During the Seward Public School Board’s April 10 meeting, the board:
• heard a math curriculum update from Dr. Josh Fields, curriculum and staff development director at SPS. Fields said he and middle school and elementary school representatives have visited other schools to compare math programs. He added that once all the schools have met, he will bring a kindergarten through 12th grade math curriculum to the board for further discussion and action.
• authorized the administration to advertise for an additional special education teacher for the elementary school to accommodate the number of special needs students.
“We’ve seen a steady increase of special ed students,” Superintendent Dr. Greg Barnes said.
Connie Biaggio, special services director, said some special education teachers have case loads of 14-17 children.
• adopted a resolution supporting the Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education, which asks the Nebraska Legislature and the governor to reduce the state’s reliance of property taxes for funding education.
The resolution states that Nebraska’s tax system is unbalanced, and that property taxes account for 48 percent of total taxes paid, including sales and income taxes.
According to the resolution, Nebraska is 49th in the nation in providing state funding for public schools. The resolution states this requires schools to rely on property taxes for funding.
The resolution asks the legislature and the governor to better balance the tax system and states that sustainable funding for education is important for Nebraska’s future.
• increased lunch prices by 10 cents, as required by the state.
• accepted the resignation of Jamie Policky, industrial technology teacher.
• approved a motion to offer a teaching contract to Jeffrey Hass for the next school year. Hass will teach industrial technology.
• approved a motion to offer a contract to Matt Dominy for an administrative position. Dominy will be the director of curriculum and staff development for the district. The position is currently held by Dr. Josh Fields who recently accepted the superintendent position.
