Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
April 22, 2024, 2024– 6:15 p.m.
Vice-President Gabrielle Frederick called the meeting to order in the absence of President Jake Snider.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:33 p.m.).
Board members absent: Jake Snider (arrived at 6:33 p.m.).
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Jed Seward moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 6-0.
Business Financial
Public Hearing for the Proposed Contract Documents for West Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project at 6:20 p.m.
Board Vice-President Gabrielle Frederick opened the Public Hearing. No one spoke. She closed the Public Hearing at 6:23 p.m.
Public Hearing for the Proposed Contract Documents for East Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project at 6:25 p.m.
Board Vice-President Gabrielle Frederick opened the Public Hearing. No one spoke. She closed the Public Hearing at 6:27 p.m.
Public Hearing for the 2024-2025 Certified Budget at 6:30 p.m.
Board Vice-President Gabrielle Frederick opened the Public Hearing. No one spoke. She closed the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m.
Approve the 2023-2024 Certified Budget
Board Vice-President Gabrielle Frederick asked if there were questions or further discussion.
Denise Chittick moved to approve 2024-2025 Certified Budget as presented. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Consent Items
Denise Chittick moved to approve the following consent items. Superintendent Stone note the transfer of Marisa Bieschke to Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for April 22, 2024, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 12 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 1 student;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Josie Bontrager, Third Grade Teacher, $47,500 per annum;
Resignation of Rob Hruby, Middle School Principal, $107,950 per annum; Effective end of the 2023-2024 School Year;
Resignation of Lindsey Sivetts, Fifth Grade Teacher, $51,083 per annum; Effective end of the 2023-2024 School Year;
Resignation of Matt Freel, Behavioral Interventionist, $58,559 per annum; Effective end of the 2023-2024 School Year;
Resignation of Sue Kiefer, Middle School Nurse, $41,700 per annum; Effective end of the 2023-2024 School Year;
Resignation of Stacey Cavey, District ELL Teacher, $50,388 per annum; Effective end of the 2023-2024 School Year;
Resignation of Allyson Swartzentruber, Middle School Paraprofessional, $15.54 per hour, effective May 29, 2024;
Fundraising Requests
The Strength and Conditioning program requests permission to conduct a apparel store from April 29th to May 8th to raise funds for coaching apparel, Gatorade order and weight room equipment for the program;
The Football program requests permission to raise funds in preparation with a football camp and to solicit sponsors for the camp to be held August 5th through 8th to raise funds for equipment, uniforms, volunteer coaches, coach and player apparel, and team meals for the program;
The Boys Basketball program requests permission to raise funds in preparation with a football camp and to solicit sponsors for the camp to be held June 3rd through 6th to raise funds for equipment, uniforms, volunteer coaches, coach and player apparel, and team meals for the program.
Home School Assistance Program Roots and Shoots requests permission to raise funds with a plant sale from April of 2024 through April of 2025
Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Approve the Sale of the 2024 General Obligation Bonds
Matt Gillaspie of Piper Sandler spoke about the General Obligation Bond sale process that took place today. The Buyer of the bond, Robert W. Baird & Co., wired the $87,000 of earnest money to the District. The Board needs to approve the resolution to accept the buyer of the bond issue.
Randy Billups moved to approve the sale of $8,700,000.00 in general obligation bonds to Robert W Baird & Co of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mary Allred seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - Absent
Denise Chittick - Abstain
Motion carried 5-0 with Denise Chittick abstaining.
Work Session
Instructional Coaches Information
The Instructional Coach team of Kristan Hunter, Erin Cavanagh, Emily Zehr, and Kelsi TeBockhorst discussed the Instructional Coaches philosophy and approach to coaching educators in their buildings and across the District. They provided a look at the tools that center on the Coaching Cycle that is student centered and results based. They also looked at teacher impact and student impact. The Instructional Coaches answered questions of the Board.
(Jake Snider arrived at 6:33 p.m. at the start of this agenda item.)
High School Offerings
The Board discussed the types of class offerings at the High School and direction that these might take to emphasize student achievement and academic success. The Board asked for additional information and questions. Superintendent Stone will bring answers and the additional information back to the Board for consideration.
302.5 Superintendent Performance Evaluation
The Board discussed the Current Policy and potential proposed changes to the policy and the process of the Board evaluating the Superintendent.
903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites
The Board reviewed the Policy and discussed possible changes and what might be needed.
903.4 Public Conduct on School Premises
The Board reviewed the Policy and discussed possible changes and what might be needed.
Next Meeting and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Second Reading of Board Policies 402.2 and 402.5, First Readings of changes to Chapter 200 Board Policies; Review and Possible First Reading of Policy 302.5 Superintendent Evaluation; Acceptance of Bids for MP West Elementary and MP East Elementary Parking Lot and Traffic Flow Projects, Architectural Contract for the Wrestling Facility, and 2024-2025 School Fees.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
April 8, 2024 – 6:15 p.m.
Vice-President Gabrielle Frederick called the meeting to order in the initial absence of President Jake Snider.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:40 p.m.).
Board members absent: Jake Snider (arrived at 6:40 p.m.).
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – Hawks News from West Elementary – Principal Robin Foster brought a group of four students to discuss the Hawks News production as the Trailblazers of the Fourth Graders. Hawks News is produced on a weekly basis. A video was shown of the Hawks News production as an introduction. The students then talked about their experiences. The Board engaged the students in a discussion of highlights and questions.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
REPORTS
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
1:1 Computer Purchases -- Superintendent Stone noted the need to get the 1:1 Computer Purchases underway. The purchases are approximately $151,500. The purchases need to get underway with formal approval at the next business meeting in May. It is not different than the past practice.
Architectural Contract – for Wrestling/Activity Facility was noted as received after the Board Agenda deadline. The contract is under review. The compensation portion for schematic design is $160,000. Due the interest of time, the work will go forward, and this will be brought to the Board for formal signature at the next Business Meeting on May 13th.
Certified Budget Presentation for 2024-2025 School Year – School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber provided a budget presentation for the upcoming school year. The Allowable Growth for the upcoming school year is 2.5% and was passed on March 27, 2024. This growth percentage allows for new money to the District to spend on expenses. When compared to student enrollment there are normally additional dollars. As the enrollment was slightly down, the District is in a Budget Guarantee situation where the new General Fund dollars are $46,213.00. Property taxes account for about 31% of total District Spending for next school year while 34% will come from State Foundation Aid. When SSA was set the overall District Property Tax rate will be $13.15, or $0.03 less than published at the first public hearing on March 25th. Unspent Balance remains strong at $7.2 million at the end of FY2023 and estimated at $6.6 million at the end of FY2025 with the latter including a more aggressive expense projection. The Board asked questions for clarification. Swartzentruber noted that the presentation is in preparation for the second Public Hearing at the April 22, 2024, meeting.
Summer 2024 Projects – Superintendent Stone shared a list of the Summer Projects to be addressed in the buildings. The spending amount will be around $135,000 for the Summer. This is less than last Summer and more in line with the average spent. None of the individual projects exceeds $20,000. The Board asked questions for clarification.
(Jake Snider joined the meeting during this agenda item at 6:40 p.m. and let Frederick continue in the position of chair of the meeting).
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Superintendent Stone informed the Board of the following transfers – Billy Matiyabo Sr. transfers to Lead Custodian from Second Custodian at East Elementary effective April 9, 2024; Makenzie Mantz transfers to First Grade from Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 School Year; Will Van Soelen transfers to First Grade from Second Grade for the 2024-2025 School Year;
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of March 11, 2024 Meeting, and March 25, 2024 Work Session;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for March of 2024;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for April 8, 2024; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 43 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 1 students;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Billy Matiyabo, Sr., Route Bus Driver, $26.18 per hour;
Contract issued to Justin Barthelman, MS Soccer Assistant Coach, $1,875.60 per annum;
Work Agreement issued to Elijah Meader, HS Custodian, $16.19 per hour;
Contract issued to Jodee Beck, Special Education Director, $104,500.00 per annum for the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Natalie Silbaugh, High School Social Studies Teacher, $49,345 per annum, effective the end of the 2023-2024 School Year;
Fundraising Requests
Mid-Prairie Peer 2 Peer Group requests approval to raise funds through sale of t-shirts in the month of April to provide resources for service projects by the group;
Denise Chittick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
Fine Arts Upgrades at the High School
Drapery Estimate – Superintendent Stone provided the estimate for the stage drapery. The estimate provided by Tiffin Scenic Studios is $13,222.00. The Board reviewed the estimate and asked questions for clarification both for this portion of the project and for the broader impact with the other items presented here.
High School Rigging Renovation Estimate – Superintendent Stone provided the estimate for the stage rigging renovation. The estimate provided by Tiffin Scenic Studios is $38,581.00. Again, the Board reviewed the estimate and asked questions about this portion of the project and its relationship to the broader impact.
High School Hanging Assembly and Track Estimate
Superintendent Stone provided the estimate for the stage hanging assembly and track mechanism. The estimate provided by Tiffin Scenic Studios is $27,746.00. Again, the Board reviewed the estimate and asked questions about this portion of the project and its relationship to the broader project. As this was processed the Board leaned away from this aspect of the project based upon their understanding of the estimate.
HS Auditorium Seating Budget Pricing – Superintendent Stone provided the estimate for the telescoping auditorium seating. The estimate provided by H2I Group has two options. The first option is $134,900 and is a lesser quality. The second option is $281,300 is the higher quality option. The pricing could be adjusted as the quote is from June of 2023.
The source of funds for all of these improvements would be interest earned on the Revenue Bonds held during the project timeline.
Jed Seward moved to approve the purchase SEATING Budget of the first option of $134,900 with H2I Group, then the Track Replacements on the stage, Scaled Down installation of stage hanging assembly and track mechanism by Tiffin Scenic Studios for approximately $51,803. The total of the two vendors is $186,703.00. Jake Snyder seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
High School Girls Head Wrestling Coach Proposal
Superintendent Stone and Activities Director, Pete Cavanagh outlined the proposal to add a Girls Head Wrestling Coach and the rationale as the number of girls has been a count of 20 the past few years. The Boys Head Coach would also be retained along with two assistant coach positions for Wrestling. Most likely the assistant coaches would be assigned one each to boys and girls. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
Jed Seward moved to approve the creation of a new paid Girls Head Wrestling Coach position for the Wrestling Program. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
Set the Public Hearing for Proposed Contract Documents for West Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project at 6:20 p.m. on April 22, 2024
School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber and Superintendent Stone shared the Public Hearing document and plans and specifications for the West Elementary Parking lot. A public hearing needs to be set to allow for public input on the plans prior to the bids being received on May 7, 2024 in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Bids would be accepted on the May 13, 2024 School Board Meeting.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve to set the Public Hearing for Proposed Contract Documents for West Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project at 6:20 p.m. on April 22, 2024 in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Set the Public Hearing for Proposed Contract Documents for East Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project at 6:25 p.m. on April 22, 2024
School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber and Superintendent Stone shared the Public Hearing document and plans and specifications for the East Elementary Parking lot. A public hearing needs to be set to allow for public input on the plans prior to the bids being received on May 7, 2024 in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Bids would be accepted on the May 13, 2024 School Board Meeting.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve to set the Public Hearing for Proposed Contract Documents for East Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project at 6:25 p.m. on April 22, 2024 in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Set the Public Hearing for the 2024-2025 Certified Budget at 6:30 p.m. on April 22, 2024
Superintendent Stone and SBO Swartzentruber recommend a Public Hearing for the proposed 2024-2025 Budget be set for April 22, 2024 at 6:30pm in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. A Notice of Public Hearing that includes the Budget Summary for Fiscal 2023-2024 is set to be published in the News upon approval.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the Notice of Public Hearing on the 2024-2025 Proposed Budget for April 22, 2024 at 6:30pm in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Bus Bid Award for 2025-2026 School Year
Superintendent Stone, SBO Swartzentruber, along with Transportation Director Teresa Hartley directed the Board’s attention to Bid Results for 2 Diesel Powered buses for the bids opened on March 21, 2024. School Bus Sales (Bluebird) presented the lowest bid at $289,282. Hoglund Bus Sales presented the next lowest bid of $296,000 for two buses, each would be half of the total. Thomas Bus Sales’s bid was $308,000. The recommendation is to move ahead with ordering the two buses from Hoglund even though their bid is higher due to service and responsiveness issues with School Bus Sales the past few years. It is also recommended the District sell Buses #8 and #14 at auction rather than trading them as the price at auction would be higher and would potentially cover a portion of the difference in the two bids. Without the trade-ins, the value of the buses would be $146,441 and $151,000 each from School Bus Sales and Hoglund Bus Sales, respectively.
Delivery of these buses would be expected in July/August of 2025. The Board asked questions about the current fleet. Mark English, Transportation Maintenance Engineer for the District answered questions related to the technical side. The Board asked if there was a way to check on trade versus sell them outright. The plan is to sell the buses rather than trade once these buses are delivered to the District.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to accept the bid from Hoglund Bus Sales in the amount not to exceed $302,000 for the purchase of two new yellow school. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
28E Sharing Agreements for the 2024-2025 School Year Shared Staff
Superintendent Stone presented the four 28E Agreements with Clear Creek Amana School District and the one agreement with the Lone Tree School District. These are a continuation of sharing agreements that have been in place over the past number of years. The District hires and shares the Human Resources Coordinator position and the Social Worker Position with Clear Creek Amana School District. Clear Creek Amana School District hires and shares the Curriculum Director and Buildings and Grounds Director with the District. At Lone Tree we are sharing one position, Transportation Director. There are sharing revenue dollars available to both Districts in this arrangement. It is 16 FTEs in funding received by both Districts that totals $125,200.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the four 28E Agreements with Clear Creek Amana School District for the 2024-2025 School Year – Human Resources Coordinator, Social Worker, Curriculum Director, and Buildings and Grounds Director and the Transportation Director with Lone Tree School District. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Superintendent Contract Discussion for 2024-25 and 2026
Vice President Frederick opened the discussion on the Contract. Frederick asked to set a date for the evaluation of the Superintendent—the process for the evaluation and policy needs to be evaluated and updated. Frederick also discussed the need to set up a new two-year for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 School Year. Frederick also noted the use of the Joint Statement in the past and discussed the importance of the statement for communication purposes between the Board and the Superintendent. She asked for the conversation to happen at the April 22nd Work Session in preparation for the evaluation in May and for the contract. Frederick will send the policy with changes to Brian who will send it to the Board to review and comment on changes for use at the next meeting.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Determine the discussion topics for the July 29th Work Session with IASB. The link below is for the Board to evaluate and select the topic(s) and it may not be a topic on the link, below. This will be a topic at the Work Session on April 22, 2024.
https://www.ia-sb.org/the-learning-hub/custom-workshops
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. There will be some Business Agenda items to include:
A special Board meeting will need to be called once the MPEA and MPESSA votes on the 2024-2025 wage and benefits package.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include:
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:25p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
March 25, 2024– 6:35 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Mary Allred and Ryan Schlabaugh.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Randy Billups moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 5-0.
Business Meeting
Finance
Approve the Resolution for the Advertisement for Sale, Approval of the Electronic Bidding Procedures and the Official Statement and Sale of the General Obligation Bonds
SBO Swartzentruber provided the resolution for the 2024 GO Bonds to be sold on April 22, 2024. President Snider asked for a motion on the Resolution for the 2024 GO Bond Advertisement for Sale, Approval of the Electronic Bidding Procedures and the Official Statement and Sale of the General Obligation Bonds.
Denise Chittick made a motion to approve the Resolution Advertisement for Sale, Approval of the Electronic Bidding Procedures and the Official Statement and Sale of the General Obligation Bonds reading from the Resolution. Second by Gabrielle Frederick.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - absent
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - absent
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 5-0.
Work Session
Let’s Go Bound
Pete Cavanagh, Activities Director, discussed the Let’s Go Bound software/app that the Cedar Valley Conference has approved for all conference schools to use. He discussed service provided by the app and the pricing. Forms and ticketing will be On-line. Ticketing will be on the purchaser’s phone. The Board asked questions about ticketing prices. The District is making the transition from the Our School program to Let’s Go Bound by August of this year. It is free to Mid-Prairie School District. However, there is a $0.90 fee per ticket. There is a fee for season tickets as well. Ticket prices will be reviewed for Adults tickets and passes. Student tickets and passes will not be affected in the proposal.
Grade Alike Attendance Centers
Superintendent Stone provided documentation to answer questions from previous Board discussions. Greg Jergens, Principal of East Elementary, and Robin Foster, Principal of West Elementary joined the meeting for this item. The discussion centered on the possibility of shifting grades between the two elementary schools to better accommodate the educational needs of students by age group. The Board asked questions of the administrators about Preschool attendance, location, and lunch facilitation. There was discussion of the factors going into the capacity of the West Elementary Building and the future growth. Additionally, there was discussion about special education teachers being utiltized across grades.
Community Auditorium
The Board discussed a number of topics related to a potential Community Auditorium. Superintendent Stone started the conversation with a brief report of the Steering Committee that met last week and some preliminary numbers were generated along some additional thoughts about funding. The Board discussed moving forward with a sign of commitment to the community and to the various groups that want to move the project forward. The Board discussed the various elements of the decision. The Board agrees that the next step is to go to the Facilities Committee to gather input. There is agreement that Carl A. Nelson Company—Construction Manager and OPN Architects should review the costs again and the conceptual drawings.
Board Policy Series 200’s
The Board began the process of reviewing the Series 200 Board Policies for completeness and possible changes as part of the ongoing process of reviewing board policy chapters on the policy review schedule. Superintendent Stone provided a listing of the Chapter 200 Policies where there have been changes from IASB
Next Meeting and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Set a Public Hearing for the Certified Budget for April 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.; First Reading of Chapter 200 Board Policies Changes. The Bond Sale will happen on April 22, 2024 and there will be a need to approve the sale by the Board at that evening’s meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
March 25, 2024 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Mary Allred and Ryan Schlabaugh.
Staff Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, School Business Official/Board Secretary Jeff Swartzentruber
NN moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by SS. Motion carried 5-0.
Finance
Public Hearing at 6:15 P.M. for the 2024-2025 Proposed Property Tax Levy
Board President Snider opened the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. He asked if anyone from the Public wished to speak on the 2024-2025 School Year Proposed Property Tax Levy. Two people asked questions for clarification of whether their taxes would increase. School Business Official Swartzentruber explained the current rate and process as compared to the previous year. Also, the downward rate of change was noted for a residential property for taxes for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. During the hearing SBO Swartzentruber stated that taxes on a $100,000 home would decrease by $15.37. In fact that was incorrect as it is a 15.37% decrease and a $111 tax decrease as stated in the recent mailing to all residents in the District by the Washington County Auditors Office. Snider closed the Public Hearing at 6:22 p.m.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
March 11, 2024 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Randy Billups and Gabrielle Frederick.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Board Member Mary Allred
Jed Seward moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 5-0.
Public Forum
No one registered to speak. No one spoke.
WORK SESSION
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
Superintendent Stone reported on the one quote to repair or replace the stadium seating in the Cafeteria. Approximately $148,000 to repair and $238,000 to completely replace the entire seating apparatus. The District is waiting on a second quotation.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Denise Chittick moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of February 26, 2024;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for Year to Date February 2024;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for March 11, 2024 and Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 9 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 1 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Matt Freel, Assistant Boys Varsity Soccer Coach, $3,264 per annum;
Contract issued to Mikaela Lunsford, Assistant Girls Varsity Soccer Coach, $2,813 per annum;
Contract issued to Sierra Gillis, Preschool Teacher, $40,310 per annum at 2023-24 Rate;
Contract issued to Brody Channell, English Teacher Grades 9-12, $43,909 per annum at 2023-24 Rate;
Contract issued to Sierra Callie Adkins, Fourth Grade Teacher, $40,310 per annum at 2023-24 Rate;
Resignation of Randy Billups, High School Head Wrestling Coach, $6,608 per season, effective March 4, 2024;
Resignation of Kylie Hanshaw, Third Grade Teacher, $41,700 per annum, effective end of 2023-2024 School Year;
Fundraising Requests –No requests presented for approval;
Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the consent items. Motion carried 5-0.
Student Learning
First Reading of Policy 402.2 Child Abuse Reporting
Superintendent Stone noted the need to review the policy and discussed changes to the policy. There are changes recommended that include all school employees over the age of 18 to be mandatory reporters and to report within 24 hours of becoming aware of an abusive incident. The Board discussed the Policy and asked questions for clarification. The current last paragraph of the policy was a topic of discussion. The Board asked for it to be removed.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve on First Reading Board Policy 402.2 Child Abuse Reporting as presented with the exception to remove the current last paragraph. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
First Reading of Policy 402.5 Required Professional Development for Employees
Superintendent Stone noted the need for this new policy as it accompanies Policy 402.2 Child Abuse Reporting. The Board discussed the Policy and asked questions for clarification.
Denise Chittick moved to approve on First Reading Board Policy 402.5 Required Professional Development for Employees as presented. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Second Reading of Policy 505.8 Parental and Guardian Involvement
Superintendent Stone noted the policy passed on First Reading at the February 26th meeting and asked if there were questions or changes to the policy. The policy is to be reviewed annually per the Iowa Department of Education. There are no changes in this review.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve on Second Reading Board Policy 505.8 Parental and Guardian Involvement as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Finance
Public Hearing – 6:30 P.M. – Bus Specifications
Board President Snider opened the Public Hearing for School Bus Specifications. No one spoke. The Public Hearing closed at 6:31 p.m.
Approval of Bus Specifications
Superintendent Stone and Board President Snider asked the Board if there were any questions, clarifications or discussion for the School Bus Specifications as presented for two diesel powered buses.
Jed Seward moved to approve the bus specifications as presented and to put the specifications for 2 School Buses out to bid with a due date of March 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Request for Proposal – District Financial Audit
SBO Swartzentruber presented the Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the annual audit. The last year under agreement is the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This is after a two year extension was requested in the Fall of 2022. The proposal document is seeking a 5-year proposal and relationship with independent audit professionals for Fiscal Year. The proposal follows current practices as presented by Department of Management and other school districts in Iowa. Upon acceptance of the RFP, the proposal will be sent to a number of firms—at least 3 but not more than 10 firms that specialize in school and governmental audits.
Jed Seward moved to approve the Request for Proposal as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Superintendent Stone shared the line to IASB’s The Learning Hub - https://www.ia-sb.org/the-learning-hub/custom-workshops. The Board will continue to review this to determine topics to use in future Work Sessions. Stone suggested that we move soon to schedule IASB to come and this should be taken up at Work Session
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. There will be two distinctly separate meetings. The first will be the Public Hearing on the Property Tax Notice Document. After the first meeting adjourns, the second meeting will commence at 6:30 p.m. where agenda items are Work Session items and will to include: Review of the 200 policies; Discussion of the Community Auditorium; Grade-alike Attendance Centers; and Discuss ways to be assured that policies are enforced and teachers see support from the Board. There is a possible need for the Board to approve the Preliminary Official Statement for the 2024 GO Bond Sale.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
February 26, 2024– 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Mary Allred.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Hawk Highlight – Speech Coach Christine Meader, Assistant Coach Lisa Helmuth and the All-State Large Group Speech qualifiers were present to share about their experiences and to be recognized. Highlights included: a standing ovation for one of the groups that performed at Ames; the entire group of students at the Board Meeting advanced from Districts to the State competition on March 9th; and Group events season overlaps with Individuals events for State and All-State Festival—only the top 5% of all students are nominated for the State Festival. The group continues to build a culture of success and leadership where there are high standards, yet a recognition that a chance at a state performance is not a given.
Jed Seward moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Ryan Schlabaugh. Motion carried 6-0.
Public Forum – No one spoke.
Work Session
Administration Reports and Board Dialogue
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
Fine Arts Boosters – Co-President of the Fine Arts Boosters, Marnie Schrader, talked to the Board to ask for a commitment for a Community Auditorium, rather than a Fine Arts Auditorium. She provided the thoughts and logic about changing the terminology and mindset for a fresh start. She asks for three things of the School Board. First, is a public commitment to a Community Auditorium. Second, to formally allow the Fine Arts groups and subgroups begin to fundraising. Third, a commitment of an amount of financial support of an auditorium to the community. Schrader asks for this to be a priority for the Board as part of their process in the Business sessions and for it to be soon. The Fine Arts Boosters are committed to working together with the Board. The Board expressed appreciation for the input and approach expressed.
Bus Specifications for Purchase of two buses in 2025-2026 – Transportation Director, Teresa Hartley, presented the bus specifications. The lead time to purchase buses has continued to be extended and is now at 18 months from order to delivery. In order to purchase buses for the 2025-2026 School Year, the process needs to begin now. Two propane-powered buses will be traded in as part of this process. The District is not purchasing any buses in the 2024-2025 School Year. The Board asked questions about the proposal and process. Cash outlay for buses does not occur until delivery.
2022 Revenue Bond Savings and Interest Uses Discussion Potential List – Superintendent Stone provided an update on the seating, curtains, and other items for the stage and cafetorium area. The District reached out to two companies to fix or replace the auditorium style seating. Collette McClellen provided an update on the curtains on the current stage with their estimate for replacement with three different options. She will provide the detail and options to Superintendent Stone.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Superintendent Stone shared some of the schematics for both West Elementary and East Elementary parking and traffic flows due to the Axiom Services Agreements in the Consent Agenda. The District is waiting on estimated project costs. Stone also discussed the Wrestling Facility location between the Football field press box and the Indoor Practice Facility.
Superintendent Stone announced the transfer of Melissa O’Rourke from Kindergarten at East Elementary to West Elementary to fill one of the open Preschool teaching positions for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of February 12, 2024;
Finance Report
None presented at this time;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for February 12, 2024, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 4 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Kevin Cortum, Middle School Track Coach, $2,276 per season;
Contract issued to Anna Hostetler, MS Girls Track Coach, $2,188 per season;
Contract issued to Andrea Farrier, HSAP Coordinating Teacher for the 2024-2025 School Year, $54,988 per annum;
Fundraising Requests – None presented for approval;
Axiom Professional Services Agreement for the East Elementary and West Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Projects
Contract with Axiom for the projects includes a cost scope for Basic Services of $105,010 for both sites.
Axiom Professional Services Agreement for the Wrestling/Activity Center Due Diligence
Contract with Axiom for the projects includes a cost scope for Survey Due Diligence of $2,560.
Jed Seward seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning and Planning
Second Reading of Policy 210.2 Regular Meeting
Superintendent Stone noted the discussed changes to the policy from the February 12th meeting. Again, the changes establish a Business Meeting in the first meeting of the month and a Work Session in the second meeting of the month. It is recognized that there will be a need for some flexibility as the Board transitions to this format.
Jed Seward moved to approve on Second Reading Board Policy 210.2 Regular Meeting as presented. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Second Reading of Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings
Superintendent Stone noted the discussed changes to the policy. The changes establish revised procedures for Public Participation in School Board Meetings. New items include the establishment of a timeframe/time limits and communication process with the Board Secretary. President Snider asked for additional questions and thoughts.
Randy Billups moved to approve on Second Reading Board Policy 213 Regular Meeting as presented. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
First Reading of Policy 508.8 Parental and Guardian Involvement
Superintendent Stone noted the need to review the policy and discussed changes to the policy. The policy to be reviewed annually per the Iowa Department of Education. There are no changes in this review. The Board discussed the Policy and asked questions for clarification.
Denise Chittick moved to approve on First Reading Board Policy 508.8 Parental and Guardian Involvement as presented. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance
Flexibility Account Spending Resolution
SBO Swartzentruber noted the passage of the Flexibility Transfer Resolution at the February 12th Board Meeting. The previously passed resolution provided for the transfer of the $215,767.95 from the Home School Assistance Program to the Flexibility Accounts. The resolution presented tonight is for the ability to spend the funds in the Flexibility Accounts. President Snyder asked for a motion to approve the Flexibility Account Spending Resolution.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve Resolution 02272401 Flexibility Fund Spending from the Flexibility Accounts in the amount of $215,767.95 and read pertinent parts of the Resolution. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - absent
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
School Bus Specifications Set Date and Time for Public Hearing
SBO Swartzentruber noted the ongoing need to keep the District School Bus Fleet up to date. A request for a Public Hearing to review the bus specifications for the purchase of up to two diesel powered, Yellow School Buses on March 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. is recommended. This would be for delivery and payment in School Year 2025-2026. The buses to be replaced are two of the older propane-powered route buses that have reached a point where repairs are increasingly more frequent.
Denise Chittick moved to set a Public Hearing for purpose of reviewing the specifications of up to 2 diesel powered school buses on Monday, March 11, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Set a Public Hearing for the Proposed Property Tax Notice
SBO Swartzentruber recommends the Board set a required Public Hearing for the Proposed Property Tax Notice. He shared a rough draft of the current Proposed Property Tax Notice as the SSA percentage growth rate is still not set by the legislature. The Governor proposed 2.5% for SSA. If SSA is not set in the next few days, it is recommended that the District assume a 2.0% SSA growth rate, which will push the published property tax rate for 2024-2025 to $13.18 versus a $13.11 property tax rate at 2.5%. It is Swartzentruber’s intention to hold off on finalizing the form in hope of a settled SSA rate, if at all possible. This is the first Public Hearing for the Certified Budget and is the result of new state legislation starting for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The Public Hearing is proposed for Monday, March 25, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. This will be a one agenda item meeting with the regularly scheduled meeting to begin at 6:30pm or after the Public Hearing ends.
Jed Seward moved to set the Public Hearing on the Proposed Property Tax Notice for March 25, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room and to use either the to be approved SSA rate or $13.18 if the rate is SSA rate is not yet approved by the publisher’s deadline. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Superintendent Stone provided a link to some IASB custom workshops. With the new meeting setup this may provide some time for the Board to process. The website: https://www.ia-sb.org/the-learning-hub/custom-workshops
Gabrielle asked about Real Colors training and to do that activity as a Board similar to a few years ago.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Second Reading of Board Policy 505.8 Parental and Guardian Involvement; Public Hearing on School Bus Specifications; Review RFP for Audit Services for 5 years beginning in FY2025 through FY2029; and Review of Board Policy Chapter for this year.
Consideration for future meeting on March 25, 2024 and beyond, especially for Work Sessions, include: Discussion about whether or not to Livestream meetings?; Community Auditorium discussion of the three expectations expressed tonight and set of expectations initially driven by the Facilities Committee process; Grade-like attendance Centers; Concurrent Enrollment approach, ideas, and direction along with specific stats on the testing and pass rates. A list will be compiled by Superintendent Stone with Board input.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
February 12, 2024 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 7-0.
Public Forum
A constituent of the community spoke to the Board about Civics and History in the High School. He is concerned with the requirements as set forth by State of Iowa. He believes that the hours are not high enough or focused enough and that what is taught is not sufficient enough to understand how the government works or why events have happened and shaped our country. He believes excitement in the subject will breed interest in the students. He also expressed concerns about the Iowa standardized tests as reported in January. He asked the Board to consider getting more involved in curriculum.
WORK SESSION
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
2022 Revenue Bond Savings and Interest Uses Discussion – Potential Usages List – Superintendent Stone provided a list of projects and estimated costs for the work to be done for Fine Arts within the High School Cafetorium (between $335,000 and $400,000 available). The Board discussed possible actions related to the priorities listed provided at the last meeting. He covered the items enumerated by Fine Arts, again. He asked for the Board for their thoughts on inquiring on pricing for many of the items listing. The Board noted the Theater Seating and the Red Curtains would be top priorities. Lighting would be also considered after the big-ticket items. Additional smaller items would be evaluated after these top priorities.
Grade-like Attendance Center Modifications Questions and Discussion – Superintendent Stone, again reviewed the documents provided at the previous two Board Meetings to provide answers to some of the questions previously asked and to seek additional input on next steps and to discuss timing. It is asked that questions be emailed to Superintendent Stone for coverage at the next meeting. Some questions were raised by the Board in discussion of the issues during this time.
New School Board Member Orientation – SBO Swartzentruber and Superintendent Stone referred to the Board Document Site where a folder for Board Resources has been created with reference and orientation materials as requested by the Board at the last meeting. Stone asked for a date for the new Board members. SBO Swartzentruber will work with Billups and Schlabaugh to set a date in the next two weeks for the financial orientation.
Board Policy 213 Public Participation in School Board Meetings –Superintendent Stone discussed the need to refine Board Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings. This was at the Board’s request. He shared a draft of the Policy document through the research he found through IASB and other resources with the Board.
Explanation of the Schedule for the March 11th School Board Meeting –SBO Swartzentruber discussed the need for the March 11th Meeting to set the first Public Hearing. The first Public Hearing for the 2024-2025 Certified Budget is tentatively planned for March 25th. There will actually be two meetings that evening. The first will be the Public Hearing as a one agenda item meeting, provided the Legislature sets the SSA for 2024-2025. After a brief break, the second meeting will be the regular School Board Meeting.
Snow Day Makeup Plan – Superintendent Stone discussed the plans and options for the education time to be made up due to the missed days due to the cancellation of school in January. The Board expressed concerns about the choices/scenarios with a significant amount of discussion. The majority of the Board supports Scenario 2 in recognition of achieving the hours of instruction planned.
Fine Arts Boosters – This agenda item is tabled.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of January 22, 2024;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for January 2024;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for February 12, 2024; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 22 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Joe Eggert, High School 3rd Shift Custodian, $16.19 per hour;
TLC Professional Partner Contract issued to Chris Tyler, High School Professional Partner, $500 per annum;
TLC Instructional Coaches for 2024-2025 School Year
Contract issued to Erin Cavanagh, High School Instructional Coach; Contract Amount per Schedule;
Contract issued to Kelsi TeBockhorst, Middle School Instructional Coach; Contract Amount per
Schedule;
Contract issued to Sarah Ihde, East Elementary Instructional Coach; Contract Amount per Schedule;
Contract issued to Emily Zehr, West Elementary Instructional Coach; Contract Amount per Schedule;
Resignation of Pattie Madison, HSAP Supervising Teacher 0.5 FTE, $26.25 per hour, effective end of 2023 2024 Contract;
Resignation of Katie Roth, Middle School SPED Teacher, $50,388 per annum, effective end of 2023 2024 Contract;
Resignation of Karen Bender, Fourth Grade Teacher, $73,220 per annum, effective end of 2023 2024 Contract;
Resignation of Amy Shalla, District SPED Director, $104,710 per annum, effective end of 2023 2024 Contract;
Resignation of Kyla Wiebe, Prekindergarten Teacher, $43,090 per annum, effective end of 2023 2024 Contract;
Resignation of DiAnna Geiger, Prekindergarten Teacher, $58,033 per annum, effective end of 2023 2024 Contract;
Resignation of Mercedes Specht, 7th Grade Volleyball Coach, $2,276 per annum, effective February 7, 2023;
Fundraising Requests
Mid-Prairie FCCLA, FFA, and the High School Student Leadership Team request approval to raise funds through the Mid-Prairie Mini Dance Marathon through donations and the sale of t-shirts to raise funds for Children and families experiencing childhood cancer;
Jed Seward seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
First Reading of Policy 210.2 Regular Meeting
President Snider and Superintendent Stone noted the discussed changes to the policy from the last meeting. The change establishes a Business Meeting in the first meeting of the month and a Work Session in the second meeting of the month. It is recognized that there will be a need for some flexibility as the Board transitions to this format. President Snider asked for additional questions and thoughts.
Mary Allred moved to approve on First Reading Board Policy 210.2 Regular Meeting with changes as presented. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
First Reading of Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings
President Snider and Superintendent Stone noted the discussed changes to the policy from the Work Session at this meeting. The changes establish revised procedures for Public Participation in School Board Meetings. President Snider asked for additional questions and thoughts.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve on First Reading Board Policy 213 Regular Meeting with changes as presented. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Proposed 2024-2025 School Calendar
Superintendent Stone presented the recommended 2024-2025 School Calendar to the Board for their consideration. The Interest Based Committee has worked through the process of the calendar over the past few weeks. The Calendar contains 1,126 instructional hours, compared to the State minimum of 1,080 hours. Stone asked Board members Chittick and Allred to comment on the process and any observations they might have for the full Board. It was noted the Parent Teacher Conferences are on the same night. Also, the Monday after Thanksgiving is the additional day off rather than the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Teacher Contract Days will go down by 3 days with no change in wages.
Mary Allred moved to approve the 2024-2025 School Calendar as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Preschool Tuition Increase for the 2024 2025 School Year
SBO Swartzentruber and Superintendent Stone recommend a $5 per month increase for 3-Year Old Preschool. Monthly tuition has been $120 per month for quite some time. With increasing costs it is time to consider a modest increase in tuition to $125 per month beginning of the 2024-2025 School Year.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the 3-Year Old Preschool tuition increase to $125 per month starting with the 2024-2025 School Year. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
Public Hearing for the Flexibility Transfer of HSAP Funds
President Snider opened the Public Hearing, originally set at 6:30 p.m., at 8:06 p.m., with apologies for missing the original time, and asked if anyone was present to speak on the Flexibility Transfer. No one was present for the Public Hearing. President Snider closed the Public Hearing at 8:08 p.m. The amount to be transferred from the Home School Assistance Program is $215,767.95. These are unspent funds available after the HSAP has completed all program expenditures for the prior year.
Fund Transfer to Flexibility Account
President Snyder asked for a motion to approve the Flexibility Account Transfer Resolution.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Resolution 0212401 Flexibility Fund Transfer from the Home School Assistance Program Fund Balance to the Flexibility Account in the amount of $215,767.95 and read pertinent parts of the Resolution. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Wellington Electric, Inc. Change Order
Superintendent Stone and SBO Swartzentruber discussed the Change Order Request for Wellington Electric as negotiated by Carl A. Nelson with Wellington Electric for $33,210.94 due to the need for a larger electrical panel that was not in the original specifications. This change was originally submitted about $9,000 more than the ending amount. It is noted that this is the largest change to date. The change will reduce the contingency by the same amount. To date the total project has seen approximately $144,000 in savings, though the contingencies on the project continue to be held for unforeseen issues that may still arise. It is acknowledged that the farther into the project towards completion, the reduced likelihood of contingencies needed will materialize.
Jed Seward moved to approve the Change Order for payment in the amount of $33,210.94. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
2014 General Obligation Bonds Partial Principal Retirement Resolution
SBO Swartzentruber noted the extra funds in the Debt Service Fund from Interest earnings over the past number of years is $160,000-plus. These funds are proposed with this resolution to pay down the Principal in the 2014 General Obligation Bonds. With this pay down, there will be no need to Pre-Levy in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay down on these bonds going forward. These bonds will be completely paid off by June of 2025 if this resolution is approved. The original payoff was June of 2030, a reduction of 5 years resulting in a significant interest savings.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the Resolution authorizing the partial redemption of Outstanding General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2014, dated August 1, 2014 in the amount of $160,000 and read additional detail in the resolution. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
2024 General Obligation Bond Actions
SBO Swartzentruber directed the Board’s attention to three actions that need to be completed in order to stay current with the timeline established for the issuance of the 2024 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $8,700,000.
Dissemination Agent Agreement Addendum
SBO Swartzentruber recommends the document be approved for signature by the President to enter into an agreement with Piper-Sandler, the District Financial Advisor on the bond issue. This is agreement is actually an addendum to the larger agreement that allows Piper-Sandler to work with the District to provide disclosures on the District’s behalf to the secondary bond markets.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the Amendment Agreement to Serve as Dissemination Agent for Secondary Market Disclosure as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Financial Services Agreement with Piper Sandler
SBO Swartzentruber recommends the document be approved. It serves as the engagement agreement that enumerates the services to be provided by Piper Sandler as the District’s Investment Advisor on the issuance of the 2024 General Obligation Bonds.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the Financial Services Agreement with Piper Sandler as presented. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Resolution to Approve the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds for $8,700,000 and the Debt Service Levy
SBO Swartzentruber recommends the passage of the resolution to authorize the issuance of the $8,700,000 issuance of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024 and for the initial levy of property tax for the payment of the bonds. The Levy would begin in Fiscal Year 2025.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $8,700,000 issuance of the General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024 and levying a tax for the payment thereof and read from the resolution. Mary Allred seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Stone has more information on the Safety Grant and it is in process.
Stone also noted his excitement for the change in format. He would like to bring an IASB tabletop Board exercise to a number of the Work Sessions, initially. And then evaluate this activity with the Board to see if it should continue and the frequency with which these are used.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: A resolution to give authority to spend the Flexibility Funds after tonight’s approval of the transfer of the funds to the Flexibility Accounts, Second Reading of Board Policy 210.2; Second Reading of Board Policy 213; Set a Public Hearing for the Proposed Tax Notice for 2024-2025 for March 25, 2024, at 6:15 p.m.-one item meeting before the Scheduled Board meeting at 6:30pm with a quorum required at both meetings; Bring Pricing for Discussion on the Fine Arts projects discussed at this meeting; Discuss a Policy on Protection of Staff; Review Series 200 Board Policies—per schedule review; and Concurrent Enrollment Trends discussion on developments.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
January 22, 2024– 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Ryan Schlabaugh. Motion carried 7-0.
Public Forum
A parent of students in the District expressed deep concerns about course handbooks and grading practices at the High School. The parent provided a handout with the language in use. The parent read the description under learning supports, then commented on the wording of weakness and concerns. The parent asked for the wording to be changed and stated the concern had been mailed to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE).
A teacher from the High School read a statement of support of the staff members and administrators at the High School and spoke specifically of different teachers as positive examples. The teacher also commented on the positive culture in the High School in the past as strong and expressed concerns for the present happenings.
Work Session
Administration Reports and Board Dialogue
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. A question was asked about the doubling of numbers for Virtual Academy and the source of this increase.
2024 General Obligation Bond Amortization Scenarios – SBO Swartzentruber referred to the four Bond Principal and Interest payment schedules provided by Piper-Sandler. This was brought again from last meeting to assure that all Board Members had a chance to review the Scenarios. Scenarios C and D were discussed as preferred over Scenarios A and B as the potential to pay the bond principal balance more quickly is desired in order to potentially move more quickly to another, possibly larger, future bond issue should the Facilities Committee Master Planning process call for this to be considered by the Board. The Board discussed the Pro’s and Con’s of Scenario C and D in terms of timing and size of any future bond referendums. The Board lean towards Scenario C and asked SBO Swartzentruber to move forward with the Bond Advisors, Piper-Sandler.
2022 Revenue Bond Savings and Interest Uses Discussion – Potential Usages List – SBO Swartzentruber reviewed the potential savings and interest from the current Revenue Bond projects and that it is estimated to be between $335,000 and $400,000. Superintendent Stone introduced Collette McClellan, High School Music Teacher, and Christine Meader, Play/Musical Director and Speech Coach. They shared a list of potential projects as requested at the January 8th meeting. The Board reviewed the list and discussed various items and possible actions.
Grade-like Attendance Center Modifications Questions and Discussion – Superintendent Stone, reviewed the documents provided at the previous Board Meeting to seek additional input and thoughts on process for this change. The Board discussed the Facilities Committee previous conversations on modification to the current grade-like attendance center structure at the elementary schools and as it relates to space needs at both West Elementary and East Elementary. The discussion included items on floor space current usage and future usage with varied question areas and ideas.
New School Board Member Orientation – President Snyder, and Superintendent Stone talked about the Orientation Process for New Board Members. With two new members the Board wants to discuss the process for orientation to include Finance, on-boarding, and status of various projects and situations faced by the Board. The Board made suggestions on different ways to gather and hold the data for sharing and training purposes. Stone thanked the Board for the suggested the questions and interest items can be added to this resources and that resources would be worked on.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of January 8, 2024;
Finance Report
None presented at this time;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for January 22, 2024, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 3 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Aaron Coghlan, Assistant 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, $1,938 per annum;
Contract issued to Aaron Coghlan, 8th Grade Track Coach, $2,713 per annum;
Randy Billups seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
Second Reading to Change Policy 407.1 Licensed Employee Resignation
President Snider and Superintendent Stone noted that the proposed change to move the notification dates from the third Friday in February and the third Friday in March to the First Monday in February and the First Monday in March passed on First Reading at the January 8th meeting. Again, these dates are two weeks earlier than is currently in the policy. The Board was asked if there are additional questions or discussions.
Jed Seward moved to approve Board Policy 407.1 Licensed Employee Resignation on Second Reading with changes as presented to the first Monday in February and the first Monday in March. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Update Policy 210.2 Regular Meeting
President Snider and Superintendent Stone discussed the changes to the policy if the Board goes to a Work Session in one meeting each month and a Business Session in the other meeting of the month. The Board, Superintendent and SBO discussed preferences for which meeting is Business and which is Work Session. The First Reading will be brought to the February 12, 2024 meeting.
Finance
Second Reading to Change Policy 405.2 Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection
Superintendent Stone brought a proposed change to the policy due to the change from Teach Iowa to IowaWorks as the State’s on-line application tool. The change is to remove “Teach Iowa” in favor of “IowaWorks”.
Jed Seward moved to approve Board Policy 405.21 Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, and Selection on Second Reading with changes as presented. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Set a Public Hearing for the Flexibility Transfer of HSAP Funds
Business Manager Swartzentruber noted that a Public Hearing for the transfer of Flexibility Funds from the Home School Assistance Program to the General Fund needs to be set. The amount to be transferred from the Home School Assistance Program is $215,767.95. These are unspent funds available after the HSAP has completed the program expenditures for the prior year. The Public Hearing is proposed for Monday, February 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room.
Jed Seward moved to set the Public Hearing on Flexibility Fund Transfer for February 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
No items were noted at this time.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
Safety issues were discussed at the last meeting. Superintendent Stone reported on some additional steps that are considered and taken for the security in buildings and interface to local law enforcement.
Superintendent Stone reported on snow issues on the roofs at the buildings and noted steps being taken to mitigate some of the problems with snow, thawing and freezing at the roof drains.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Resolutions for the Early Payment of the 2014 GO Bonds; Pre-Levy for the remaining amount of 2014 GO Bonds; 2024 GO Bonds Actions and Resolutions to move the process forward on the Timeline; Concurrent Enrollment trends and discussion on developments—next Work Session; Discuss a policy for protection of staff; Review our policy on Public Forum; Public Hearing on the Flexibility Transfer; and First Reading of 210.2.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
January 8, 2024 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Randy Billups, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber, Robin Foster, West Elementary Principal and Greg Jergens, East Elementary Principal.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement
Jed Seward moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Denise Chittick. Motion carried 4-0.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
WORK SESSION
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
2024 General Obligation Bond Update
Bond Timeline - School Business Official (SBO) Jeff Swartzentruber directed the Board’s attention to the timeline document. He reviewed the report with the Board noting that Piper-Sandler and Ahlers & Cooney teams are working on the documents needed to complete the resolutions and pre-work required starting in February and going through the sale in April and receipt of proceeds in June. The schedule minimizes the need for special meetings.
Early Principal Pay Down of the 2014 GO Bonds and Schedule
Bond Amortization Schedules Discussion
Early Principal Pay Down of the 2014 GO Bonds and Schedule – SBO Swartzentruber referred to the yellow highlighted areas in the timeline in the above item as well as a spreadsheet of analysis done of excess funds in the Debt Service Fund. During discussions with Piper-Sandler it was determined that extra revenue from interest income allocated to the fund and replacement credits over the last 8+ years has created a surplus through March of $160,000+. This surplus allows the District to pay down principal on the 2014 Bonds while lowering the need for the surplus levy to pay 2014 GO Bonds into Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
The surplus levy for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 is lowered to $592,250, and as a result, allows more of the Debt Service Levy to be applied to payment of the new 2024 GO Bonds in Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
2024 General Obligation Bond Amortization Scenarios – SBO Swartzentruber referred to the four Bond Principal and Interest payment schedules provided by Piper-Sandler. Scenarios C and D were discussed as preferred over Scenarios A and B as the potential to pay the bond principal balance more quickly is desired in order to potentially move to more quickly to another, possibly larger, future bond issue should the Facilities Committee Master Planning process call for this to be considered by the Board. The Board discussed the Pro’s and Con’s of Scenario C and D in terms of timing and size of any future bond referendums. The Board will discuss again, but leans towards Scenario C.
2022 Revenue Bond Savings and Interest Uses Discussion – SBO Swartzentruber and Superintendent Stone shared an analysis. During the construction phase as bond proceeds have been parked in money market account, there have been interest earnings of $335,000 through December of 2023. Additionally, at the October meeting Carl A. Nelson Co.’s Tad Morrow had noted some potential savings from contingencies that have not materialized. With those savings, there could be and additional $110,000+ from the actual bond proceeds that can be spent. There has been some discussion by Stone and Swartzentruber on how these funds might be utilized. Some of these options were noted to the board for discussion (Cafetorium seating, stage curtains, stage lighting, etc.) The Board is aware of the development of a list of items for High School Fine Arts and would like to see this list as part of the discussion to spend the proceeds.
Grade-like Attendance Center Modifications Discussion – Superintendent Stone, West Elementary Principal Robin Foster, East Elementary Principal Greg Jergens, and the Board discussed the Facilities Committee previous conversations on modification to the current grade-like attendance center structure at the elementary schools and as it relates to space needs at both West Elementary and East Elementary. The Board reviewed the lists and the rough as-if floor plans presented by the principals showing the grade change ideas.
Restructure of Board Meetings – President Snyder and Superintendent Stone introduced the ideas of changing Board Meetings to include one of the two Board Meetings each month as primarily a Work Session and the other meeting as a Business Meeting. This could allow the Board to have deeper discussions on vision and business issues. The Board discussed the ideas and approach. Stone noted that Board Policy 210.2 would need to be changed to move in this direction.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of December 11, 2023;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for December 2023;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for January 8, 2024; and Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 7 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Liza Fontaine, Middle School TLC Assistant Literacy Coach, $1,000 last half 2023-2024;
Contract issued to Stephanie Schlabaugh, Middle School TLC Assistant Math Coach, $1,000 last half 2023-2024;
Fundraising Requests
Junior Class requests approval to raise funds for Prom through a Chili Cook-Off event on January 12th to be used for Prom Supplies and expenditures;
FCCLA requests approval to raise funds through the sale of strawberries from February 1st to 15th for club in it activities within the community, student body, and for leadership opportunities;
Jed Seward seconded the consent items. Motion carried 4-0.
Student Learning
First Reading to Change Policy 407.1 Licensed Employee Resignation
Superintendent Stone brought a proposed change to the policy per the request of the Board at the December 11, 2023, Board Meeting. The proposed changes move the notification dates from the third Friday in February and the third Friday in March to the First Monday in February and the First Monday in March. These dates are two weeks earlier than is currently in the policy. If changed, the dates for this year would be February 6, 2024 and March 5, 2024. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Jed Seward moved to approve Board Policy 407.1 Licensed Employee Resignation on First Reading with changes as presented to the first Monday in February and the first Monday in March. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
SBRC Request for Additional Allowable Growth for At-Risk & Drop-Out Prevention Program
Superintendent Stone introduced the annual resolution for consideration. The request is for Modified Supplemental Aid for 2024-2025 Dropout Prevention Program of $255,275.00 to implement the At-Risk and Dropout Prevention program plans. The local match component is $85,092. It is recommended that the Board pass this resolution prior to the January 15, 2024, deadline.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the resolution by reading Resolution 01082401 for Additional Allowable Growth for Modified Supplemental Aid of $255,275.00 for implementation of the 2024-2025 School Year At-Risk and Dropout Prevention program plans by reading the resolution. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - absent Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - absent
Randy Billups - absent Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 4-0.
Finance
Resolution to Establish the Qualified Education Assistance Plan
SBO Jeff Swartzentruber directed the Board’s attention to two documents. The first is the Education Assistance Plan Document. The District began participating in a new Apprenticeship Program touted by the State and Iowa Workforce Development in the Spring of 2022. There are currently 6 Paraprofessionals participating in the program. This group will begin to finish in the Spring of 2024 through the Spring of 2026. This program is all new and there have been a number of rough spots along the way for participating districts. The most recent was learning of an annual limit that can be paid on behalf of each of the apprentices for tuition and books. The Plan Document and the Resolution brought to the Board are to keep the District in compliance with the payment of these expenditures.
Swartzentruber then noted the Resolution 010820241 brought to the Board tonight for consideration of approval. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Resolution 010820241 to establish a Qualified Educational Assistance Plan as presented by reading the resolution. Jed S seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - absent Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - absent
Randy Billups - absent Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 4-0.
First Reading to Change Policy 405.2 Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection
Superintendent Stone brought a proposed change to the policy due to per the request of the Board at the December 11, 2023, Board Meeting. The proposed changes move the notification dates from the third Friday in February and the third Friday in March to the First Monday in February and the First Monday in March. These dates are two week earlier than is currently in the policy. If changed, the dates for this year would be February 6, 2024 and March 5, 2024. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Jed Seward moved to approve Board Policy 407.1 Licensed Employee Resignation on First Reading with changes as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Nothing discussed at this time.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Second Reading of Board Policies 405.2 and 407.1; First Reading of Board Policy 210.2 on Board Meetings Restructure; Continuation of Grade-like Attendance Center Restructuring; General Obligation Bond Tasks, 4-Day School Week; Vision and Mission for the Board and District; Determine Schedule and Process for New Board Member Orientation; and Discussion about Safety and Security plans within the District.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
December 11, 2023 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Brian Stone-Superintendent, Jeff Swartzentruber-SBO/Board Secretary.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Gabrielle Frederick. Motion carried 7-0.
Hawk Highlight – Elsa Schmidt and the High School FFA Students introduced themselves shared their experiences of going to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The District students travel with West Branch. On the way to the convention they stopped at a few farms to tour and learn about various operations. The convention is a great opportunity to meet other chapters and hear key speakers. The group enjoyed the various activities at convention and shared their impressions and experiences. The Board asked questions and thanked the students for their presentation.
Public Forum
A parent and business owner in the community shared about the Golden Hawk Future Builders Club that he and his wife are spearheading. The Club is a way to give back to the Industrial Technology and prepare the students for future construction careers. Trades are a vital part of our community. To date the club has collect $8,350. He sees this as a start for greater opportunities.
No other people spoke.
WORK SESSION
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
Bond Update – Superintendent Stone and School Business Official Swartzentruber shared an update on the General Obligation Bonds. It was reported that the 2024 General Obligation Bond timeline will be reviewed and discussed at a Facilities Executive Committee Meeting on Wednesday, December 13th. Additionally, there is work being done to review how the 2014 General Obligation Bonds could be paid off by June 30, 2023 as a part of the current year’s Bond Pre-levy.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of November 27, 2023;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for November 2023;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for December 11, 2023; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 3 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 2 students;
Personnel Items
Resignation of Stacey Cavey, Middle School Girls Track Coach, $2,363 per annum, effective November 27, 2023;
Fundraising Requests
Post Prom requests approval to conduct a fundraiser at the January 16th home basketball game to do a “chuck a duck” fundraiser for Post Prom where proceeds will be used for events and prizes at Post Prom;
Special Education Contract – Highland Community School District requests an interagency contract be approved for services provided for two students.
Gabrielle Frederick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
Determine Incentive for Early Resignation of Licensed Employees
Superintendent Stone proposes amounts for 2023-2024 Fiscal Year with Board Policy 407.1 as follows: for the third Friday in February, $2,000 and by the third Friday in March, $1,000, these were the amounts for the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year. It was also noted that the timeframe used by other districts has been speeded up by moving it up by a few weeks. The Board discussed the amounts proposed and asked additional questions for clarification. The Board also asked for the policy to be reviewed and to possibly move each of the two steps up two weeks.
Jed Seward moved to approve the amount of $2,000 as the incentive for the first step and the amount of $1,000 as the incentive before the second step. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
Architect Proposal Letter for 2024 General Obligation Bond Projects
Superintendent Stone directed the Board to the Letter of Intent from OPN Architects dated December 5, 2023. Tad Morrow from Carl A Nelson and Company and Vicki Hyland from OPN Architects were present for this agenda item. The letter of intent outlines the Scope of Work, Programming and Visioning, Design, Bidding and Construction Administration, Design Team, and Fee Structure for the engagement. The Board asked questions for understanding and clarification.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the Letter of Intent dated December 5, 2023, as presented. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Superintendent Stone discussed future learning ideas through IASB. The document “At the Board Table” was noted by Stone. Snider talked about the IASB resources as well looking for ways to facilitate conversations and opportunities. Stone also noted some outside facilitators would be available.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Bond Update and Timeline; Board Policy 407.1 Review for change of dates; and Seek out State Legislators for a possible visit with the Board.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
November 27, 2023– 6:15 p.m.
President Jeremy Pickard called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Jeremy Pickard (retiring), Marianne Schlabach (retiring), Ryan Schlabaugh (new), Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Randy Billups (new).
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber, Robin Foster and Greg Jergens.
Marianne Schlabach moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Denise Chittick. Motion carried 7-0.
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of November 13, 2023;
Denise Chittick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Accept Election Results and Recognize Retiring Board Members
The Official Abstract of Votes as canvassed by the three counties on November 21, 2023, for the November 7, 2023, election was presented to the Board for acceptance. A total of 4,343 votes were cast in the election for 4 open seats. The top four candidates receiving votes are the persons to be seated in the seats. These include: Randy Billups with 937 votes, Denise Chittick with 915 votes, Ryan Schlabaugh with 899 votes and Mary Allred with 884 votes. The other candidate and write in candidates received votes ranging in totals from 668 votes to 1 vote.
Jed Seward moved to accept the election results for the November 7, 2023 from the Official Abstract of Votes dated November 21, 2023. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
The Board also expressed appreciation to retiring School Board Members Jeremy Pickard and Marianne Schlabach. Each was presented a plaque of appreciation by Superintendent Stone and a life-time activities pass. Your service to the District and Community is very much appreciated.
Adjournment (Sine Die) The Board President adjourned “sine die” the final meeting of the 2022-2023 Board.
New Board of Education – Organization of the 2023-2024 Board
Board Secretary, Jeff Swartzentruber, called the meeting to order.
The Oath of Office was administered individually to Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, and Ryan Schlabaugh as the newly elected School Board members. Randy Billups took the Oath of Office on November 22, 2023 at 9 a.m.
Next, the floor was opened for discussion for the Nominations for Board President and Vice-President.
Nominations for President of the Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 school year: Denise Chittick nominated Gabrielle Frederick for President of the Board. Seconded by Ryan Schlabaugh. Motion failed 2-3, with the nominee abstaining. Voting against were Seward, Allred, and Snider.
Nominations for President of the Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 school year: Jed Seward nominated Jake Snider for President of the Board. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 3-2, with the nominee abstaining. Voting against were Chittick and Schlabaugh.
Nominations for Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 school year: Mary Allred nominated Gabrielle Frederick for Vice-President. Seconded by Jake Snider. Motion carried 5-0, with the nominee abstaining.
The Oath of Office was administered individually to Jake Snider as President and to Gabrielle Frederick as Vice-President.
Appointment of Board Secretary/Treasurer: Gabrielle Frederick nominated Jeffrey Swartzentruber, School Business Official as School Board Secretary and Treasurer. Seconded by Jake Snider. Motion carried 5-0. No oath was administered.
Opening for the New School Board
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Gabrielle Frederick. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – This agenda item was tabled.
Public Forum
A parent of students in the district again spoke about the Special Education of the District and expressed opinions and concerns. She also provided evidence of the items of concern and requested that these be public record.
A member of the community discussed a personnel issue related to a Special Education teacher that had an end to employment at the end of the last school year. It was a related issue to the first person who shared at this meeting. The member of the community shared their thoughts and opinions on the situation. They also shared emails of the situation with Board Members.
Another parent of students expressed disappointment to the Board about the extended absence of a teacher. He also expressed concern that the communication received from the District was not as detailed as they would have liked.
A parent also stated his experience with Special Education as a positive experience. He also expressed concerns about Special Education retaining teachers and attracting teachers going forward.
Work Session
Administration Reports and Board Dialogue
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the following consent items.
Finance Report
None presented at this time;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for November 13, 2023 and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 0 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Tobi Anderson, Middle School General Cook, $14.97 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Sydney Miller, East Elementary Paraprofessional half-time, $14.98 per hour;
Fundraising Requests – None presented for approval
Mary Allred seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning – No Agenda Items
Finance
SBRC Resolution for Additional Allowable Growth for Enrollment and ELL
Business Manager Swartzentruber presented the additional allowable growth resolution for the second time and as amended from October 23, 2023 that, if passed, will allow the District to increase spending authority of $77,708 for Open Enrollment Out and of $6,795 for ELL Beyond 5 Years. These amounts are a result of the Certified Enrollment data from the October 1, 2023, count date.
Jed Seward moved to approve Resolution 112282301 to allow the Superintendent to request increased spending authority of $77,708 on Open Enrollment Out for the 2023-2024 School Year and $6,795 for ELL Beyond 5 Years. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - absent Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Short and Long Term Planning
Washington and Johnson County Conference Boards
The board discussed who the representatives for these boards will be for the 2023-2024 School Year. Both boards work to approve the County Budget via the Assessor’s Office. It is noted that Gabrielle Frederick is the only Johnson County resident amongst the School Board Members. Gabrielle Frederick represented Mid-Prairie at Johnson County and Mary Allred represented Mid-Prairie at Washington County in the prior fiscal year.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Gabrielle Frederick as the Johnson County Representative to the Johnson County Conference Board and Jed Seward as the Washington County Representative to the Washington County Conference Board for the 2023-2024 School Year. Mary Allred seconded the motion. The Motions carried 6-0 with Frederick and Seward each abstaining during their respective votes.
Interest Based Bargaining School Board Representative
The board discussed who the representatives from the Board will be for the 2023-24 School Year. Jed Seward and Denise Chittick served in this capacity last couple of years with approximately two meetings per month from November to March or April and scheduled to precede School Board meetings. The first meeting will be prior to the December 11th School Board meeting. Then future meetings will also be prior to the School Board meetings. Mary Allred and Denise Chittick both under consideration to serve for the upcoming year per the November 13, 2023 meeting.
Jed Seward moved to appoint Mary Allred and Denise Chittick as the School Board Representatives to the Mid-Prairie School District Interest Based Bargaining Committee for 2023-2024 School Year. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. The Motion carried 6-0.
Semi-Annual Superintendent Evaluation – Closed Session
Gabrielle Frederick moved to continue to closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual request a closed session as provided by 21.5(1)(i), Code of Iowa. Seconded by Mary Allred.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - absent Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
The Board entered Closed Session at 7:10 p.m.
The Board exited Closed Session at 10:26 p.m.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Board Member Reported on the IASB Convention from November 15th to 17th. Ryan Schlabaugh reported on the new Board orientation. Jake Snider reported on the comradery of the Board Members in attendance and the interaction with other district’s board members. Jed Seward reported on the break out sessions and enjoyed the one on one question time after the sessions ended. Brian Stone also reported on interactions/ he had with other Board and Superintendents at IASB.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, December 13, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Policies 313 and 213.1 on Public Comment needs to be reviewed for Public Forum; General Obligation Bond discussion and timeline
Board Highlights – due to the lateness of the hour this was not undertaken by the Board
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:34 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
November 13, 2023 – 6:15 p.m.
Vice-President Gabrielle Frederick called the meeting to order in the absence of President Jeremy Pickard.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Marianne Schlabach, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Jeremy Pickard.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber, Chuck Banks, Rob Hruby, Rachel Kerns, Amy Shalla, and Frank Slabaugh.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Marianne Schlabach. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – Kristan Hunter, Curriculum Coordinator/Instructional Leader and the Instructional Coaches Team of Erin Cavanagh, High School; Sarah Ihde, East Elementary, Kelsi Tebockhorst, Middle School; and Emily Zehr, West Elementary; presented information on the TLC program and the work of the TLC Instructional Coaches for the District. This is the first year that there has been a full-time instructional coach in each building. They shared their goals and whys in their work as instructional coaches. They provided details and examples of their approach to their work. The Board asked questions for clarification and thanked the instructional coaches for their work.
Public Forum
A parent spoke of their opinions and concerns about how District Policies are being followed, or not followed, by Administrators and Staff.
WORK SESSION
Administrator Reports – The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and to discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
Audit Fieldwork Report – Audit fieldwork was conducted on October 24th and 25th by Nolte Cornman and Johnson from their offices, or remotely for the 3rd year in a row. Superintendent Stone and School Business Official Swartzentruber participated in the exit interview on October 25th. The fieldwork went well with segregation of duties in the Central Office as the main comment, which is a continuing comment. Some minor adjustments to Certified Enrollment and to Supplementary Weighting. The Pending Item has been resolved as there is no tax abatement letter from the City of Wellman.
Board Election and Bond Information – The Canvas of Votes for each county—Washington, Johnson, Iowa—is to be completed November 13th and 14th. A second, Tier 2, Canvas of Votes will be completed by November 20th or 21st. Once these are completed and filed, the results for the election will be final. Persons elected to the board in the unofficial results are: Mary Allred (incumbent), Randy Billups, Denise Chittick (incumbent), and Ryan Schlabaugh. There were 4,343 votes cast for 5 candidates, including 40 votes cast for write-in candidates. Plans are to have the Organizational Meeting on November 27, 2023.
The General Obligation Bond Referendum for the $8.7million bond passed by with 943 yes votes (68.43%) versus 435 no votes (31.57%)--1,378 total votes cast. The next steps to the process will be to determine the timeline for the letting of bids, which will also determine when the bonds may be sold, and how to determine the needed Debt Service requirements for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Certified Budget. Also, of consideration is the Debt Pre-Levy on the existing 2014 Bond Issue and its effect on the new Debt Service with the goal to stay at the current maximum debt levy of $2.70—the District has been reaching the maximum with the pre-levy over the last number of years. There will be Bond Resolutions in January and February 2024. The Work to be done on the above items will also help determine the view of the Amortization/Payment schedule for the new General Obligation Bonds.
2024-2025 Certified Budget Schedule Process Changes – The Iowa Legislature has changed the process and the schedule for the Certified Budget. The process has added an additional Public Hearing and a March 20th mailer to property taxpayers. While this complicates the schedule, work has commenced on understanding the various interim due dates and the correlation to Board Meeting Dates.
ISASP Data Presentation – Kristan Hunter, District Curriculum Coordinator, reported on the ISASP Data from the 2022-2023 School Year. It measures mathematics and English Language reading and writing for grades 4 through 12. Science assessments are completed for 5th, 8th, and 10th grade. She then showed the data and reminded the board to view it as one piece of information in a larger picture. She showed charts for the District versus the State of Iowa data by grade and by subject—Mathematics, English, and Science. Growth is measured based upon a predictive model to work towards students’ expected scores. Hunter summarized the slides and stated that the District continues to track with State of Iowa data overall. There are areas where growth was well above, average, and below or well below average, and this was noted by Hunter and Board members in conversation and questions to Hunter and to administrators who were present. Hunter discussed the Professional Learning Communities on-going work and the focus on teaching methods and curriculum that addresses educational needs in the areas seen as below or well below average.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Superintendent Stone noted two transfers. High School Custodian Dirk Rich has transferred to High School Lead Custodian. High School Custodian Rob Benge is transferred to second shift at the High School Custodian. A third shift custodian position is now open.
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of October 23, 2023;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for October 2023;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for October 23, 2023; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 3 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 3 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Teresa Coleman, High School Computer Science Teacher, $66,025 per annum;
Contract issued to James Cayton, High School Assistant Wrestling Coach, $4,248 per season;
Work Agreement issued to Stacy McCoy, East Elementary Paraprofessional; $14.98 per hour;
Resignation of Grace Beatty, Middle School General Cook, $15.00 per hour, effective November 3, 2023;
Fundraising Requests – No fundraising requests presented for approval;
Marianne Schlabach second the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
IASB Policy Primer Review Update
Superintendent Stone reported on the most recent IASB Policy Primer. It included a recommendation to review policies: 401.1 Equal Employment Opportunity; 503.1 Student Conduct; and 503.2 Expulsion. Stone reported that he reviewed the IASB model policies, named above, and compared them to the Mid-Prairie Policies. The Mid-Prairie Policies follow the model policies for the three policies. There is no recommendation to amend or change the Mid-Prairie policies.
Finance
Budget Guarantee Resolution for FY2024-2025
School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber provided the Regular Program Budget Adjustment Resolution #111323 and recommended approval of the resolution. Due to the District’s Resident Student Count on October 1, 2023, reported as 33.79 students down from the previous October 1, 2022 Student Count, it is very likely that increased funding by the State of Iowa for schools will not meet last year’s budget funding. The resolution allows for the District to receive at least 101% of the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Revenue. Open Enrolled In students were up 19.20 students from the October 1, 2022 Student Count. While the Open Enrolled In students offset smooths the net trend, the District is still down 24.9 students served compared to the 2022 count, the loss of students is greater than last year’s net loss of 1.0 students. This makes it even less likely that an increase in per student funding will offset the loss of students. Again, the funds from Open Enrolled Students come from semi-annual bills to the districts from which the Open Enrolled In students come.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Resolution #111323 Regular Program Budget Adjustment for the 2024-2025 School Year as presented. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Jeremy Pickard - absent
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
IASB Convention is November 15 to 17, 2023. Attendance by Board Members is set.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Organizational Meeting of the Board after the election results are Canvassed, Re-approval of the SBRC Resolution from the October 23rd meeting; and the mid-year Superintendent Evaluation in Closed Session; Select IBB Board Representatives. The Board is considering Denise Chittick and Mary Allred.
Board Highlights
Snider, Schlabach, Seward, Allred, Chittick – Appreciated the Instructional Coaches presentation;
Frederick – Look forward to hearing about the IASB Convention this week;
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
____________________________________ __________________
President, Jeremy PIckard Date
____________________________________ __________________
Secretary, Jeffrey C. Swartzentruber Date
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
October 23, 2023– 6:15 p.m.
President Jeremy Pickard called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Jed Seward.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Marianne Schlabach. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – Christine Meader, Director of the Fall Play, and Collette McClellan, Voice Coach for the production, shared about the upcoming production with the cast of “Into the Woods” on November 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The cast performed a number from the musical for the Board. The cast introduced themselves and their respective parts in the musical. The Board expressed appreciation for the work and efforts of the staff and directors.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
Work Session
Administration Reports and Board Dialogue
The Board asked questions and discussed the report forms shared by each Administrator about their areas of responsibility.
Superintendent Stone shared about the Transportation meeting last Wednesday, October 19th. He expressed appreciation for the staff. Two athletic contest schools in the past week have experienced bus breakdowns on the way to our District for events. The Transportation Team has pulled together to provide needed assistance.
Superintendent Stone also shared about the Facilities Committee meeting on the Evening of October 19th. The committee members will be going in sub-groups to the buildings on November 1st. The committee shared that they are not hearing much from the community on the upcoming bond referendum.
Superintendent Stone asked Tad Morrow from Carl A. Nelson to share an update on the Revenue Bond project in terms of cost and schedule. Morrow provided a handout and covered the various pages. All of the projects are currently weather tight. The workers are working above ceiling to get mechanicals completely roughed in at the Middle School. The goal is to try to get as much of the sidewalks completed at the Middle School this Fall, weather permitting. East Elementary is a little less complete than the Middle School although it is near airtight as well. He covered the current status of the budget and has estimates that we are about $162,000 less than the projected budget at the Middle School and East Elementary site from March of 2023. Softball lighting is about $8,350 less than anticipated. The High School Track project is about $80,876 less than anticipated. Overall, the three projects together are about $251,573 better than the original anticipated estimates provided in March of 2023. While there is a lot of the project left to be completed, the project is in very solid condition financially at this point in time. The Board asked questions on various aspects of the handout to gather a better understanding of the status. The Board expressed appreciation for the information.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Denise Chittick moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of October 9, 2023;
Finance Report
None presented at this time;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for October 23, 2023, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 5 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Resignation of Bud Juilfs, High School Lead Custodian, $19.02 per hour, effective October 31, 2023;
No new hires for this meeting;
Fundraising Requests
FCCLA requests approval to raise funds through a Middle School Dance on November 17th to raise funds for school, community service projects, chapter activities and events;
High School Girls and Boys Basketball requests approval to raise funds through sales of basketball apparel from November 6th to November 20th for volunteer coaching wages, player gear, equipment, supplies and coaches gear.;
Boys Basketball requests approval to raise funds through a donation campaign from November 20th to December 1st for volunteer coaching wages, player/coaching gear, and basketball equipment;
HSAP 28E Renewal Agreements
English Valleys Community School District and Iowa Valley Community School District Home School Assistance Program Agreements are approved for renewal.
Mary Allred seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
Grant Wood AEA District 6 Director
Superintendent Stone/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber introduced the agenda item by noting that Current District #6 Director, Carol Montz, will finish her current 4-year term in November. Carol Montz is currently the only candidate listed on the ballot to be re-elected for at least a third term. The Board must take action to complete the ballot by the received due date of November 30, 2023. The approved ballot must be completed by a Board Member. The weighted vote for Mid-Prairie is 0.179, down from 0.196 in 2019.
Mary Allred moved to approve completion of the ballot for a vote for Carol Montz as Grant Wood AEA Director for District 6. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance
SBRC Resolution for Additional Allowable Growth for Enrollment and ELL
Business Manager Swartzentruber presented the additional allowable growth resolution that, if passed, will allow the District to increase spending authority of $130,086 for Open Enrollment Out and of $6,597.57 for ELL Beyond 5 Years. These amounts are a result of the Certified Enrollment data from the October 1, 2023, count date.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve Resolution 10232301 to allow the Superintendent to request increased spending authority of $130,086 on Open Enrollment Out for the 2023-2024 School Year and $6,597.57 for ELL Beyond 5 Years. Mary Allred seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - absent Jeremy Pickard - yes
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
IASB Convention is November 15 to 17, 2023.
IASB Board Development Tour of Iowa will take place in the latter part of this year.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
Gabrielle Frederick noted that the Board needs to schedule the Superintendent Mid-Year Performance Evaluation. This could be scheduled either the first meeting in November on November 13, 2023, or the second meeting on November 27, 2023 School Board Meeting. She has asked Superintendent Stone to give more reflection on review of the accomplishments within the 3 standards that were evaluated in May of 2023. This will be a closed session to provide opportunity to discuss with Superintendent Stone the standards and to evaluate the Boards goals from the training session with the IASB representative.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Potential mid-year Superintendent evaluation in closed session; Certified Enrollment for October 2023 as a finalized number; Concurrent Enrollment classes at it impacts graduation requirements—recognizing that this is developing; begin to determine if the Iowa legislative representatives should be invited to a Board meeting.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
October 9, 2023 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jeremy Pickard called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Gabrielle Frederick.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber, Robin Foster, Rob Hruby, Greg Jergens, Rachel Kerns, Amy Shalla, and Frank Slabaugh.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Denise Chittick. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – Kristan Hunter, District Curriculum Leader had a conflict. This item has been tabled.
Public Forum
A parent noted that transportation issue and the most recent speeding vehicles by their property on one day last week during the drop off time. A continuing concern.
WORK SESSION
The Board asked questions and discussed the report forms shared by each Administrator about their areas of responsibility.
Superintendent Stone briefly discussed the Transportation department related to drivers and routes.
Superintendent Stone also shared the School Board candidate names: Mary Allred, Denice Chittick, Randy Billups, James Miller, and Ryan Schlabaugh. These are currently official.
Superintendent Stone shared about the Facilities Committee. OPN has sent out two flyers to date. A press release will be in The News within the next edition.
President Pickard asked the Board to share about their impressions of what is happening with the Bond. Board members shared that they generally have heard nothing from community members. Pickard asked each Board Member if they are still supportive of the direction of the General Obligation Bond. All six Board Members present expressed support of the General Obligation Bond and projects included on the proposed Bond Referendum. The Board asked questions of each other, including the activities of the Facilities Committee and how they are moving forward over the next few months. The Board was reminded of their role to provide information about the projects and not to encourage a vote of either yes or no, but simply an encouragement to vote.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of September 26, 2023;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for September 2023;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for October 9, 2023; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 12 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests totals 1 student;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to David Murray, Middle School Boys Wrestling Coach, $2,188 per season;
Work Agreement issued to Kali Krebs, Paraprofessional at East Elementary, $14.98 per hour, effective immediately after approval;
Fundraising Requests
The High School Choir and Band request approval to raise funds through the sale of homemade pizzas from December 4, 2023 to January 12, 2024 to support a music trip to Chicago, Illinois.
The FFA requests approval to raise funds through the sale of fruit, meat and cheese, and popcorn to pay for Chapter activities throughout the school year;
Open Road Driving School Contract – The 3-year Driver’s Training contract with the school for the three
years ended June 30, 2026 is approved.
Marianne Schlabach seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
Transportation Policy
Board President Pickard opened the agenda item and encouraged and update. Jed Seward provided an update of the current requested changed by a parent. Seward believes this proposed change does not cost the District any funds as Washington Community Schools would perform the drop off of the students of the family. Superintendent Stone noted the cross district agreement with all the Grant Wood AEA districts. Concern was also expressed about the concepts of the exception and that it does not set precedent for the District. If something were to change in the future, it would also require action by the Board. It was asked if the Transportation Policy is making a recommendation to change the policy. It was clarified that is only to make an exception to the policy. Discussion about establishing a rubric for determining when an exception would be made ensued after the motion and second. With the passage of the exception, Superintendent Stone will contact Washington to communicate this action. The Washington School District will need to agree to the exception before this can be implemented.
Jed Seward moved to approve an exception to the current policy that does not set precedent and allows Washington Community School District to drop off two students in the afternoon at 1795 250th Street, Washington, Iowa; the exception ends the day after the students complete Fifth Grade. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-1, Pickard voted no.
Concurrent Enrollment Review
Superintendent Stone opened the agenda item with an update that a meeting with Kirkwood Community College is scheduled in mid-October to begin a process to review the establishment of a more robust college credit class offering and determine next steps. The Board discussed data points and outcomes, as well as, how Mid-Prairie students compare to other districts. Additionally, there was an in-depth discussion of student success in college as they enter with these credits earned while in High School. The Board also discussed teacher qualifications for teaching the concurrent college classes. It is noted that the Master’s degree needs to be specific to the area of teaching and not a general Masters in Education degree. The specific focus is on the Arts and Science classes, as our focus on CTE classes is currently strong.
Finance
Public Hearing at 6:45pm for the Continuation of the Instructional Support Levy
Board President Pickard opened the Public Hearing a bit late at 6:55 p.m. to allow input from the public for the continuation of the Instructional Support Levy. This is the second of two Public Hearings related to the renewal of the Instructional Support Levy for another five years through June 30, 2029. No one spoke. Pickard closed the hearing at 6:56 p.m.
Instructional Support Levy Resolution Continuation for Five Years to FY 2029
Business Manager Swartzentruber noted that this resolution moves the process to continue the Instructional Support Levy for an additional Five Years. This is the second of two resolutions in this process. Once this second resolution is passed, a 28-day waiting period begins in which any objections can be filed via petition. Should there be no petition, then the District will file the resolutions with the State.
Jed Seward moved to approve Resolution 100923 Resolution Approving the Continued Participation in the Instructional Support Program. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - absent Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Jeremy Pickard - yes
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
IASB Convention is November 15-17, 2023. All Board Members that requested to be registered are registered.
New Board Training will take place in December and January. It is encouraged for all new Board members to attend one of these sessions.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Carl A. Nelson will provide an update of the Revenue Bond Projects.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
September 25, 2023– 6:15 p.m.
Vice President Gabrielle Frederick called the meeting to order in the absence of President Jeremy Pickard.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Marianne Schlabach, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Jeremy Pickard.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Denise Chittick. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – Fund for Academic Excellence Report – Superintendent Stone reported on the grants awarded in 2022-2023 for the FAE endowment. 5 projects were funded for a total of $5,175.
Glenda Seward, High School FCS Teacher, provided a report on the Etiquette Meal experience. This was the second year for this event as sponsored by Seward and Nathan Carlson. Seward also gave credit to Sarah O’Rourke’s students who provided the decorations and ambiance. The third annual meal will be the third Friday in April.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
Work Session
Administration Reports and Board Dialogue
The Board reviewed the report forms shared by each Administrator about their areas of responsibility.
Superintendent Stone provide a brief update on the Middle School and East Elementary building projects using Revenue Bonds. Middle School is on schedule. East Elementary is 4 weeks ahead of schedule. The Facilities Committee met on Wednesday, September 20th with 25 people in attendance. The next meeting will be October 18th.
Transportation Agreement
Superintendent Stone and Transportation Director Teresa Hartley discussed the Transportation Agreement, shared with the Board, that has been entered into by all Grant Wood AEA Districts and how it was constructed. The Board asked questions to clarify various issues related to exceptions. Hartley discussed the procedure used when questions or issues arise. Jed Seward expressed road-related safety concern on a route. Does it cost the District more dollars? It is requested that this agenda item is added to the Business Meeting at the next Board meeting. Jake Snider also expressed concern and support for an exception given the perceived safety issues. While there is room within the AEA agreement for interpretation, it is acknowledged that Hartley is implementing this in a way that follows the agreement and should not be interpreted outside of the strictness of the AEA agreement.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of September 11, 2023;
Finance Report
None presented at this time;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for September 25, 2023, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 7 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests totals 1 student;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Derek Kalm, Middle School 8th Grade Volleyball Assistant Coach, $1,876.60 per season;
Contract issued to Hannah Mougin, Middle School 8th Grade Volleyball Assistant Coach, $1,563.00 per annum;
Fundraising Requests
High School Baseball requests approval to raise funds through a can drive on October 28, 2023 to be used to purchase equipment and for field maintenance costs;
Jed Seward seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
Concurrent Enrollment
Board Vice-President Frederick led this discussion related to Mid-Prairie current involvement in Concurrent Enrollment classes and practices. Superintendent Stone stated that the Board has been provided a lot of data on concurrent enrollment. While the District is at the State Average, there are districts around us that are higher. It is also acknowledged that there are currently staffing concerns for teachers in the building that would need to be qualified to teach certain concurrent courses within the High School. The Board clarified that we cannot offer any core concurrent courses within the building by our staff. It is also acknowledged that the Masters degree needs to be in the area of core study, not just a Master’s in Education; 18 credit hours must be in the subject matter in order for the teacher to be qualified towards teaching these core courses. Principal Banks also noted that some students are taking these classes in an on-line format. Students need to take 3 blocks of classes to be considered full-time. What is the intended outcome?—to be able to offer more core classes. What can the Board do to help to facilitate this?—incentivize staff in what ways? Could an instructor be brought to the building from the Community College? It is recognized that there is a cost involved to bring in an outside instructor.
Special Education Students Trip to Niabi Zoo
The Special Education Department requests approval to take the Special Education Level 2 and Level 3 students at East Elementary and West Elementary on a field trip to the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois on October 6th. As this is out of state the Board would need to approve this trip.
Mary Allred moved to approve the October 6th field trip for Special Education students to the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance
Public Hearing at 6:45pm for the Continuation of the Instructional Support Levy
Board Vice-President Frederick opened the Public Hearing at 6:52 p.m. to allow input from the public for the continuation of the Instructional Support Levy. No one spoke. Frederick closed the Public Hearing at 6:54 p.m.
Instructional Support Levy Resolution on Intent to Continue for Five Years to FY 2029
Business Manager Swartzentruber noted that this resolution signals the intent of the Board to continue the Instructional Support Levy for an additional Five Years. This is the first of two resolutions in this process. The second resolution will be at the October 9, 2023 meeting following a second public hearing. Once the second resolution is passed a 28-day waiting period begins in which any objections can be filed via petition. Should there be no petition, then the District will file the resolutions with the State.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve Resolution 092523 Resolution Approving the Consideration of Continued Participation in the Instructional Support Program. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Jeremy Pickard - absent
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Set a Public Hearing for the Continuation of the Instructional Support Levy – Resolution 092523
School Business Official (SBO) Swartzentruber noted the continuation of the process for the five-year extension of the Instructional Support Levy for the District. As noted at the previous meeting, the current levy period will expire at the end of the 2023-2024 School Year. A second Public Hearing is required and will be followed by a Board Resolution. The next Public Hearing is recommended to be set for the next School Board Meeting on October 9, 2023 at 6:45p.m. in the Central Office Community Room. Maximum authorization is 10% of regular program costs; FY2024 amount is $728,450 of which $344,200 is property tax and $384,250 is surtax.
Marianne Schlabach moved to set a Public Hearing for the Instructional Support Program Levy or Monday, October 9, 2023, at 6:45 p.m. in the Community Room at the Mid-Prairie Central Office. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Treasurer’s Report
SBO Swartzentruber presented the Fiscal Year 2023 Treasurer’s Report. This is the report that is provided after the Certified Annual Report is submitted to the State Department of Education Portal by the September 15, 2023, due date. Net Operating Fund Balance increased by $396,000, compared to $271,000 for the previous fiscal year. Swartzentruber discussed the reasons for the decrease in Fund Balance for the Activity Fund due to some one time projects related to field maintenance normally paid for out of Operating Fund—the Board requested additional detail of these expenditures. The PPEL Fund also decreased $244,230 due to projects undertaken with COVID ESSER III dollars completed in 2023 where the COVID funds were depleted before the project completion. Swartzentruber noted increases to the Management Fund, SAVE Fund, Debt Service Fund, and Enterprise Fund.
Denise Chittick moved to accept the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Treasurers Report as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Home School Assistance Program 28E Agreement with West Branch Community Schools
Superintendent Stone recommends the approval of the new 28E Agreement to provide Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) services to West Branch Community Schools. The West Branch School Board has already approved the agreement at their board meeting earlier in September. This is the eighth school district we work with for HSAP services in this capacity. Six of the agreements have students working with Mid-Prairie’s HSAP.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the 28E Agreement for Home School Assistance Program services with West Branch Community School District beginning with the 2023-2024 School Year. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Special Education Deficit Spending Authority Resolution – Resolution 0925231
SBO Swartzentruber reviewed the SBRC Resolution for Additional Allowable Growth as a result of the Special Education Spending Deficit for the recently completed fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023. The reported deficit was $13,193.16 for last year as compared to $69,462.55 for the previous year. The request is rounded up to $20,000 to allow for any upward adjustment that might be found during the Department of Education’s year-end review. The deficit is lower than last year due to the Tuition-in students being capped the past few years and students graduating out of the District.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Resolution 0925231 to authorize the Superintendent to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for additional allowable growth of up to $20,000 to cover the deficit in Special Education funding from the year ending June 30, 2023. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Jeremy Pickard - absent
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Resolution for Limited English Proficiency Additional Allowable Growth – Resolution 0925232
SBO Swartzentruber reported that the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Deficit for the 2022-2023 School Year was $26,417.96. These are costs in excess of the Categorical Funding. The LEP filing has been certified as required by the state before the September 15, 2023 deadline. In order to not be impacted by this deficit, a resolution for increased Allowable Growth for a negative LEP Balance is required to be filed with the School Budget Review Committee through the Iowa Department of Education.
Mariann Schlabach moved to approve Resolution 0925232 for additional allowable growth of $26,417.96 to cover the 2022-2023 LEP costs in excess of funding. Jake Snider seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Jeremy Pickard - absent
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
IASB Convention is November 15-17, 2023. All Board Members that requested to be registered are registered.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
School Board Election – Five individuals have filed paperwork to be candidates for the November 7, 2023, election. We are currently in the waiting period through this week for challenge or withdrawal. Once the week has passed the names will be official.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Transportation Policy discussion in the Business Meeting; and Public at 6:45 p.m on the Instructional Support Levy.
Board Highlights
A. Snider – The collaboration of the Fund for Academic Excellence is fantastic; especially the etiquette meal.
B. Frederick – Fund for Academic Excellence program and the various things that are done.
C. Schlabach – Appreciated the discussion about concurrent enrollment.
D. Seward – Glenda’s culinary students going to Café Dodici for work with appetizers.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
September 11, 2023 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jeremy Pickard called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber, Chuck Banks, Robin Foster, Rob Hruby, Greg Jergens, Rachel Kerns, Amy Shalla.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Marianne Schlabach. Motion carried 7-0.
Hawk Highlight – Jeff Swartzentruber, School Business Official for the District, shared about a recent article/case study that the District’s attendance and timeclock partner, Frontline Education, shared with their partners and customers across the country. The case study highlighted Mid-Prairie and the Central Office team of Carmela Ulin, Cindy Malichky, and Swartzentruber. Frontline approached Swartzentruber with a request to do a case study as the District has worked with the combined system since 2015. The case study was shared on their website and on the LinkedIn social media platform.
Public Forum
A parent spoke about a concern with a bus stop in the southern part of the District. There is a bus that goes by their house for the Washington Community School District but cannot stop in front of their house because their house is in the Mid-Prairie School District. He is asking for a stop in front of their house as their children attend in Washington.
WORK SESSION
The Board asked questions and discussed the report forms shared by each Administrator about their areas of responsibility. The Board asked for a brief report from Administrators on the first few weeks of school.
Superintendent Stone provided a facility update for the ongoing construction at the Kalona buildings. The project continues to be ahead of schedule by about 2.5 to 3 weeks with Middle School being on schedule and East Elementary being a 2.5 to 3 weeks ahead. Both projects are under budgeted/bid costs. Stone also provided thoughts and plans to reconvene the Facilities Committee to continue the process of the long-range plan. The plan is to reconvene the Facilities Committee on Wednesday, September 20th.
School Business Official Swartzentruber updated the Board on the Fiscal Year End 2023 financial reports. The General Fund Balance has increased $396,000 between unassigned fund balance and restricted fund balance--$410,000 in unassigned fund balance. The Special Education Supplement currently shows a $13,000 deficit for 2022-2023. The Special Education deficit will require a Board Resolution at the next meeting to allow it to increase the District’s Spending Authority. The three key year end reports were certified today ahead of the September 15, 2023 deadline set by the Iowa Department of Education.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of August 28, 2023;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for August 2023 and June 2023 updated to reflect Certified Annual Report Data;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for September 11, 2023; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 7 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Sandra Popejoy, High School Paraprofessional, $14.98 per hour;
Fall Volunteer Coach
Anna Hochstetler, Middle School Cross Country Assistant Coach;
Fundraising Requests – No fundraising requests are submitted for consideration;
Denise Chittick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
FFA National Convention Travel
Superintendent Stone reported that the FFA National Convention will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, again from November 1st to 4th. The students will travel on October 31st and November 4th. Due to the out of state travel it is recommended that the Board approve the trip.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the FFA students out of state travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the FFA national Convention between October 31, 2023 and November 4, 2023 as presented. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
Appoint a Delegate to the IASB Convention
Superintendent Stone reviewed the appointment at the last meeting of Gabrielle Frederick as the delegate for the Board at the State convention. Gabrielle asked to be relieved of this assignment due to other priorities with business and family. The Board discussed appointing another delegate for the convention. It was decided that Jake Snider would be the delegate. Gabrielle Frederick would be the backup.
Jed Seward moved to approve Jake Snider as the Board delegate to the IASB Convention on November 15 to 17, 2023. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0, Jake abstained.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
IASB Convention, November 15-17, 2023: Registration is completed. Jake Snider asked if there is a way to share knowledge of information gained from the various sessions. A plan is developing for this request.
Grant Wood AEA has issued a memo dated August 31, 2023, to seek candidates for election to their board of directors for a four-year term beginning December 13, 2023. The candidacy submissions are due between September 15th and October 15th. Pickard, Stone, and Swartzentruber have candidate paperwork. Mid-Prairie is in District 6 if any Board members have interest.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
School Board Candidates paperwork is due to Swartzentruber at Central Office by 5pm on Thursday, September 21st.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Instructional Support Levy Public Hearing and initial actions; 2022-2023 Treasurer’s Report; Special Education Deficit Resolution will be presented for approval; Bus Stop agenda item and bring information on the agreement with GWAEA; and at some point Jeremy Pickard would like a Board discussion about Concurrent Enrollment program and approach.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
August 28, 2023– 6:15 p.m.
President Jeremy Pickard called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Denise Chittick, Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Mary Allred and Gabrielle Frederick.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber, Chuck Banks, Robin Foster, Greg Jergens, and Rachel Kerns.
Marianne Schlabach moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Denise Chittick. Motion carried 5-0.
Hawk Highlight
Superintendent Stone Introduced Elena Beachy and Edye Freeman, High School Spanish Teachers to talk about the trip they took with students in July of this Summer to Costa Rica. There were 13 students and 3 adults that went along on the 7-day trip. The experienced the culture, tribal lands, the rainforest, a volcano, and rode the zip-lines. The Board asked the group for favorite memories, which they shared many.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
Work Session
Administration Reports and Board Dialogue
The Board asked questions and discussed the report forms shared by each Administrator about their areas of responsibility. Superintendent Stone noted a common theme in the reports that school is off and running in a very positive way with a great deal of excitement.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Denise Chittick moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of August 14, 2023;
Finance Report
None presented at this time;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for August 28, 2023 and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Ron Asby requests Boston Asby (Grade 7) and Bronson Asby (Grade 11), attend Mid-Prairie from Clear Creek Amana Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Dan and Julie Reschly request Canaan Reschly (Prekindergarten), attend Mid-Prairie from West Liberty Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Robert and Jessica Benda request Bryson Benda (Grade 7), attend Mid-Prairie Virtual Academy from Adair-Casey Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Chandra Harper requests Braeden Murphy (Grade 12), attend Mid-Prairie Virtual Academy from English Valleys Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Rachel Stultz requests John Stultz (Grade 8) and Madilyn Stultz (Grade 11), attend Mid-Prairie Virtual Academy from West Liberty Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Kirsten Novak requests Adalyn Novak (Grade 9) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Clear Creek Amana Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Josh and Janelle Albrecht request Abigail Albrecht (Grade 2) and Evelyn Albrecht (Grade 4) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Jodi Chimenti requests Lila Chimenti (Grade 3) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Zachary and Rebecca Ilten request Lucy Ilten (Grade 3) and Micah Ilten (Kindergarten) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Daniel Hershberger, Middle School Assistant Football Coach, $2,126 per annum;
Contract issued to Melissa Rediger, HS Student Leader Sponsor Shared, $313 per annum;
Contract issued to Laura Schmitt, HS Student Leader Sponsor Shared, $313 per annum;
Contract issued to Abigail Yoder, HS Assistant Dance Coach, $1,250 per season;
Work Agreement issued to Remington Amelon, Bus Driver, $24.43 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Emma Baker, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $14.98 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Sarah Huston, Middle School Paraprofessional, $15.01 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Desarae Bohlen, Middle School General Cook, $14.97 per hour;
Resignation of Byron Yoder, HS Boys Assistant Soccer Coach, $2,790 per season, effective August 25, 2023;
Fundraising Requests – No requests submitted at this time.
Marianne Schlabach seconded the consent items. Motion carried 5-0.
Student Learning
TCIT-U Agreement and Parent Letter
Superintendent Stone introduced the Teacher-Child Interaction Training-Universal program agreement. TCIT-U is a professional development program designed to strengthen teacher-child relationship skills. It focuses on strengthening the development of all children in the classroom. It is for the whole classroom, including teachers and classroom support staff. The agreement will start with both elementary school buildings for the 2023-2024 School Year. Parental consent to allowing their child to be involved in the assessment as their teacher receives the training is a key component of the plan.
The Board asked questions about the program and the approach to be taken by the District due to the change in the law passed and signed at the last legislative session. A student’s family that opts out would not take the pre-assessment and post-assessment.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Teacher-Child Interaction Training-Universal program agreement and the letter to the parents for implementation in the 2023-2024 School Year. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Finance
Letter of Engagement with Ahlers & Cooney PLC
Superintendent Stone recalled the introduction of new legal representation from the August 14th School Board Meeting. He recommends that Ahlers & Cooney be officially appointed and retained as District Legal Counsel. The letter of engagement is presented to for consideration and approval. Ahlers & Cooney would replace Holland, Michael, Raiber & Sittig, PLC. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
Jed Seward moved to approve the engagement letter and retention of Ahlers & Cooney as the District’s Legal Counsel as presented. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Letter of Engagement with Ahlers & Cooney PLC for the 2023-2024 General Obligation Bond
SBO Swartzentruber introduced the Engagement Letter for the legal counsel of the General Obligation (GO) Bonds to be voted upon at the November 7, 2023, election. If the election passes the issuance of the GO Bonds, the process can move forward accordingly.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the engagement letter and retention of Ahlers & Cooney as the District’s Bond Legal Counsel. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Set a Public Hearing for the Continuation of the Instructional Support Levy
School Business Official Swartzentruber introduced the need for a five-year extension of the Instructional Support Levy for the District. The current levy period will expire at the end of the 2023-2024 School Year. To begin the process of the extension a Public Hearing is required and will be followed by a Board Resolution and then a second Public Hearing and Resolution. This will be followed by a waiting period for potential public action. The first Public Hearing is recommended to be set for the next School Board Meeting on September 25, 2023 at 6:45p.m. in the Central Office Community Room. Maximum authorization is 10% of regular program costs; FY2024 amount is $728,450 of which $344,200 is property tax and $384,250 is surtax.
Denise Chittick moved to set a Public Hearing for the Instructional Support Program Levy or Monday, September 25, 2023, at 6:45 p.m. in the Community Room at the Mid-Prairie Central Office. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Appoint a Delegate to the IASB Convention
Superintendent Stone noted that a Convention delegate needs to be appointed for the upcoming IASB convention on November 15 to 17. It is noted that Gabrielle Frederick has served as the Board’s delegate for the past number of years. Opportunity to appoint her again is presented, or an opportunity to appoint another Board Member is available. The Board asked Frederick whether she wished to serve again for the upcoming convention.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Gabrielle Frederick as the IASB Convention Delegate for the November 15 to 17, 2023 annual convention. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
IASB Convention, November 15-17, 2023: Registration is Now Open. The Board members should inform SBO, Jeff Swartzentruber, of their plans to attend so he can register attendees, obtain transportation and rooms. The Board noted individually that their plan to attend.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Concurrent enrollment at the High School.
Tours of High School, West Elementary, Home School Education Center School Buildings
The Board spent the remainder of the meeting touring the High School, and West Elementary Buildings and reviewed the readiness and Summer project work. It was decided not to tour the Home School Education Center, though a brief description was provided by Rachel Kerns.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:37p.m at West Elementary School.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Middle School Media Center, Kalona, IA 52247
August 14, 2023 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jeremy Pickard called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick (left the meeting at 6:59 p.m.), Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Gabrielle Frederick (left the meeting at 6:59 p.m.), Jed Seward.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber, Chuck Banks, Robin Foster, Rob Hruby, Greg Jergens, Rachel Kerns, and Frank Slabaugh.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Gabrielle Frederic. Motion carried 6-0.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
WORK SESSION
Exit Survey and End of Year Summary
Superintendent Stone provided the Board with a Summary of findings from the Exit Surveys completed with Human Resource Coordinator, Carmela Ulin. He noted the items that were themes, both liked and disliked. He discussed some of the points of emphasis and focus areas for the upcoming school year for himself and the Administrators both at the building levels and at the district level. Communication themes seemed to be strongest. The Board thanked Stone for the report and the beginning action steps.
High School and Middle School Handbook Clarification
Superintendent Stone and Principal Banks discussed the handbook points on cheating and the start of the process with the High School Staff Council. The Board had asked that there be further discussion to clarify the elements in order to achieve greater consistency in the consequences. These would be helpful not only to the students but the staff. Also, there is a desire to clarify the consequences towards consistency both building to building and event to event.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items. Superintendent Stone noted that Frank Slabaugh will transfer from a half-time position at the Middle School as a Learning Coach to the half-time position as ALC Teacher for the 2023-2024 School Year. Cassie Wolinsky, Paraprofessional will be transferring to the Middle School from West Elementary.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of July 10, 2024;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for July 2023, and June 2023 with accruals after July Posting;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for August 14, 2024; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Brianna Clarahan requests Lane Clarahan (Kindergarten) and West Clarahan (Kindergarten), attend Mid-Prairie from English Valleys Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
James and Kayla Harter request Bentley Harter (Kindergarten), Brooklyn Harter (Grade 4), and Pearl Harter (Kindergarten), attend Mid-Prairie from English Valleys Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Jon Dinnel requests Matthew Dinnel (Grade 9), attend Mid-Prairie Virtual Academy from Highland Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Kyle and Jessica Janecek request Addison Janecek (Grade 4) and Grady Janecek (Grade 3), attend Mid-Prairie from Highland Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Michelle Teran requests Aviana Marsh (Grade 2), attend Mid-Prairie from Highland Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Clint and Angela Whetstine request Allie Whetstine (Grade 10), and Case Whetstine (Grade 12), attend Mid-Prairie from Keota Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Michael Telfer requests Tatem Telfer (Grade 11), attend Mid-Prairie from xx Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Ashely Neus requests Noah Guthmiller (Grade 11), attend Mid-Prairie from WACO Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Sheri Drahos requests Oliver Drahos (Grade 2) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Belle Plaine Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Rusti Morgan requests Amelia Morgan (Grade 4), Elliott Morgan (Kindergarten), and Henry Morgan (Grade 2) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from English Valleys Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Brooke Braem requests Benjamin Braem (Kindergarten), Emily Braem (Grade 7), Samuel Braem (Grade 4), and William Braem (Grade 6) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Althea Miller requests Lorelei Miller (Grade 8) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Rachelle Brown requests Adeline Hill (Kindergarten) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Tri-County Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Lee and Melinda Hallett request William Hallett (Grade 6) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Washington Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Ashley Castle requests Adaya Mille (Grade 3), Elias Miller (Kindergarten), Hadassah Miller (Grade 2), and Samuel Miller (Grade 6) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Washington Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Kelsi TeBockhorst, Professional Partner for MPMS Teacher Colvin, $500 per annum;
Contract issued to Carrie Schweitzer, Professional Partner for MPMS Teacher Young, $500 per annum;
Contract issued to Luetta Ropp, Professional Partner for MPMS Teacher Zeglis, $500 per annum;
Contract issued to Austin Bayliss, School Bus Route Driver, $24.43 per hour;
Contract issued to Jeremy Meyers, HS Head Cross Country Coach (Interim), $3,601 per annum;
Contract issued to Lynnette Poll, HS Assistant Cross Country Coach, $2,176 per Season;
Contract issued to Stacey Cavey, MS Cross Country Coach, $2,025 per annum;
Work Agreement issued to Mark Craft, West Elementary Second Shift Custodian, $16.19 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Emmalee Henry, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $14.98 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Tori Lybarger, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $14.98 per hour;
Resignation of Hannah Glick, Paraprofessional, $15.01 per hour, effective end of 2022-2023 School Year;
Resignation of Tobi Anderson, MS General Cook, $14.56 per hour, effective end of 2022-2023 School Year;
Resignation of Aaron Fleming, HS Assistant Cross Country Coach, $2,832.00 per season, effective 7/26/2023;
Resignation of Pete Cavanagh, Student Leadership Sponsor, $675 per annum, effective 7/31/2023;
Volunteer Coaches for Fall of 2023
Tanna Boshart – HS Volleyball Assistant Coach – Paid from Volleyball Resale
McKenzie Mantz – HS Volleyball Assistant Coach – Paid from Volleyball Resale
Zeb Evans – HS Volleyball Assistant Coach – Paid from Volleyball Resale
Derek Yoder – HS Football Assistant Coach – Paid from Football Resale
Caleb Potts – HS Football Assistant Coach – Paid from Football Resale
Fundraising Requests – None are presented for consideration;
Kirkwood Concurrent Enrollment Classes
Approval of the Agreements for the 52023-2024 Concurrent Enrollment Classes.
Marianne Schlabach seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
General Obligation Bond Petition Papers
Ryan Schlabaugh and Matt Gent, representing the Mid-Prairie Facilities Committee, was present to present the petition papers representing 358 (actual count is 354) Mid-Prairie resident community people who signed on 49 petition documents in support to call a General Obligation Bond referendum on November 6, 2023. He heard that the public would like to see the Facility Committee continue to push the plan forward.
The committee respectfully requests the Board to move forward in setting an election for the General Obligation Bonds for November 7, 2023.
Resolution to Call and Election for General Obligation Bonds
President Pickard thanked the committee for their work in developing the projects and gathering signatures for support of a call for an election. A resolution is required to move forward to the election. In the last School Board Election there were 1,085 ballots cast in the District in all three counties—Iowa, Johnson, and Washington Counties. The petitions required to call an election is 25% of ballots cast or 272 signatures. The number of signatures collected is 354. Pickard asked if anyone wanted to review the petition pages presented. Board President Pickard asked if there was further discussion before entertaining the resolution prepared by Ahlers & Cooney.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the Resolution ordering an election on the issuance of $8,700,000 General Obligation School Bonds and reading parts of the Resolution language as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - absent Jeremy Pickard - yes
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 6-0.
Finance
Accept the 2022 Annual Financial Audit
School Business Official, Jeff Swartzentruber presented a brief overview of the audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2022. He handed out the Governance Letter to the Board as requested by the Auditors. He noted the Auditor comments provided and the District response to those comments. He also noted the later presentation date than in previous years and the reasons for the delay.
Denise Chittick moved to accept the 2021-2022 Audited Financial Statements as presented. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Bank Depository Resolution for the 2023-2024 School Year
School Business Official Swartzentruber presented the resolution for the 2023 2024 School Year. This is the annual Depository Resolution required in August. There are no changes from last year as spending on the Revenue Bonds continues and for provision of a possible General Obligation Bond issue should the referendum pass in November of 2023.
RESOLVED, that the Mid-Prairie Community School District of Wellman, Iowa in Washington County, Iowa approves the following list of financial institutions to be depositories of the Mid-Prairie School, all funds in conformance with all applicable provisions of Iowa Code Chapters 452 and 453 (1983) as amended by 1984 Iowa Acts. S.F. 2220. The Business Manager/Board Secretary is hereby authorized to deposit the Mid-Prairie School funds in amounts not exceed the maximum approved for each respective financial institution as set out below.
Location of Maximum Balance Maximum balance in
Depository name Home Office effect under prior effect under this
___________________ __________ resolution resolution .
UMB Bank, N.A. (ISJIT) Des Moines 3,000,000 3,000,000
Hills Bank Hills 25,000,000 25,000,000
Federation Bank Wellman 5,000,000 5,000,000
CBI Bank & Trust Kalona 5,000,000 5,000,000
Miles Capital Mgmnt Des Moines 2,000,000 2,000,000
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve 08142302 as presented reading from the resolution. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - absent Jeremy Pickard - yes
Marianne Schlabach - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - abstained
Motion carried 5-0 with Denise Chittick abstaining.
Gabrielle Frederick left the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
Appoint New Legal Representation
Superintendent Stone discussed the current work of Ahlers & Cooney with the District for legal counsel and input. Stone recommends that Ahlers & Cooney be officially appointed as District Legal Counsel going forward. The District has requested would seek a retainer letter and agreement with Ahlers & Cooney. Ahlers & Cooney would replace Holland, Michael, Raiber & Sittig, PLC. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
The Board asked for this to be tabled until the engagement letter is received from Ahlers & Cooney.
Approve Additional Insured School Related Groups – The following associated entities are approved for inclusion in the District Liability and E&O Insurance Policies for the 2023-2024 School Year:
Golden Hawks Wrestling Club Mid-Prairie Athletic Boosters
Mid-Prairie Community School District Foundation
Mid-Prairie Fine Arts Boosters Mid-Prairie Post Prom Committee
Mid-Prairie Student Boosters Mid-Prairie Alumni and Friends Association
MP Archery Club
Mary Allred moved to approve the list of associated entities listed above. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
IASB Convention, November 15-17, 2023: Registration is Now Open. The Board members should inform SBO, Jeff Swartzentruber, of their plans to attend so he can register attendees, obtain transportation and rooms.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
School Board Elections: Candidates need to have their information to Swartzentruber by September 21st at 5p.m. 50 signatures on the required forms and the candidate paperwork must be delivered by then. Filing can start anytime and continue through September 21st. The Election is November 7, 2023.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 28, 2013, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Building Walk Throughs of the High School and West Elementary Buildings; IASB Delegate for the Convention; Working on the ISL renewal process; Legal Engagement letter presentation for approval;
Tours of Middle School and East Elementary School Buildings
The Board spent the remainder of the meeting touring the Middle School and East Elementary School Buildings and reviewed the readiness and Summer project work as well as status of new additions.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
July 10, 2023 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jeremy Pickard called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick (arrived at 6:16 p.m.), Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Gabrielle Frederick (arrived at 6:16 p.m.).
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Marianne Schlabach. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – Custodian Update – Steve Mayer, Lead Custodian at the Middle School provided an update to the Board about the Summer Activities of the Custodians. He recognized the team of custodians that are working together at the buildings. The Board asked questions and expressed appreciation
Gabrielle Frederick arrived at 6:16 p.m. during this agenda item.
Public Forum
A parent and former employee shared about the positive experience at District, and then expressed concerns about the lack of ADA portion of the upcoming expansion plans. She asked for more consideration and accommodations as expansion plans are developed.
WORK SESSION
Review Chapter 600’s Policies
Superintendent Stone reviewed the process and approval on First Reading of the Chapter 600 Policies at the June 26, 2023, School Board meeting. He reviewed again the changes made to the policies as an overview for the Business Meeting agenda item. The policy language changes included policies 601, 603.2, 603.6, 603.11, 605.1, 605.2, 605.3, 605.5, 606.2, 606.3, 606.6, 607.2. He also shared about the audit of the Policies by IASB and that we appear to be in very good condition with District Policies.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Superintendent Stone noted the following transfers: Pete Cavanagh from High School Social Studies Teacher to 7-12 Activities Director; Dylan Walther from ALC Teacher to High School Social Studies Teacher; Billy Matiyabo, Sr. from West Elementary to East Elementary Custodian; and Katie Roth from Fifth Grade back to Special Education.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of June 26, 2023;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for June 2023;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for July 10, 2023; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Sadie Passmore requests Cohen Passmore (Kindergarten), attend Mid-Prairie from Iowa City Community School District for the 2023-24 School Year;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Lori Schultz, High School General Cook, $14.97 per hour;
Contract issued to Kevin Cortum, High School Assistant Football Coach, $3,601 per season;
Contract issued to Dylan Wertz, High School Assistant Football Coach, $2,926 per season;
Resignation of Alec Clark, 7-12 Activities Director, $98,000.00 per annum, effective June 29, 2023;
Fundraising Requests
Mid-Prairie Football requests approval to raise funds through sale of discount cards to promote local businesses for uniforms, football equipment, volunteer coach pay, player and coach apparel;
Teacher Apprenticeship Programs Memorandum of Understanding for the 2023-2024 School Year
Updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) for the Teacher/Paraeducator Apprenticeship (TPRA) Program for the University of Dubuque, Buena Vista University, and William Penn University. These MOU’s extend the term from August 1, 2022, to December 31, 2025. The previous term ended December 31, 2024.
Marianne Schlabach seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-1 with Jake Snider voting no.
Student Learning
Student/Parent Handbooks
Superintendent Stone reviewed the previous meeting where the handbooks were covered by Building Principals. Acceptance of the handbooks was tabled at the June 26, 2023, meeting due to the Board’s request for additional, more specific language be added to High School Handbook the “Procedure for Short Term Suspensions Academic Honor Code” and revisions to the Good Conduct Rule Policy for Activities—Policy 503.4. Stone stated that the language in the Good Conduct Policy that had been in section A. 5., was removed and therefore, no change has been made to the Policy at this time. Some changes in the Middle School handbook has been made to follow the High School handbook language. Board members discussed the language and ambiguity versus specificity in various sections of the handbooks including definitions and consequences. The language on specificity of consequences and the consistency of consequences is also a concern. The board would like to see some change in language on specificity of consequences with the cheating policy.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to accept the Handbooks for the High School, Middle School, Elementary Schools, Home School Assistance Program, and Virtual Academy as presented with request for additional, more specific language on consequences for both High School and Middle School handbooks. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
2023 2024 MPHS Elevate Information
Superintendent Stone shared of the open High School Business Teacher position and that there have been no candidates to fill the position. Because of this situation, the District recommends the implementation of an on-line learning platform, Elevate, to meet the needs of the students and meet the requirements of the Perkins program. Elevate will use 4 blocks of Business and Computer Science during the first half of the year at a cost of $28,880, or $7,220 for each class. The goal would be to hire a teacher at mid-year. However, if a teacher is not found, an additional 4 blocks would be needed for the second half of the year at the same price. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the agreement to use Elevate to teach 4 blocks of business classes at the High School at a cost of $28,880 for the first half and in the event that a Business Teacher is not hired for the second half of the school year, and additional 4 blocks at $28,880 as recommended. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
2024 IASB Legislative Priorities
Business Manager Swartzentruber drew the Board’s attention to the IASB Legislative Priorities document for the 2022-2023 Legislative Year. IASB has begun the inquiry and process for districts to determine their legislative priorities for the 2023-2024 Year. The process starts with the Board review of this document and then the process to determine the priorities to communicate to IASB for next year. The Board discussed the potential legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
The agreed upon priorities include:
Jed Seward moved to approve the legislative priorities as noted above for the 2023-2024 Legislative Year and submit to IASB. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Board Policy Chapter 600 Changes on Second Reading
Superintendent Stone and President Pickard inquired if there were any further questions or discussion on the changes. A motion to approve on Second Reading was requested.
Mary Allred moved to approval Policies 601, 603.2, 603.6, 603.11, 605.1, 605.2, 605.3, 605.5, 606.2, 606.3, 606.6, and 607.2, on Second Reading as presented. Marianne Schlabach second the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
Facilities Committee Presentation
Ryan Schlabaugh and Matt Gent, representing the Mid-Prairie Facilities Committee presented the Facilities Committee Findings to the Board. OPN Architect representatives Vicki Hyland and Carly Weber were present also for this agenda item. Schlabaugh and Gent shared about the process and their impressions of the process, an on-going commitment to develop a long term master plan, and the Committee’s consensus recommendation to the School Board to seek a General Obligation Bond Referendum in the amount of $8.7 million. The draft petition and ballot language is as follows:
“Shall the Board of Directors of the Mid-Prairie Community School District in the Counties of Washington, Iowa, and Johnson, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,700,000 to provide funds to build, furnish and equip a wrestling / activity center at the high school, including related site improvements; to improve the East Elementary and West Elementary sites, including improved pickup and drop off routes and parking improvements to address student safety concerns; and to build, furnish, and equip additional classroom space at West Elementary with related remodeling and improvements, HVAC improvements, and site improvements?”
Next steps are to finalize the petition/ballot language and begin to gather the required signatures on the petition to call for the bond election—272 minimum.
The Board asked questions for clarification. The Board provided an informal affirmation of the Facility Committee’s work and recommendation and encouraged them to start their petition efforts.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Superintendent Stone discussed the Potential Workshop Topics from IASB for the Board to consider. He shared a list of seven topics for the Board to consider in a development session. The goal is to have a session that covers two to three of these topics. He asked each Board member to share their top two topics with him so that he can compile. The session would be planned to be scheduled before November. There was some interest in Board Self-Assessment and Vision, and Goal Assessment
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
School Board Election: Swartzentruber reminded the Board that School Board elections are coming up on November 7, 2023. First day to file election paperwork is August 28th and last day is September 21st. The paperwork is available on the School Board page of the website or from Swartzentruber at Central Office. There are four seats open for election to four-year terms.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Annual Bank Resolution; Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2022; Schedule building tours; Information on Turnover, Retention and exit surveys (a stay survey); and enrollment (AP and concurrent enrollment) concerns at the High School the last not necessarily at the next meeting.
Board Highlights
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.