(The following minutes from the March 9 Dorchester Board of Education meeting appear as submitted to the Times by school administration staff.)
President Brad Havlat called the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education of Saline County School District 76-0044, a.k.a. as Dorchester Public Schools, to order at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 09, 2009. All members were present along with Superintendent Brian Redinger, Principal Mitch Kubicek, Joyce Karl and Activities Director Scott Pohl. Motion by Boller, second by Bors to approve minutes of the February regular meeting with the following amendment: Motion by Hansen, second by Kahle to approve Mitch Kubicek’s 2009/2010 contract as Secondary Principal. Voting yes were Hansen, Kahle, Bors, Zoubek, Boller and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0. Members voting yes to the motion to approve the amended minutes were Boller, Bors, Hansen, Zoubek, Kahle and Havlat. Motion passed by a vote of 6-0.
There were no visitors present at this time.
After verification of publication of the meeting notice in The Crete News, local postings of the meeting notice (Dorchester Schools, Farmers Coop, First State Bank and the Village Office) and the advanced receipt of the meeting agenda and other meeting materials by individual board members, the President stipulated that meeting minutes should reflect that this meeting was held in compliance with the Neb. Open Meetings Law. It was also noted the Open Meeting Act Poster is posted in the boardroom. There was no request for a change of agenda.
The February Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Motion by Kahle, second by Bors to approve the February Report. Voting yes were Kahle, Bors, Boller, Zoubek, Hansen and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0. Motion to approve the March 2009 general fund expenditures was made by Kahle, second by Zoubek. (A complete listing of expenditures is available in the School office.) Voting yes were Kahle, Zoubek, Bors, Kahle and Havlat. Hansen abstained. Motion passed 5-0.
Committee Reports:
There were no visitors present at this time.
After verification of publication of the meeting notice in The Crete News, local postings of the meeting notice (Dorchester Schools, Farmers Coop, First State Bank and the Village Office) and the advanced receipt of the meeting agenda and other meeting materials by individual board members, the President stipulated that meeting minutes should reflect that this meeting was held in compliance with the Neb. Open Meetings Law. It was also noted the Open Meeting Act Poster is posted in the boardroom. There was no request for a change of agenda.
The February Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Motion by Kahle, second by Bors to approve the February Report. Voting yes were Kahle, Bors, Boller, Zoubek, Hansen and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0. Motion to approve the March 2009 general fund expenditures was made by Kahle, second by Zoubek. (A complete listing of expenditures is available in the School office.) Voting yes were Kahle, Zoubek, Bors, Kahle and Havlat. Hansen abstained. Motion passed 5-0.
Committee Reports:
Building/Grounds Committee
* The time capsule will be completed by the end of this month with a cost of approximately $200. A committee will be formed to help decide on the contents of the new capsule.
* The playground equipment will be installed in the upcoming months. The Board members are all involved in this project but volunteers willing to help are asked to call Bill Boller. It was noted that the equipment will be set up east of the Industrial Tech building allowing an area for expansion.
* Egan Supply Company will be redoing the finish on the gym floor this summer.
* New bleachers and flooring for the gym were discussed. Mr. Redinger shared the results of a NDE report that would allow the school to utilize IDEA funding to help with this project if it is pursued.
Wellness Committee
* The meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, March 24. Members of this committee will consist of Board members, parents and students.
Americanism Committee
* It was reported that grades 4, 5 and 6 participated in the Legion/Auxiliary Americanism Poster Contest. Results were not known at this time.
Principal’s Report: Mr. Kubicek discussed 2008/2009 attendance for grades 7-12. Compared to last year, absences and excessive tardies have decreased. Discipline logs have decreased with original incidents declining by 50%. Staff development was discussed. Mr. Kubicek noted that the staff is working on improving feedback to students as well as assessments. Otter Creek’s “math facts in a flash” program will be implemented (school improvement initiative) in the upcoming month. The interviewing process has started for the Social Studies position. Mr. Kubicek was optimistic that a contract would be offered by the end of this week.
Superintendent’s Report: No legislative updates at this time. Mr. Redinger noted that the gym project had already been discussed. Negotiations are ready to begin on next years contracts as soon as BC/BS insurance and state aid information is received. There was no unfinished business.
New Business:
a) Motion by Hansen, second by Kahle to accept the resignation of Mr. Scott Leisy, K-12 Physical Education Teacher. All members voted aye.
b) Motion by Kahle, second by Boller to set long-term substitute teacher pay at 1/185th of base salary. Voting yes were Kahle, Boller, Zoubek, Bors and Hansen. Havlat abstained. Motion passed 5-0.
c) Motion by Bors, second by Zoubek to enter into a 5 year agreement with Pepsi of Lincoln. Voting yes were Bors, Zoubek, Boller, Kahle, Hansen and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0.
d) The following summer projects were discussed: The condition of the boys locker room was reviewed and it was decided that it was not a priority. Shop improvements were discussed along with the addition of an exhaust system and air purifiers. A roof/building inspection will be done before making any final decisions. New carpet will be installed in the guidance office, 7th and 8th grade classrooms, and further research will be done before recommendations are made concerning the acoustics in the band/music room. Further discussion will be held at the April meeting.
e) After discussion on the acquisition of a new school bus and/or school van, it was decided that any purchases would be pushed back until next year.
f) Motion by Zoubek, second by Hansen to declare that the Special Education Program of School District 76-0044 will remain closed to option enrollment students in the school year of 2009/2010. Voting yes were Zoubek, Hansen, Kahle, Boller, Hansen and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0.
The next regular monthly meeting of the Dorchester Board of Education will be Monday, April 13, at 8 p.m. Motion by Boller, second by Zoubek to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. All members voted aye.
(signed) Ron Kahle, Secretary of the Board of Education
Please explain item F
ReplyDeleteIf we are advertising in the crete news for new students, why would we not accept all students?
do we only want the "good ones"?
also, isnt there money available to schools for the special ed program. Do we get more money for special ed kids??
just wondering
I think that this is a good call by our school officials to limit the number of special ed kids that are able to option in. The teachers are doing a great job with the number they currently have and I would hate for our own students to suffer by not getting the attention they truely need to succeed in school.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't label students good or bad. But the reality is that some need more resources/help when it comes to learning. Usually extra help for a special education student come mainly from more time with a special ed. teacher.
ReplyDeleteOur special ed program is operating at near maximum capacity. To expand the program by allowing option students in would mean probably hiring another teacher and paraeducator (which is the most expensive part of running a school - personnel costs). Also remember that once open you could not restrict the number of option students you let in. Also remember that there isn't another classroom available for such an expansion.
If a new teacher were hired then the program would be running well below maximum capacity, which wouldn't make good economic sense either.
Adding option students to this program could also be risky, if the school district had some students with special ed. needs move into the district. Because we are legally obligated to serve all of our district students. So if we have to stretch the program we need to be prepared for those students who may move to Dorchester. But again we are operating at near maximum capacity.
We do receive funding from the state for all of our students. We do also receive some extra funding for special education students from the state and federal government. However these sources of funding have been decreasing every year, and they only cover about half of the cost, even though the school is legally obligated to provide the extra learning opportunities and tools to these students with extra needs. Simply put, There is money available, but it isn't enough to cover the whole cost.
Hope that helps,
Civil Servant
to civil servant.
ReplyDeleteok....couple more question since you seem to have the answers.
if we take in option enrollment kids from other districts, isnt this putting extra burden on the classroom teachers and the students in the classes?
I think it all goes back to the money issue. WE get option enrollment money and we like that.
Question 2?/
We spent 4.1 million dollars for a school that is less than a year old and we are already pushed to the limit. No extra rooms.
what does this say for the people in charge?
Why didnt we add a couple extra rooms on at the time for future expansion.
as fast as the school was pushed through, no wonder no one took the time to see past the end of their noses
I appreciate the answer of civil servant.
ReplyDeleteThe anonymous writer above is one of the biggest whiners I've ever seen. Hold a grudge like a constipated dog holds a ... well you get the picture. He/she just wants to make trouble and propably does that in lieu of a job!!!
I have a job,
ReplyDeleteI just think that keeping special ed kids out of our school and then putting an add in for other kids is something that doesnt look good in the overall system
Did the school board decide on the new rules that are being enforced at the school starting yesterday? When are they going to clue the parents in on what these new rules are and how punishment for breaking these new rules is going to be delt with? The admistration is focusing more on having so many rules that they are forgetting that the kids are there to learn. Maybe if they would focus on the teaching/learning environment ( example how hot one room is & the next room you need to be wearing long underware to stay warm) and how these teachers are teaching or the lack of teaching our children receive, they may realize that they are focusing on the wrong problems.
ReplyDeleteYea
ReplyDeletekids behavior doesnt have anything to do with learning.
I am sure that the kids are the sweetest little angels and the teachers are the blame.
get a life
I am guessing the new rule(s) anonymous is talking about that is being enforced is the new dress code. It really isn't a big deal. First, no slippers or pajama pants. This shouldn't even be a rule. Kids should know better. Pajamas and slippers are for the bedroom, NOT school. Next, no short shorts, low cut shirts or sideless t-shirts. First, students do not need to see bottom cheeks or know if girls have hickies or tattoos on their chest. With some of the shirts being worn, it's amazing the "girls" can stay contained. Next, no sideless t-shirts. Do kids really need to see sports bras and bodies during the school day? These are just common rules which will help the students prepare for life beyond high school. There are very few jobs which allow the clothing that is being discussed. Finally, addressing the issue of coats. Coats are a hassle. With the warmer weather, the classrooms are now at a consistent temperature and coats do not need to be worn in school. It's amazing what can be hidden in a coat pocket. If kids are cold, have them wear layers. I don't feel the school needs to alert parents to every rule which comes up. Depending on student behavior, new rules can emerge when needed to ensure the learning of others. In my day, when I got in trouble I was afraid to go home as to the additional consequence by my parents. Not so these days, just another excuse for parents to complain to teachers for disciplining their child and holding them accountable for their actions. When your child comes home and tells you the rule, just agree with the school and say no coats, low cut shirts, pajamas, or short shorts, that's the rule. The kids are making WAY too much of this.
ReplyDeletewe shouldnt be having problems with the school heating and air systems.
ReplyDeleteIf we are i would get the contractor back and get it fixed before the warranty runs out
The issue with expanding the Special Education program has to do with the costs of hiring more people and adding more building space. For much of the last 15 years the school has had limitations on the special ed. program and classes that may push them to next threshold (for example having a class limit of 27, so when you get to 28 you have to hire another teacher, so each teacher teachers 14, when financially you are planning for one to teach a max of 27, in essence one student pushed you to spend what you would have on 27.)
ReplyDeleteThe school was planned to accommodate the students we have, while still allowing for some increasees or decreases and still being able to operate within reasonable financial ranges.
Many school districts close their special ed. programs because it is very hard to plan for the enormous expenses that they may be legally obligated to pay. Understand that they are also prohibited from discriminating against a sped student if they cost too much. So once your budget is set, you could have financial troubles should a high dollar student opt in to your judgement. Now I don't have all the answers, but I hope this helps.
Civil Servant
I just want to say I am shocked at the number of parents of senior students who called in on Friday to make an excuse (lie) for their student so they could attend the senior skip day. I hope these are not the parents who are complaining that the teachers are not doing their job. It is very hard to educate students when parents back or encourage this behavior. If a senior skip day is so important, maybe the senior class sponsor could plan an event such as a trip to the zoo, that would be supervised and safe. So much for rules.
ReplyDeletesounds like the seniors had a little problem with the skip day
ReplyDeleteSenior skip day in March, come on
its not ok to dress like this at school, but the same attire is ok in sports practices
ReplyDeletearent we setting a double standard
tight shorts and sideless shirts are worn at basketball practice, but then our team uniform are long shorts.
makes no sense
First of all parents didn't lie they said they were going on senior skip day so thats not a lie! and u too were u a kid once im guessing so? but from what i can see your one of them people that has no friends and just worries about all the bad things kids do these days! Maybe u should get out and stop bringing people down because these students are not bad kids what so ever they take responsblitly for there actions but they could be doing much worse things. Its just another stage of life whether you hide your kids/students from it its still going to be out there. I know kids these days probably make bad choices but who doesn't? If everyone was perfect like you it would be a pretty boring world!!!
ReplyDeletewell... as one of the seniors participating in the senior skip day i would like to have you know that the senior skip day tradition has gone back many years. i also am aware that back in the day when all of the adults were in high school, they were VERY far from perfect. so if you have a problem with what happened on senior skip day, take it up with one of the seniors...
ReplyDeletewhy does the school board have a secretary taking notes during the meeting?
ReplyDeleteIs this a paid position?
I thought the board had a secretary
I never said I was perfect, in fact I am far from it. I was in high school once and we never had a senior skip day. We did have a senior "out" day WITH our senior class sponsor. In talking with several teens (not from Dorchester), I asked them about a senior skip day. They responded they would probably never go, but there are no skip days in their schools. Unsupervised "senior skip days" are not a tradition in many schools. As I understand several of the seniors opted not to miss school on Friday. Hats off to them!!! It would be interesting to know if any of these seniors who missed are failing any of their classes? I know kids make mistakes, but I would never promote an event which invites trouble (yes a skip day without any supervision is inviting trouble). I do worry about kids these days. Many kids behave in a way that was NEVER accepted. They have a lack of respect for themselves and others. I think it is important adults set good examples for these kids.
ReplyDeleteLook at what happened on the skip day
ReplyDeletekeep the kids in school and our law officers can deal with other thing.
bring back the military draft.................. that will hit two birds with the same stone ................................. all kids these days do is watch porn on the internet and play video games .................... what a waste of air and space ..............................
ReplyDeleteYou people are dumb as they come better watch out the goverment might take you idots and put you on an island some where .
ReplyDeletewellll there were only about 5 seniors that didnt skip and senior skip day has been going back for many many years although then they just never got in trouble for it... and actually all the kids that skipped on skip day all have heads on there shoulders so over is talking about the draft does need to be shipped to another island.. Just wait till kids that are not allowed to do anything and are sheltered go to college they are going to go and major shock because they dont know who to make choices for themselves
ReplyDeleteas far as im concerned senior skip day has been around for years.. if kids can sign a letter to join the army when the are 18 they should be able to have a senior skip day and many other things some people just need to back off of these kids these are going to be there best years over there lives let them live it!
ReplyDelete"as far as im concerned senior skip day has been around for years.. if kids can sign a letter to join the army when the are 18 they should be able to have a senior skip day and many other things some people just need to back off of these kids these are going to be there best years over there lives let them live it!
ReplyDeleteHow far are you concerned, better yet for how long have you been concerned? Because many folks of the great generation did not have senior years, and they didn't have any place to skip off to. In fact they were eager to attend school when they could.
And since when did qualifying to join the Army grant one the privilege to make stupid choices? One of which could be not to join the Army in order that they could enjoy "the best years of their life", which they should be free to extend if they see fit. I mean you only have so many...years and extensions that is.
How do you define "the best years of your life"? The folks I respect the most would probably say that their adolescence were some of most fun days of their lives (especially those who occupied the upper echelon of their particular clique), but the best? What about "the best is yet to come." I've always looked forward to that one." I guess that's why I thought preparing to serve those who will rely on you someday was a good idea. But I guess it's more "fun" to enjoy your best years while continuing to rely on your parents and society which is forced to makeup for your selfish and irresponsible ways. Except for the former (parents) who attempt to relive their "best days" right along side of their children.
Aren't the best days those that add up to something greater than ourselves (i.e. making the world a better place for everyone). Aren't the best days the birth of your children (except those whose best days are their adolescence that is), or their weddings, graduations and births of grandchildren (except those raised by the above), and other family and community times.
The taxpayers are not spending so that their sacrifices can be "skipped". Life is not a party, where the best is gone after the drunk wears off. And all of our choices and actions do have unforeseen consequences for us all. One need only to look at the current economic situation to figure that out. If your from a family, community, state, or nation (I think that would be all of us), you have an obligation to give your best days to those around you.
Hoping your best days are yet to come, which they are, if your not afraid to stay on the backs of those who are letting us down. Live...live it for something bigger than yourself.
Andy Rooney
Please if you are going to blog, try to get your spelling, grammar and capitalization correct. It makes it easier to read and doesn't make you look so foolish.
ReplyDeleteisnt is amazing that the posts that are above are so terribly written.
ReplyDeletekeep the kids in school and give them an english book.
might help
Go ahead and back off these kids. They've never been held accountable for anything in their lives so why start now. They will soon be going off into the workforce or to college-no need for them to be accountable for their actions. When they are bouncing from job to job or college to college, maybe then mommy and daddy will sit back and see that running to their rescue everytime they have a flatulance crosswise wasn't the best course of action. If the parents condone the behavior-they have to be able to accept the consequences and let the kids take the punishment. When the kids succeed the parents are right there telling everyone how much they have supported their child. When they make mistakes it's always someone else's fault, not their perfect child's.That same support should be shown when the kids screw up-and letting them take the punishment is part of being a parent. I am tired of parents making excuses for bad behavior and fixing everything for their kids. When my kid fails he takes the knocks and hopefully he learns from the experience. If I fix it for him all the time he learns nothing except how to shirk his responsibility and he'll go out and do it again or something worse. Parents need to stop trying to be their kid's friend and instead be their parent.
ReplyDeleteResponse to anonymous on 3/21/09...
ReplyDeleteGood questions!
I take minutes at the Board meetings because I was asked to about 4 years ago. It is common for districts to have the bookkeeper and/or Superintendent's secretary take minutes.
It is not a paid position, although the minutes are typed and submitted during office (paid time) hours.
Ron Kahle is the Board's secretary and is very capable of taking minutes. Our goal is to have the minutes submitted to the Crete News the day after the meeting. The Crete News has a deadline of 11:00 am to noon -- it is easier if the minutes are done by the office.
Hope this answers your questions. Thank you for your interest in our school.
Its amazing how so many older people my age lie about how they were so innocent back when they were around 18 years old but to tell you the truth when I was in high school kids drank did drugs and lot worse things than a simple skip day.
ReplyDeleteI heard rumor that colleges are pushing to change the drinking age to 18 im not sure if i agree with this just wondering everyone elses thoughts?
ReplyDeleteare the bills part of the minutes??
ReplyDeletewhy are they not included like other agencies and schools??
Back from Texas. still kinda cold
Taxed too much, Here's some info for you.
ReplyDeleteThe school is not obligated to post the actual bills in their minutes (although some bodies due indeed publish their bills by choice), however they are obligated to report the voting on the approval of the bills. Perhaps they are trying to save some of your tax dollars by not having them printed in the paper! They are also obligated to keep all meeting documentation so that they can be reviewed and inspected.
Section 84-1413 contains several provisions regarding the minutes which are to be maintained by public bodies and regarding voting procedures for public bodies.
1. Minutes. Every public body shall keep minutes of all meetings showing the time, place, members present and absent, and the substance of all matters discussed. The minutes of all meetings and evidence or documentation received or disclosed during open session shall be public records, open to public inspection during normal business hours. Minutes shall be written and available for inspection within 10 working days or prior to the next convened meeting, whichever occurs earlier, except that cities of the second class and villages may have an additional 10 working days if the employee responsible for writing the minutes is absent due to a serious illness or emergency.
If you would like to read more you can find more at:
http://www.ago.ne.gov/public/openmeetings.htm#ANCHOR7
Hope you enjoyed Texas.
Texas was nice and warm
ReplyDeleteJust think that maybe the old school board is afraid to show some of the things that the tax dollars are spent on.
Always good to let the public have all the information.
Wouldn't it would be great if the Village Board would now give their minutes to the Dorchester Times...I know the Times has asked for them....I wonder what they have to hide!!!
ReplyDelete'Anonymous':
ReplyDeleteWe do not think the Village Board has anything to hide.
The board conducts open session meetings under the state's sunshine law and any resident is welcome to attend.
Of course, we would welcome the Village Board's minutes so that we could publish them. We believe it would encourage more public input and ideas.
Moreover, it would cost the Village nothing to have the minutes published here.
However, we understand the board is under no obligation to send us their minutes. So we will keep reading them in The Crete News.
This always goes back to the village board.
ReplyDeleteI want results from the school board too.
My mother is 85 years old. And if she wants to know where here tax dollars are spent, she has to go to the school to get a copy of the bills..
IT just isnt right. PRint them all
If people are unhappy with the way the school does things maybe they should go to the board meetings and open the members eyes a bit, They are open meetings and people should go to them. Maybe its time to change some administration, maybe their not worth the $100.000.00 a year there being paid. But the blog will not approve this because its ran by the school.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea, community participation is always welcome. Especially that which is proactive versus the reactive type, from those are disgruntled with the work that the proactive types have already done. In fact some communities televise their meetings.
But, I don't think showing up to a public meeting gives an attendee the ability to bring up any issue they have with administration or any other complaint about the school. You would need to contact the board president or "the administration" so that they could put you on the agenda.
Check this out.
http://www.ago.ne.gov/public/openmeetings.htm
Pretty critical comment for the "school run" blog to print.
Way to go!!
Whistleblower
I agree it does seem like the blog is ran by the school. A lot of things do not get posted. They might not be able to stand it that they are paying some one almost $100.000.00 a year and their running the new school in the ground, a school the tax payers will be paying for the next 20 years in the ground, pretty sad when the board just lets it happen. Yes people should be going to the meetings.
ReplyDeleteWe assure all our readers that no member of the Times staff is affiliated with the school administration staff or school board.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, no one at the Times is a member of the village board or an employee of the village.
We note with sadness that in the past six months, a founding member of the Times has passed on.
We are now a staff of eight.
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your staff member.
ReplyDeleteWhistleblower is just another bitter person who likes to tear down others without having the guts to volunteer or serve to better their community. Typical, typical...
ReplyDeletewhistle blower ? Who follows the rules around here?
ReplyDelete