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GIPS Board Brief May 9, 2024
Updates from the GIPS Board of Education
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GIPS Board Brief - May 10, 2024
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 May 2024 Regular Board Meeting.
Board of Education Meeting - 05.09.2024
- Agenda
- Video Stream
- Board Member Katie Mauldin was tardy but gave prior notice.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
Neb. Educational Technology Association Elementary Student Winners
Two GIPS Elementary students earned recognition as winners in the Nebraska Educational Technology Association Spring Conference.
Ms. Val Chmelka, Media Integration Specialist at Dodge Elementary, and Deanna Hirschman, Media Integration Specialist at Gates Elementary, presented the two winners for recognition by the Board.
Sadie Moritz - 4th grade/Gates
- Contest Division: Still Images/Screenshots
- Grade Level Division: Pk-5
Karla Rodriquez - Dodge (not pictured, did not attend)
- Contest Division: Video
- Grade Level Division: PK-5
Congratulations, Sadie & Karla!
Girls Wrestling First-Ever State Champion - Anyia Roberts
Carving her name into the history books, Anyia Roberts became Grand Island Senior High's first ever Girls Wrestling State Champion this year.
Coach Jeff Evans and next year's program Coach Matthew Hernandez recognized Anyia for her massive accomplishment.
Congratulations, Anyia!
GISH National Powerlifting Qualifiers
Coach Pat Doyle, Assistant Coach Mallory Olmstead, and six student athletes were recognized as history makers for Grand Island Senior High.
GISH had six powerlifters qualify for the National High School Powerlifting competition. This marks a first time for GISH and the "Islander Power" program. The Board recognized them and their incredible achievements.
Lifters:
- Hunter Christenson - 4th overall - 2 world records set
- Giselle Lara - 7th overall
- Jessie Gutierrez Larios - 17th Overall
- Rayle Ostermeier - 22nd Overall
- Matthew Hernandez - Top 60
- Angel Pena Francisco - Top 60
INFORMATION ITEMS
GIPS Foundation Scholarships Update
Mrs. Kari Hooker-Leep, GIPS Foundation Executive Director, shared an update on the Foundation's full impact of awarded scholarships. Here are a few highlights:
- 98 Graduates Supported
- 190 Scholarships
- $415,518 in Scholarships Awarded
The GIPS Foundation will also be hosting a public event and press conference to announce the final totals from this year's annual Staff Giving Campaign. Festivities will be on Monday, May 13th, at 4:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
Hear Kari's full presentation HERE.
Nutrition Services Fund Debt Pay Off
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.
Hear Mr. Harden's full presentation HERE.
NWEA MAP Growth Renewal
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 presented as information and will be up for an Action Item vote at June's Board meeting.
Hear Dr. Doll's full presentation HERE.
GISH Science Resource
Dr. Robin Dexter, GIPS Chief of Secondary Education, and Mrs. Jennie Ritter, Seedling Mile Principal & Science Curriculum Coordinator, shared insights into a need for a dedicated Science Resource for GISH science teachers.
The integrated approach to science was implemented starting in 2018. At that time there were limited resources available aligned specifically to the Integrated Science approach. GISH Science teachers have been creating their own resources by gathering materials from the web, multiple textbooks, open source, and teacher created documents. Three staff members attended the National Teachers of Science conference and focused on finding available resources to meet the needs of GISH science teachers.
A new resource adoption will support the facilitation of high quality Tier 1 Instruction materials as well as support for English Learners and students with disabilities. The Kognity resource addresses the Nebraska Science Standards, includes standards alignment, and assessments with rubrics. This is an online resource and teachers will have access to all science content areas.
Kognity is an award-winning teaching and learning platform that combines the power of technology with the rigor and depth of hiqh-quality content written by experts. Purchase of the license will provide access for up to 2000 students enrolled in GISH Science courses to high quality instructional materials. This includes training for teachers during summer science task force work in order to be prepared for implementation of this resource in the fall of 2024.
The total cost (after negotiating down the sticker price) would be: $10/student - 2004 students - 5 years = $100,200.
This was shared as both an Information Item and a votable Action Item at May's Board meeting.
Hear the full presentation HERE.
Title I "Yes We Can" Professional Learning
Dr. Toni Palmer, GIPS Chief of Elementary Education, presented on an opportunity for professional learning in some Title I Elementary schools.
In order to close the gaps and elevate learning for all students, building a culture of professional growth that provides our staff with tools, resources and opportunity to learn is critical. This training aligns with our continuous improvement efforts to achieve Every Student, Every Day, a Success.
Our goal is to ensure that all students demonstrate the knowledge and skills to meet grade level proficiency with 80% of students meeting grade level proficiency as a result of core instruction. In order to close the gaps and elevate learning for all students, building a culture of professional growth that provides our staff with tools, resources and opportunity to learn is critical. In our schools we have a range of expertise and experience that can be leveraged when all staff are learning together.
Howard, Starr, Lincoln, and Knickrehm staff will engage in a full day of professional learning at Riverside August 30th with a customized agenda co-created with the Solution Tree Consultant. This training aligns with our continuous improvement efforts to build a system of highly effective instruction that allows us to maximize resources to address the needs of all learners.
The total cost for the Solution Tree professional learning opportunity would be $53,500 which would be paid for through Title I funds.
This was shared as both an Information Item and a votable Action Item at May's Board meeting.
Hear Dr. Palmer's full presentation HERE.
Budget Reductions Update
Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, and Mr. Virgil Harden, GIPS Chief Financial Officer, provided a review of the $5 million budget reduction process the district undertook throughout the school year. Here are a few highlights from the overview:
- Due to adjustments in state aid for GIPS and other factors, the district identified a need to reduce spending by $5 million in the district's General Fund for the 2024-25 school year.
- That work was accomplished through intensive collaboration between the district leadership team, building principals, and staff.
- Looking ahead, GIPS is slated to receive the highest amount available in state provided poverty supportive funds from the state for 2024-25 which will help with the allocation of General Funds going forward.
- GIPS identified $4.6+ million in reductions for the next school year.
- Overall projections show that $4.7 million will likely be the final number of needed reductions to balance the General Fund.
- The outlook is optimistic that GIPS may not have to do aggressive budget reductions next year.
Hear the full presentation HERE.
Classified wage increase for 2024-25
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 and will be up for an Action Item vote at June's Board meeting.
Hear Dr. Kolar's full presentation HERE.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
Adi Beltran, GISH Senior and Board Student Representative, shared her LAST report with the Board of Education. A few highlights may be found below.
Adi expressed that she has been so honored to have held this position and gave heartfelt thanks to the Board for the opportunity.
ATHLETICS
- Cohen Nelson earned 100 career pitching strikeouts for baseball.
- Celia McCoy - New school track record for the 300m hurdles.
- Unified Track hosted their first ever home unified only meet.
- Boys Golf won the G.I. Cup.
- Many Spring sports have come to an end. State Track takes place next week.
ACTIVITIES
- NCPA had their 15th cohort of graduates; 18 Seniors slated to attend UNL debt-free thanks to the program.
- Academy of Technical Sciences has 7 students sign for Registered Apprenticeships.
- Academy of Medical Sciences and Academy of Engineering & Technology hosted their capstone presentations.
- Owen Williams - 2024 Nebraska Winner Essay Contest hosted by the Institute of Holocaust Education. He will be next year’s Board Student Representative.
- Senior Class Day was today. It was fun to have everyone together celebrating for (almost) the last time.
- Graduation will be Sunday at the Heartland Events Center at 2:00 p.m.
Hear Adi's full report HERE.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Mr. Fisher shared a Superintendent Report with the Board.
- Thank you, Adi Beltran, for your leadership! It has been great to see Adi grow as a leader both as our Board Student Representative and with the Superintendent Student Advisory Council.
- The Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA) is such a valuable program at GISH. I echo what Adi shared. It's great to see students making that four year commitment in high school and receiving the debt free opportunity to attend UNL.
- GISH Registered Apprenticeship signing day is another one of those great things we’re doing. We’re still leading the way across the state in placing students in true apprenticeships.
- Capstone presentations by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Academy of Engineering & Technology were wonderful as well. We had one student who was especially passionate about his engineering project of designing a better, safer seat belt.
- Spring is concert season! One notable display was the Arts Now Grant project presented by GISH Band, Theatre, and Visual Art. It was neat to see the full work on display from the students who created it. Especially cool to hear the original music written by one of our GISH band students.
- I attended the annual stakeholder meeting for Aksarben. A primary focus for them is internships. They spoke highly of us here at GIPS noting the partnership we will be doing with Wayne State. We anticipate this program will help us increase the number of student teachers we’ll have in the district which will then feed our pipeline of subs, apprentice teachers, and full-time teachers.
- Staffing remains a big focus for us at this time. We’re currently about 12 Elementary teaching roles short. With that, we are working on continued hiring efforts and mapping out different possibilities for moving some staff to different buildings to better balance class sizes. We will be meeting with our Elementary Principals this week to discuss options and solutions. For Secondary positions we are in pretty good shape. We are currently only short two Science teachers (offers are out), one Math teacher, and one teacher for the Newcomers program.
Hear Mr. Fisher's full report HERE.
ACTION ITEMS
Review of Proposed Changes for the 2024-25 Student/Parent Handbook
Dr. Robin Dexter, GIPS Chief of Secondary Education, provided an in-depth look into the adjustments being proposed to the Student & Parent Handbook for the next school year.
A team of GIPS administrators annually review the Student/Parent Handbook for needed changes due to changes in policy and/or procedures. Here are a few highlights of the proposed changes:
- Limit students bringing energy drinks as lunch beverages.
- Clarifying language around student transfer requests.
- Parking permit requirements at GISH parking lots.
- Updated language for Elementary grading to be consistent with district practice.
- Middle School progress reports being shared at six and twelve weeks into each semester.
- GISH Academic Lettering will require 20 semester credits (no longer 25).
- AP Courses will carry a weight of 5 and all other courses a weight of 4. Students who do not take the AP exam without a waiver will not receive a weighted grade.
This was shared as an information item at April's Board Meeting.
MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0
GISH Science Resources
Please see above Information Item for details.
MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0
Title I "Yes We Can" Professional Learning
Please see above Information Item for details.
MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0
Board Organizational Meeting - 2210
Regular review of an existing policy. No changes are being proposed.
This was shared as first read at April's Board Meeting.
MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0
Responsibilities of Board Officers - 2220
Regular review of an existing policy. No changes are being proposed.
This was shared as first read at April's Board Meeting.
MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0
Public Participation at Board Meetings - 2480
Regular review of an existing policy. A few changes are being proposed:
- Update the wording on completing the form for public comment which would say, "present the completed form to the designated staff member."
- Eliminate the part of the policy that stipulates COVID-19 protocols.
This was shared as first read at April's Board Meeting.
MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board convened into an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing real estate.
As a result of the Executive Session, the Board made a motion to ACCEPT the bid on the Wyandotte Learning Center property as presented.
MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0
June Regular Meeting
Live stream for the Board meeting will be available on the GIPS YouTube channel.