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 July 2024 Regular Board Meeting.

• Agenda
• Video Stream
• All Board of Education members were present.

Mrs. Kris Spellman, Director of Nutrition Services for Grand Island Public Schools reviewed the summary information for determining CEP eligibility for individual schools in the district.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provides an alternative approach for offering school meals to schools in low income areas, instead of collecting individual applications for free and reduced price meals.

Every four years the CEP cycle renews within the district and GIPS has an opportunity re-evaluate the overall approach to CEP.

GIPS had 10 CEP schools throughout the last few years.

Looking ahead starting in 2024-25, GIPS Nutrition Services has worked with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) to project potential need and positive impact of implementing CEP at GIPS. To qualify for CEP, students must be directly certified by the state to receive free or reduced meal without an application through programs such as SNAP, TANF, migrant student status, foster care, or identified as homeless and multiplied by a factor of 1.6 to hid a minimum percentage schoolwide or districtwide.

Projecting ahead, GIPS Nutrition Services recommends for the first time in GIPS history that the district move to being CEP at all schools districtwide.

Making this move would provide free meals to all GIPS students and be less of a cost burden on the district. Further, the district may opt-out of the districtwide approach if it does not prove to be sustainable.

This was shared as an information item and will go back to the Facilities & Finance Committee for review and consideration.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Mr. Dan Petsch, GIPS Director of Grounds & Safety, and Mr. Paul Grieger, D.A. Davidson, shared an update on the QCPUF funding source.

During the current Legislative Session, the Unicameral passed new language authorizing "School Safety and Security Concerns" as qualified projects able to be funded through the QCPUF structure. GIPS has identified several projects in this area and proposes to issue Board of Education authorized debt within the ten year three cent level limitations.

Some of the projects include:

• Fire Alarm Updates at the Islander Annex
• Raptor Visitor Management System for our Middle Schools
• Adding Security Window Film to District Facilities
• And More

With this new QCPUF opportunity, the listed projects will have a timeline of being completed within the next two - three years. Previously, these projects were slated for a possible eight year timeline as part of the larger building projects list in the district.

This was shared as an information item and will be up for an action item vote at August's Board meeting.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Mr. Paul Grieger, D.A. Davidson, shared an update on a potential opportunity for the Board to consider regarding the GIPS Bond Fund debt.

Due to unique bond market circumstances there may be a special opportunity to save GIPS taxpayers by authorizing and participating in a bond fund tender offer refinancing. Projections indicate that bond interest rates may go down to about 2% in the coming months (they are currently in the 4-5% range). If that projection comes through, the district may be interested in refinancing Bond Fund debt in order to save the taxpayers more money by achieving a lower interest rate.

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

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Superintendent & Chief of Secondary Education, shared a request for the Board to consider regarding supporting families in need.

Through McKinney-Vento homeless assistance the district has funds available to purchase gift cards or prepaid Visa cards for families receiving support through the Families in Transition program. All purchases with the cards must meet specifically identified needs such as:

• Bicycles
• Helmets
• Personal Care Items
• Groceries
• Back to School Items (supplies, clothes)

While this practice would be a deviation from the standard "gift card" protocol in the district, Dr. Stephens and district social workers have made this request in order to provide better, tangible support for families as they prepare for the school year.

This was shared as both an information item and an action item for vote due to the timing need to implement for the new school year.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Dr. Carrie Kolar, GIPS Chief of Human Capital Management, provided an update on the Staff Handbooks for the district.

Due to the new and larger legal requirements from recent state legislation, GIPS will be providing a newer approach to Staff Handbooks. Perry Law Firm (the district's legal representative) provided a template for staff handbooks and procedures that the district then modified to fit within the district's specific needs. Much of what is featured in the handbook will be familiar for district staff, but the layout will be different.

This was shared as both an information item and an action item for vote due to the timing need to implement for the new school year.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Dr. Kolar also provided an update on a resolution from the state of Nebraska.

Per recent state legislation, the district is required to determine the reasonable length of time for training requirements listed in LB 1329 that apply during the 2024-2025 school year. The trainings mentioned in LB 1329 have already been required by GIPS for Certified and Classified Staff. This resolution was presented to help ensure the district is operating in accordance with the recent legislation.

This was shared as both an information item and an action item for vote due to the timing need to implement for the new school year.

Hear the 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.

The only suggested edit would be to remove specifically listing "district nurse, nurse, doctor, or physician's assistant" in the policy and simply use the term "medical personnel".

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

Proposed update to an existing policy.

The intent of the policy would not change. One key update would include:

• Rather than measuring by “attending 95%” of days, it would be measured from a “10 days” per semester. That is when the process of reporting excessive absenteeism to the county attorney would start.
  
  
• The “10 days” per semester metric is consistent with the state statute.

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

Proposed update to an existing policy.

The only proposed addition would be to clarify the expectations of PECD use at Grand Island Senior High to be consistent with their current protocol. The wording would read:

"For Grand Island Senior High:

• Personal electronic devices will remain off and out of sight from 8:05-3:30 in all Grand Island Senior High buildings
• This includes classrooms as well as all common spaces (halls, bathroom, lunch rooms, etc.)
• This includes open blocks and open lunch
• Failure to abide by these expectations will result in personal electronic devices being confiscated by building administrators
• If a phone is confiscated, it will only be returned to a parent/guardian during the times of 4:00-4:30"

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

Mr. Fisher shared a Superintendent Report with the Board.

• The Legislative Board Committee met on Monday to prepare for the special session the Nebraska Legislature will have. Angela Amik provided insight on where some directions the conversation. Sounds like the special session may find a number of new bills introduced. The Governor is promoting a plan to have schools be funded entirely by the state which is worrisome.
  
  
• Earlier this week I attended the meeting held by the Grand Island Housing Coalition. That group is preparing to share some surveys for community folks to share feedback. The surveys will help them pin down what our true needs are and find potential solutions.
  
  
• Attended a state safety meeting in Kearney today to unpack QCPUF adjustments and the projects we are considering within the district.
  
  
• LEAD GIPS is coming up on July 22nd. It’s our opportunity to bring together all of our Principals and Department Heads to share what we want to focus on for the upcoming school year.
  
  
• August 12th will be our annual All Staff Welcome Back event. It’s a great time to have all of our staff under one roof to launch the school year.

Hear Mr. Fisher's full report HERE.

Last month, the district 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)

This was shared as Information at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

Please see above information item for rationale.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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.

This was shared as Information at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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.

This was shared as Information at June's Board Meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

Please see above information item for rationale.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

Please see above information item for rationale.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION TO "TABLE" THIS POLICY FOR ANOTHER MONTH TO HAVE TIME TO REVIEW DETAILS AND ISSUE QUESTIONS TO LEGAL COUNSEL PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

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 at June's Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0