Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
March 21, 2022 – 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, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Mark Schneider, Jeff Swartzentruber, Chuck Banks, 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 7-0.
WORK SESSION
Finance Report
Jeff Swartzentruber, Business Manager presented the 2022-2023 Certified Budget Proposal and discussed the process for approving the Certified Budget prior to the April 15, 2022 due date. The current anticipated levy rate for Fiscal Year 2023 is anticipated to be $13.22 per thousand as compared to $13.23 per thousand for the current Fiscal Year 2022. The legal documents to continue with the Advanced Debt Service Levy as has been done the last 4 years is in process and anticipated to be completed by the April 11, 2022 School Board meeting. The Board expressed thanks for the presentation and breakdown of the numbers. Public Hearings for the Budget need to be set during the Business Session.
Task Force Updates
President Jeremy Pickard asked for updates from the various Task Forces that have recently been formed.
The Retention and New Hire Task Force of Jed Seward and Denise Chittick updated the Board on some of the ideas they have processed.
The Facilities Task Force of Marianne Schlabach and Gabrielle Frederick updated the Board on some of the initial work and research done to review options after the March 1st Bond Referendum results.
The Bullying and Harassment group is spearheaded by Mary Allred and Jake Snider. The Board asked the group and administrators to invite a group from Grant Wood AEA to present on this topic.
The Superintendent Search Task Force of Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, Jeff Swartzentruber, and Carmela Ulin discussed the process and referred to the later agenda item in the Business Meeting.
Board Member and Administrator Dialogue
No comments were made at this time.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Asked Tammi Drawbaugh from IASB to have to a Board Development Work Session on Wednesday, April 13, 2022
BUSINESS MEETING
Public Forum– 7:00 p.m.
Jaron Rosien, Mayor of the City of Washington and candidate for the Iowa House Representative for House District 92 introduced himself and is candidacy for the Iowa House.
A parent commented on Bullying and Harassment in the District. She shared that they met with the Cultural and Diversity Group and then this afternoon with Robin Foster, Mary Allred, and Jake Snider. They are still working to figure out where they can continue to plug in to make a difference.
A parent discussed concerns about the Volunteer and Visitor policy. He questioned whether the issue lies with the implementation of the policy and not the policy itself. He asks the Board to make sure the process is methodical in the investigation.
Another parent discussed the Volunteer and Visitor policy on a personal level, and noted some of the steps taken when the issue was investigated.
President of the MP Fine Arts Boosters spoke on behalf of the Volunteer and Visitor policy. She noted the steps the Fine Arts Boosters took in regard the concerns of that have been brought. She noted that they tried to be transparent in the entirety of the process.
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items. Superintendent Schneider noted the 28E Agreement with West Liberty as the sixth 28E Agreement for HSAP students as a consent item.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of February 28, 2022 and March 10, 2022;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for February 2022;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for March 21, 2022; and Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Angela Lyons requests Henry Lyons (Grade 7), and William Lyons (Grade 9), attend Mid-Prairie from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Karen Shafer-Waters requests Zoe Waters (Grade 5), attend Mid-Prairie from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Amber Mattila-Plank requests Corinthian Mattila-Plank (Kindergarten), attend Mid-Prairie from Keota Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Todd Liddell requests Rolan Liddell (Grade 12) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Clear Creek Amana Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Frank and Jessica Attere request Liam Attere (Grade 3), and Theodore Attere (Kindergarten) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Highland Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Shannon Babbitt requests Anna Babbitt (Grade 1) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Kristin Bankston requests Ezra Bankston (Grade 6), Maxwell Bankston (Kindergarten), and Oren Bankston (Grade 4) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Doug and Natalie Fern request Liana Fern (Grade 8) and Noelle Fern (Kindergarten) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Abigail Maher requests Leah Maher (Grade 1) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Stuart and Rebecca Pitman request Emmie Pitman (Kindergarten) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Kelsey Steffen requests Francis Stephen (Kindergarten) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Kateri Trapp requests Seraphia Trapp (Grade 1) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Margarita Herrera requests Annabella Tripplett (Grade 5), and Robert Tripplett (Grade 3) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Iowa City Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Chuck and Angie Miller request Brayden Miller (Grade 8) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Lone Tree Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Carla Seele requests Sophia Seele (Kindergarten) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from West Liberty Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Jonathan and Kristine Beers request Sophia Beers (Grade 9) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Williamsburg Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Julie Rippel requests Adaline Rippel (Kindergarten), Forrest Rippel (Grade 4), Gabrielle Rippel (Grade 11), Isabelle Rippel (Grade 7), and Sophia Rippel (Grade 9) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Williamsburg Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Kimberly Stevenson requests Ila Stevenson (Grade 12) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Williamsburg Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Tandy Greiner requests Andrew Greiner attend Clayton Ridge Community School District from Mid-Prairie for the 2022-23 School Year:
Steve Groenewold requests Seth Groenewold attend Iowa City Community School District from Mid-Prairie for the 2022-23 School Year;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Stacey Cavey, 7th Grade Girls Assistant Track Coach, $1,522.50 per annum;
Contract issued to Kevin Cortum, 7th Grade Boys Assistant Track Coach, $1,522.50 per season;
Contract issued to Luke Caster, High School English Teacher, $56,671.00 per annum;
Contract issued to Jillian Boman, High School Science Teacher, $62,780.00 per annum;
Contract issued to Mariah Schlabach, 4th Grade Teacher, $39,365.00 per annum;
Contract issued to Will Van Soelen, 2nd Grade Teacher, $39,365.00 per annum;
Contract issued to Katie Palmer, 1st Grade Teacher, $39,365.00 per annum;
Contract issued to Abby Threlkeld, Title I Grade Teacher, $39,365.00 per annum;
Contract issued to Kate Pruess, Grade 5-12 Counselor, $44,455.00 per annum;
Resignation of Wendy Berry, Middle School Special Education Teacher, $64,729 per annum, effective End of 2021-2022 School Year;
Resignation of Jane Blieu, Middle School Paraprofessional, $14.89 per hour, effective May 31, 2022;
Volunteer Coaches for Spring of 2022
Byron Yoder, High School Boys Soccer Assistant Coach - $1,200.00 from Boys Soccer Resale;
Sofia Adams, High School Boys Soccer Assistant Coach - $1,200.00 from Boys Soccer Resale;
Noah Hughes, High School Girls Soccer Assistant Coach;
Gary Curtis, High School Girls Track Assistant Coach - $200.00 from Girls Track Resale;
Fundraising Requests
High School Boys Soccer requests approval to sell Casey’s Pizza Cards to help pay for 2 assistant coaches and soccer and coaches gear;
28E Agreement with West Liberty Community Schools for HSAP Services
Starting with the 2022-2023 School Year the District is approved to offer Home School Assistance Program Services to West Liberty Students. This agreement is automatically renewed until terminated.
Accept Results of the March 1, 2022 Bond Referendum Vote
The Board accepts the Abstract of Votes for the two questions related to the General Obligation Bond Vote. There were 1,049 voters. Question 1 received 585 affirmative votes or 56%. Question 2 received 580 affirmative votes or 56%. Both needed a super majority of 60%+1 to pass.
Jed Seward seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Planning for the Future
Selection of Board Members for Interview Committee
President Pickard reported on the current process for the Superintendent Search using consultant Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS). He introduced Carmela Ulin HR Coordinator and she provided an update. Currently, there are 4 candidates that have submitted applications. She also highlight the Superintendent Survey on the District Website. Ulin also discussed the Initial Set-Up Questions document and the progress currently made. She highlighted the video that was sent by GLS.
The entire Board will be involved in the review of all candidates and the selection of the smaller group to interview. The process could include the entire Board on Zoom meetings. The stakeholder interviews will include a number of representatives. The application period closes on April 9th. GLS will be invited to the March 28th meeting next week.
Pickard discussed the need to have 3 Board Members on the Stakeholders on-site interviews. The entire Board will also be able to meet with the candidates at the end of the day. Pickard discussed his recommendation to have Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, and Denise Chittick as the Board Members on the Stakeholders interview group.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve Jeremy Pickard, Marianne Schlabach, and Denise Chittick to serve on the larger stakeholder interview committee for interviewing Superintendent Candidates. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Facility Needs Proposal
Superintendent Schneider reported on the initial work that has been done to this point with a review of the needs for educational space and safety concerns subsequent to the General Obligation Bond Referendum of March 1st that did not pass. He reported on the group’s process and discussion of changes at the Middle School and at East Elementary. This is a much scaled back proposal from what was originally part of the March Bond Referendum. The Board discussed changing the options to East Elementary to reach more of the much needed educational programing. A draft of a timeline of events from Piper Sandler was shared with the Board if a decision is made to move forward with the issuance of Revenue Bonds.
Summer Projects Above $25,000
Superintendent Schneider shared a list of Summer Projects he and the Lead Building Custodians have developed to meet a number of needs for improvements or replacements in the buildings. The projects total $485,000. Four of the projects are greater than $25,000 and would require Board Approval to implement. The Lead Custodians each explained their larger projects. The larger projects include:
The Board asked questions about the projects list and specifically about the larger projects.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve the Summer Projects list as presented including the four projects that exceed $25,000 in total cost as listed in the bullet points above, as those are not to exceed $300,000 in total. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Retention Payments for Employees
Superintendent Schneider noted the late February passage by Governor Reynolds for Teacher Retention Payments funded by the State. A total of 111 Mid-Prairie Teachers qualified for the payment on the March Payroll as they were full time along with other criteria. A spreadsheet was provided to outline the total cost if all employees received the same payment as the Governor’s plan. Should the Board decide to approve a payment to all employees, the amount would be taken from ESSER III Funds and some of the dollars original allocated for another project out of ESSER III would be shifted to SAVE or PPEL funds. The Board asked questions for clarification and discussed the possible ideas and results.
Jake Snider moved to approve a $1,000.00 one-time retention payment to remaining employees, including Summer Coaches under contract, who work at least half time or more to come from ESSER III Funds and paid in the April 25, 2022 payroll. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Board Policy 405.2 – Licensed Employees Qualifications, Recruitment, and Selection
Superintendent Schneider noted the current sign-on bonus for last year and the hard to fill positions. He discussed the current options and possibilities available to the Board for hiring teachers for the 2022-2023 School Year. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve Policy 405.2 on First Reading to include verbiage presented for a sign-on bonus for all new teacher hires. Mary Allred seconded. 7-0.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve a sign-on bonus for all new teachers for the 2022-2023 School Year in the amount of $5,000.00, to be paid in two installments provided the teachers remained employed at the time of the installments. Jake Snider seconded. 7-0.
Part-Time Secondary Physical Education Contract
Superintendent Schneider and High School Principal, Chuck Banks, discussed the proposal to move the current 0.625 FTE for a Physical Education Teacher shared between the Middle School and High School to a 0.8 FTE for the 2022-2023 School Year. The cost to increase this for next year is estimated to be $11,000.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve the increase in the Part-Time Secondary Physical Education Teacher Contract from 0.625 FTE to 0.8 FTE for the 2022-2023 School Year. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Bus Route Paraprofessionals
Superintendent Schneider and Transportation Director Teresa Hartley discussed this proposal for behavioral paraprofessionals on school buses. It is noted that one paraprofessional on a bus would cost the District about $10,700 per year, or $160,000 per year if there was a bus paraprofessional on each route bus. The Board asked questions for clarification and discussed the financial implications if a decision is made to move forward.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the creation of a Bus Paraprofessional Position to accept all 15 positions. The motion died for lack of a seconded. No vote was taken.
The Board discussed the number of Bus Paraprofessionals that might be needed. These positions would be paid for out of General Funds. Board members asked for additional information. The Board asked for this to be further researched, and then come with additional proposal and criteria at a future Board meeting. Additional thoughts were expressed about a pilot project for the remainder of FY2022.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the creation of a Bus Paraprofessional Position pilot to accept 3 positions for the remainder of the School Year. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Board Policy 903.2 – Community Resource Persons and Volunteers and Board Policy 903.3 Visitors to the School District Buildings and Sites
Board President Jeremy Pickard provided information on the Policies for this agenda item as requested at the February 28, 2022, School Board Meeting. Board Member Mary Allred as Task Force member does not think there is an issue to the policy, rather an issue with the definition of a volunteer versus a visitor. The phrase “performed repeatedly over a significant period of time” is the issue at hand. The Administrators were asked if there is a way to gain more clarity. Discussion turned to School Sponsored activities versus Non-school Sponsored activities and monitoring entrances to the buildings. The dialogue between building administrators has been strong on situations that occur, especially consultation with each other for input. It is agreed that the policy is focused on School Sponsored activities. There were no revisions to the either policy. When in doubt do a background check. Also, noted that Activities and other departments are also reminded of the policies at the beginning of each year and throughout the year.
Board Policy 105 – Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy
Board Member Mary Allred noted that the policy seems sound. However, it seems that communication can be improved. A Board training session could provide additional tools and insights to situations as they arise. No action was taken at this time.
Proposed New Board Policy 415 – Recruitment of Coaches and Sponsors
Superintendent Schneider presented this concept to the Board as a way to increase the coaching and sponsor pool. The incentive is designed to help candidates more easily gain their Coaching Endorsement through a financial incentive in high need areas over a 5-year period. The Board suggested the 5-year period could be changed to 2 or 3 years. There would also incentive for existing coaches in hard to fill coaching positions. There is consensus that verbiage for an official policy statement be drafted and brought to the Board for consideration at a future meeting.
First Reading – Series 300 School Board Policies
Superintendent Schneider noted the work and review done at the January Board Meetings on Series 300 Board Policies. He noted the changes discussed at the meeting were included in the Board document website. Board President Pickard asked for additional questions and comment.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to table the agenda item to a future meeting. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion. Motion failed 0-7.
Jed Seward moved to approve on First Reading the Series 300 School Board Policies as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
School Finance
Middle School Gym Roof Bids
Superintendent Schneider noted the need to replace the final phase of the West portion of roof on the Middle School Gymnasium and described the project work. Due to the size of the project, he requested bids from two contractors. The contractors that bid the job were D R and C, Inc. at $43,315.00 with two additional options for $6,610.—Total contract with Options is $49,925; and DrySpace at $49,134 with two additional options for $8,993—Total contract with Options is $58,127. The Board asked questions to clarify the details of the project.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve DR and C, Inc. to replace the West portion Middle School Gymnasium Roof at a bid price of $43,315 with options of $6,610. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Set Date and Time for the Public Hearing for the FY2022 Certified Budget Amendment
Superintendent Schneider and Business Manager Swartzentruber highlighted the Public Hearing document for the amendment of the 2021-2022 School Year Budget. The areas for amendment are the Instruction category and the Total Support Services category. The Instruction category is recommended for amendment for $300,000 to a total of $14,136,000 as ESSER III Funds and the Governor’s Retention Payment package could put the District over the approved amounts. The Total Support Service Category is also recommended for amendment for $300,000 to a total of $7,190,500 as ESSER III Funds are being spent a bit faster than anticipated and also put the District over the approved amounts. The amendment would need to be presented to the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) in Des Moines for approval. However, before they can be acted upon by the Board, a public hearing needs to be set. It is recommended a public hearing be set for the School Board Meeting on April 11, 2022 at 7:10 p.m. in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. A Notice of Public Hearing that includes the Budget Amendments for 2021-2022 is set to be published in The News upon approval.
Jake Snider moved to approve setting the date for the Public Hearing on the 2021-2022 Amendment of Current Budget for April 11, 2022 at 7:10 p.m. in the Central Office Community Room. Marianne Schlabach seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Set the Date and Time for the Public Hearing of the 2022-23 Budget
Superintendent Schneider and Business Manager Swartzentruber recommend a Public Hearing for the proposed 2022-2023 Budget be set for April 11, 2022 at 7:20pm in the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room. A Notice of Public Hearing that includes the Budget Summary for Fiscal 2022-2023 is set to be published in the News upon approval.
Jake Snider moved to approve the Notice of Public Hearing on the 2022-2023 Proposed Budget for Monday, April 11, 2022 at 7:20p.m in the Central Office Community Room. SS seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0
Work Session
Completion of Unfinished Work Session Items
There were no unfinished items from the Work Session section of the meeting.
Announcements
Nothing added from earlier in the meeting.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: 28E Agreements for Sharing Staff; Second Reading of Board Policies Series 300; Superintendent Search items; and Discussion on the Sale of Revenue Bonds and possible action.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m.