The Grand Island Public Schools "Board Brief" is an online monthly publication sharing the Board of Education meeting highlights, updates, campus recognitions, and more.

Here's a recap of the June 2024 Regular Board Meeting.

• Agenda
• Video Stream
• Mr. Josh Hawley, Mr. Dave Hulinsky, Mrs. Lindsey Jurgens, & Mr. Josh Sikes were not present but gave prior notice to their absence.

Congratulations Michelle & Dwain!

Read more about this year's Pathback Recipients HERE.

Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Superintendent, and Mr. Virgil Harden, GIPS CFO, shared an update on the transportation routes that will remain active for the 2024-25 school year.

As part of the need for budget reductions in the district, some of the previous existing routes will no longer be offered. With that being said, some busing and transportation will still be available throughout the district.

GIPS will continue offering transportation support for the following routes:

• Transportation for students who qualify for support from Families in Transition.
• Transportation for students who qualify for Special Education services or have individual education plans (IEPs).
• Three van routes (one for Elementary, one for Middle, one for High School) students in need
• Gates & Knickrehm routes to Westridge Middle School (AM/PM).
• GISH to CPI and back.
• CPI continuous shuttling.
• Skills Elementary School.
• Skills Middle School.
• Skills High School.
• Both Newcomers routes (AM/Noon/PM)

We are continuing to work through our social workers and school Principals to ensure we are contacting our families to truly measure the full need of transportation support across the district. It is possible we may still add back more transportation services as the school year gets closer to respond to that need.

Hear Dr. Stephens and Mr. Harden's full presentation HERE.

Dr. Carrie Kolar, GIPS Chief of Human Capital Management, shared a proposed update to Extra Standard Compensation for the district.

Specifically, the newly suggested framework would provide Coaches new to the system or advancing to a category with more responsibility with 6 or more years of the same sport experience will be placed at level 5 (which will result in an increase in compensation).

Dr. Kolar also presented requests to add nine extra standard positions for the 2024-25 school year to support learning and extracurricular activities at our Middle Schools and GISH. The total cost would be $13,422.

This was shared as information and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Here Dr. Kolar's full presentation HERE.

Mr. Virgil Harden, GIPS Chief Financial Officer, shared a proposed update to Substitute Pay rates.

In response to being more efficient and consistent as the district supports its Substitute Teachers, GIPS is proposing they move away from the current compensation model of "half day" or "whole day" payment. The new model would, instead, compensate subs at GIPS based on an hourly rate for the pinpointed hours they actually work. Making this more reliable compensation change would actually increase the daily pay rates for GIPS Subs from $164 to $188.74.

This was shared as information and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Hear Mr. Harden's full presentation HERE.

Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Superintendent, provided an updated look at the Culture & Climate Survey requirements for the district.

Heading into the 2024-25 school year, GIPS has an opportunity to become more efficient and intentional with measuring culture, climate, communication, and social emotional learning (SEL) support across the district. Specifically, by updating the approach of which we survey students, staff, and families and the resources we use for the surveys.

Changes to the annual survey process include:

• Cutting the contracted services with Panorama from $52,000 to $15,000 and only utilizing services needed for our new framework.
• Moving to one annual Culture & Climate Survey (rather than two) and offer it in the Spring.
• Include a few questions regarding communications efforts from the district in the new survey.
• Continue ensuring we are meeting Rule 10 legal requirements for collecting and measuring data.

This was shared as information and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board meeting.

Hear Dr. Stephens' full presentation HERE.

Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Superintendent, also provided a progress report on the new Family Wellness resources the district has been providing since the end of January 2024.

For the last five months, GIPS has partnered with two organizations to provide free, accessible family wellness resources.

• Parent Guidance — Free mental health resources, district specific webinars, parent coaching, parenting courses, and more.
• Care Solace — 24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service for GIPS students, staff, and families.

Throughout our partnership, schools and social workers have provided warm hand-offs and touchpoints for families that may be interested in these services. The partnerships were operating on temporary six month contracts which will conclude this month. In that time, here are a few analytics on the usage of these family wellness resources:

CARE SOLACE

• 48 total cases of families connecting with care providers.
• 21 total appointments.
• 2,401 total communications.

PARENT GUIDANCE

• 25 one-to-one Parent Coaching Registrations.
• 100% of Parent Coaching Registrations returned for follow-ups.
• 184 total registrations or replays combined of the three offered webinars in English and Spanish.

The district will continue reviewing the data, the resources, and funding options to determine if they will continue being offered throughout the next year. A decision has not yet been made.

Learn more about these resources at www.gips.org/familywellness.

Hear Dr. Stephens' full presentation HERE.

Mr. Fisher shared the latest installment of district policy reviews and proposed updates. Descriptions of the proposals may be found immediately below.

Hear Mr. Fisher's full presentation on policies HERE.

Regular review of an existing policy.

Proposed adjustments would ensure the purchasing amount stipulations match the cross reference of policy 4440. Also, adding to the policy regarding contract benefits to employees and district vetting of technology vendors. The new added section to the policy would read:

"Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no employee may enter into any agreement or understanding on behalf of the District that may financially benefit the employee, member of the employee’s immediate family, or a business with which the employee is associated, unless the Board of Education approves such contract or arrangement in advance.

For any company that submits a bid or proposal for any technology-related product or service,

and before entering into any contract with any company for any technology-related product or service, the company must certify that: (1) the company is not a scrutinized company (as defined

by law); (2) the company will not subcontract with any scrutinized company for any aspect of

performance of the contemplated contract; and (3) any products or services to be provided do not

originate with a scrutinized company. The District will not knowingly enter into any contract

with any scrutinized company."

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Regular review of an existing policy.

The only proposed change would be to modify section "C" of the policy stipulating that conversations on complaints about a Board member may not be conducted in Executive Session, but rather be done during a public session.

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy as mandated by the state.

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, a new line to the "Weapons and Firearms in School" policy to clarify that retired armed forces (active or reserve), reserve officers training corps or peace officers, or other duly authorized law enforcement officers or qualified retired law enforcement officers, as defined by and pursuant to state and federal law, may carry a firearm in school.

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to the existing policy as mandated by the state.

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, the Board of Education will now list on the school district website the different organizations of which the Board holds memberships along with the annual membership dues and any lobbyists being utilized by the Board.

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy.

The only suggested addition to the existing policy would be to stipulate a backup option of notification of Board Meetings in case a local newspaper is not available. The update would read:

"If a newspaper refuses, neglects, or is unable to timely publish such notice, then notice may be given by (1) posting on the newspaper’s website, if available, and (2) posting such notice in conspicuous public places within the District. The Board Secretary shall keep a written record of such postings."

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy as mandated by the state.

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, the access to district records policy must reflect updated practices. Some of the changes include identifying requests by two categories:

• Requests made by Nebraska Residents and Media Outlets may receive up to four hours of free request processing hours by the school district.
  
  
• Requests made by Non-Nebraska Residents and Non-Media Outlets may be charged for all hours spent processing requests.

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy as mandated by the state.

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, the policy would be updated to permit time for public commit at all Board gatherings including work sessions and retreats. Public comments shall have up to three minutes to address the Board and the Board share hear up to 30 cumulative minutes of public comment.

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy as mandated by the state.

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, the policy would add a section stating the district will not use a debt collection agency to collect or attempt to collect debts due to school breakfast or lunch accounts.

GIPS has not used a debt a collection agency for outstanding debts in the past. This state mandate reflects what has been the district standard operation procedure.

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy.

A few proposed adjustments to the policy would allow students opportunities to "opt-in" to the district as an option student at three different times:

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy mandated by the state..

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, the only proposed addition would read:

"Religious Freedom: The district will not substantially burden a student's right to religious exercise unless the student's religious exercise is disruptive to the school environment, not permitted by staff, may post a safety risk , or would otherwise interfere with the school day."

This update is already consistent with our acting protocols within the district.

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy as mandated by the state.

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, an addition is being proposed for the existing policy speaking to a parent or guardian's ability to have their student repeat a grade. The update would read:

"If a parent or guardian would like their student to retake a grade level, the parent or guardian must meet with the Superintendent or designee to discuss the student repeating a grade. At that meeting, the parent or guardian must provide evidence of academic needs, illness, or excessive absenteeism that would warrant the student to repeat the grade. A student in kindergarten through fourth grade may be retained due to academic needs, illness, or excessive absenteeism. A student in grades fifth through twelfth grade may be retained due to excessive absenteeism. At such meeting, the Superintendent or designee shall identify any alternative educational opportunities, including remedial instruction, if applicable, and verify any special education supports available to such student. If the student's parent or guardian still intends for their student to repeat a grade, such parent or guardian shall then complete the required form and return such form to the District. Upon completion of the form and if all requirements pursuant to this policy and law are met, the District shall permit the student to repeat the student’s grade for the next school year."

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Update to an existing policy as mandated by the state.

Per newly approved legislation from Nebraska, one only addition is being proposed for the Graduation Requirements policy which speaks directly to the inclusion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. The update would read:

"Each student shall also complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to graduation, unless the required opt-out form is completed by either: (1) the student’s parent or legal guardian; (2) the Principal, if the Principal determines that good cause exists not to require the student to complete the FAFSA; or (3) an emancipated student or student of at least 19 years of age."

This was shared as a first read and will be up for vote as an Action Item at July's Board Meeting.

Mr. Fisher shared a Superintendent Report with the Board.

• The City has purchased the Camp Augustine property. Mayor Steele has asked that GIPS be involved in that process as the city would like to have Education opportunities to be a part of that development. A lot of property and opportunities there!
  
  
• Involved with a meeting at the EPIC Center Children’s Museum. They’re starting to plan what types of exhibits and experiences they’d like to provide and they’ve included partners and community members in those conversations.
  
  
• Staffing Update – All of our Middle School positions are filled. At High School we are short one Science position, but we are working on a plan to cover that by adding one extra unit for one existing Science teacher. At Elementary we are short one interventionist position. But we are in a good place overall with staffing.
  
  
• The Academic Summit was two weeks ago. This allows each building in our district to bring a building leadership team to start working on their School Improvement Plans. Great, positive momentum for those schools as they look at their data, celebrate, and look forward. Good energy.
  
  
• This week we also did some Tier II training for our schools on the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Tier II is designed to provide connections for students who need more support than what they are receiving in Tier I.
  
  
• Task Force work season in full swing. We have a lot of teachers, staff, and Academic Coaches working on curriculum planning for the next school year (2024-25).
  
  
• Summer School, Power Camp, and activities for summer season are taking place across the district.
  
  
• Congratulations to Dr. Robin Dexter, GIPS Chief of Secondary Education, on her upcoming retirement! This was her last Board meeting as a part of GIPS.

Hear Mr. Fisher's full report HERE.

Mr. Virgil Harden, GIPS Chief Financial Officer, shared a financial update for the Nutrition Services department.

Currently, GIPS Nutrition Services Fund Balance is higher than the recommended maximum.

As a response to the high fund balance, GIPS is spending down roughly $800K of our $3M cash balance in this fund. One of the spend down items is to pay off all debt related to this fund. The amount being paid off is roughly $285,000 of the $800K excess cash balance.

Additional needs for the Nutrition Services department are being assessed and submitted to the Nebraska Department of Education for approval for use of the rest of the $800k in excess cash balance.

This was shared as information at last month's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 5 - 0

Dr. Jonathan Doll, Chief of Assessment, Research, and Accountability provided an update on a specific assessment resource in the district, NWEA MAP Growth.

Using NWEA MAP Growth is part of our comprehensive and balanced assessment plan. Rule 10 005.02A also requires districts to implement a system for tracking student achievement and must be approved by the state assessment tool. NWEA is currently an approved tool the district has been using for years.

Currently, GIPS uses MAP as a Math assessment tool for grades Kindergarten - 5th Grade.

NDE has paid for NWEA Map Growth for grades 3-8 for the past 5 years as part of their Statewide Assessment plan. They are no longer offering to pay for this assessment.

Since this is part of our comprehensive assessment framework and provides data that supports teachers in making instructional decisions, the ability to see growth on state standards throughout the year, and projections for success on NSCAS, GIPS would like to continue using K-5 MAP Growth for Math. The NDE is evaluating their current assessment system and may be making changes to the tools, platforms, and assessments that inform NSCAS in the near future. When we know more, we can evaluate alternative/aligned options for the 25-26 school year.

The new cost for NWEA MAP Growth will be $58,375.

This was shared as information at last month's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 5 - 0

Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to approve the Purchase Agreement, as presented, for the sale of the real estate at 315 Wyandotte Street, Grand Island, Nebraska, and authorize the Board President to sign the Purchase Agreement on behalf of the District.

This was shared as a result of Executive Session at last month's meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 5 - 0

Dr. Carrie Kolar, GIPS Chief of Human Capital Management, shared an update on the increase for Classified Staff wages for the 2024-25 school year.

A few highlights include:

• The schedule itself will not be adjusted for 24-25
  
• Comply with increase of minimum wage ($15.50 by 1/1/26)
• Offer competitive wages that support district efforts to attract and retain qualified staff
• Adjustment for trades positions
• Responsibility adjustment for head servers in Nutrition Services
  
• Additional position added to encourage paraprofessionals to work towards becoming a registered behavior technician
• Available for paraprofessionals in specific programs: Skills, CBI/Indra House, ELS, Behavior

The proposed 6.12% increase in Classified Staff Wages would amount to $1,179,920.

This was shared as information at last month's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 5 - 0

The Board convened into an Executive Session for the purpose of the purpose of discussing negotiations.

Approval of administration compensation for 2024-25 deemed necessary as a result of the Executive Session.

MOTION PASSED: 5 - 0