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

7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 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,

Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer, Mr. Prettyman

Absent:

None

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-170.

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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

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 April 8, 2008, minutes of the Lincoln Board of Education Special Meeting, and the

April 8, 2008, minutes of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting were approved as

distributed.

SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND CELEBRATIONS OF

2.

NASPE

Mrs. Larsen read the resolution to be adopted by the Board and presented it to Morley

Elementary School on being named a STARS school, one of the elite physical

education programs in the country by the National Association for Sport and Physical

Education (NASPE). Morley is the first elementary school in Nebraska to receive the

STARS award. The STARS award recognizes schools for outstanding physical

education. To earn this distinction, Morley staff members submitted a ten-pound

portfolio about the P.E. program. Morley received the highest score of the 2008

submissions by judges from around the country.

Karen Ricker felt honored to be in a school district like Lincoln that allows her the

freedom to do the program she chooses to do. She thanked Dr. Marybell Avery,

Director of Physical Education, for her guidance and mentoring through the process,

Mrs. Coni Schwartz, Morley Principal, who encouraged her and was with her at the

National P.E. Convention, Jean Harrison, secretary, who did a great job putting it all

together on paper, and finally the students who are so enthusiastic and so wonderful.

She expressed that she has only one regret through her years of teaching that she does

not get to see her students as much as she would like.

Mrs. Schwartz thanked the Board for recognizing this award, Karen Ricker who led

Morley in this effort along with the support of Dr. Avery and others for making it possible

for Morley to realize this honor.

Mrs. Larsen moved, Mrs. Danek seconded

That the Board adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS the National Association for Sport and Physical Education

(NASPE) is the preeminent national authority on physical education and a

recognized leader in sport and physical activity, and

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WHEREAS the National Association for Sport and Physical Education has

named Morley Elementary School a STARS school, one of the elite physical

education programs in the country, and

WHEREAS Morley is the first elementary school in Nebraska to receive the

national STARS award,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate Morley Elementary School, its staff and students,

and does hereby thank them for their dedication to excellence in physical

education.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer,

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

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

3.

ASSOCIATION’S ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Dr. Zimmer read the resolution to be adopted by the Board and presented it to the

Athletic Director at Lincoln High School, Mr. Larry Parker, in recognition of his recent

award as the 2007-08 State Athletic Administrator of the Year. Each year the Nebraska

State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association selects one of its members for

its outstanding leadership and contributions to the field of athletics. Mr. Parker received

the award on March 5, 2008, and is completing his 38th year in education and his 28th

as an athletic administrator. He will retire from his 17th year as Athletic Director at

Lincoln High School at the end of the current year.

Mr. Parker appreciated the Board for taking time to recognize the award presented to

him by his colleagues and peers in the state. As with any award that someone receives

it goes beyond the bounds of what any one individual might do. He thanked Mrs. Karen

Hand, Director of Athletics, for being a friend, colleague, and mentor over the years. He

feels she, along with his colleagues in the other high schools, mean a lot to the success

of the athletic program. Athletics and activities are the other half of education and a big

reason some of the kids have something to hang onto, come to school for each day,

and reap the success that they accomplish. It has been a real honor to be a part of

such a program and such a great school district.

Dr. Zimmer moved, Mr. Meginnis seconded

That the Board adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS Larry Parker was selected as the Nebraska State Interscholastic

Athletic Administrator of the Year, and

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WHEREAS Mr. Parker is completing his 17th year as the Lincoln High

School Athletic Director, and

WHEREAS Mr. Parker has represented Lincoln High School and Lincoln

Public Schools in numerous state and national leadership roles, and

WHEREAS Mr. Parker has demonstrated leadership in providing high

quality athletic opportunities for students at Lincoln High School and

Lincoln Public Schools,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate Larry Parker for being selected as Nebraska’s

Athletic Administrator of the Year and does thank him for his excellence

and continued dedication to the students of Lincoln High School and

Lincoln Public Schools.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier,

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

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Nils McConnell, parent of a student at Beattie school, spoke of the cut of the bus route

for Beattie school that serves Thunderbird Estates, Ruskin Apartments, and the Creek

Side area. He feels the reason for District efficiency has not changed with the new

Adams Elementary School being brought into the District. These areas are still in the

Beattie District, served very well by the bus service so far, and if you were to require all

the parents to take their children to school, it would add 25-30 cars on the road every

morning and evening.

He thinks the efficiency has not been affected by the

redistricting, and feels it is best for the District to maintain this bus route.

4.

HUMAN RESOURCES MATTERS

Human Resources matters, as set forth in Report File No. MM-171, were presented.

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5.

Claims/Wire Transfers

Claims were presented for the periods ending April 3, April 4, April 8, April 11, April 15,

and April 22, 2008, and wire transfers were presented of: federal tax ACH deposit-

$33,677.46; procurement card ACH transfer-$92,721.08; Office Deport wire transfer-

$29,848.69; retirement ACH transfer-$2,607,235.46. A copy of the claims is set forth in

Report File No. MM-172.

Payroll

Payroll was presented for the period ending April 15, 2008, in the amount of

$161,782.11.

Gifts

Gifts were presented of: $268.22 from Growth Management Corporation dba Amigo’s

to purchase instructional supplies for Morley students; $526.41 from Target to purchase

instructional supplies for Morley students; miscellaneous athletic supplies/equipment

from Southeast Booster Club to use with Southeast swim, wrestling, golf, and baseball

teams, etc.; $500 from Wal-Mart to purchase supplies for West Lincoln to promote

family involvement; $1,000 from St. Mark’s United Methodist Church to use to assist

with costs of field trips for staff and students at West Lincoln; eight cases of used fabric,

buttons, elastic, zippers, etc., from Beechner Family to be used with family and

consumer classes in LPS middle schools.

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-173, were presented.

6.

RECOMMEND APPROVAL

Applications were presented from students requesting that they be accepted as option

students for the 2008-09 school year. Staff recommended adoption of the following

resolution:

WHEREAS the students who have been assigned Students Number 204376,

197381, and 187097 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are

being used) meet all criteria of the Board resolution of March 25, 2008,

with regards to such option students,

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned students be accepted

as option students on the condition and with the express understanding that all

programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise

required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at

Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.

7.

LATE REQUESTS FOR ENROLLMENT OPTION OUT 2008-09

Requests were presented from LPS students who wish to attend other school districts

as option students for the 2008-09 school year. The applications were received after

the March 17, 2008, deadline. However, the Board has the option to waive the

deadline. Staff recommended waiver of the deadline and approval of the applications to

option out for Students Number 231682, 210303, and 263640.

Mr. Mayhew moved, Ms. Baier seconded

That the Board approve Consent Items 4, 5, 6, and 7 on tonight’s agenda.

Mr. Prettyman reported a change in the Human Resources item with four additions.

Dr. Biggs announced four administrative recommendations to the Board. These

recommendations are Mr. Mark Shepard as the new Associate Superintendent for

Business Affairs, who comes from the Fremont Public Schools where he has been an

Assistant Superintendent for 13 years with similar responsibilities; Ms. Susan Cassata

as Principal of East High School, who is currently the Associate Principal at North Star

High School; Mr. John Neal as Director of Secondary Education, who is currently the

Principal at Mickle Middle School; and Ms. Elizabeth (Bess) Scott as Director of

Elementary Education, who is currently the Principal at McPhee Elementary School.

Mr. Mayhew clarified his motion was intended to include these changes. Ms. Baier

supported it in her second.

Mr. Prettyman asked Dr. Biggs to speak to the two new positions of Directors of

Secondary and Elementary Education. Dr. Biggs reminded the Board that Dr. Moore

has been supervising all of the Principals and Directors for 21 years. These positions

will add support in the instructional division as mentors and coaches to new

administrators, helping to develop leadership talent and helping to redevelop and

redesign the Principal appraisal process and help with the implementation in the

following year. The responsibilities of Mr. Dick Spearman, who will be retiring this year,

will be transferred to these two positions. These positions will have evolving job

descriptions.

Mrs. Danek added there has been an addition of nine elementary schools, three middle

schools, and two high schools in the last 21 years, which has increased the workload.

Mrs. Larsen asked for clarification that Mr. Shepard would be working on an additional

advanced degree. Dr. Biggs confirmed, and added that Ms. Cassata is also in a

doctoral program.

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Dr. Gourley added that Mr. Shepard appreciated that Lincoln values and appreciates

advanced degrees and is supportive of staff in that effort.

He comes highly

recommended to the District. The first recommendation she received was from

Mr. Van Horn and she could not think of a higher recommendation for the Associate

Superintendent of Business Affairs. He comes well prepared for this job and respects

and honors the job that Mr. Van Horn and his staff have done. She feels that after

Mr. Tim Kemper, Mr. Shepard understands the past and present state aid formula better

than anyone in this state.

Mr. Prettyman added how difficult it is to replace a lot of retiring teachers and find good

quality candidates, but it is not mentioned much about replacing administrators. He is

pleased that there is enough bench strength to get candidates from within that will do a

marvelous job at East, but asked if it was difficult to find good qualified administrators.

Dr. Biggs reassured him there was a great talent pool in the District with the great

leadership development program that Mr. Vernon Fisher started a year ago that has

helped the District to provide opportunities to aspiring Principals. It is increasingly

difficult to encourage administrators to move to new communities nationally.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek,

Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Meginnis,

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

8.

NAMING OF NEW ATHLETIC FACILITY AT SEACREST FIELD

Ed and Mary Copple provided a generous gift for improvement of athletic facilities at

Seacrest Field. The Board has approved construction of a building providing new locker

rooms, space for coaches and trainers, and gatherings.

Dr. Zimmer, Chair of the Planning Committee, recommended that the Board waive

Policy 3997 (“Facilities—Naming Facilities”) and not convene an ad hoc committee to

recommend names for the new athletic facility at Seacrest Field. Furthermore, the

Committee recommends that the Board name the facility the “Ed and Mary Copple

Student Athlete Development Center.” He inquired if there would be value on this to act

upon the name change at this meeting since the District is proceeding so quickly.

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Dr. Zimmer moved, Mr. Meginnis seconded

That the Board move this agenda item to action, and approve to designate the

new building currently under construction at the north end of Seacrest Field as

the Ed and Mary Copple Student Athlete Development Center.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

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

Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer,

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

9.

BUILDING RENTAL RATES 2008-09

Mrs. Danek, Chair of the Board’s Finance Committee, reported that the committee

recommends the proposed revision to the facility use rate Policy 3970, as set forth in

Report File No. MM-174, and the facility use rates used for 2007-08, as set forth in

Report File No. MM-175, for the 2008-09 school year, with the exception of the

Southeast High School auditorium being added at the same rate as North Star and

Southwest high schools because of the significant renovations being done there. As the

other high schools’ auditoriums are renovated, the committee will be bringing similar

changes for the building rates. Mrs. Danek noted the committee felt it was important to

put in print that the Board of Education empower staff to recover the costs in the facility

use policy change. Additionally, the Finance Committee recommends the custodial

overtime charge be changed to $35 per hour.

Mrs. Danek moved, Mrs. Larsen seconded

That the Board approve the recommended changes to Policy 3970, and the

proposed facility use rate changes.

Mrs. Larsen asked how much the extra assessment is if a facility is used before

7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. Mr. Van Horn advised it would be the current custodial

overtime hourly charge.

Mr. Prettyman added this was not part of what was being voted on in this agenda item.

Mrs. Danek clarified it was a part of the Regulations in the Policy that are not included in

the Board’s agenda materials.

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Roll Call:

Ayes:

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

Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier,

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

10.

2008-09 TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Mr. Meginnis, Chair of the Board’s Transportation Committee, presented a listing of all

routes recommended for the 2008-09 school year, as set forth in Report File

No. MM-176, and recommendations from the Board Transportation Committee related

to eliminating existing routes and creating new routes for the 2008-09 school year, as

set forth in Report File No. MM-177.

District Policy 3710 was reviewed and

recommendations for operational changes were solicited from individual school

buildings and various departments. Schedules are prepared and a summary of needs

is balanced against staff and equipment available to the District. Each year a review of

all routes for the current year are reconsidered.

The Lincoln Public Schools Transportation Department will transport only those

students that qualify under provisions of State law, including:

1. Elementary and middle school students residing over four miles from the school

in the attendance area within which they reside.

2. Special education students whose individual education plan (IEP) require

transportation as essential to learning.

3. Students that have been moved for the benefit of the District in instances to

relieve overcrowding, major facility renovations, and efficiency in the use of

buildings and/or staff.

The Board, in addition, at its discretion, may approve other transportation areas based

upon unique circumstances and for the purpose of equalizing school enrollments and

facilitating programs.

Mr. Meginnis added that a lot of the reducing of the routes was because of the boundary

changes that were done earlier in the year that put a lot of students closer to their

schools and made it more efficient.

Mr. Meginnis moved, Ms. Baier seconded

That the Board approve the 2008-09 Transportation Plan, including proposed

revisions resulting from attendance boundary changes and opening a new

elementary school.

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Mr. Mayhew offered the following amendment.

Mr. Mayhew moved, Mrs. Danek seconded

That the Board approve an amendment to the primary motion that the route to the

Thunderbird Estates, Ruskin Apartments, and Creek Side area which is the

second Beattie route found on page 56, be reinstated.

Mrs. Danek shared that she has not seen a whole lot of changes in the communications

she has received from where this community is and where they will be going to school,

noting they will be walking by several elementary schools to get to Beattie. She calls

this a District efficiency route and the District should provide this transportation.

Mr. Prettyman shared that he has been consistent during his time on the Board stating

that getting kids to school is the parents’ responsibility and we take care of them once

they get inside. In this case, by permanently assigning these students to Beattie, it is

within the four-mile radius. The Board is not required to provide the busing, and unless

state or federal law requires us to provide the busing, he is not willing to vote to spend

money that the Board is not required to spend. Mr. Mayhew did not want to re-open the

discussion on boundaries, and he is content to just ask to have the route put back in

place.

Mr. Prettyman asked for a vote on the amendment to the original motion.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer,

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

Nays:

Mr. Prettyman

Motion carried.

Mr. Prettyman called for a vote on the original motion as amended.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Meginnis,

Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek,

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

11.

REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Prettyman advised that the Board had no need to hold a closed session this

evening.

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12.

GRANTS

Dr. Moore presented the Early Childhood Education Endowment Grant Program in

Nebraska that was established to serve children birth to age three. The Endowment

expands the existing Early Childhood Education Grant Program and is a public-private

partnership funded with $40 million from the State and an additional $20 million from the

private sector to be raised within five years. It will be used primarily for grants to school

districts to provide programs and services for infants and toddlers who are at risk of

school failure. The purpose is to help promote opportunities for children to experience

positive environments that provide for their healthy growth and development during their

earliest years. They are available to promote community level partnerships that focus

on meeting the developmental needs of very young children and to fund services for

children birth to age three that will promote their success in school and later in life. The

program services to be supported with these funds will enhance the current

Student/Child Learning Center services at two of the high schools. Currently there are

centers at Northeast, North Star, Lincoln High, and Bryan Community.

The

enhancement of services will improve staff and child ratio from 1:4 for infants to 1:3, and

from 1:6 for toddlers to 1:4. Program supervision will also be enhanced with a staff

member trained specifically in infant-toddler development to provide at least weekly

supervision, along with professional development to include research with an evidenced

based curriculum congruent with the

Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines for Children 0-

3 Years.

The expansion component includes

Family Engagement

. This component will

work with community partners to support parents in making use of the home

environment to teach their children. These community partners are Health & Human

Services, the Hispanic Center, the Malone Community Center, the HUB, Heartland Big

Brothers/Big Sisters and Title I funds. Through this component, parents will increase

their parenting skills and set goals, while the teacher is being respectful of the culture

and practices of the family. Through the partnerships, families will be linked to

community services. The grant application request is for $150,000 for the continuation

portion of the grant, and $150,000 for the expansion services of family engagement.

The total amount will come from the program partners and Health and Human Services.

Supplemental start-up funds of $25,000 are also being requested and do not require a

match.

Mrs. Danek moved, Ms. Baier seconded

That the Board approve submission of this Birth-Three:

Early Childhood

Education Endowment Grant application for a three-year funding period.

Mr. Prettyman asked if there was anything detrimental in the child/staff ratio being 1:4

and 1:6. Dr. Moore explained that it meets the code requirements. She would not say it

was detrimental but that the smaller ratio would strengthen it. Mr. Prettyman asked how

long the grant would last, and after that period, if they would become District

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programs that would end up having to fund the grant. Dr. Moore responded that the

funding with a total of $325,000 would be over a three-year time period, and it would not

be her intent for the District to fund. It is not a District responsibility. Mr. Prettyman

expressed he does not see the role, purpose, or mission of public schools to provide

preschool education or home-based parent training.

Mrs. Danek added when the student/parent center was set up at Northeast High School

in the early nineties, she remembers having the same concerns. What moved the

majority of parents at Northeast to support it was the fact it saved a significant amount

of tax dollars because people were not moved to public welfare funds. A number of

these students received college degrees that got their start at these child development

centers. Some of these former students have commented that if they had not received

that support they would not have been able to complete their high school education and

get their college degrees.

Mr. Prettyman reminded the Board he has consistently supported those centers for the

students, not the children who are in those programs. Now the District is talking about

preschool education which is different from providing child care centers so students can

continue to attend school and graduate.

Ms. Baier recently met a young woman who is a product of this program. Her parents

had her at 16 and 17 years old, and were attending Lincoln High School. They later

married, became employed, and graduated from high school with the support from

Lincoln Public Schools and their families to be good parents. She is now in her third

year at UN-L, works full-time, and is putting herself through school. She feels one of the

ways you can break the generational cycle of poverty is through education. There is

huge success seen in the teen parents and also the children born to them after they

have been provided the educational supports early on.

Mr. Meginnis asked if the current program would continue if this program was supposed

to enhance the current program, and if it actually was only at two of the high schools.

Dr. Moore assured him if the Board approves the grant funding this year, next year

when the grant cycle comes around they would apply for additional funds for the other

two high schools.

Mrs. Larsen commented the 80 percent graduation rate for Lincoln is significantly over

the national average. Dr. Moore indicated that records show the high school students in

this program graduated at the same rate as the high school total population, which is a

higher rate than would nationally be true for teenage mothers.

Dr. Zimmer stated he has also been supportive of the student/parent program, and

appreciates Mr. Prettyman’s viewpoint, but he would be supporting it.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek,

Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew

Nays:

Mr. Meginnis, Mr. Prettyman

Motion carried.

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13.

ASSOCIATION, AND THE TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES

ASSOCIATION

Requests have been received from representatives of the Nutrition Services Workers

Association, the Lincoln Paraeducators Association, and the Transportation Employees

Association to be recognized as the exclusive bargaining agents to negotiate salary,

fringe benefits, and working conditions for members of each respective employee

group. The current negotiated agreement for each group expires August 31, 2008.

Dr. Zimmer moved, Mr. Meginnis seconded

That the Board recognize the Nutrition Services Workers Association, the Lincoln

Paraeducators Association, and the Transportation Employees Association as

the official bargaining agents for the School District’s employees in the

respective employee groups for the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek,

Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Meginnis

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

14.

SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2009-10

Dr. Myers provided a recommendation from the student calendar committee for the

Board’s consideration for the 2009-10 student calendar, as set forth in Report File No.

MM-178. This recommendation meets the statutory requirements and meets most of

the approved criteria for calendar development. It has been the policy of the Board to

adopt calendars for two years in advance to assist students, parents, and District

personnel in planning. Last year the Board approved a calendar for the 2008-09 school

year.

Mr. Meginnis moved, Mrs. Danek seconded

That the Board approve the proposed calendar for the 2009-10 student calendar.

Mr. Mayhew stated he realizes how difficult it is to come up with a calendar that pleases

everybody, but he thinks this calendar does a good job of serving the needs of the

District.

Mr. Meginnis reminded the Board that when the next calendar for 2010-11 comes

forward, most if not all of the facilities, will have air quality and air conditioning.

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Dr. Myers commented several of the high schools will not be completely finished, but it

provides the committee the opportunity to proceed with the study and review with the

parents and students and to gather more information as they move forward.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

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

Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer,

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

There were no items removed from tonight’s Consent agenda.

EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS

There were no expedited or emergency actions presented at this meeting.

15.

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Ms. Baier, Chair of the Board’s Legislative Committee, noted that there was nothing to

report on at this meeting since the Legislature had recessed Sine Die April 17, 2008.

She did want to thank Dr. Virgil Horne for his many years of service, and his dedication

to the students and the District.

Mr. Mayhew wanted to add his voice in thanking Dr. Horne for his service to the District

and that he learned a lot from him as a new Board member and really appreciated it.

Mrs. Larsen added when she first had the opportunity to be on the Legislative

Committee, she thought the reason it was really a tremendous experience was because

of Dr. Horne’s direction, explanations and his patience, and wanted to thank him.

Mrs. Danek said there is something to be said for taking years of experience and

crafting them into trying to convince others that they should support what you think.

Dr. Horne used his years of experience in the education field and was able to turn many

heads at the Legislature, and became the go-to guy for information. As a member of

the Board, the State School Boards Association, and on behalf of many of her

colleagues who sat in her chair long before her, she wanted to thank Dr. Horne, not just

for the children of Lincoln, but across the state.

Dr. Zimmer commented one of the things the Board has learned from Dr. Horne is that

lobbying is noble work. It doesn’t always get that reputation in the general media, but

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when you’re doing it right and for a good cause and providing the best information most

quickly, it is very noble work.

16.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

Dr. Moore, Dr. Barb Jacobson, Director of Curriculum, Mr. John Heineman, Coordinator

of the International Baccalaureate Program, and Ms. Patsy Koch Johns, a teacher at

Lincoln High School, presented a report on the Lincoln Public Schools International

Baccalaureate Program, as set forth in Report File No. MM-179. Thanks to Union Bank

and Trust in 2005, the District began the work of implementing an IB program. The

decision was made that Lincoln High School would be the site of the IB program. It is

open to all LPS high school students. Mr. Heineman was hired in January of 2006, and

teachers were identified during the spring semester of 2006. During the spring and

summer of 2006, teachers began to attend training on IB curriculum and to write

curriculum. Students in 8th grade were informed of the opportunity and made

application to be part of the program. During the 2007-08 school year, work continued

on writing curriculum, recruiting students and ordering resources.

The District completed an extensive application process for approval as an IB site. In

October of 2007, a committee from the International Baccalaureate Organization spent

two days interviewing various audiences about the District’s commitment to the program

and visiting Lincoln High School to view the facilities. In March 2008, the District was

notified by the International Baccalaureate Organization that Lincoln High School had

been approved as a site for an IB program. The fall of 2008 will have the first class of

juniors and seniors in the IB program.

There are over 140 schools in 115 countries that have IB programs. There are two

schools in Nebraska that have recognized programs, Lincoln High School and Millard

North High School. Over 185 North American colleges and universities recognize the

rigor of this diploma program and grant advanced status to students who have earned

the diploma. This includes the University of Nebraska.

The diploma program is open to juniors and seniors in high school. Freshman and

sophomores who are interested in being part of the program must take the appropriate

courses in order to be prepared for the rigor of the IB courses. Courses are offered in

six areas: Primary Language (English), Second Language, Individuals and Societies,

Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, and the Arts. Classes

are offered at a standard level (SL) and a higher level (HL). In order to receive an IB

diploma, students must also complete an extended essay of 4,000 words, take a Theory

of Knowledge course, and acquire hours in sports, theater, music, and community

service outside the school day.

Mr. Heineman thanked the Board for giving this opportunity to students in Lincoln Public

Schools. He also thanked the administration and the staff at Lincoln High School who

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have been so supportive, helping with ideas, looking at getting trained, being a part of

the program, learning about IB, asking questions and encouraging students to be a part

of the IB program. He explained in detail how the curriculum and technology in the

program are amazing, and the projects that the students will do is tremendous. He feels

the program will give a common language when talking with the students. Right now

there are 30 students who will be juniors starting the program next year. In the

freshman class, there are just over 60 students with most of them seeming to be

hanging in there. There are about 63 students incoming, with a few more expected over

the summer.

Ms. Koch Johns shared that she is pretty excited about teaching every day, but it’s

always exciting to have a new reason and a new life in education that challenges you as

a teacher. When asked to be a part of the IB program as a teacher, she was very

nervous but ready to be on board. She feels what is different for her as a teacher is

more in-depth and very global. She feels it is very good for students to be assessed by

a teacher inside the school, but also by teachers outside of the school that offers new

challenges to students and teachers. The teachers are all working with this challenge in

wanting to be the best of the best and offer students the opportunity to be successful

globally, not just here and now.

Mr. Heineman added that teachers are really putting themselves at risk in a lot of ways

because not only are they teaching these classes and someone else is doing the final

evaluation, but they also have to predict what they think their students will be doing.

That kind of formative and summative assessments talked so much about in PLC’s is

putting it to the ultimate test of what teachers will predict.

Mrs. Danek asked if there are a maximum number of students that can be enrolled in

the IB program. Mr. Heineman advised there could be around 120 before they would

have to look at facilities for such things as science labs. Mrs. Danek asked how a

freshman or sophomore schedule would differ from an IB preparatory student as it does

for an average student. Mr. Heineman said they have worked hard to get pre IB

teachers trained. It is a little more compacted in the curriculum. A lot of time is spent in

the structural organization. It is intense and is for students who are motivated and

focused. Mrs. Danek inquired if it was possible for a student who chooses not to be a

part of the program as a freshman and wants to transition into the program as a

sophomore. Mr. Heineman explained teachers are looking for students who may not

have gotten the word ahead of time. The key is looking at the schedule and some may

have to take summer school to catch up with the requirements and to be on task. By

the time they are juniors, they really know the amount of work it will take and what the

benefits are. They started with 35 students and there will be 30 students going through

the program.

Mrs. Larsen inquired if it was possible for a student to do the pre IB program at another

of the high schools because there are differentiated classes there, or the fact there are

maybe classes through the university or summer programs. Mr. Heineman responded

that opportunity is open to them, but it is a matter of the requirements and scheduling.

They encourage students to come bu