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.