes to the Middle School Student Parent handbook.  A motion was made by Grosshans, seconded by Craig, to approve the handbook as presented.  Voting yes:  Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Kohn, and Bentzinger.  Motion passed, 6-0.

Policies and Regulations

The following policies were presented for amendment:

Policy 4322       Personnel – Military Leave                                                  Amendment

Policy 4480       Personnel – Support Staff Compensation and Benefits           Amendment

Policy 5125       Students – Student Records                                                 Amendment

The following policy was presented for approval

Policy 5133       Students – Anti-Bullying Policy

A motion was made by Grosshans, seconded by Craig, to give first approval for the adoption of the proposed amendments to policies 4322, 4480, and 5125, and for first approval for adoption of proposed policy.  Voting yes:  Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Kohn, and Bentzinger.

Board Goals

The status of progress toward the goals and areas of focus for the 2007-08 years were reviewed.

Administrators’ Reports

Administrators present reported on current matters of interest.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Minutes recorded by Galen Boldt

NOTICE OF MEETING

NORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 160

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July, 2008 in the Board Meeting Room at the Central Office, which meeting will be open to the public.  The agenda for the meeting, kept continuously current, is available for public inspection at the office of the Superintendent. A hearing on the amendment of the 2007-08 budget is part of the agenda.