Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
April 14, 2025 – 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
Adopt the Agenda
Jed Seward moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 7-0.
Hawk Highlight – Literacy Team – The Literacy Team led by Kristan Hunter, District Curriculum Coordinator, presented their progress for the K-5 Literacy Curriculum using the CKLA Literacy Curriculum Platform starting with the 2025-2026 School Year. The team reflected on their goals and process that led them to the curriculum recommendation for Grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade. The curriculum will cross 36 classrooms when implemented at a cost of $117,632. This is an upfront contract amount that will be carried out over 7 school years.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of March 10, 2025 and March 24, 2025;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for March 2025;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for April 14, 2025 and Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 0 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Frank Slabaugh, 0.5 FTE Virtual Academy Principal, $56,985 per annum;
Contract issued to Ron Swartzentruber, Middle School Assistant Boys Track Coach +20, $2,376 per annum;
Contract issued to Beau Stutzman, Middle School Assistant Soccer Coach +20, $1,573 per season;
Contract issued to Annika Poll, Middle School Assistant Girls Track Coach +20 split, $787 per season;
Contract issued to Phoebe Shetler, Middle School Assistant Girls Track Coach +20 split, $787 per season;
Resignation of Hallie Whitten, Second Grade Teacher, $47,500 per annum; effective end of the 2024-2025 Contract Year:
Resignation of Jodi Kahler, Middle School Paraprofessional, $16.73 per hour; effective end of the 2024-2025 Contract Year:
Resignation of Payton McCallister, High School Assistant Softball Coach; $2,833 per season; effective March 31, 2025;
Resignation of Abigail Yoder, High School Assistant Dance Coach, $1,250 per season, effective March 25, 2025;
Resignation of Brody Miller, High School Assistant Baseball Coach, $3,173 per season, effective April 11, 2025;
Fundraising Requests
Middle School 6th Grade Advisory Class requests approval to raise funds from April 21st to May 14th through making and selling Key Chains to support awareness of a fellow student with cancer through Ronald McDonald House;
Softball program requests approval to raise funds through a youth softball clinic on June 3rd and 4th to promote the program to future softball players with the funds used for coach apparel, equipment, and supplies;
Soccer program requests approval to raise funds through phone sales of cookie dough from March 24th through April 4th for equipment and volunteer coach payments;
Baseball program requests approval to raise funds through sale of items from the apparel store until May 4th for program expenses including saving for equipment, field maintenance and coach apparel;
Strength and Conditioning requests approval to raise fund through the Elite Apparel Store from April 29th to May 9th for strength equipment, weight programming, package supplies, and apparel.
Special Education Students to Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois – Approve the out of state trip the destination for May 2, 2025;
Purchases of Computer Equipment in Excess of $25,000 – Approve annual purchase of 1:1 Student Devices totaling $146,055.80 on 6 invoices.
Mary Allred seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
Building and Department 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. Superintendent Stone noted the SIAC Committee will meet this week.
Approval of K-5 CKLA Literacy Curriculum from Hawkview Presentation
Superintendent Stone and District Curriculum Coordinator Kristan Hunter recommend the funding of the K-5 Literacy Curriculum of $117,632. This is an upfront cost that will carry out the curriculum over 7 year, which is through Fiscal Year 2031-2032.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the recommended Kindergarten to Grade 5 Literacy Curriculum with CKLA Literacy at an upfront cost of $117,632 to be used over 7 years. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
First Reading of Board Policy 503.9 Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
Superintendent Stone and President Snider reviewed the continued discussions on this topic starting in September of 2024 through the parent surveys. At the March 24th Work Session the Board requested a first reading of Policy 503.9 for implementation at the beginning of the 2025-2026 School Year.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Board Policy 503.9 Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices on First Reading. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Position Change Proposal
Superintendent Stone brought the proposal and recommendation from High School Principal Banks to change the current position of 0.5 FTE ALC Teacher and 0.5 FTE Virtual Principal to a 1.0 ALC/Credit Recovery Teacher Contract. The current situation was shared and compared to the new proposed position. The position description was shared along with a rationale for the change.
The Board went to the Public Hearing in the first item of the Finance and Long-Range Planning.
Randy Billups moved to approve the new 1.0 ALC Teacher/Credit Recovery position to be effective August of 2025. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Home School Assistance Program Library Secretary Position
Superintendent Stone requested a change to the Library Secretary position from 20 hours per week, or 0.5 FTE to 40 hours per week, or 1.0 FTE. As the HSAP program has increased over the years, the needs have also increased. As a new Library Secretary is needed, it is believed it is time to increase the position to full time to meet the needs of the HSAP growing program.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve increasing the Home School Assistance Program Library Secretary Position to 40 hours per week as a 1.0 FTE. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Annual Review for Board Policy 104 Long Range Needs for CASA
Superintendent Stone shared that the District has a Desk Audit underway in the Iowa Department of Education’s Portal under the CASA application. One of the open items is the annual review requirement for Board Policy 104 Long Range Needs. The District needs to review the Policy for any changes. It is recommended that no changes be made to the policy. A motion is needed so a new reviewed date can be shown on the Policy.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the review of Policy 104 Long Range Needs as written. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance-Long Range Planning
Public Hearing at 6:45 p.m. Wrestling and Activity Center Construction Specifications
President Snider opened the public hearing for the Wrestling and Activity Center Specifications at 6:45 p.m. He asked if anyone was present to speak on the subject. No one spoke.
President Snider closed the Public Hearing at 6:46 p.m.
Activity Center Construction Specification Recommendation and Construction Bids
Rob Rich, Community Facilities Member, provided a presentation to the Board about the Activity Center facility plan and overall forward planning by the Facilities Committee. Rich recommended the Actvity Center plan to the Board for implementation. While the original estimate of $1,800,000 was set to accomplish the minimum requirements, the new specifications provided for much more for program and also added flexibility to accomplish more of the items on the long-range list of priorities.
Tad Morrow of CANCO also provided the Board with the overview of the bid results. There were 7 bid packages for the Activity Center. The recommended contractors’’ bids total $3,850,662. This is construction cost only and does not include soft costs for construction management and architect fees. With construction soft costs included the total on the project is $5,592,457, or $247,205 under the projected budget before bids of $5,839,662. Timeline to break ground is soon after the last day of school. Estimated completion date is February or March of 2026. It is recommended the Board accept the 7 bids.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the plans and specifications on the Activity Center construction as presented. Jed Seward the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Randy Billups moved to approve the seven bid packages presented for approval to complete the project totaling $3,850,662 for the Mid-Prairie Activity Center. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Activity Center Agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for Observation and Materials Testing Services
Superintendent Stone provided the Board with an overview of the Agreement as Terracon is an independent agency that tests various areas during the project. The cost of these services will be $22,387.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the Services Agreement for the Activity Center project with Terracon Consultants, Inc., for $22,387. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
2025-2026 IBB Wage Update and Action
SBO Swartzentruber brought the recommendation to settle the Teacher and Support Staff Total Package Increase of 4.0% for Teachers and 5% for Support Staff. The associations (MPEA and MPESSA) approved the package via ballot last Friday, April 11, 2025. The summary document used with the IBB in the negotiation’s steps were shared with the Board to provide additional detail. The Iowa Legislature set 2025-2026 State Supplemental Aid increase at 2.0%. Because of the 101% Budget Guarantee new money to the District is $221,305 for 2025-2026. The package brought to the Board is before the minimum salary provisions set by the legislature for teachers with less than 12 years of experience to at least $50,000 and teachers with 12 or more years of experience to at least $62,500 for 2025-2026. The minimum salary requirements are being funded by additional Teacher Salary Supplement funding, though it is included in the overall formula. That impact is currently estimated to be between $389,500 and 407,000. Approval of the 4% package for Teachers and the 5% package for Support Staff will allow the Business Office to issue Contracts and Work Agreements. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the proposed total compensation package increase of 4.0% for Teachers and 5% Hourly staff for the 2025 2026 School Year as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0 (Ryan Schlabaugh abstained).
Set a Public Hearing to Amend the 2024-2025 Certified Budget for April 28, 2025 at 6:20pm
School Business Official presented a recommendation to amend the 2024-2025 budget line for Instruction Expenses by an increase $775,000. This section of the budget has been monitored for the past 3 months. While the analyzed, annualized overages have been decreasing significantly, Swartzentruber believes it is warranted to adjust this line item prior to the May 31, 2025, deadline out of an abundance of caution. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the Notice of Public Hearing on the 2024-2025 Amended Budget for April 28, 2025, at 6:20 p.m. in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Set a Public Hearing to for the 2025-2026 Certified Budget for April 28, 2025 at 6:40pm
SBO Swartzentruber recommend a Public Hearing for the proposed 2025-2026 Budget be set for April 28, 2025 at 6:40pm in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. A Notice of Public Hearing that includes the Budget Summary for Fiscal 2025-2026 and Fiscal2024-2025 is set to be published in the News upon approval. The overall tax rate filed is $13.08586 for 2025-2026. This was brought down by 7 cents from the First Public Hearing on March 24, 2025. The decision to bring the rate down below last year’s $13.10 rate is done in part because the State Legislature agreed to a 2.0% SSA
Jed Seward moved to approve the Notice of Public Hearing on the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget for April 28, 2025, at 6:40 p.m. in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Auditorium Planning Design and Pricing Agreement with OPN Architects
Superintendent Stone discussed the planning process that has been ongoing with the Facilities Planning Committee for future projects for the District. One of the undertakings is to do a preliminary planning and cost determination exercise. This extensive planning will help to determine possible placement of a large addition as well as appropriate size of the addition. These efforts require more intensive, pointed efforts. The cost in the agreement is $47,460. The Board asked questions to clarify the project. This cost would be paid out of SAVE Funds as it is not tied to any existing bond.
Jed Seward moved to approve the OPN Auditorium Planning and Design Agreement for OPN for the amount of $47,460. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Auditorium Professional Services Agreement with Axiom Consultants, LLC
Superintendent Stone stated that Axiom Consultants provides engineering services in conjunction with OPN Architects. This agreement is the due diligence phase and will be at a cost of $2,500. It will also be paid from SAVE Funds.
Randy Billups moved to approve Auditorium project Professional Services Agreement with Axiom Consultants, LLC for $2,500. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
West Elementary Project Contract with OPN Architects
Superintendent Stone noted that now that the Activity Center bids are in, the next phase of the 2024 GO Bond is set to begin. The Architect contract begins these processes for Project Planning, Schematic Design, Design Development Services, Construction Document Phase Services, Procurement Phase Services, Competitive Bidding, and Construction Phase Services, as well as Supplemental and Additional Services. Currently the contract is stated as 10% of the Initial $1,500,000 Cost of Work and adjusted the equal 10% of the total Cost of Work approved for Construction. The initial estimated amount is $150,000 and will be adjusted once the project numbers are finalized.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve West Elementary Project Contract with OPN Architects for Architectural Services as presented. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
West Elementary Professional Services Agreement with Axiom Consultants, LLC
Superintendent Stone stated that Axiom Consultants provides engineering services in conjunction with OPN Architects. This agreement is the due diligence phase and will be at a cost of $2,500. It will also be paid from SAVE Funds.
Jed Seward moved to approve West Elementary project Professional Services Agreement with Axiom Consultants, LLC for $2,500. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Fiscal Year 2024 Audited Financial Statement Review and Acceptance
School Business Official, Jeff Swartzentruber presented a brief overview of the audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024. He noted the Auditor comments provided and the District response to those comments. While the statements are later than normal, these are not as late as the 2023 Audit, which the Board accepted on August 12, 2024. New auditors are engaged for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to accept the 2022-2023 Audited Financial Statements as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Superintendent Stone asked the Board to order 4 words to characterize how each Board Member views their leadership contribution to the Board. The words are: Respect, Vulnerability, Integrity, Credibility, and Trust. The Board then read an article by Steve Keating on leadership. A brief discussion about the words and their order as each Board Member prioritized it personally.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. Agenda items to include: Two Public Hearing on the Certified Budgets; Presentation on the 2025-2026 Certified Budget; Superintendent Evaluation; Safety Grant Dollars; Performance Therapies Contracts reviewed; Middle School Behavioral Interventionist changed to a School Success Coordinator; At a future meeting discuss the scope and position descriptions for various staff in the District—accountability; Approval of contracts past practices.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. This is the only schedule Board Meeting in May. Agenda items to include: Senior Classes graduate approvals; Administrator and HSAP wage proposals; and Dance team out of state travel to Nationals in the Spring of 2026.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.