LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

1.

OPENING PROCEDURES

Notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Lincoln Board of Education was given

by mail to the following news media: Television Stations KOLN, KLKN, KETV, KPTM,

WOWT and KMTV; Radio Stations KFOR, KLIN, KRNU, and to the

LINCOLN

JOURNAL STAR

and

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

newspapers. A public notice was

published in the

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the Board President, Mr. Keith Prettyman, at

7:05 p.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at the Lincoln Public Schools District Offices.

Roll Call

Upon calling the roll, the following Members were:

Present:

Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek, Mrs. Larsen,

Mr. Mayhew, Dr. Zimmer, Mr. Prettyman

Absent:

Mr. Meginnis (excused)

Staff in Attendance

Also meeting with the Board were:

Dr. E. Susan Gourley, Secretary of the Board and Superintendent of

Lincoln Public Schools

Mr. James Gessford, Attorney for the Board

Dr. Marilyn Moore, Associate Superintendent for Instruction

Mr. Dennis Van Horn, Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs

Dr. Nancy Biggs, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources

Dr. Virgil Horne, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for

Governmental Relations

Dr. David Myers, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for

General Administration and Communication

A list of other people in attendance is set forth in Report File No. MM-136.

Announce Open Meetings Act Posting

The Lincoln Board of Education makes available at least one current copy of the Open

Meetings Act posted in the meeting room at a location accessible to members of the

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public. At the beginning of this meeting, the Board President announced and informed

the public about the location of the posted information.

Approval of Minutes

The February 12, 2008, minutes of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting were

approved as distributed.

SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND CELEBRATIONS OF

SUCCESS

There were no special reports, presentations, or celebrations of success at this portion

of the meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

There were no speakers at this portion of the meeting.

2.

HUMAN RESOURCES MATTERS

Human Resources matters, as set forth in Report File No. MM-137, were presented.

Claims/Wire Transfers

Claims were previously presented for the periods ending February 7, February 12,

February 14, February 18, February 19, and February 26, 2008, and wire transfers were

presented of: federal tax ACH deposit-$45,077.81; state tax ACH deposit-$633,444.39;

procurement card ACH transfwer-$95,459.35; Office Depot-$18,416.53; and retirement

ACH transfer-$2,612,501.40. A copy of the claims is set forth in Report File No. MM-

138.

Payroll

Payroll was presented for the periods ending February 5 and February 15, 2008, in the

amount of $196,940.28.

Gifts

Gifts were presented of: books from Roger, Shirley, Tayler and Austin Lempke for the

Kahoa media center; and blankets and towels from St. Elizabeth Linen Department for

Pershing emergency drills.

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Bids and Contracts Discussed at Prior Meeting or Under $500,000

Bids discussed at the Board’s prior meeting or which are under $500,000, as set forth in

Report File No. MM-139, were presented.

Future Bids

A listing of opening dates for future bids in excess of $25,000 was presented, as set

forth in Report File No. MM-140.

4.

PROJECT (SCIP) GRANT APPLICATION

A request to submit the 2007-08 Special Education Continuous Improvement Projects

Grant application to the Nebraska Department of Education, in the amount of $98,532,

was presented. The purpose of this SCIP Grant is to strengthen local school

improvement efforts in the area of special education by providing: adaptations and

accommodations in the general curriculum and school environment; response to

intervention; positive behavior supports; strategies to prevent disproportionate

representation in special education; transition from school to adult life; parent

involvement and family-centered services (birth to age 21); child find outreach and

identification; and transition from IDEA Part C to Part B. No matching funds are

required.

Mrs. Danek moved, Mrs. Larsen seconded

That the Board approve Consent Items 2, 3, and 4 on this evening’s agenda.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mrs. Danek, Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew,

Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier, Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Mr. Prettyman declared a conflict of interest on Bid #1 and Bid #3 under

Routine Business, did not participate, and did not vote on those bids.

Motion carried.

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5.

PROGRAMMING AND DESIGN FOR LINCOLN EAST HIGH SCHOOL

FACILITIES PLAN)

Dr. Zimmer, Chair of the Board’s Planning Committee, reminded the Board that he

serves on the Planning Committee with Mrs. Danek and Mr. Meginnis. He noted that

the East High project is a large project, representing one-fourth of the older high school

projects to come forward for renovation under the 2006 bond issue. He advised that the

Planning Committee recommends moving forward with this project, and it will be

returned to the Board for action at the next meeting.

Mrs. Larsen reported on a recent meeting of East High parents, and advised that part of

their agenda for their March meeting will be to have the architects for the East High

project do a presentation, including the review of project plans and to answer concerns

and questions. She added that the overall response from the East High Principal and

parents is favorable. Mrs. Larsen expressed appreciation for this open dialogue with

parents and staff.

Mr. Mayhew asked about the acoustics in the vocal music room. Mr. Van Horn reported

that as the four older high schools undergo remodeling, staff has asked that the

architects use the same consultants as were used for Southwest and North Star in order

to have consistency in both the vocal and instrumental music areas. He added that

some of this has to do with the ceiling height and acoustical material. Mrs. Danek noted

that the architects did not move around the performing arts area very much on the East

project.

Mrs. Larsen indicated that she is pleased that the whole Board is involved in addressing

concerns on the projects.

From the Superintendent

There were no items presented for first reading from the Superintendent at this portion

of the meeting.

From Board Committees

There were no items presented for second reading from Board Committees at this

portion of the meeting.

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6.

REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Prettyman requested a motion to hold a closed session, following the regular

meeting of the Board, for a strategy session with respect to pending litigation, or

litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of

litigation to or by the public body clearly necessary for the projection of the public

interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in

compliance with the law.

Mrs. Danek moved, Dr. Zimmer seconded

That the Board hold a closed session for a strategy session with respect to

pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication

of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body clearly necessary for the

projection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the

reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew, Dr. Zimmer,

Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek, Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

7.

SUMMER SCHOOL PROPOSAL – 2008

Dr. Moore presented the 2008 summer school proposal, as set forth in Report File

No. MM-141.

Mr. Prettyman reminded the Board that it discussed the summer school proposal at its

previous meeting.

Dr. Zimmer moved, Mr. Mayhew seconded

That the Board approve the 2008 summer school proposal.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mr. Mayhew, Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier,

Mrs. Danek, Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

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ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

There were no items removed from this evening’s Consent agenda.

EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS

There were no emergency items presented at this meeting.

8.

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

A listing of all priority bills in the State Legislature was presented, as set forth in Report

File No. MM-142, with bills highlighted that the District is watching closely. Ms. Baier,

Chair of the Board’s Legislative Committee, asked Dr. Horne to report on legislative

activities.

Dr. Horne reported that the Legislature is getting down to a time when things begin to

get serious. This is the last week of hearings, and full days of debate will begin next

week.

Dr. Horne advised that there is some good news, from the District’s standpoint, in that

the storm water bill, which would allow the City of Lincoln to tax other political

subdivisions for storm water purposes, was killed in committee. However, it’s thought

that this bill will not go away, but the more often it’s defeated, the better off the District

will be. Dr. Horne further advised that Mr. Korby Gilbertson, from Radcliffe &

Associates, followed this bill very closely and kept staff informed of what was happening

with this bill.

Dr. Horne noted that there was a negative State income forecast announcement last

Friday, and there is no doubt that there will be recertification of state aid. The

temporary aid adjustment, which allows school districts the opportunity to increase

property taxes to make up the difference, is being looked at and Dr. Horne was advised

that this is a work in progress. He added that for the Legislature not to allow this would

be a major setback. The State’s budget will not be set until late in the session, so

school districts won’t know state aid until then.

Dr. Horne talked about the priority bill listing, and advised that the highlighted bills are

ones that the District is following closely. If Board Members have questions on any of

these, Dr. Horne advised that he would be happy to provide more information either

now or later. He provided reports on the bills, as follows:

LB1154, Change learning community provisions – The District follows these

types of bills to see what happens down the road.

LB1092 – Require seat belts on school buses – This is Senator Harms’ bill, and it

is well on its way to require seat belts on school buses.

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Mr. Mayhew requested an estimate on what LB1092 might cost LPS. Mr. Van Horn

responded that seat belts would be required on new buses. To equip an 84-passenger

bus with seat belts would cost approximately $10,000. Seat belts cause the loss of

about one-third of capacity. Therefore, there would also be the need to buy more buses

and hire more drivers. Mr. Van Horn reported that there is one company that

manufactures buses with seatbelts which can be either two or three students to a seat.

Having only one such manufacturer that provides this can limit the quality of bids, so he

is working with other companies to do the necessary crash testing so that this particular

seat becomes an option on any manufacturer’s bus.

Dr. Horne advised that the bill would become effective in 2009, for any buses

purchased, starting in 2009.

Mr. Van Horn added that the District would be required to purchase buses with

lap/shoulder harnesses and if it’s only possible to get two elementary students to a seat

with this safety device, the District would have to buy additional buses and hire more

drivers. He reiterated that there is an effort underway to try to get other manufacturers

to make a seat that can seat two or three students with the lap/shoulder harness.

Mr. Van Horn noted that school buses are very effective in protecting students because

of compartmentalization of the seats in all crashes, except roll-over accidents, which

don’t happen as often, but do happen from time to time.

Mr. Mayhew reminded everyone that when first talking about this issue, it was not

thought that it was a safety issue. If staff thought it was a safety issue, the District

would, of course, have gone with seat belts.

If state aid is recertified, Mrs. Danek asked about the date that this would happen.

Dr. Horne responded that it would depend on which bills are passed. He indicated that

one train of thought is to pass a bill this year and see if it could be effective immediately

for recertifying state aid. Another train of thought is that this is just not possible, as the

Department of Education doesn’t have some materials that it would need to calculate

state aid. They would have to send out a survey to find out the needs, have the surveys

returned, and it may be June before they could recertify, which is past the deadline for

hiring teachers. Dr. Horne stated that these two issues have not been resolved.

Mrs. Danek recalled that less than a year ago there was talk about a future surplus for

the State and now there is a bleak picture. She asked how these two issues mesh.

Dr. Horn reported that the Legislature started the session with over approximately a

$500 million reserve, but the economy is simply catching up with the State. He added

that if one believes in cyclical occurrences, there will be a four-five year down-turn. The

rest of the nation is showing that, and Nebraska is now catching up.

9.

BUDGET CALENDAR FOR THE 2008-09 BUDGET

The 2008-09 budget calendar was presented, as set forth in Report File No. MM-143.

Mrs. Danek, Chair of the Finance Committee, noted that the very first thing on the

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calendar is state aid certification.

Mr. Van Horn reported that staff is working with the Finance Committee. They have

assumed recertification was a real possibility and the budget calendar was constructed

with that in mind. He added that it would be optimistic that the District would get this

recertification shortly after the session ends. Mr. Van Horn indicated that without this

number, it’s difficult for staff and the Finance Committee to give the Board any accurate

forecast. He advised that there will be a very concentrated effort with staff and the

Finance Committee in April and May, and the committee will be bringing back

information to the Board. The Board’s work, then, will mostly occur in June and early

July.

Mr. Prettyman observed that there are two huge unknowns – what state aid will look

like, and negotiations with the District’s bargaining units.

Mrs. Danek agreed, and added that the legislative session doesn’t end until after the

April 15 contract date with teachers.

Mr. Van Horn noted that as a large School District, LPS has not had to rely on reduction

in force, but has been able to reduce staff through attrition, when necessary. He

reported that there are 270 teachers currently scheduled to leave the District at the end

of this school year. Mr. Van Horn added that the District does have this tool, which

helps the District, that smaller school districts don’t have. He indicated that staff will be

watching to see that the District is continuing to maintain some flexibility.

Mr. Prettyman asked if there are any surprises anticipated in the certified assessed

valuation. Mr. Van Horn responded that staff is being conservative, and advised that

Finance Director Mr. Tim Kemper works closely with the City and the County and the

NRD. There is some thought that this might be a year where the valuation increase is a

negative number. However, staff has been very conservative with its forecast, stays in

contact with the County Assessor’s Office, and feels it is in the ballpark at this time.

Mrs. Danek reported that the Finance Committee is also working on the Board’s policies

and the fees charged to outside users of the District’s facilities. She noted that there is

a possibility that those fees will be increasing.

10.

2008-09 ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS

Dr. Moore presented the enrollment projections for the 2008-09 school year, as set forth

in Report File No. MM-144. She advised that Assessment Director Dr. Leslie Lukin has

done the work to prepare these projections. Dr. Moore observed that among the many

uncertainties about next year’s budget, one certainty is that the District will have more

children than this year. The projection for enrollment is 33,846, which is a growth of 436

students over the current year. The growth will be wholly at the elementary level. The

kindergarten class is projected at 2,888, which is 130 students over this year.

Kindergarten projections are based on a percentage of the live births in Lancaster

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County five years prior. For the last four years, that average has been 76 percent,

which has been relatively accurate.

Dr. Moore reported that the middle school enrollment is projected to remain stable, and

there will be a slight decrease in the high school enrollment due to a smaller than usual

8th grade class that is now moving to 9th grade.

The kindergarten class this year will be the fourth significantly larger kindergarten class,

and the District is just two years away from those large kindergarten classes moving to

middle school. Dr. Moore reported that the bottom line projection of 33,846 is one in

which staff holds a relative degree of confidence. She added that it’s always more

difficult to project the exact number in buildings because children move and because

the District does allow some transfers. Dr. Moore indicated that this year it is

particularly challenging because of opening Adams Elementary School and because of

the decision to repurpose Hawthorne Elementary School. She stated that staff won’t

know until next fall where every child lands.

Dr. Moore reported that staffing conferences have begun with Principals. With the

Principals that she and Dr. Biggs have met with so far, Dr. Moore expressed

appreciation to those whose schools are affected by attendance area changes, as they

have been diligent in contacting families about their attendance plans in order to get the

most accurate numbers possible.

Dr. Moore advised that if there is a single, main idea from all of the projections, it’s

continued growth and continued larger kindergarten classes.

Mr. Mayhew asked if the difference between the K-12 total and the grand total is the

ECSE children. Dr. Moore responded that this is true. She added that the number of

preschool children is just carried forward in projections because it is not predictable.

Therefore, if anything, this is likely to be under estimated.

11.

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI) REPORT

Dr. Moore advised that RTI is Response to Intervention. It is a way to serve children

who are not making the expected progress, particularly in reading, and a way to identify

children for special education services. Therefore, RTI is a tutoring response and an

identification response. Federal statute provides for both of these responses.

Dr. Moore introduced Special Education Director Dr. Michael Bossard, West Lincoln

School Psychologist Dr. Jerry Harrenstein, and Saratoga special education teacher

Ms. Gwelda Carlson.

Dr. Bossard advised that school psychologists have become much more knowledgeable

about reading and teachers have become more knowledgeable about assessment.

Dr. Bossard reviewed PowerPoint information, as follows:

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What are the core components of RTI?

-Universal Screening

-Frequent Progress Monitoring (weekly)

-Implementation with Fidelity

Dr. Bossard presented information on the three tier models on RTI, as follows:

Tier 1 Universal Interventions – 80% - Screen at-risk students based upon LPS

reading assessments, teacher recommendations, and DIBELS assessments.

Tier 2 Targeted Group Interventions – 15% - SAT problem solving process;

determine student’s response to a reasonable intervention.

If student

performance is dually discrepant (level of achievement, rate of progress) from

peers, refer for NDT eligibility determination.

Tier 3 Intensive Individual Interventions – 5% - Continuous data sets (DIBELS or

curriculum measures) allow progress monitoring at each level and help

determine when a student has achieved their IEP goals and is ready for

reintegration.

Dr. Bossard reported that learning disabilities have been going down. The thought is

that early intervention has made a difference.

Dr. Harrenstein provided two examples and graphs of students’ reading progress and

RTI intervention plans.

Dr. Harrenstein provided information about progress and conditions to be met, as

follows:

If poor progress continues and these conditions are met:

-Two intervention periods, both of which have occurred for 8 weeks or more

-Reading at or below the 12th percentile AFTER the two intervention periods

-Documentation of parental permission, integrity checks, and a written plan on a

SAT form

Then…

An MDT may be convened:

-To consider verification as specific Learning Disability in reading

-to determine if other testing is warranted

-To proceed with Special Education procedures if the team verifies as SLD

Dr. Bossard presented information on the Five-Year Plan, as follows:

Year

RTI Rd Implementation

DIBELS Norming

2003-04

Pilot-Procedure Dev

Kindergarten (W,S)

2004-05

Pilot-Compare SD/RTI

1st, 2nd Grade (F,W,S)

2005-06

Pilot-RD Identification

3rd-5th Grade (F,W,S)

Year

RTI Rd Implementation

DIBELS Norming

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2006-07

K-2 ID Volunteer schools

6th Grade (F,W,S)

2007-08

K-5 ID All schools

Dr. Bossard presented information on the Effect Size, as follows:

Effect Sizes

04-05

05-06

Change

N

100

388

+288

Mean

2.18

1.85

-.33

SD

1.01

1.21

+.2

Dr. Bossard presented information on Social Validity, as follows:

The areas assessed by teachers and parents included:

-“I like the procedures used as a part of these services.”

-“These services were a good way to handle the student’s reading instruction

needs.”

-“Overall, these services were beneficial for the student.”

-“These services are reasonable for the student’s reading instruction needs.”

-“I would be willing to refer other students for these services in the future.”

Ms. Carlson reported on how RTI is working at Saratoga Elementary School. Saratoga

is doing this for all students K-5 three times a year, in order to show what kind of growth

is obtained by each student. They work with the classroom teachers and collaborate

with them on a plan for intervention, which is usually for an eight-week period. The goal

is for students to read fluently, to be able to decode, and to comprehend what they read.

Staff meets with students 20-25 minutes daily. Ms. Carlson indicated that significant

changes in students have been seen with this program.

Dr. Bossard reported that teachers and parents are very positive about the RTI

program. He reviewed information on the Differences between Parent and Teacher

Ratings in 2005-06, as follows:

Teachers

Parents

Difference

-N

195

37

158 more teachers

-Mean

5.41

5.38

0.03

-SD

0.68

0.58

0.10

Dr. Bossard talked about what is next, as follows:

RTI assessment and intervention procedures are being piloted for Writing. This

is being followed by Math and Behavior. Piloting in Reading has begun at middle

school and high school levels.

Dr. Bossard reviewed what RTI is, and is not, as follows:

- RTI is an initiative that supports general education

- School Improvement and Professional Learning Community goals.

- RTI is not a special education initiative that stands alone.

- The goal of RTI is to help students meet proficiency standards without special

education.

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- RTI is not a new method to get students into special education.

Dr. Bossard talked about where more information on RTI can be found, as follows:

- http://rtinebraska.unl.edu/index

- www.lps.org/instruction/sped

Dr. Bossard invited the Board to visit West Lincoln and/or Saratoga to learn more about

RTI.

Mr. Mayhew asked about the difference between universal screening and screening

at-risk students. Dr. Harrenstein advised that the universal screening is a component

of several things – developmental reading, assessments, and DIBELS. This is done

three times a year to determine which children are in most need of the services. All

children go through DIBELS assessment, or some other form of assessment.

Ms. Carlson advised that at Saratoga, it is DIBELS, and all children are assessed at

their grade level. Staff will work with those students who are not at grade level.

Mr. Mayhew asked what MDT means, and Dr. Bossard replied that it is

Multi-Disciplinary Team.

In writing, Dr. Harrenstein advised that students would have to go through an

intervention in order to be identified as needing special education services.

Mr. Mayhew observed that sometimes there are behavior issues. He asked how much

success depends on parental involvement. Dr. Harrenstein advised that if parents are

involved, there is a huge advantage, but it is not essential, as staff is still able to provide

intervention at school.

Mr. Mayhew asked if the District would eventually have RTIs across grade levels.

Dr. Harrenstein responded that it would.

In response to a question from Ms. Baier, Dr. Bossard advised that the same types of

procedures can also be used with behavior issues, as well. Dr. Harrenstein added that

RTI helps staff do a more thorough assessment regarding behavior, as well as reading.

They find that parents are much less in the dark if they see a graph.

Ms. Baier observed that school psychologists are becoming a more integral part of the

internal school team. Dr. Harrenstein agreed, adding that they are becoming much

more curriculum savvy.

Ms. Baier indicated that it appears the prevention strategy is helping students before

they get into trouble. She asked about the workload this puts on school psychologists.

Dr. Harrenstein advised that it has increased the workload a tremendous amount.

Dr. Bossard added, however, that they are giving fewer I.Q. tests, so it is a trade-off.

Mrs. Danek stated that she has heard very positive things about RTI. The excitement of

students is what she has noticed weekly, as the system tells students they are

succeeding all year long. She congratulated staff on the program.

Mrs. Larsen pointed out that RTI is a child-friendly and family-friendly program. She

expressed appreciation to staff for RTI.

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Mr. Prettyman advised that the program is heavily dependent on the Board adding a

significant number of paraeducators. Dr. Bossard indicated that a half-time para is

needed at each building at this time.

Mr. Prettyman asked about the interface between RTI and Reading Recovery.

Dr. Bossard advised that Reading Recovery is one of the interventions, and it is

monitored in the same way.

Mr. Prettyman thanked staff for the presentation.

12.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT

The financial report for the month ending January 31, 2008, was presented, as set forth

in Report File No. MM-145.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD

Mr. Prettyman reviewed the calendar of upcoming meetings and events for the Board,

as follows:

Monday, March 3, 7:30 a.m., Governor’s Mansion – Thank You Teacher

Breakfast

Wednesday, March 5, 8:00 a.m., Chamber Office – Chamber Coffee

Thursday, March 6, 5:30 p.m., Cornhusker – LIBA Free Enterprise Celebration

and Awards Banquet

Sunday, March 9 – Daylight Saving Time begins

Tuesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m., LPSDO – Reception for Nationally Certified

Teachers

Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m., LPSDO – Board Meeting

SCHEDULED

COMMUNICATIONS

FROM

THE

PUBLIC

OR

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

There were no speakers at this portion of the meeting.

CLOSED SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT

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The Lincoln Board of Education went into closed session at 8:07 p.m. per its previously

approved motion. Immediately prior to the closed session, the presiding officer restated

on the record the limitation of the subject matter of the closed session. Closed session

concluded at 9:11 p.m. There being no further business, the Lincoln Board of Education

adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

______________________________

______________________________

Keith A. Prettyman

E. Susan Gourley

President of the Board

Secretary of the Board