Norris School District

NORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 160

Board of Education

October 9, 2008 Meeting Minutes

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, October 9^th in the Central Office Board Room.  Board members present: Patty Bentzinger, Jim Craig, Larry Grosshans, Jim Plouzek, Tom Kohn.  Absent: Craig Gana.

Administrators present:  Superintendent Dr. Roy Baker, Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Skretta, High School Principal Mr. Ryan Ruhl, Middle School Principal Ms. Mary Jo Rupert, Elementary Principal Dr. Bob Brandt, and Elementary Assistant Principal Mr. Matt Rice.

Guests present included patrons John Laflin and Eric Malina and members-elect Tony Glenn and Jim Kruger.

Notice of the meeting was given in advance by proper publication, and notice of the meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  All proceedings of the Board of Education were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 by President Bentzinger.

Superintendent’s Report:  Dr. Baker reviewed upcoming Board meeting and event dates and reported on enrollment data, journal article on paperless board meetings, musical, and appointment of Scott Harrington as boys golf coach.

Board reports:  Larry Grosshans offered information relevant to the Board as he directed Board members through an analysis of the comparability data available through the NDE website under the State of Schools Report Card.  He distributed a handout of Norris comparability data vs. other conference schools (EMC) at the conclusion of his presentation.   

Open forum/Citizens’ requests/comments related to agenda items:  none.

ACTION ITEMS AND REPORTS

The consent agenda was passed by unanimous consent.

Sale of the Cheney property

Notices were published in the Lincoln and Hickman newspapers inviting sealed bids on the Cheney property.  Persons and entities who had previously expressed an interest in buying the property were contacted directly.  Bids were due on Wednesday, October 8, and were opened at 1:00 p.m. on October 8.  The district received one bid for $175,500.  The bid was placed by the Catholic Bishop of Lincoln representing the Lincoln Diocese / Lincoln Catholic Church.  Larry Grosshans moved to accept the bid submitted by the Catholic Bishop of Lincoln.  Tom Kohn seconded.  All Board members voted in favor of the proposed sale. The motion carried 5-0.

Curriculum/Service area reports.  The revised schedule of curriculum and service area review and reporting, and the accompanying documents were reviewed and will be implemented this school year.

Policies.  Proposed policies Personnel 4260 (Certificated Employee Work Day), Personnel 4305 (Employee Outside Employment), and Board of Education 8106 (Powers and Duties of the Board of Education were reviewed.  Larry Grosshans motioned for first approval for adoption Board of Education 8106 and for second and final approval for adoption, Personnel 4260 and Personnel 4305. Seconded by Kohn.  All members voted in favor.  The motion carried, 5-0.

Board goals and projects for 2008-09.  Members discussed prospective goals and projects submitted by individual Board members.  President Bentzinger requested that each member turn in a rating sheet not later than one week prior to the November Board meeting. 

Administrators' reports.  Administrators in attendance reported on items interest.  Dr. Bob Brandt reported on Elementary Parent Conferences, use of audio amplifiers, Grade 2 field trip to Nebraska City, Norris Forest walking trail maintenance, and math curriculum review.  Elementary Assistant Principal Matt Rice reported on the success of the recent Book Fair, and predicted the need this year for a strong Caring Lane charitable giving effort.

Middle School Principal Mary Jo Rupert described the format of the PT Conferences just held at the Middle Level.  She noted that UNL will be sending eight student athletes out to Norris MS on the Tour of Excellence to promote anti-bullying initiatives and address commitment to academic success / goal-setting. 

High School Principal Ryan Ruhl reported on homecoming activities and successes in upholding dress standard expectations.  He offered congratulations to the Norris Girls Golf team on qualifying for State.  He described the use of the new teacher evaluation procedure and expressed enthusiasm for the incorporation of technology-based instructional strategies.

Dr. Skretta previewed upcoming staff development sessions, emphasizing those sessions dedicated to technology innovations.  He reviewed the state reporting procedures and annual data submissions calendar.  He demonstrated the NDE portal that is used to archive the data required by the state for state aid and student achievement determinations.

Audience comments on any of the preceding actions or discussions.  John Laflin echoed the sentiment that the best single word to describe the Norris district is COMMUNITY, concurring with Dr. Baker’s statement in response to Mr. Ruhl’s query about the one word which best encapsulates what “The Norris Way” means and that characterizes Norris culture.

The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Minutes recorded by Dr. John Skretta, Assistant Superintendent.

NOTICE OF MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Norris School District 160 will be held at 7:30 p.m. November 13, 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.