Highlights of 9/12 Lincoln Board of Education meeting

Highlights of 9/12 Lincoln Board of Education meeting

The Lincoln Board of Education held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Lincoln Public Schools District Office, 5905 O St. The Board will hold its next meeting 6 p.m. Sept. 26.

Highlights of 9/12 Lincoln Board of Education regular meeting

Betsy DeVos visit

At the Lincoln Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel addressed the issue of the upcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos - coming to the LPS Science Focus Program on Thursday - saying “we consider this an opportunity to showcase one of our great programs, and our great school district.”

He stressed that the Secretary’s office had approached LPS – the school district did not extend an invitation – and said “we’re gearing up to make this a positive experience.  This is an opportunity to talk about why public education works in Lincoln…We have lots of choices in Lincoln and we anticipate the Secretary will see public education in action. 

He stressed that LPS “does not have our blinders on.  We know there is an agenda here…But again, the Secretary is coming to a very successful school district and we intend to show our best when she’s here.”

He stressed there would be security and adult supervision Thursday to provide “a safe place to be.”

Board member Annie Mumgaard asked questions about policy, making sure students are in a safe and secure environment, and asked

that LPS extend the Secretary an invitation – in one year – to come back and visit the entire school district, not just one program, “so she can see the whole picture.”

Board member Barb Baier said she had concerns about the visit, but added, “I do believe there is an opportunity here to provide information about a great school district.” 

She took a moment to praise the LPS public educational system and community support – and suggested a follow-up letter to the Secretary emphasizing the value of having a unified public school district.

Board member Matt Schulte said he is glad “we are welcoming the Secretary into our community.  We have a great school district and this is a neat opportunity to show a spotlight on the choices we do offer in LPS. It is also a great opportunity for students to show they respect our leaders, even if we disagree.”

Board President Lanny Boswell said he believes this is an “opportunity for the Secretary to see a high-quality public school program that’s part of a public school district.”

Policy changes

Several policy changes were discussed related to:

  • Instructional Program: Technology Resources and Internet Safety Policy
  • Instructional Program: Parental Involvement

The Board will vote final approval at the Sept. 26 meeting.

Attendance areas approved for new annexed property

The Board approved attendance areas for newly annexed city property in the Iron Ridge area located south of Rokeby Road, east and west of South 27 street: Adams Elementary School, Scott Middle School and Lincoln Southwest High School.

 


Published: September 12, 2017, Updated: September 12, 2017