Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
April 24, 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, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Brian Stone, Jeff Swartzentruber, Chuck Banks, Robin Foster, Rob Hruby, Greg Jergens, Rachel Kerns, Amy Shalla, and Frank Slabaugh.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 7-0.
Public Forum
A group of parents were present to express their concerns about the hire of the new varsity football coach. Numerous concerns were stated about the process: the hiring of the coach was too quick and not done properly—not enough transparency, ask for the community to be more involved, concern for one coach to be head of two varsity sports back to back. Other suggestions were made about the process and the long term goals of District athletics.
Hawk Highlight
Superintendent Stone introduced the retiring staff that were present for this recognition. A total of 7 staff will be retiring at the end of the School Year. Those not in attendance were Wendy Allen, Joyce Billups, and Nora Kehoe. Those in attendance were Jill Nisly, Lois Dehogues, Diane Miller, and Melody Black. Colleagues and friends in attendance shared memories and appreciation for the service of the four retirees. Each retiree was presented with a plaque in recognition of their service to the District. The Board also expressed their deep appreciation for the commitment to their students and the impact made on so many young people over the years. There are 88 years of experience encapsulated in the 4 professionals who were honored this evening. The Board expressed their profound appreciation for their service and the many children’s lives they impacted.
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.
Review of Board Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings
Board Members requested that the Board Policy be reviewed to clarify process and procedure. The Board talked about the public’s participation in the Public Forum versus/and the agenda items within the Work Session and Business meeting. A back and forth conversation between the Board and the Public is normally not part of the goal of the policy. Additionally, it is also noted that a back and forth between persons in the public during the public forum is not acceptable, nor is the mention of specific people. This includes the President of the Board monitoring statements made for respectfulness and not to attack others or disparage other individuals who may also comment during the meeting. Agenda items later in the meeting could be judiciously monitored with the recognition that it can become quite subjective. According to Iowa Code the agenda needs to be public at least 24 hours before the meeting. Pickard encouraged the Board to review Policy 213. Frederick asked that the Policy be studied by the Board and reviewed at the first June Board meeting in the Work Session.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Allred raised the question of choosing the right path for a coach to be head coach of two varsity sports back to back. She asked for the Varsity Football Coach position to be moved from the Consent Agenda Items.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the following consent items less the Varsity Head Football Coach. Stone noted also the resignation of Tyler Hotz as Assistant Principal and Activities Direction and the transfer of Nathan Carlson to the 7-12 Activities Director to be housed out of the High School. This eliminates one Administrative position. The transfer is reported and is not included for approval as no action is required.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of April 10, 2023 and April 18, 2023;
Finance Report
None presented at this time;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for April 24, 2023 and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Amanda Asby requests Jackson Asby (Kindergarten), attend Mid-Prairie from Washington Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Cherisa Martin requests Caleb Martin (Kindergarten) and Miranda Martin (Grade 2) attend Mid-Prairie’s Home School Assistance Program from Williamsburg Community School District for the 2022-23 School Year;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Mercedes Specht, 4th Grade Teacher, $40,310 per annum;
Contract issued to Marissa Tunning, 8th Grade Science Teacher, $45,523 per annum;
Work Agreement issued to Billy Matiyabo, Jr., Second Shift Custodian, $15.88 per hour;
Resignation of Ron Swartzendruber, Middle School Boys Track, $2,713 per season; effective May 30, 2023;
Resignation of Dylan Walther, High School Girls Wrestling Assistant Coach, $3,877 per season; effective April 19, 2023;
Resignation of Traci Waterhouse, West Elementary School Nurse, $39,175 per annum, effective end of the 2022-2023 School Year;
Resignation of Chad Surom, High School Business Teacher, $70,708 per annum, effective end of the 2022-2023 School Year;
Resignation of Kristene Evans, Middle School Special Education Teacher, $51,383 per annum, effective end of the 2022-2023 School Year;
Resignation of Lauren DiGiorgio, Middle School Band Teacher, $47,244 per annum, effective end of the 2022-2023 School Year;
Resignation of Billy Matiyabo, Bus Driver, $25.92 per hour, effective April 20, 2023;
Resignation of Roy Beachy, Bus Driver, $24.42 per hour, effective end of the 2022-2023 School Year;
Fundraising Requests
Home School Assistance Program, Roots and Shoots, requests approval to raise funds through annual Spring Flower and Plant Sale for sustainability of the program through the purchase of equipment, supplies and improvements to Home School school grounds, outdoor games, and learning/growing opportunities for students and families;
Denise Chittick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Head Varsity Football Coach
Superintendent Stone and High School Principal Banks made some general comments about the process and the interview committee. The interview committee provided pros and cons but did not vote as the practice of the community committee is not to vote. The administration took the input and then made the recommendation to hire. Included in that consideration is that one person would be the Head Varsity Coach for two back to back sports seasons. The Board discussed the process and the various positions that the school needs to hire—teachers, coaches, other positions—as all are important. The item for approval in front of the Board is the contract issued to Daren Lambert, High School Head Football Coach, $4,376 per annum;
Mary Allred moved to hire the Varsity Football Coach as presented. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
First Reading of Board Policy 711.7 School Bus Safety Instruction
Superintendent Stone introduced the need to update Board Policy 711.7, School Bus Safety Instruction. The first paragraph notes that safety drills need to be conducted at least once per year. The new regulations are at least two times in a year. It is recommended that we begin the update process with a passage of the revision on First Reading.
Marianne Schlabach moved to approve the amendment of Board Policy 711.7 School Bus Safety Instruction on First Reading to change from at least once per year to two times per year. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Future Problem Solvers Out of State Travel to Nationals
Superintendent Stone noted that 3 students have qualified for the international completion to be held from June 7-11, 2023 in Amherst Massachusetts at the University of Massachusetts. Board approval is required to travel out of state. Denise Busch, the Talented and Gifted Program Teacher, will accompany the students. The Board asked questions for understanding.
Jed Seward moved to approve the participants, not to exceed 4 students, in the International Future Problem Solvers Competition out of state travel to Amherst Massachusetts on June 7 to 11, 2023. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
Home School Assistant Program (HSAP) Compensation for 2023-2024
Superintendent Stone, School Business Official Swartzentruber and HSAP Administrator, Rachel Kerns shared the HSAP 2023-2024 Compensation Proposal. The total increase from 2022-2023 is 2.8%, or $20,959. While this is less than the 3.2% total package, it takes into consideration that the part-time teachers receive a similar wage raise to other staff in the District. Included in the proposal is a new Half-Time Teacher at $25,900. Due to the turnover in staff and change in hours for some existing teachers, the change is less than the new half time teacher.
Jed Seward moved to approve the Home School Assistance Program 2023-2024 wages and packages as presented. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Middle School Roof Replacement Projects
Superintendent Stone drew the Board’s attention to two proposals for roof repairs at the Middle School. Both proposals are made by DR and C, Inc. who has been working on the District’s roof for a number of years, this includes inspections for deficiencies. The first proposal is to replace the roof over the Middle School Choir room with a proposed amount of $22,453.00 and an Option 1 for $3,970.00 to increase the R value of the roof. The second proposal is to replace the roof over the Middle School Choir practice room, office and hallway with a proposed amount of $19,317.00 and an Option 1 for $1,780 to increase the R value of the Roof. As both proposals exceed $20,000, an approval by the Board to accept the proposals is required. The Board asked questions for understanding.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the DR and C, Inc. proposals, the first to replace the Middle School Roof over the Choir room with a proposed amount of $22,453.00 and an Option 1 for $3,970.00 for a total project cost of $26,423.00 and second proposal to replace the Middle School Roof over the Choir practice room, office and hallway with a proposed amount of $19,317.00 and an Option 1 for $1,780 for a total project cost of $21,097.00. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Possible Property Leases for Cell Towers on District Properties
Superintendent Stone, and School Business Official Swartzentruber updated the Board on initial discussions with Arcadia Towers about the possibility of locating 5G telephone towers on School District Property. 5G towers have a range of about 1.5 miles. Stone and Swartzentruber explored this inquiry that came on March 15th via email where the initial estimate of revenue was $2.7 million revenue dollars over a 30-year term. A conference call was initiated on March 29th between Stone, Swartzentruber and an Arcadia Towers representative. After the meeting, Arcadia sent a draft of the Master Marketing Agreement which if signed would provide them with authority to locate tower property options and begin to shop to Carrier companies. The marketing timeframe could be as much as 5 years from signing with five additional 1-year options to extend the marketing term for a total of $500 to the District. Additionally, upon Arcadia finding a Carrier company an initial five-year lease of each property would commence with 9 five-year lease extensions for a total of 50 years possible total lease term. During the term of the leases the District would be eligible to receive 25% of the monthly rent Arcadia would collect from the Carrier leases. Any towers erected would also be usable by the District and First Responders for communications.
There are a number of reasons the District might consider this proposal. The tightness of the properties within the towns of Wellman and Kalona is one concern. However, the length of the terms of the agreements is of greater concern for Stone and Swartzentruber. The Board discussed the situation and issues giving consideration to the items noted in the minutes, above.
Mary Allred moved not proceed with the Cell Tower Property Leases. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
As a result of the motion, no further action will be taken with Arcadia Towers.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
The May 8th meeting will include a closed session at the end of the meeting to evaluate Superintendent Stone. The evaluations by all Board Members are due to Board Secretary Swartzentruber on April 28, 2023 at 4 p.m. Swartzentruber will compile copies for all Board members and Superintendent Stone to review at the close session.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Evaluation of Superintendent Stone in closed session at the end of the meeting; Discussion of Summer Projects; Potential review and approval of the 2023-2024 School Fees.
Board Highlights
- Frederick appreciated the Board and Public conversations and interactions
- Chittick appreciated all she has heard about the “Day(s) of Awesomeness”
- Allred noted the 88 years of service for the 4 teachers recognized tonight
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.