NEMAHA CENTRAL SCHOOLS

U.S.D. 115

 

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

PUBLIC HEARING

CLOSURE OF ST. BENEDICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

B&B JH/HS MAIN GYM

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

7:00 P.M.

 

AGENDA

 

12-155   APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON CLOSURE OF ST. BENEDICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

               

 

12-156   WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS

 

                U.S.D. #115 Board of Education President Gary Niehues will welcome those present and introduce the Board of Education  members.

 

12-157   EXPLANATION OF PURPOSE FOR MEETING AND CLOSURE OF ST. BENEDICT ELEMENTARY; REVIEW OF PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC HEARING AND CLOSING A BUILDING

 

Mr. Kohlman will review the following: purpose for public hearing; reasons for the closure of St. Benedict; procedures for the evening; and closure of building. See handout for information.

 

• K.S.A. 72-8213b – statute addressing school buildings, closing; procedure
• Reason for closure – low enrollment
  •  cost per student
  •  enrollment numbers
  •  budget projections after consolidation incentives
• Resolution for Closing School Building – will be considered at March 12 BOE meeting
• Procedures for tonight’s Public Hearing
  • If you wish to speak come down to the microphone one at a time
  • Speakers will be given 5 minutes
    • introduce yourself, name and where you live
    • a sign will be shown at 1 minute left, 30 seconds, and when time is up
    •  no additional time will be granted
    • comments should focus on how closing St. Benedict Elementary will effect educational opportunities for students and impact on district
    •  not a debate; an opportunity for input from public for concerns, ideas, and suggestions
    • BOE members are here to listen and not engage in debate
  • Written Comments will be accepted
    • Raise your hand and I will collect the written document to read
    • must be signed and include where you live
    •  must be able to be read out loud in five minutes or less
    • comments should focus on how closing St. Benedict Elementary will effect educational opportunities for students and impact on district
• Question and Answer session will follow the public input session
  • Questions will be directed to Board President Gary Niehues
    • he may answer question, or
    • direct someone else to answer question, or
    • ask for more time to gather answer; with the understanding that we will get an answer to the person as soon as possible as well as posting it on www.usd115.org
    • again, not a time to debate topics

12-158 PUBLIC INPUT

 

Individuals will be allowed to make comments at this time; five minute time limit will be strictly enforced.

 

12-159 QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

 

Patrons with questions will come down front to microphone to ask questions so that everyone can hear both the question and the answer.

12-160   CLOSING REMARKS

               

Thank you for attending and for the input on this very important topic. The next step in the process is for the USD #115 Board of Education to consider a Resolution to close the St. Benedict Elementary Building at the March 12, 2012 meeting.

 

12-161   MEETING ADJOURNMENT