December 20, 2011

December 19, 2011 Board of Education Meeting Summary

The Liberty Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Monday, December 19, 2011.  Information is provided below for highlights of the meeting:

Meeting Highlights

 LPS Staff Recognized for

Service Work

To open the meeting, LPS staff members Jim Hammen, Bruce Failla, and Erin Garvey were honored for leading countless service projects for students and  families.  A few examples include canned food drives, coat drives, and United Way campaigns.

Facility Master Planning Update

The Board supported the plan presented by administration to move forward in transitioning 9th grade students to the high schools beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.  This move would alleviate significant overcrowding at the middle level schools.  The current middle and junior high schools would be converted into grades 6-8 buildings.  Superintendent Brewer noted that a total of six modular units would be necessary at Liberty North High School, while Blue Jay Tower would be fully utilized to accomodate students at Liberty High School.  Parents and students impacted by this change will be communicated with regularly in the months leading up to the August 2013 implementation.

Northwest Missouri State University/Blue Jay Tower Update

Negotiations continue between Liberty Public Schools and Northwest Missouri State University regarding a lease agreement for the top two floors of Blue Jay Tower.  The agreement will allow Liberty High School to utilize the classrooms during the day.

Board Approves Resolution of Support for Liberty Hospital

The Board approved a Resolution of Support for Liberty Hospital.  This resolution asks that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City allow Liberty Hospital to participate in the Preferred Care Blue Network, which LPS added as one of its benefit plan options earlier this fall.  To view the resolution of support, click here. 

District to Advertise for Deputy Superintendent Position

At last week's work session, the Board authorized the District to move forward with advertising for a deputy superintendent position.  In 2006, LPS had a total of eight cabinet-level administrative positions with a student enrollment of approximately 8,600.  Due to recent budget reductions, the District currently has four cabinet-level administrative positions with a student enrollment that now exceeds 11,300 students.  The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides detailed information on its website with suggested administrative posititions, according to district size by student enrollment. This data can be viewed by clicking here.  According to DESE, it is suggested that a district the size of Liberty have eight cabinet level administrators.

The deputy superintendent would begin on July 1, 2012, and would provide the District with leadership support to ensure proactive and strategic initiatives are implemented with excellence.  To view the job listing for the Deputy Superintendent position on the LPS website, click here.

For the complete agenda of the Board of Education meeting from Monday evening, you can visit BoardDocs on the LPS website by clicking HERE.

The Liberty Public Schools Board of Education will next meet on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.  The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at the District Administration Center, located at 650 Conistor.

Other Important Board Information

The public has several opportunities to stay informed of LPS Board of Education happenings.  Below are methods in which monthly Board meetings can be viewed.

Live Audio Feed

All Board meetings are recorded on an audio basis and available to listen to LIVE on the LPS District website.  The link can be accessed by clicking HERE.  Additionally, all Board meetings are archived and available at the link provided.

Channel 18 Coverage

The Liberty Public Schools Cable Television Channel, KLPS-TV Channel 18, records every Board meeting and replays the meeting for approximately one week, usually beginning the Thursday following the regularly-scheduled meeting.  These will be shown daily at 8 a.m.  (Households need to have Time Warner Cable service to receive Channel 18 programming).

Board Docs

Complete upcoming Board meeting agendas, detailed meeting information, and archived meeting information are all provided on the LPS District website at Board Docs.

LPS Mission  

Through our collective best, we do whatever it takes to inspire and equip every learner to find their voice and realize their unlimited potential.

LPS Vision 

As stewards of discovery, we will embrace innovation to instill a passion for life-long learning that will best serve our nation and the world in the 21st century.

LPS Core Values 

· Learning is our priority

· Respect is our norm

· Excellence is our expectation

· Collaboration is our culture

· Integrity is our foundation

  
Board of Education Members
  
Bren Abbott

(Board President)

D. Scott Connor 
(Board Vice-President)

Charlene Armitage

(Member)

Kim-Marie Graham

(Member)

Mattie Ransom

(Member)

Lori Tritz

(Member)

William Carlin Walker

(Member)