LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing was held on Student Fees Policy 5520. There were no speakers at the

public hearing.

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

7:02 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 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

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A list of other people in attendance is set forth in Report File No. MM-183.

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 22, 2008, minutes of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting were approved

as distributed.

The April 29, 2008, minutes of the Lincoln Board of Education special meeting were

approved as distributed.

SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND CELEBRATIONS OF

2.

2008 JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Dr. Gourley observed that Lincoln is fortunate to have a world-wide organization called

Junior Achievement. She reported that J.A. is dedicated to inspiring and preparing

students to succeed in a global economy. Dr. Gourley stated that LPS is fortunate to

have a very strong and active J.A. program of over 600 volunteers that help provide

over 13,000 LPS students’ participation in J.A. It’s a wonderful partnership with J.A.

and LPS. Dr. Gourley advised that J.A. selects a teacher of the year every year. This is

a highly competitive process, and nominations were received from 19 countries.

Selection of the award winner is made by an external panel comprised of stakeholders

from each of J.A.’s six global regions. This year the runners up were from Belgium and

Sweden. Dr. Gourley announced that she is extremely honored to share that the winner

is from Lincoln, Nebraska – Entrepreneurship Focus Program teacher Ms. Trudy Hines.

She added that there is an excellent group of teachers at the EFP, but Ms. Hines is the

heart and passion of that program. Dr. Gourley stated that the District is extremely

proud of Ms. Hines to have won this international award.

Mrs. Larsen read the resolution to be adopted by the Board to Ms. Hines.

Ms. Hines indicated that she is very humbled by the award. She reported that 25 years

ago Junior Achievement Director Mr. Ken Carlson called her and asked if she would use

the applied economics of J.A. in the classroom. She advised that she did use it and

continues to do so. She added that the best business people in Lincoln, who are

extremely supportive of the school system, provide texts, workbooks, and volunteers to

teach high school students. It has changed the curriculum from teacher-driven to

student-driven, and it teaches every aspect of business. Ms. Hines reported that

students, many years later, remember what they learned. She thanked J.A. for giving

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the curriculum and for giving her the credit by nominating her as Junior Achievement

Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hines expressed appreciation for the Board resolution.

Mrs. Larsen moved, Mr. Mayhew seconded

That the Board adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS Trudy Hines of the LPS Entrepreneurship Focus Program has

been named the 2008 Junior Achievement Teacher of the Year from a pool

of candidates spanning 19 countries, and

WHEREAS Trudy Hines has demonstrated excellence, effectiveness, and

innovation in support of Junior Achievement, and

WHEREAS Trudy Hines has taught readiness, entrepreneurship, and

financial literacy to students within Lincoln Public Schools for over 22

years,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

hereby congratulates Trudy Hines as the 2008 Junior Achievement Teacher

of the Year, and does hereby thank her for her dedication to professional

excellence.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

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

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

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND CELEBRATIONS OF

2.

2008 NASSP NEBRASKA PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Dr. Gourley indicated that she is pleased and honored to share that Lincoln High

Principal Dr. Mike Wortman has been named the 2008 Nebraska Association of

Secondary Schools State Principal of the Year. She noted that Dr. Wortman has had a

long and distinguished career in LPS, and he received this award because of significant

changes he has inspired at Lincoln High School through partnerships with staff, parents,

and students.

Dr. Zimmer read the resolution to be adopted by the Board to Dr. Wortman.

Dr. Wortman observed that Lincoln High has a life of its own, and it had a reputation

long before he came to the school 13 years ago. He noted that many staff members

throughout the District got their career starts at Lincoln High. Dr. Wortman stated that

he feels fortunate to be part of Lincoln High – the greatest school in the state.

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Dr. Zimmer moved, Mrs. Danek seconded

That the Board adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS Dr. Mike Wortman has attained statewide recognition as the

NASSP Nebraska Principal of the Year for his work at Lincoln High School,

and

WHEREAS Dr. Wortman has demonstrated skill in collaborative leadership

through his implementation of 9th and 10th grade teams to support student

transition from middle school to high school, and

WHEREAS Dr. Wortman has been recognized for his cooperation with

fellow principals and District administrators, as well as for his dedication to

the profession through volunteer work on District committees, and

WHEREAS Dr. Wortman supports District goals and has established

Lincoln High as a model school for its multicultural focus by establishing

caucuses for racial and ethnic groups,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate Dr. Mike Wortman as the 2008 NASSP State

Principal of the Year, and does hereby thank him for his dedication to

professional excellence.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

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

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

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

There were no speakers at this portion of the meeting.

4.

HUMAN RESOURCES MATTERS

Human Resources matters, as set forth in Report File No. MM-184, were presented.

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CONSENT ITEMS (continued)

Claims/Wire Transfers

Claims were previously presented for the periods ending April 16, April 22, April 29, May

1, May 6, and May 13, 2008, and wire transfers were presented of: federal tax ACH

deposit-$4,376,084.88; state tax ACH deposit-$658,389.23; procurement card ACH

transfer-$83,367.65; Office Depot-$51,733.46; and vendor ACH transfer-$28,558.42. A

copy of the claims is set forth in Report File No. MM-185.

Payroll

Payroll was presented for the period ending April 30 and May 5, 2008, in the amount of

$11,668,412.56.

Gifts

Gifts were presented of: filing cabinets from Quality Resource Group for Southwest

storage; portal prints from Hangups Gallery for Zeman art instruction; soil packages

from the Lincoln Center Kiwanis Club for the District’s elementary science program;

$1,000 from Domesti-Pups for DECA students; $1,000 from Novartis Consumer Health,

and $12,550 from Pfizer for the District’s science fair; and videos and DVDs from UNL

Extension in Lancaster County for the District’s elementary science program.

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

Bids and a contract discussed at the Board’s prior meeting or which are under

$500,000, as set forth in Report File No. MM-186, 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-187.

8.

LATE REQUEST FOR ENROLLMENT OPTION OUT 2007-08

A request was presented from an LPS student who wishes to attend another school

district as an option student for the current school year. The application was received

after the March 15, 2007, deadline; however, the Board has the authority to waive the

deadline. Staff recommended that the deadline be waived and that Student Number

246152 be approved to option out of the District.

Mr. Mayhew moved, Ms. Baier seconded

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

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Roll Call:

Ayes:

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

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

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Mr. Prettyman declared a potential conflict of interest on Bid #8, Morley

Elementary School Bond Improvement Project, did not participate, and did

not vote on that item.

Motion carried.

7.

NEWLY ANNEXED PROPERTIES TO THE CITY OF LINCOLN

Dr. Zimmer, Chair of the Board’s Planning Committee, along with Members Mrs. Danek

and Mr. Meginnis, presented a recommendation for the schools to be assigned to the

Kooser Addition and the Northbank Junction 2nd Addition, which are newly annexed

parcels of land to the City of Lincoln. Such action by the Board will establish school

attendance areas prior to the sale of residential lots, allowing purchasers to know what

schools their children will attend. Dr. Zimmer and Mr. Prettyman pointed out that the

Kooser Addition is somewhat different, as next year the District will have a new middle

school and a new elementary school to serve that area. The recommendations are as

follows:

Kooser Addition, Annexation #07004 – For the 2008-09 school year: Lakeview

Elementary School, Dawes Middle School, and North Star High School. For the

2009-10 school year: Kooser Elementary School, Schoo Middle School, and

North Star High School.

Northbank Junction 2nd Addition, Annexation #08001 – Norwood Park

Elementary School, Dawes Middle School, and Northeast High School.

Mr. Meginnis requested information regarding the new state laws concerning ESUs. Mr.

Gessford advised that as the law currently stands, it will become a bit more complicated

than when annexation occurs to the City and LPS and it also occurs to ESU 18. There

have been some legislative changes that after 2014-15, single district ESUs (Omaha

and Lincoln) will no longer have taxing authority. However, there is a provision to solve

that, which the District will ensure is taken care of annually. Mr. Van Horn added that

staff will ensure that it takes care of this annually with the Department of Education.

The schools assigned to the Kooser Addition and the Northbank Junction 2nd Addition

will be returned to the Board for action at its next meeting.

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8.

ELLIOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION

Dr. Moore presented information on an Elliott Elementary School grant application to the

Community Health Endowment in the amount of $20,000. The grant would be used to

add a handicapped accessible track to the school playground. The track would be used

to help students increase their level of physical activity, and also be used before and

after school by parents, guardians, and the surrounding community to help attain their

physical activity goals. The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar pledge and a group of the

school’s partners is developing a fund-raising strategy for the remaining funds. No

District funding is required.

In response to a question from Mrs. Danek, Dr. Moore advised that the timeframe for

the grant application is some time this spring.

Mrs. Danek moved, Mr. Meginnis seconded

That this agenda item be moved to action, and that the Board approve the

submission of the grant to the Community Health Endowment in the amount of

$20,000.

Mr. Meginnis asked who the CLC partner to Elliott is, and Dr. Moore advised that it is

the YMCA.

Mr. Prettyman noted that the school’s partners have committed to fund raising for the

required matching funds. If the funds are not raised, he indicated that he assumes

Elliott would not get the grant. Dr. Moore advised that this is correct. Mr. Prettyman

observed that acceptance of the grant allows LPS to be part of the grant application, but

he wondered about acceptance of any construction costs which may be necessary for

the track. Dr. Moore indicated that she believes if the District receives the grant, it also

assumed the responsibility for what goes with it.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

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

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

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Motion carried.

9.

STUDENT FEES POLICY 5520

Dr. Moore presented the proposed revisions to Policy 5520, Student Fees, as set forth

in Report File No. MM-188. She noted that it has been a long-standing practice in the

District to let costs stand in the way of students’ participation in activities. Dr. Moore

advised that the State now requires a lengthy policy, which must be reviewed and

approved by the Board annually. The policy has been revised to increase the musical

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instrument rental fee from $40 to $50, and to include the increase in student meals for

the next school year.

Dr. Moore reported that during the current school year, fee waivers were granted to

students for 240 activity tickets and 468 musical instruments. She noted that the fee

waiver policy is doing what it is intended to do.

Dr. Moore advised that the policy would be returned to the Board at its next meeting, at

which time she will have additional information on what has been provided to students

during the 2007-08 school year.

Mrs. Danek asked who repairs the District’s musical instruments. Dr. Moore reported

that the District contracts for services to repair the instruments, as it is less expensive

than having a full-time staff person to perform that service.

From Board Committees

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

Committees.

10.

REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION

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

following this evening’s meeting.

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.

From Board Committees

There were no informational items or reports presented from Board committees at this

portion of the meeting.

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11.

TEN-YEAR FACILITIES PLAN PROJECT UPDATE

Mr. Van Horn and Facilities Director Mr. Scott Wieskamp provided a PowerPoint

presentation regarding the Lincoln High site, the removal of trees, and the installation of

new landscaping materials in conjunction with construction at that school.

Mr. Van Horn noted that there have been a number of concerns about the removal of

trees and foliage in front of Lincoln High School. He talked about the need for a

landscape design that is sustainable. Mr. Van Horn also talked about the reasons for

removal of trees and the reasons for planting trees, advising that there is never only one

reason for removal, or one reason for planting.

Historical pictures of Lincoln High were presented, showing various landscaping at the

school over the years. It was pointed out that many trees were previously too large for

the site, were planted too close to the building, or too close to other trees.

Mr. Van Horn and Mr. Wieskamp shared the plans for the new landscape design and

new lighting around the school. The new landscape materials will be sustainable,

drought tolerant, and insect resistant. Mr. Van Horn noted that trees planted as

memorials or donated by someone are always planted with good intentions. but they

don’t always work out with the landscaping plans of a school. He advised that the

District now has a policy that deals with those types of donations.

Mr. Van Horn reported that staff and the architects have attempted to get input from all

Lincoln High audiences regarding this project. He advised that students and staff did a

great job of asking questions, listening, and offering input. Mr. Van Horn reported that

approximately 46 of the current trees on the site will be saved, and more will be planted.

Mr. Van Horn reported that in the new landscaping plan, 57 parking stalls will be lost in

front of LHS, to gain more green space. Seventeen stalls will be gained on the east

side of the building, for a net loss of 47 parking stalls. He advised that this will not be a

problem for Lincoln High at this time, and staff has a plan in mind, should the school get

back to the size it was prior to the new high schools being built.

Mr. Van Horn stated that it’s hoped this plan is so well thought out and put together that

it will have a long future at Lincoln High. Dr. Zimmer observed that any living materials

in a design will at some time need replacement, but the best design replacement

components are those that renew the same design. He gave the example of the tree

replacement project at Pioneers Park. Dr. Zimmer emphasized that when a plan is

right, it can be renewed.

Mrs. Danek asked about the Links sculpture on the LHS site, and Mr. Van Horn

indicated that it will most likely stay where it is.

Mr. Meginnis noted that the proposed green area is right next to the street. He asked if

a fence is also being proposed. Mr. Wieskamp reported that staff is not recommending

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a fence, but there will be some landscaping and vegetation to buffer the area. He

added that the green space will be approximately 50 feet from the street.

Mr. Prettyman thanked Mr. Van Horn and Mr. Wieskamp for the report.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD

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

as follows:

Friday, May 16, 11:30 a.m., Country Club of Lincoln – LPS Retirement Luncheon.

Monday, May 19, 7:00 p.m., LPSDO – Board Organizational Meeting.

Monday, May 19, 7:00 p.m., LPSDO – Reading Recovery Training Class

Reception.

Tuesday, May 20, 3:30 p.m., beginning at LPSDO – Board Tour of Construction

Sites.

Thursday, May 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Hawthorne Celebration.

Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 p.m., LPSDO – Board Meeting.

Mrs. Larsen added that East High School will have a 40th anniversary celebration

beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. She noted that there is an article in

today’s newspaper regarding this.

SCHEDULED

COMMUNICATIONS

FROM

THE

PUBLIC

OR

Executive Committee Salary Increases

Coby Mach and Wanda Caffrey of the Lincoln Independent Business Association spoke

to the Board regarding LIBA’s position on the Executive Committee salary increases.

Mr. Mach thanked Dr. Horne and Mr. Van Horn for their years of public service and their

assistance to LIBA’s Budget Monitoring and School Liaison committees.

Ms. Caffrey read the position statement of LIBA, which suggested that the organization

believes that the Superintendent and the Superintendent’s Executive Committee salary

increases should take into account established performance standards and achieved

goals. A majority of the Executive Committee is part of the team that negotiates, on

behalf of the District, raises for the certificated staff. LIBA believes this is a potential

conflict of interest because the Executive Committee salary increases are generally

identical to the negotiated percentage increases certificated staff receive, and they are

not based on any established performance standards. LIBA encourages the Board and

the Superintendent to establish a formula for Executive Committee raises that gives

consideration to District-wide measures of student achievement, such as graduation

rates, state and other standardized test scores, parental grading of the District, and

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teacher grading of the District. LIBA believes moving away from automatic salary

increase and towards increases based on performance evaluations for the Executive

Committee is a move in the right direction.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the Lincoln Board of Education adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

______________________________

______________________________

Keith A. Prettyman

E. Susan Gourley

President of the Board

Secretary of the Board