Dickinson Public Schools public meetings in 2020

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on a first reading and final adoption of revised Board regulation AAC-BR2 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure), with changes required by the NDSBA. The board will also consider authorizing destruction of old school records from fiscal years 2011-2015. A consent agenda includes approval of minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes, and student/staff recognitions. Informational items include principal reports from Prairie Rose and Heart River elementary schools.

• First reading and final adoption of revised Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure (Board regulation AAC-BR2)
• Authorizing destruction of school records from fiscal years 2011-2015 (adjusting journal entries, bank statements, payroll records, etc.)
• First reading of revisions to policies HBAA (Federal Fiscal Compliance) and KBA (Relations with News Media)
• Consent agenda includes November 2020 bills, financial report, pledged securities report, and personnel changes
• Superintendent's report includes update on Halliburton property and 2021-2022 school calendar committee

The Board unanimously approved the final adoption of the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure and seven other district policies. Members also authorized the destruction of old school records and approved the first reading of two additional policy revisions.

• Approved first reading and final adoption of Board regulation AAC-BR2 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure (5-0)
• Approved second reading and final adoption of policies ACAA, BDA, DDAA, FFI, FGCA, GFCB, and KAAA (5-0)
• Approved first reading of policy revisions HBAA-Federal Fiscal Compliance and KBA-Relations with the News Media (5-0)
• Authorized Business Manager to destroy old school records via shredding or landfill (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous voice vote)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

The Committee of the Whole Board Workshop will draft the agenda for the December 14 regular board meeting and discuss board governance. No other substantive decisions are scheduled.

• Draft the December 14, 2020 Regular Board Meeting Agenda (agenda PDF attached)
• Discussion of board governance

The Board drafted the agenda for the December 14, 2020, meeting and recommended that the meeting be held via Zoom. Members discussed board governance and the Superintendent's role in implementing board actions.

• Recommended December 14 meeting be held via Zoom
• Agreed on the importance of advocating Board actions

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board will receive COVID-19 updates from the superintendent and health officials. They will then vote on a motion to continue the current hybrid delivery of instruction until further notice. Public participation is allowed via prior request.

• COVID-19 Pandemic Update from Superintendent Shon Hocker and Southwest District Health Unit Executive Director Sherry Adams
• Action on Delivery Mode of Instruction: motion to continue hybrid model
• Public participation via BCBA-E request form
• Information shared from Governor's office, public/state health officials, and ND School Boards Association attorney

The School Board unanimously decided to continue the current hybrid delivery of instruction until further notice. The decision followed reports on COVID-19 positivity rates and staffing shortages.

• Approved continuation of hybrid delivery of instruction (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will vote on scheduling a special meeting on Nov 23 to discuss returning to face-to-face instruction pending COVID-19 data. Other action items include authorizing a data analysis partnership with Trial Runners, renewing the hockey MOU, evaluating the superintendent as satisfactory, approving an open enrollment application, and rescinding a policy. Informational updates include RACTC and principal reports.

• Schedule special school board meeting to consider return to face-to-face instruction on Nov 30
• Authorize partnership with Trial Runners for short-term data analysis on educational platform
• Approve one-year MOU with Dickinson Youth Activities for boys' and girls' hockey 2020-2021
• Board to vote on superintendent's summative evaluation rating satisfactory in all areas
• Approve open enrollment application for child of LeAnn Amundson from South Heart Public

The School Board authorized a partnership with Trial Runners for short-term data analysis regarding the district's educational platform. The board also approved several policy revisions, a hockey memorandum of understanding, and the superintendent's performance evaluation.

• Authorized partnership with Trial Runners for short-term data analysis (5-0)
• Approved superintendent's summative evaluation as satisfactory in all six areas (5-0)
• Approved one-year Memorandum of Understanding with Dickinson Youth Activities, Inc. for hockey (unanimous)
• Approved open enrollment application for a child of LeAnn Amundson (unanimous)
• Rescinded Board Policy LBB regarding Relations with the Department of Human Services (5-0)
• Approved first reading of revisions to policies ACAA, BDA, DDAA, FFI, FGCA, GFCB, and KAAA (5-0)
• Approved second reading and final adoption of revised policy AAC-Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment (5-0)
• Scheduled Special School Board Meeting for November 23, 2020 (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

This Committee of the Whole Board Workshop is a procedural meeting to draft the agenda for the regular board meeting scheduled on November 9, 2020. The board will also call the meeting to order and adjourn. No substantive decisions or policy discussions are on the agenda.

• Draft the November 9, 2020, Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Board discussed transitioning to face-to-face instruction starting November 30, 2020. Members identified three topics to add to the November 9 regular meeting agenda. No formal votes were recorded during the workshop.

• Suggested adding Trial Runners presentation to Nov 9 agenda
• Suggested adding Trial Runners agreement consideration to Nov 9 agenda
• Suggested adding consideration of a Nov 23 Special School Board Meeting to Nov 9 agenda

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will hear from state legislators about the Halliburton property before voting on a motion to proceed with its purchase. They will also hold an executive session to discuss contract negotiations for the Business Manager position and may vote to extend an offer to a candidate.

• Vote on motion to purchase the Halliburton property
• Executive session to discuss Business Manager contract negotiations
• Possible vote to extend an offer for Business Manager position
• Informational presentation by Senator Rich Wardner and Representative Mike Lefor on Halliburton property

The Board approved the purchase of the Halliburton property to be used as a career and technology facility. Additionally, the Board voted to extend an offer to Stephanie Hunter for the Business Manager position.

• Approved purchase of Halliburton property (3-1)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for contract negotiations (4-0)
• Approved offer to Stephanie Hunter for Business Manager position (4-0)

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools special board meeting will interview three candidates for the Business Manager position, with anticipated executive sessions. The board may also discuss finalists, finalize interview questions, schedule further meetings, and discuss contract negotiations if necessary.

• Interview candidates #1, #2, and #3 for the Business Manager position (executive session anticipated)
• Discussion of final candidates to be interviewed for the Business Manager position (executive session anticipated)
• Finalize interview questions for finalists for Business Manager position
• Schedule a special school board meeting, possibly on October 29, 2020
• Discuss contract negotiations if necessary (executive session anticipated)

The Board entered an executive session to interview three candidates for the Business Manager position. Several agenda items were tabled, and a follow-up meeting was scheduled for October 29, 2020.

• Approved motion to enter executive session to interview Business Manager candidates (3-0)
• Tabled discussion of final candidates for Business Manager position
• Tabled finalization of interview questions for Business Manager finalists
• Approved scheduling a Special School Board Meeting for October 29, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.
• Tabled discussion of contract negotiations until October 29, 2020

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider ratifying the superintendent's purchase of the former Halliburton property for a Career and Technical Education Center. Action items also include approving the consent agenda with personnel changes, financial reports, and a tuition waiver, as well as adopting a budget committee update and revisions to the discrimination and harassment grievance procedure. Informational items include principal reports and a student mobility report.

• Vote to ratify purchase of former Halliburton property for CTE center (no dollar amount listed)
• Approval of consent agenda including September financial reports, personnel changes (hire of Evan Wilkie as Auto Tech Instructor, resignation of Sandra Hood), and a tuition waiver for three children from Dickinson to New England Public
• Action on Budget Committee recommendations, including Fiscal Year 2019-2020 ND Financial Report and 2020 Certificate of Levy
• First reading and final adoption of revisions to Board Regulation AAC-BR1 (Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure)
• Designation of board representatives for teacher and administrative negotiations

The Board approved the purchase of real property from Halliburton for a CTE Center and adopted several updated regulations and policies. They also approved the Budget Committee's recommendations and updated the district health plan.

• Ratified purchase of former Halliburton property for CTE Center (5-0)
• Approved Budget Committee recommendations (5-0)
• Approved updated Dickinson Public Schools Health Plan (5-0)
• Adopted revised Board Regulation AAC-BR1 regarding Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure (5-0)
• Adopted new Board Regulation AAC-BR2 regarding Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure (5-0)
• Approved first reading of revised policy AAC-Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy (5-0)
• Adopted revised policy CABD-Administrative Work Calendar (5-0)
• Designated Board representatives for teacher and administrative negotiations (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

This is a procedural workshop meeting of the Committee of the Whole Board to draft the agenda for the October 8, 2020 regular board meeting. No substantive decisions or discussions are scheduled other than setting the next day's agenda.

• Draft agenda for the October 8 regular board meeting to be reviewed and finalized

The Board reviewed informational topics and action items for the upcoming October 8 meeting. No substantive decisions were made during this workshop.

Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public School Board will hold a workshop to discuss board governance, an update on restart/return to school, the Dickinson High School Career Academy, and a bond/building fund levy. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only.

• Bond/Building Fund Levy discussion
• Update on Restart/Return to School
• Dickinson High School Career Academy Update
• Board Governance discussion

The Board held a workshop to discuss governance, the Career Academy, and potential bond levies. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded during the session.

Budget Public Input Hearing (6:00 p.m.)

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a Budget Public Input Hearing at 6:00 p.m. on September 14, 2020. Board President Seaks will open the meeting, followed by a budget presentation from Business Manager Kent Anderson. Members of the public will then be invited to comment on the district’s budget before the meeting is adjourned.

• Opening items – Board President Seaks calls the hearing to order
• Budget presentation by Business Manager Kent Anderson
• Public participation – audience comments on the budget
• Closing items – adjournment

The school board held a public input hearing to review the preliminary budget filed on August 6, 2020. No formal votes were taken; the final budget and certificate of levy are scheduled for board approval on October 8, 2020.

Regular School Board Meeting (5:00 p.m.)

The board will vote on the DPI Certificate of Compliance for 2020-2021, schedule a workshop for Sept 28, and appoint delegates to the NDSBA convention. The superintendent reports a 288-student decrease in district enrollment and 500 full-time online students. The board will also hear principal reports and consider a consent agenda including personnel changes, financial reports, and minutes.

• Approve DPI Certificate of Compliance for 2020-2021 school year
• Schedule board workshop on Sept 28 at Medora Badlands Ministries
• Appoint four delegates to North Dakota School Boards Association convention
• Personnel changes: hires, transfers, resignations including Ron Barnard (auto tech instructor) hired and resigned
• Enrollment decline of 288 students and 500 full-time online students reported

The Board approved the 2020-2021 Department of Public Instruction Annual Compliance Report and a first reading of the Administrative Work Calendar policy. Members also scheduled a workshop and appointed delegates for the North Dakota School Boards Association convention.

• Approved Department of Public Instruction Annual Compliance Report for 2020-2021 (unanimous)
• Scheduled board workshop for Sept 28, 2020, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Appointed Brent Seaks, David Wilkie, Michelle Orton, and Kim Schwartz as delegates and Jason Rodakowski as alternate for the ND School Boards Association convention (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of revisions to policy CABD-Administrative Work Calendar (5-0)

Committee of the Whole Workshop

The Committee of the Whole is discussing the draft agenda for the September 14 regular board meeting. A related update notes the NDSBA Annual Convention has moved to an online format with a virtual School Law Seminar and Delegate Assembly. No decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Drafting the September 14, 2020 Regular Board Meeting Agenda
• NDSBA Annual Convention moved to online; School Law Seminar Oct 26-30 ($100 fee), Delegate Assembly Oct 30 virtually

The Board determined that the September 14 regular meeting will be held in person to provide public access. Members discussed maintaining transparency through virtual options and reviewed proposed agenda topics. No formal votes were recorded.

• Determined September 14 regular Board meeting will be held face-to-face

Special School Board Meeting

The board will review pandemic updates from local health officials and vote on several safety plans. Action items include the district's reopening and distance learning plan, a health plan, and a hybrid level 2 school calendar.

• Dickinson Public Schools Reopening and Distance Learning Plan
• Dickinson Public Schools Health Plan
• Level 2 Hybrid reopening designation and 2020-2021 calendar
• 2020-2021 Consolidated Grant Application totaling $1,599,313.14
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) VI-B Grant of $1,041,147.48

The School Board unanimously approved the District's Reopening and Distance Learning Plan, Health Plan, and a Hybrid Level II designation for the 2020 school year. The board also approved several federal grant applications and authorized a September workshop.

• Approved Dickinson Public Schools Reopening and Distance Learning Plan (5-0)
• Approved Dickinson Public Schools Health Plan (5-0)
• Approved Hybrid Level II designation and 2020-2021 Hybrid Level II Calendar (5-0)
• Approved 2020-2021 Consolidated Grant Application for Title I, Title IIA, and Title IVA (5-0)
• Approved Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) VI-B Grant application (5-0)
• Authorized September Board workshop at Medora Badlands Ministries (unanimous voice vote)

Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a workshop to discuss several topics including the Distance Learning Plan and Health and Safety Plan related to COVID-19, an Academy update, a Building Fund Levy, and leadership governance. The meeting is held at Medora Badlands Ministries. No decisions are scheduled; items are for discussion only.

• Discussion on Distance Learning Plan and Health and Safety Plan
• Academy Update
• Building Fund Levy discussion
• Leadership Governance discussion

The Board held a workshop to review draft distance learning and health and safety plans. No formal actions were taken during the meeting. Several agenda items were not discussed due to time constraints.

• Reviewed draft Distance Learning Plan and Health and Safety Plan (no action taken)
• Received progress update on Dickinson High School Career Academy
• Building Fund Levy discussion deferred
• Leadership Governance discussion deferred

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider several actions, including approving the consent agenda (minutes, bills, personnel changes, a tuition waiver) and hearing the School Resource Officer annual report. The board will vote on modifying the 2020-2021 school calendar to postpone the start of school to September 2, 2020, with five professional development days for staff. Other action items include approving Prairie Rose Elementary's Title I Schoolwide Plan, scheduling a board retreat, setting a special meeting for grant approvals, and adopting budget committee recommendations.

• Vote to modify 2020-2021 school calendar: start postponed to Sept. 2, 2020, last day May 26, 2021
• Approval of Prairie Rose Elementary Title I Schoolwide Plan (moving from targeted assistance to schoolwide)
• Approval of open enrollment application for a child from South Heart Public to Dickinson Public
• Approval of Budget Committee recommendations (minutes from Aug. 3 meeting)
• Tuition waiver request for a child of Brent Bautz from Dickinson Public to New England Public

Committee of the Whole Workshop

The Committee of the Whole will be called to order by President Vice President Schwartz. Members will draft the agenda for the regular board meeting scheduled on August 6, 2020. The workshop will then adjourn following any announcements.

• Call to Order by President Vice President Schwartz
• Draft the August 6, 2020 Regular Board Meeting Agenda
• Adjournment after announcements

Annual School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public School Board is holding its annual meeting, including the election of officers and approval of a consent agenda covering personnel changes, bills, and reports. Action items include a resolution to proceed with up to $25 million in building fund bonds after no protests were filed, approval of health insurance premiums for 2020-2021, and recommendations from the Budget Committee.

• Resolution to issue up to $25,000,000 in General Obligation Building Fund Bonds after no protests were filed
• Election of board president and vice-president
• Budget Input and Development Committee recommendation on district budget
• Approval of self-funded health insurance premiums for 2020-2021, effective October 1, 2020
• Personnel changes including new hires and transfers for 2020-2021 school year (e.g., Lindsay Holznagel as Grade 5 teacher)

The Board approved the issuance of General Obligation Building Fund Bonds not to exceed $25 million after no protests were filed. The Board also elected its officers, approved the budget and health insurance recommendations, and adopted a revised policy on significant contagious diseases.

• Elected Brent Seaks as president and Kim Schwartz as vice president (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Committee recommendations from July 9, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved Self-funded Health Insurance Committee premium recommendations (unanimous)
• Authorized issuance of General Obligation Building Fund Bonds up to $25,000,000 (5-0)
• Approved revised policy ACBB, Significant Contagious Diseases (5-0)
• Set aside $106,156.65 for Jefferson Elementary and $100,668.70 for Lincoln Elementary at-risk students (unanimous)
• Designated American Bank Center as official depository and four other banks for investments (unanimous)
• Named Shon Hocker as authorized representative for the District and federal programs (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole Workshop

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to build the agenda for the July 13, 2020 Annual Board Meeting. The only substantive item is reviewing the draft agenda for that meeting. The workshop includes procedural items: call to order and adjournment.

• Review draft agenda for the July 13, 2020 Annual Board Meeting

The board met for a workshop to prepare the agenda for the July 13 annual meeting. No formal votes were taken; the session focused on planning for school reopenings, budget development, and potential property acquisition.

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will canvass the June 2020 primary election results, including Measure 1 on publishing minutes, and declare Brent Seaks and David W. Wilkie elected to the board. The board will also vote on the 2020-2021 classified salary and benefits package, a budget amendment adjusting General Fund expenditures to $52 million, and the 2019-2020 transportation and average daily membership reports. Informational items include updates from the West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center and the Adult Learning Center.

• Canvass election results: Measure 1 (publishing minutes) disallowed, Brent Seaks and David W. Wilkie elected to four-year terms
• Approve 2020-2021 classified salary and benefits package effective July 1, 2020
• Amend 2019-2020 budget: General Fund $52,000,000, Food Service transfer $500,000, Food Service expenditures $1,800,000
• Approve 2019-2020 transportation report and average daily membership report
• Consider bid for Roosevelt Elementary painting

The Board approved several construction and maintenance bids for schools and the bus barn. It also certified the 2020 election results and approved the 2020-2021 classified salary and benefits package.

• Recognized Brent Seaks and David W. Wilkie as elected board members (5-0)
• Voted to continue publishing minutes in The Dickinson Press (5-0)
• Approved 2020-2021 Classified Salary and Benefits Package (4-1)
• Approved 2019-2020 Average Daily Membership and Transportation reports (unanimous)
• Amended 2019-2020 Budget: General Fund expenditures to $52M, Food Service Fund transfer to $500k, and Food Service expenditures to $1.8M (5-0)
• Approved $148,750 interior painting bid from Dean Kluver Painting for Roosevelt Elementary (5-0)
• Approved $158,700 interior flooring bid from Floor to Ceiling for Lincoln Elementary (5-0)
• Approved $203,409.96 bid from Tooz Construction for covered bus parking expansion (5-0)

Committee of the Whole Workshop

This is a procedural workshop where the committee will review and build the agenda for the upcoming June 15, 2020 board meeting. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed beyond agenda planning and adjournment.

• Draft June 15, 2020 board meeting agenda (152 KB PDF)

The Board reviewed a draft agenda for the June 15, 2020, meeting. Discussions included the Schoology report, a revised policy on the Classified Salary and Benefit Package, and the addition of an executive session for contract negotiations.

• Proposed adding Schoology report as an action item to June 15 agenda
• Proposed adding revised Classified Salary and Benefit Package policy to June 15 agenda
• Recommended adding executive session for business manager and superintendent contract negotiations to June 15 agenda

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a regular meeting via Zoom to vote on a consent agenda covering minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes, enrollment, and recognitions. The board will also hear informational reports from principals and the superintendent, including graduation plans and the announcement of the 2019-2020 Educator of the Year and Classified Staff of the Year.

• Approval of consent agenda including 12 certified personnel hires (e.g., Candace Furr, Mariela Sanchez) and 9 transfers/reassignments effective August 18, 2020
• Recognition of Mary Pat Bruels (Lincoln Elementary) as Educator of the Year and Jeanette Wyckoff (Heart River Elementary) as Classified Staff of the Year
• Presentation of RSP & Associates updated enrollment and boundary report (10,661 KB)
• Informational principal reports from Heart River and Roosevelt Elementary Schools
• Superintendent's report on high school graduation plans and end-of-school-year plans

The Board approved student meal pricing for fall 2020 and adopted student handbooks for the 2020-2021 school year. Other actions included approving sports cooperative agreements and updating a policy on contagious diseases.

• Approved student breakfast at $1.50 and adult breakfast at $2.00 (5-0)
• Approved student lunch prices ranging from $2.55 (K-5) to $3.45 (9-12) and adult lunch at $4.20 (5-0)
• Approved 2020-2021 student handbooks for elementary, middle, and high schools (5-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Dickinson Soccer Club for 2020-2021 (5-0)
• Approved girls hockey cooperative agreement with Richardton Public School District for 2020-2021 (5-0)
• Adopted revisions to policy ACBB, Significant Contagious Diseases (5-0)
• Authorized Melanie Kathrein and Dr. Shon Hocker as representatives for the CLSD grant (5-0)
• Approved open enrollment application for a child of Emily Dukart (5-0)

Special School Board Meeting - State Mandated Planning

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting for state-mandated planning. They will hear a presentation from RSP & Associates on enrollment and boundary analysis, and review a PowerPoint presentation from district leadership. Public input will be taken as required by North Dakota Century Code 15.1-07-26.

• Presentation by RSP & Associates on enrollment and boundary analysis
• Superintendent Shon Hocker, Assistant Superintendent Keith Harris, and Business Manager Kent Anderson to review PowerPoint slides on state-mandated planning
• Public input session required by North Dakota Century Code 15.1-07-26 on the effects of demographics on the district over the next 3-5 years

The Board received a report from RSP & Associates projecting that elementary, middle, and high school buildings will meet or exceed capacity between 2021 and 2025. The Board discussed potential remedies, including a new kindergarten center, a grades 5-6 center, or a new K-5 elementary school, but made no final decision on a course of action.

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on a consent agenda including minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes (hires, transfers, resignations), an enrollment report, a self-funded health insurance report, a tuition waiver request, and other items. The superintendent will report on meal service numbers and community satisfaction surveys. Principal reports from Jefferson Elementary and Dickinson Middle School will be presented for information only.

• Personnel changes: 8 hires (e.g., Bobbi Hennessy, Family & Consumer Science; Randy Cranston, Assistant Principal/Dean of Students), 7 transfers/reassignments, and 8 resignations (e.g., Mary Anne Smith, English; Nathan Amberg, Language Arts)
• Tuition waiver request for a child of Shawna Knipp from Dickinson Public to South Heart Public
• March 2020 financial report and pledged securities report for approval
• Superintendent report: 3,701 meals served on April 8, 2020; 84% community and 95% certified staff satisfaction with communications
• Principal reports from Jefferson Elementary and Dickinson Middle School, including World Peace Game presentation

The Board approved a 4% classified salary increase and a bid from Harlow's Bus Sales for an activity bus. Members also authorized an initial resolution for building fund bonds and rescheduled the school board election to June 9, 2020, via absentee ballot.

• Approved 4% classified salary increase (5-0)
• Approved activity bus bid from Harlow's Bus Sales for $167,865 (5-0)
• Approved Initial Resolution for General Obligation Building Fund Bonds (5-0)
• Scheduled school board election for June 9, 2020, via absentee ballot (5-0)
• Approved early resignation incentive for Vicki Siefken effective May 20, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of policy ACBB, Significant Contagious Diseases (5-0)
• Approved final adoption of policies ACEA (Bullying Prevention), DDEA (Jury and Witness Duty), and FAB (School Assignment) (5-0)
• Scheduled Special School Board Meeting for April 22, 2020 (5-0)

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is holding a special meeting via conference call to discuss and potentially vote on a resolution granting emergency powers to Superintendent Hocker. The agenda also includes public participation via email request and a superintendent's report. The meeting is procedural with one actionable item.

• Adoption of a resolution granting emergency powers to Superintendent Hocker during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Board unanimously approved a resolution granting emergency powers to the Superintendent to allow for rapid decision-making during the transition to distance learning. The resolution can be rescinded by the Board at any time.

• Approved Resolution Granting Emergency Powers to the Superintendent (5-0)

*Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a workshop to discuss school facilities planning. The agenda includes only a call to order, the discussion topic, and adjournment.

• Discussion of school facilities planning

The Board held a workshop to brainstorm facilities planning to address projected overcrowding by 2026. No formal votes were taken, but the Board indicated a preference for pursuing a new elementary school.

• Discussed potential for a new elementary school as the best current option
• Discussed potential for a new high school via bond referendum
• Discussed options for kindergarten: half-day programs, a kindergarten center, or a new K-5 school
• Discussed utilizing Dickinson State University campus for five high school classes next year
• Discussed potential vocational center and sports complex to reduce new high school costs

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will vote on the consent agenda, which includes approval of minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel hires/transfers/resignations, a tuition waiver, and recognitions. Public participation is also scheduled, and the superintendent will report on other topics.

• Approval of personnel changes: 18 hires, 9 transfers/reassignments, and 8 resignations across Dickinson schools
• Tuition waiver request for a child of Mindy Tompkins from Dickinson Public to New England Public
• Approval of February 2020 bills, financial report, and pledged securities report
• Recognitions for staff medical emergency responses and student achievements in geography bee, speech/debate, athletics (cheer, wrestling, gymnastics)
• Roughrider Area Career and Technology Center Director's report

The Board approved the annual audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, and authorized the redemption of Limited Tax Bonds Series 2011B. Other actions included approving new staff positions, adopting a strategic plan, and rating the superintendent as satisfactory.

• Approved annual audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2019 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution Authorizing Bond Redemption of Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2011B (5-0)
• Approved funding requests for additional employee positions for 2020-2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted Dickinson Public Schools Placemat and Roadmap (unanimous)
• Approved four open enrollment applications (unanimous)
• Rated superintendent as satisfactory in six performance areas (5-0)
• Approved early resignation incentives for 11 employees (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of revisions to policies ACEA, DDEA, and FAB (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board will vote on the 2020-2021 academic calendar and approve a $366,420 contract for four new school buses. The meeting also covers routine financial reports, personnel updates, and a decision to pause further action on the district mascot. The approved calendar establishes student schedules and transportation services for the upcoming year.

• Approval of the 2020-2021 school calendar (starts Aug 26, 2020; ends May 26, 2021)
• Acceptance of a $366,420 bid from Harlow's Bus Sales, Inc. for four 77-passenger buses
• Review of January financial reports, pledged securities, and enrollment data
• Update on classified and certified personnel changes since July 1, 2019
• Decision to halt further action on the district mascot and focus on capacity challenges

School Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a workshop to discuss the strategic plan roadmap, implementation of Dickinson High School Academy, facility planning including next steps for community engagement, and the district mascot. No formal actions are scheduled; these are discussion topics.

• Strategic plan roadmap and placemat discussion
• Dickinson High School Academy implementation
• Facility planning – community engagement for district capacity and building updates
• Mascot discussion

The board held a workshop to review the District's Strategic Plan Roadmap and Placemat. Members discussed high school academy implementation, facility overcrowding, and the potential for a mascot change. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded.

• Recommended moving Strategic Plan Roadmap and Placemat to the March Board meeting for consideration
• Discussed AB modified block schedule for Dickinson High School Academy implementation
• Discussed facility options including renovation or new construction via community referendum
• Discussed pros and cons of changing the school mascot

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider transitioning the boys and girls swimming program from a club to a fully-funded district activity, including costs for coaches and equipment. Other action items include approving early resignation incentives for two teachers, funding the Success Academy, and adopting a freshman academy schedule for 2020-2021. The board will also review mascot survey results and discuss the strategic plan.

• Transition of swimming program to district-funded activity (action vote)
• Early resignation incentives for Mary Pat Bruels (Lincoln, 39 yrs) and Tracy Sipma (DHS, 16 yrs)
• Budget Committee recommendation to fund Success Academy: teacher, paraprofessional, behavioral health contract, $7,500 for supplies
• Approval of freshman academy for 2020-2021 and keeping current 4-by-4 schedule
• First reading of policy revisions on violent/threatening behavior, restraint/seclusion, and student conduct

The Board approved the launch of a freshman academy for the 2020-2021 school year and funded the implementation of the Success Academy. Other actions included transitioning the swimming program to a district-funded activity and updating several school policies.

• Approved transition of boys and girls swimming from club to District fully-funded activity (5-0)
• Approved early resignation incentives for Mary Pat Bruels and Tracy Sipma (Unanimous)
• Approved funding for Success Academy, including staff hiring, behavioral health services, and $7,500 for training and supplies (Unanimous)
• Approved start of freshman academy for 2020-2021 school year (Unanimous)
• Approved maintaining current 4-by-4 class schedule for DHS for 2020-2021 (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of policy revisions for ACE (Violent and Threatening Behavior), FC (Restraint or Seclusion), and FF (Student Conduct and Discipline) (5-0)
• Approved final adoption of revisions to policy AAC (Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy) (5-0)

School Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is holding a workshop to discuss career academies and scheduling at Dickinson High School. No votes or decisions are expected; this is a discussion-only item.

• Discussion of Dickinson High School Career Academies and Scheduling

The Board workshop focused on the scheduling and safety of the proposed Freshman Academy and Success Academy. No formal votes were taken; however, administration recommended a phased rollout of academies starting in 2020 and 2021.

• Proposed implementation of Freshman Academy in fall 2020 using current block schedule
• Proposed full implementation of all academies in fall 2021 using an A/B schedule
• Proposed start-up date of February 1 for Success Academy pending budget feasibility