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

Today's edition focuses on the November 2022 monthly GIPS Board meeting.

On behalf of the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education, I would like to thank the Grand Island community for sharing their voice in this year’s election.

The work in front of us is lofty, as it always has been, and we remain grateful for civic leaders who generously volunteer their time to serve on the board. We look forward to welcoming our new members, Mr. Eric Garcia-Mendez, Ms. Katherine Mauldin, Josh Sikes and Mr. Hank McFarland, to the group here at GIPS.

While we may be waiting for some time before the inconclusive race in Ward A is finalized, we look forward to working alongside all elected Board members towards the greater good of championing our public schools.

The new Board-Elect Members are welcome to attend December’s board meeting as attendees. The official onboarding and issuing committee assignments will begin in December as well.

At GIPS we believe in, “Every Student, Every Day, A Success!”. That is our mission throughout our collective, volunteer efforts. We will remain committed to continuing that charge alongside the new voices joining the boardroom.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to publicly thank Mrs. Bonnie Hinkle, Miss Erika Wolfe (both of whom did not seek reelection), Mr. Carlos Barcenas, and Dr. Dan Brosz for their years of service to the GIPS Board, our students and staff, and our community. They have been examples of bold, empathetic leadership throughout their dedicated service.

- Mrs. Lisa Albers

President, GIPS Board of Education

• Public Meeting Agenda
• Board Meeting Video Stream
• Below are highlights from last evening's Board of Education Meeting

Principal Dr. Carrie Kolar, Mrs. Caitlin Jensen, and Mrs. Amber High shared how successful the new Social Emotional Creative Arts (SECA) class has been at Engleman Elementary so far this year.

There are strong connections between SECA class and Engleman building wide positive supports (Wildcat Way). The students are learning about and living out their monthly character skills. Art projects are being developed so that students can learn and practice the social emotional skills.

The positive impact is being felt throughout the whole building.

"I want to learn sign language so I can communicate with people who are deaf and help them feel less alone."

Barr Middle School students, Ethan, Jesse, and Jaxson, shared their story of starting an American Sign Language (ASL) club at theirs school.

A great example of what Barr students appreciate about their extracurricular opportunities. The club was started by students wanting to connect with each other. It provides a skill that students can use to communicate with others, while also increasing their knowledge and skill base.

It's fun and inclusive!

Mr. Brad Wolfe, Principal, and Mr. Jared Bombeck, Social Studies Teacher & A.D., shared their vision and official request for an updated "W" logo to be added to the branding suite for Westridge.

This would be more aligned with the other two middle schools in the district as well as build a visual look for Westridge that the staff and students could be more proud of.

PTO parents and students all agree that the proposed new "W" is an exciting new look and direction for the school.

Mrs. Anya Covarrubias, District Science Curriculum Coordinator, and Dr. Ashley Tomjack, District Curriculum Director, shared a review of the Amplify Science curriculum within GIPS and a proposal to renew the contract for another six years.

Amplify Science carries a 93% approval rating from GIPS Teachers and throughout its seven year implementation in the district has proven to be a positive difference maker in meeting and surpassing learning benchmarks for students.

Through negotiation and additional professional supports the proposed contract renewal would be just over $530,000 which reflects an over $1million savings overall. This would serve as a huge savings for the district budget while still providing the full slate of Amplify Science resources GIPS teachers need.

This item will be voted on at next month's Board meeting.

During Dr. Grover's listening tour, a common theme from buildings was to increase Para-professional pay. Special Education Para-professional positions are increasingly difficult to fill in every building. Some buildings are short special education para-professionals.

This proposal would provide both a stipend and an increased base pay salary for Special Education Para-Professionals.

CLICK TO READ A RECAP FROM DR. GROVER.

This item will be voted on at next month's Board meeting.

Dr. Robin Dexter, Associate Superintendent, presented the proposed calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.

The calendar was developed by the District Calendar team with representatives from each school. This calendar is for information and discussion and will be considered for formal approval at the December BoE Meeting.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment that is being considered is a potential 3:05 p.m. dismissal time for Elementary Schools for the '23-'24 school year.

Staff will have an opportunity to share feedback on the newly proposed calendar throughout the coming weeks. A Google Form will be shared from the district for staff to provide insight that may help inform adjustments along the way.

This item will be voted on at next month's Board meeting.

Annually, all Nebraska school districts are required to have an independent audit and file an annual financial report (AFR). For the Fiscal Year ending August 31st. The audit report is attached to this agenda item for BOE and the public to review.

A draft of the Audit was provided to the Facility & Finance Committee for review and consideration at their November 1st meeting. Both the annual audit and the AFR were submitted to the proper local, state, and federal agencies in a timely manner. The AFR matches the audit report, so only the audit report will be presented as an action item next month for the BOE to approve and to place on file.

Highlights of the Audit Include:

• The school district increased its cash reserves during the 2021-22 fiscal year.
• General Fund cash reserves increased by $2.7 million.
• Depreciation Fund cash reserves increased by $1.1 million.
• General Fund revenues were $126.7 million, $2.7 million more than expenses.
• General Fund operational costs were $123.9 million, a 4.7 percent increase, which was caused primarily due to increased spending for federal programs (ESSERs).
• The school district decreased its long term by 5.0%

If board members, staff, or members of the public have questions or concerns pertaining to the audit, they are encouraged to contact Grand Island Public Schools Chief Financial Officer, Ken Schroeder, who will be happy to answer any questions they may have.

Mr. Zach Cloutier, GISH Senior, shared his student representative report with the Board of Education. Here are a few highlights he presented:

• Voter Registration Event at GISH a huge success. Students were able to express their opinions (vote) for the first time and that is a huge impact.
  
• SSAC crafting their year long goals: Supporting mental health wellness for staff and students; strengthening "Islander Culture"; and potentially expanding Academy exploration opportunities for Freshman.
• Football is headed to the State Semifinals - A testament to the work ethic, passion, and discipline of the program. Also indicative of all of GIPS.
  
• Winter sports are starting soon!
• Show Choir and Band starting their winter themed productions.
  
• Many new clubs are popping-up at GISH such as HOSA (future health professional). The student leadership being represented is strong.

Thank you for your leadership and voice, Zach!

Westridge is requesting to update their "letter" secondary logo to be updated and more aligned with the other 2 schools.

Motion Passed: 8 - 0

Amie Gamboian is a senior consultant for The Table Group and facilitates sessions around the work of Pat Lencioni. She met with LEAD GIPS this summer and with Cabinet this fall. We want her to finish the work with these two groups.

Motion Passed: 8 - 0

Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates, P.C. contract between Grand Island Public Schools - Howard Elementary and Walnut Middle School.

Motion Passed: 8 - 0

Information on Policy 8220 Admission of Resident Students on class size definitions was shared at last month's (Oct.) Board meeting.

Updates primarily include moving from a static class-size number to a band system to better accommodate staff placement and building capacity projections.

Here are the updated Elementary class-size bands:

• Pre-K: 15 students per session
• K & 1st: 19 - 23 class size
• 2nd & 3rd: 21 - 25 class size
• 4th - 5th: 23 - 27 class size

Secondary class size bands:

• 6th, 7th, & 8th Grades: 27 - 30/class
• 9th - 12th Grades: 27 - 30/class

The Board of Education reserves the right to alter capacity standards based upon unique conditions at the individual attendance centers. The above capacity standards are not meant to define individual class size or the point at which an additional classroom or teacher is required.

Capacity for Special Education and EL programs will be determined by appropriate administrative

personnel and based on student number and specific needs of students participating.

2017 was the last time this policy was updated to reflect community and building needs.

Motion Passed: 7 - 1