GIPS Board Brief June 9, 2023
Updates from the GIPS Board of Education
GIPS Board Brief - June 9th, 2023
The Grand Island Public Schools "Board Brief" is an online monthly publication sharing the Board of Education meeting highlights, updates, campus recognitions, and more.
Today's edition recaps the regular June 8, 2023 GIPS Board meeting.
Board of Education Meeting - 6.08.2023
- Public Hearing Agenda
- Public Regular Meeting Agenda
- Board Meeting Video Stream
- Below are highlights from the regular June Board Meeting.
- Board Member Mrs. Amanda Wilson was not present but gave prior notice to her absence.
- Board Member Mr. Dave Hulinsky was present for the first half of the meeting and gave notice to his need to leave early. Hulinsky was not present for Action Item voting.
Special Recognitions
GISH FBLA Network Design State Champions
Congratulations to state champions, Kevin Parra Vazquez and Alex Phelan!
Kevin & Alex were recognized by the Board of Education for earning a State Championship in Network Design at the Nebraska FBLA Competition. IT Pathway Teacher & GISH FBLA Sponsor, Mr. Fox, saluted the students and their incredible achievement.
Read more about how GISH FBLA performed at the state competition HERE.
Way to go, Islanders!
Special Meeting
The Board of Education held a special meeting immediately before the regular meeting. The purpose of the special meeting, in keeping with state and federal mandates, was to hold a public hearing on two policies. A public hearing and review on these two policies (Student Fees & Parental Access to Educational Practices) takes place annually.
Below are highlights from the public hearing.
Public Input on Student Fees (Policy 8820)
The board must review the amount of money collected from students and review the waivers of student fees provided to students under its student fee policy. The board must hold a public hearing on a proposed student fee policy for the following school year. NEB.REV. STAT. 79-2,134. After the hearing, the board must either alter and adopt the revised policy or reaffirm it as written.
The edition of the policy presented for public hearing is the same as the current one for the district. No changes or edits were proposed. The Board then voted on whether or not to reaffirm the policy as an Action Item during the regular meeting (see Action Items section below).
Dr. Dexter's full presentation may be found HERE.
Public Input on Parental Access to Educational Practices (Policy 9110)
State law requires the board to hold a public hearing on its parental involvement policy. After the hearing, the board must either alter and adopt a revised policy or reaffirm it as written.
The edition of the policy presented for public hearing is the same as the current one for the district. No changes or edits were proposed. The Board then voted on whether or not to reaffirm the policy as an Action Item during the regular meeting (see Action Items section below).
Dr. Dexter's full presentation may be found HERE.
Regular Meeting
Below are the highlights from the regular Board of Education Meeting.
Information Items
Policy Adoption & Implementation - Policy Update
This would combine two policies into one.
Previously Policy Adoption and Policy Implementation were two separate policies. This presented revision would permit the Board and the District to have one unified policy titled, "Policy Adoption & Implementation".
This was presented as "first read" information this month and will be an Action Item next month.
Dr. Dexter's full presentation all proposed policy updates listed below may be found HERE.
Board Membership - Policy Update
One revision is proposed for this existing policy. The revision would read:
"No member of the Board of Education shall be employed on a regular basis by the Grand Island Public Schools."
The underlined "on a regular basis" would be an addition to the policy. If approved, this would allow qualified Board members to be also serve as substitute teachers in the district.
This was presented as "first read" information this month and will be an Action Item next month.
Internal Controls for Federal and State Awards - Policy Update
A proposed addition to an existing policy due to the continued receiving of ESSER funds, federal grants, and the like. The proposed additions would update the policy to keep in accordance with the changing federal requirements. Details include:
- Spells out actions needed by the district.
- Legal references.
- Referencing additional policies that support this policy.
- Cost sharing and compensation protocols.
- Updated requirements from the Davis-Bacon Act.
Additional Policy Reviews
The following policies are up for review to reaffirm by the Board but do not carry notable changes:
- Inventory System
- Recognition for Service of Staff & Others
- Access to District Records
Authorizing New CFO as Signer on District Accounts
Mr. Virgil Harden will be replacing Ken Schroeder as the CFO of Grand Island Public Schools effective July 1, 2023. As a result, Mr. Schroeder needs to be removed as an authorized signer on the bank accounts at Five Point Bank and Mr. Virgil Harden needs to replace him as an authorized signer on the account. All other authorized signers on the accounts, including Mr. Fisher, President McFarland, Dr. Robin Dexter, & Dr. Melissa Wheelock will remain the same. Five Points Bank requires that this change be made by a majority vote of the Grand Island Board of Education.
The accounts he will be authorized to transact on include the GIPS Activity Fund Account, GIPS Non-Sufficient Funds Account, CNEA Lease Payment Account, and CNEA Construction Account.
This was presented as information and later voted on as an Action Item (see below).
The full presentation may be found HERE.
GICSA Compensation for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Each year, the superintendent and the board of education consider the compensation for the GICSA (Grand Island Council of School Administrators) for the upcoming contract term. The Business Office has been working with GICSA throughout the course of the year, since October, to listen to their input on compensation for the upcoming fiscal year. We will be discussing a proposed compensation structure with the board of education during executive session for the upcoming contract term.
This was presented as information, discussed in Executive Session, and voted on as an Action Item (see below).
Dr. Schroeder's full presentation may be found HERE.
Central Office Compensation for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Each year, the superintendent and the board of education consider the compensation for the Central Office staff for the upcoming contract term. The Business Office has developed a proposed compensation package for Central Office for the upcoming fiscal year. We will be discussing the proposed compensation package for the upcoming contract term, with the board of education during the executive session.
This was presented as information, discussed in Executive Session, and voted on as an Action Item (see below).
Dr. Schroeder's full presentation may be found HERE.
Extra Standard for 2023-24 Standard Year
Mr. Wayne Stelk, Interim HR Chief, shared a proposal to add a few extra standard roles within the district. Extra standard positions are paid opportunities such as athletic coaches and club or program sponsors. Due to exciting growth in student participation in a number of activities across the district, the following roles have been proposed:
- Middle School Assistant Soccer Coaches (2) - Barr
- Assistant Dance Team Coach - GISH
- Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach - GISH
- Head 9th Grade Football Coach - GISH
- Middle School Assistant Volleyball Coaches (2) - Westridge
- Assistant Video & Sound System Coordinator - GISH
The total financial ask for adding these roles to the district for the 2023-24 school year is $23,211.
This was presented as information and will be an Action Item next month.
Mr. Stelk's full presentation may be found HERE.
Classified Staff Salary Schedule
Continuing with proposals, Mr. Stelk shared an updated look at the Classified Staff Salary Schedule. Specifically, the proposal asks for a more robust, increased pay scale for non-teaching staff allowing GIPS to remain competitive in the challenging labor market in retaining our top-tier classified staff and recruiting dynamic talent to fill vacancies.
The fiscal impact would be an additional $3.1 million sourced between the General Fund, Nutrition Services, and Special Education Reimbursement through the state.
If approved, this addition would increase pay rates for both existing classified staff and new, incoming staff.
This was presented as an information item and voted on as an Action Item (see vote below).
Mr. Stelk's full presentation may be found HERE.
Wholeness Healing EAP Renewal
Wholeness Healing has been a GIPS partner for a number of years. Specifically to make an Employee Assistant Program (EAP) of free mental health supports/short-term counseling options available to all GIPS staff as part of their benefits offerings.
Janie Pfiefer Watson, Wholeness Health Owner & Counselor, and Wayne Stelk shared a proposal to renew the contract with Wholeness Health and GIPS for an additional three years. The new contract would provide:
- Continued free access to mental health supports for GIPS Staff.
- Opportunities for immediate family members to receive free mental health supports.
A key aspect of the partnership is Wholeness Healing has provided this service at a significantly reduced rate for GIPS. In order to maintain competitive costs and attract qualified counselors to be available in the program, Wholeness Health is proposing an increased rate for the renewed contract.
GIPS spent $73,600 in 22-23 for EAP services ($45,600 with Wholeness Healing and $28,000 with ESI Employee Assistance Group). The contract with ESI has not been renewed, with those dollars being applied to the the increased cost for Wholeness Healing contract.
The new three-year contract total would be: $83,200 (or averaging $52 per employee per year).
This was presented as information and will be an Action Item next month.
Watson and Stelk's full presentation may be found HERE.
Panorama Update 2022-23
The Panorama Survey surveys students, staff, and parents to gather input on how they and their students are supported in school. This tool is used to monitor school climate and culture in GIPS schools. The NDE school improvement process requires a survey to gather student, staff, and parent input.
GIPS has been utilizing Panorama as a survey tool since 2018 and has been the most consistent data assessment in the district throughout that time. Panorama School Culture & Climate surveys also help GIPS maintain operations within legal requirements as highlighted by the state through Rule 10, the School Improvement Accreditation Process, and Title I Schools.
Dr. Robin Dexter, GIPS Associate Superintendent, invited a few district leaders to share how they use Panorama data at the building level. The following leaders shared:
- Selena Valentine, Starr Elementary Principal
- Rod Foley, Walnut Middle School Principal
- Clavin Hubbard, GISH Assistant Principal
- Jeff Gilbertson, GISH Executive Principal
- Rob Bishop, GIPS MTSS Positive Supports Coordinator
Each leader provided insight into what works well about the Panorama survey along with areas of improvement or components they would like to see changed.
Dr. Dexter provided a quick walk through the reporting dashboard to share high-level data collected from the 2022-23 school year and to showcase Panorama reporting capabilities.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Mr. Hank McFarland, GIPS Board President, shared additional comments regarding concern about the use of Panorama.
The full conversation on Panorama may be found HERE.
More information about Panorama at GIPS may be found HERE.
Superintendent Report
Mr. Fisher shared a Superintendent Report with the Board.
A few highlights include:
- Just because it's summer doesn't mean our schools are empty. We have a lot of great summer programming taking place this month and throughout the summer at GIPS. From POWER Camp, to sports camps, to summer school, to summer meals, and more. It's good to provide these opportunities for our students.
- The GIPS Leadership Institute was held last week. It was a great opportunity to sit alongside our building leaders and work on the planning process for next year.
- Piggy-backing off that, the Academic Summit is this week (Thursday and Friday). This event brings our building leaders with their school improvement teams and our curriculum coordinators together to set the stage for our 2023-24 focus. Our overriding message is to focus on teaching and learning. We don't want to add anything "extra" this upcoming year and rather narrow our focus on what sets at the core of what we do and why we do it.
- Met with the Grand Island Housing Coalition last week for a welcome conversation around generating more housing opportunities in Grand Island. Specifically, we were afforded space to share how lack of housing is negatively impacting our staff and hiring efforts. We look forward to continued collaboration with this group.
- Due to a conflict of interest with our current provider, we have officially started the process to find another financial auditor for the school district. A request for qualifications for the 2023-24 service has been posted on the district website.
- Legislation — We’ll likely have to update a number of policies due to the things that passed at the state legislature this session. The Governor’s finance package that was approved will impact the district as well. We’re still waiting to see just how much of a positive impact that may be.
- Positive momentum towards alleviating period poverty in our schools is underway. Due to the efforts of Board Member, Mrs. Lisa Albers, and a group of GISH students, the state legislature has agreed to do a temporary study to explore opportunities for support.
Hear Mr. Fisher's full report HERE.
GIPS Foundation Report
The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation shared an exciting report highlighting their largest initiatives from the 2022-23 school year.
Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director, and Maggie McDermott, Annual Giving Coordinator, provided the following updates:
- Classroom Mini Grants awarded over $16,000 this year to classrooms throughout the district. The impact of the grants reached over 4,400 students districtwide through innovative programs, teaching initiatives, supplies, and more.
- Over $22,000 was donated from the GIPS Foundation to Grand Island Senior High for Dual Credit support. These funds provided opportunities for Senior High students to take Dual Credit courses without having to worry about enrollment fees.
- 174 scholarships were awarded this academic year to 100+ high school students. The scholarships total eclipsed $639,000 which is a new record for most scholarship dollars awarded in a single academic year by the GIPS Foundation.
- The Annual Staff Giving Campaign reached historic heights as well. 93% of GIPS staff contributed to the staff campaign this year, another record number for the GIPS Foundation. $111,142 total was raised through the Staff Campaign which marked the third consecutive year the efforts surpassed $100,000 — another GIPS Foundation record.
What a landmark year for the GIPS Foundation and the unmatched support they bring to our students and staff!
Action Items
Authorize New CFO as Signer on District Accounts
Please see information item above for details.
Motion Passed: 7 - 0
Student Transportation Contract for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Grand Island Public Schools enjoys a strong working relationship with Holiday Express, which provides student transportation services for the school district. The 5-year contract Grand Island Public Schools has with Holiday Express allows for a 4% increase to cover increases in operating expenses from year to year. The proposed transportation schedule and corresponding payment schedule for the 2023-24 school year was presented to the Finance & Facilities Committee and to the Board of Education for review and consideration at the May 11th Board Meeting.
Dr. Schroeder's full presentation may be found HERE.
Motion Passed: 7 - 0
Classified Staff Salary Schedule
Please see information item above for details.
Motion Passed: 7 - 0
District Wellness Policy
Dr. Robin Dexter, GIPS Associate Superintendent, provided an update on the District Wellness Policy and its role in the federal accreditation process for the district at last month's (May) Board Meeting.
As part of the triennial food service assessment (every three years), a review of the district wellness policy is required. The District Wellness team and Parent Advisory Council has provided input on the review of policy and the findings were presented at May's Board meeting. The formal policy (#7190) has been in place in GIPS since 2013 by accreditation requirement.
Dr. Dexter's full presentation may be found HERE.
GIPS Wellness Policy resources may also be found on the district website HERE.
Motion Passed: 7 - 0
Student Fees (Policy 8820)
The board must review the amount of money collected from students and review the waivers of student fees provided to students under its student fee policy. The board must hold a public hearing on a proposed student fee policy for the following school year. NEB.REV. STAT. 79-2,134. After the hearing, the board must either alter and adopt the revised policy or reaffirm it as written.
The edition of the policy presented for public hearing is the same as the current one for the district. No changes or edits were proposed.
Motion Passed: 7 - 0
Parental Access to Educational Practices (Policy 9110)
State law requires the board to hold a public hearing on its parental involvement policy. After the hearing, the board must either alter and adopt the revised policy or reaffirm it as written.
The edition of the policy presented for public hearing is the same as the current one for the district. No changes or edits were proposed.
Motion Passed: 7 - 0
Executive Session
The GIPS Board of Education convened into an Executive Session for the purpose of discussion with legal counsel to prevent needless injury to the reputation of staff members being discussed, also for the purpose of conducting a strategy session regarding real estate negotiations, and to discuss compensation items for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Action resulting from the Executive Session:
- GICSA Compensation for 2023-24 Fiscal Year - Motion Passed: 7 - 0
- Central Office Compensation for 2023-24 Fiscal Year - Motion Passed: 7 - 0
July 2023 Board Meeting
Live stream for the Board meeting will be available on the GIPS YouTube channel.