BEA notes from 1-28-19 BCSD Board meeting

Here's a link to the meeting:
https://youtu.be/7slW9Az4rFc

Here are my notes from the meeting:

I. Call to Order – Welcome 7:00 p.m.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Adoption of Agenda

IV. Public Comments

The Board encourages citizens to attend its meetings. Citizens have this opportunity

to comment on issues and concerns (Policy 210.9 & 213)- none, the live stream started after this.

V. Consent Agenda

2. Minutes, Bills, Financial Reports, Human Resources Report, and Gifts- Courtney moved for approval. Robberts 2nded. Courtney draws attention to open enrollment out. Kendell- problem with open enrollment money is that ⅓ is property tax dollars of Burlington residents leaving Burlington. Courtney points out he’d like to bring those kids back to our district. Passed with Brueck abstaining.

VI. District Positive Accomplishments- 2019 Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Opioids in Rural Iowa Grant- Reynolds presented on behalf of Cassie Gerst. We are 1 of 6 districts- get 50,000 per year for 3 years. Provides 1 staff member and all training and staff. Including with pieces after school (club M). Mentors and volunteers. Grant was delayed with govt shutdown but should get soon.

Kendell- good news. Based out of BHS? Will continue to do after grant?

Reynolds- don’t have to.

VII. Student Representative Report- stayed home.

VIII. Superintendent’s Report- weather last week. Continuing this week. Non certified staff early retirements coming in. Head principals meeting- impressed with Butler’s schedule. Who is going to be teaching where next year? Cory has 99% done- senior teachers in each area- mentioned seniority. KCPS- most calls about weather. Wife and Coen attended senior night at BHS. end of 16 years of chasing kids around. Attended portion of grayhound way meeting- distributed hats and gloves to students. Working on parade of excellence on Friday- meetings at Central office. Attended MLK events- one at loft- Greater Burlington. Was able to take it all in. I have a dream speech given by a student.

Kendell- extra effort hats and coats - thanks for community donations.

Coen- items were on buses so drivers could distribute. Schools also have them.

Vickstrom- how we’re dealing with kids that don’t ride the bus. Keep them in our thoughts.

Coen- yep.

Courtney- lots getting rides.

IX. Items for Discussion

3. Teacher Leadership Realignment- Johnson- committee met jan 11- review and revise framework- changes bringing leadership in line with right sizing- and with amount per pupil.

Revised job descriptions- savings around 250k.

Robberts- original grant was a long drawn out process. Had to renew in last year or two. Do these positions fall into this?

Johnson- yes, plan has to be submitted for state approval. Changes are similar to what other districts have.

Robberts- won’t lose other dollars.

Reynolds- when TLC started it was a grant. We were one of the few that got it at first. It is now rolled in to the funding formula- open enrollment affects this as well.

Vickstrom- who picks up tech coaches?

Johnson- each building will have an instructional coach- generalist and be able to handle tech. Also a position for stem specialist- this person can help district wide.

Vickstrom- what’s happening with Carper?

Johnson- we have really strong coaches. All coaches have to reapply for new positions. Most of them are probable reapplying.

Kendell- losing elem tech coaches- 100s of thousands to go 1 to 1. Don’t think we fully utilize that- this concerns him.

Johnson- elem tech coaches were only there 1 day a month. General agreement on committee and staff that supports needed but weren’t really meeting the needs.

Kendell- hopes that works out.

Robberts moves for approval, Brueck 2nded. Passed unanimously, with Vickstrom abstained.

4. Bid letting for BHS Softball Field- Reynolds and Kesterke. Age of system- want to replace lights. Poles are 35 years old or older. Poles bow. 4 poles with a bunch of LED lights. Bidding out for new concrete base and metal poles and lights installed- and demo. BCSD will do the electrical portion.

Kendell- reducing electricity not quite half?

Kesterke- hoping to get a rebate from alliant. Lights have 25 year warranty. Can be remotely turned on. Good system with great warranty.

Kendell- was a problem at first at Bracewell?

Kesterke- Musco has stayed on top of it.

Courtney- what kind?

Concrete base with metal poles.

Courtney- from Musco?

Kesterke- has to go out for bids. Comes out of PPEL funds.

Coen- did the poles fail inspection?

Kesterke- no, poor lighting quality and poles bowing.

Kendell- LEDs are great. Timeline?

Kesterke- done for softball season. Pretty sure lights are around 40 years old.

Robberts approves bid letting, 2nd from Courtney- passed unanimously.

X. Board Communications

The members will have the opportunity to share items and events.

Courtney- nope

Vickstrom- none

Brueck- thanks to Gerst for getting grant.

Robberts- thanks to Gerst, bus drivers, maintenance workers- cold jobs to take care of students and facilities.

Kendell- thanks to Coen and Mehaffy for checking the roads. Never 2nd guesses superintendent decision.

Courtney- no win situation.

Kendell- don’t send students if you don’t think it’s safe.

Coen- parents- go over winter driving skills with students. Drive like roads are slick. Bus mechanics- didn’t have one bus gel up or airline freeze up- they did a great job challenging environment.

Motion to adjourn at 727.

XI. Adjournment

BEA notes from 1-14-19 BCSD Board Meeting

BCSD Board of Directors Meeting January 14, 2019

I. Call to Order - Welcome. 7:25 PM Robberts, Brueck absent.  Courtney on phone.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Adoption of Agenda

Motion to adopt - Hatteberg, Kendell seconded.  Passed

IV. Public Comments

Dave Ziller spoke about early retirement for non certified employees.  He mentioned that a board member said that they don’t offer a cost savings with this.  He then explained why they would be a cost savings if allowed to retire early particularly in the maintenance department.

Fred Starling spoke about concern about a statement made from a teacher towards student about shooting.  He questioned what progress had been made about the teacher. As a pastor he has been asked about it. Others with children there have concerns about it.  He didn’t quite understand about why the teacher added the standing the ground law statement. He wondered whether the statement came from the teacher or from the newspaper.  He gave an example about himself He was parked over on Madison near a housing complex. He was on a cell phone so he pulled over. Two police came to see what he was doing.  He doesn’t know who called and he doesn’t know why they felt the need to call about him. He then explained how someone who follows the stand my ground law might view him as a threat.  He is very concerned and wanted to know why the stand the ground law was added to this issue.

Victoria (?) had a concern about children in school.  She wanted to know why they aren’t being taught to write in cursive and to read in cursive.  She feels it will limit them in the future.

V. Consent Agenda

Minutes, Bills, Human Resources Report, and Gifts

Motion to accept Kendell and second by Hatteberg seconded.  Kendell noticed there was $10,000 for Amazon. He advocates using local sources.  Bross asked to pull head varsity girls tennis coach for consideration. The applicant withdrew the application.  Passed.

VI. District Positive Accomplishments - PAW Backpack Program

Bryan Johnson presented the Paw Backpack Program with Craig Fenton from Transitions DMC.  It started by Craig contacting him about moving this to the District because the District can food from the Iowa Food Bank.  JMEC cafeteria has become a food bank. There is a food bag program and a pantry. Most comes from the Iowa Food Bank. He explained how the process works to get food.  There have been food drives to support the program. There have been some monetary donations from organizations. The backpack program goes directly to students. They started in November.  This week they will send food bags to about 290 kids. Students get on the list by school referral. There is a core group of volunteers that come every other Sunday to pack the bags. The Eagles Club is a big supporter of the program.  This year they gathered and wrapped gifts for all kids in the program. About 300 packages were delivered for Christmas. The food program is similar to other pantries. They aren’t trying to compete with other pantries so they picked days and hours when other pantries aren’t open.  They helped about 120 families. They average about 18-20 families when open at night. Both programs require some paperwork to participate in the programs. Bross asked if it was new. The food bag program has been around for three years. All the donations are going through the school district and not through DMC Transitions.  They don’t keep student information and can’t identify the students. The school doesn’t have to pay for anything while when this was done at St. Vincent de Paul, it cost $5000/month. (I don’t know why). Craig Fenton thanked them for letting them into the schools. Vickstrom asked if they were going to move? Johnson said yes and it wouldn’t be as good as the setup at JMEC.  Bross asked if they any stories from the people who benefit from it. Johnson gave an example. Fenton talked about the generous guidelines for this. Bross suggested student clubs might want to volunteer. Fenton gave kudos to the Leo Club for their participation over three years.

VII. Student Representative Report

Kaely Lawler talked about Leo Club having 10 members meeting a goal.  They were awarded something. On January 26 Dream Catcher is doing pancake thing for Hospice House.  She mentioned the boys basketball team. Through Angel Tree clubs adopted 20 homeless students and provided gifts.

VIII. Superintendent’s Report

Happy New Year.  Right sizing has had a great deal of work.  Cory collected data. He mentioned the survey of teachers.  In his report he talked about the survey speaking for itself.  He then had it projected. It was limited to the people that are actually moving.  It doesn’t include someone's’ opinion that is not moving. Most teachers want to follow their job.  Over 90 % of Corse teachers wanted this. Fifth and 6th grade teachers said 68.2% wanted this. The 7th and 8th 85% said follow their jobs.  Friday morning admin met before normal business hours at Wake and Bake on how they are going to use Hound Town Day to help move these teachers via high school students.  Lacy Johnson is making a right sizing document to get information. Holiday greeting cards were sent to students that are moving. Lacy is gone this week getting training. He attached a short article from the New York Times about question (?).  Something about the “why” questions. I’m not sure where he going with this or what it has to do with this.

Coen did receive email from a teacher  wanting to apply for early retirement but isn’t 55 until November.  However, the money would have to come out of general funds. For this reason she had to be denied.  Attended to normal student, parent, faculty issues. Attended a noon Kiwanis meeting. Wrote a scholarship recommendation.  Did something else. He and Kesterke communicated about the snow removal and got it cleaned up.

IX. Items for Discussion

4. Early Retirement Applications

Greg Reynold presented.  Nine were submitted. Total cost $270,000 over two years.  Hatteberg moved to accept. Second by Tom Courtney. Kendell was disappointed with only nine.  Courtney said something but I couldn’t understand. Coen then talked about the incredible cost of health insurance.   He said we need to do something with health insurance costs. Kendell, Bross, Courtney agreed. Vickstrom said many were concerned with IPERS.  Courtney agreed. Passed.

5. Support Staff Early Retirement

Greg said they looked at this.  This would include anyone who works 30 hours per week and ten years, 55.  There would be 51 staff members that would meet this. This would include two administrators.   He referenced two different plans we used in the past. It’s based on sick leave left. The board had examples of what an average would be and it would be paid out over two years.  The total cost would be $389,000 if all took it. This would come out of the management fund. Vickstrom asked how many would be replaced. Administrators always get replaced at higher prices according to Vicktrom. Kendell asked if  administrator contracts get something. They get a 401b. No one else gets this. According to Kendell the administrators already have a retirement plan funded by the district. Hatteberg asked how much was allocated for the teacher early retirement.  Greg said how much was still left. Courtney then interjected that this was done to save money and asked if it does work. Greg said on general it works with certified staff it works. Courtney wanted to make sure it saves money. Greg said the savings depends on the type of employee.  Courtney motioned that the board offer something to support staff. Bross asked for more definition. $25 year of service and $50 sick day. Vickstrom seconded. Kendell asked if included all categories and Courtney said yes. Hatteberg didn’t think they would save giving anything to administrators.  Kendell asked Greg if administrators were included the last time and they weren’t. Bross said we would be paying associates about ⅓ of what they currently work for. Greg said food service payment would be $9000. Bross appreciates the service of all but early retirement is not a golden parachute and something to line nest with.  If it doesn’t save the District, it isn’t good policy. Hatteberg referenced the changes of right sizing and this would be the year to offer these because of this. Then she talked about the transportation/maintenance people. She said maybe maintenance could save money Kendell said he was uncomfortable start debating on who was more or less deserving.  Hatteberg said she wasn’t saying who was deserving but what the cost saving was. Kendell didn’t want administrators in this. Kendell asked if there was a cap set for certified staff. He suggested the set a cap on non certified staff like 20-25. Bross asked if Kendell wants to amend the motion. Hatteberg then suggested changing it to 15 years instead of 10 years with the district.  Greg then checked his spreadsheet. Then there would only be 41 eligible. Kendell amended to exclude administrators and take 25. Vickstrom seconded. Based on seniority. Amendment passed. Kendell asked for savings for this from Greg. It was $233,000. Between certified and non it would be $500,000+. Bross voted against. Motion passed.

6. Transportation Bus Bids

Allen Mehaffy presented bus bids on two new busses to replace a  2001 and 2003 busses. There were three companies and he said to take the low bid.  Hatteberg motioned to accept and someone seconded. Kendell asked about problems with diesel engines.  Vickstrom as if we have good diesel mechanics and Mehaffy said yes. Motion carried.

7. Certified Staff Handbook Job Classification Change for July 1, 2019

Cory Johnson presented a proposal to change classification of teachers due to building realignments.  This was approved by LMC at December meeting. Kendell moved, Hatteberg seconded. Hatteberg asked about special teachers.  Will they be elementary K-6? Etc. Johnson said it depended on the building they went to. Ed Stone and high school are in the high school classification and the specials at these buildings will be this classification.  Passed.

8. Facilities Committee

Something about temporary committees can be board appointed.  Mr. Kendell is the only on this so far. Coen then added Keane and Kesterke.  Bross asked for board members (no more than 2) to join. Coen asked for Hatteberg because the push for the auditorium.  Hatteberg agreed to do it. Kendell nominated someone (couldn’t hear who it was). Hatteberg seconded. Passed.

9. Closed Session - Expulsion Recommendation JM011419 - done before meeting

X. Board Communications

Courtney is in Arizona and happy to be there.  Nice and warm.

Vickstrom nothing

Hatteberg said we have been getting quite a few emails and encourage people to continue to do so.

Kendell was going to congratulate music booster and Mrs. Cook starting the auditorium fund.  Thanks to MR. Kesterke and crew for clearing snow

Bross appreciates public comments and values public input and emails. Sometimes they can respond and sometimes they can’t.  He attended a Grimes. PTO meeting where Corse parents attended. Purple Aires caroled at WalMart. Vickstrom then said we need to do academic stuff such as the science department.  Bross said we value all employees - students first, staff always. We can’t do anything without them. Encourage teachers and all to continue on. Thank you all.

10. Superintendent Evaluations - Closed Session 8:42

XI. Adjournment

BCSD Board meeting 12-17-18

Here's a link to the video of the board meeting from last night:

https://youtu.be/x6hT_KD4sRM

BEA Notes 10-22-18 BCSD Board Meeting

School Board Minutes 10/22/18




Call to Order- Welcome


Bross started


Pledge of Allegiance


Adoption of Agenda -


Robberts - Hatteberg


Public comments


Melissa Carlson - Employee, teacher, mom of a three kids. Research does not support the resizing plan on reconfiguring middle school and elementary - 5-6 config is a failure, middle school benefit kids 11-14 year, brains are growing quickly and need to be in the best environment - list behaviors and changes that these students face. The middle school years are pivotal for kids since it is a great predictor of their future. We are your last defense and your plan will tear us apart. We are setting up kids for failure with the new plan. It will not be successful, we need adolescence in our minds as we teach. Research shows that the best support for middle school is to keep the current system. We need not reshuffle them. Students should come first over money. Middle school gives fresh start and is configured in a way that best support them. The two grade levels does not help this. With the break up then students will feel more disconnected and after two years there will be a new change. Adolescence spends more time on electronics and when we shuffle them we reduce the time we can develop relationships. Superintendents come and go and we will stay. Please be a voice for these kids. If this goes through and we will consider sending our kids somewhere else. This came up years ago and the public said no.


Annika McVey - Passed out a survey - I decided to do a survey. The district did not do a survey to support the proposal. Why are kids leaving the district? Have not seen this asked. 28% of 70 some parents said they would homeschool if Burlington was the only option. Discipline is the biggest issue - 60% said this was the biggest issue. Kids are kicked out, sent to office and not dealt with - and is then sent back to the classroom to still be a distraction. Not every child is going to be perfect, but I want them to succeed. We don’t have detentions. We need to be able to put discipline back in the schools. We need to find the root of the problem and not put a bandaid on the problem that keeps oozing and needs to be replaced. We all can fix it, it starts with parents, and then is the schools and the district needs to support it.


Consent Agenda - Minutes, Bills, Human Resources Report,Travel and Gifts


Brueck - large numbers - second with Robberts - passed


District Positive Accomplishments -BHS Student Football


Shay - Thank you Coen and School board by letting us come and speak - Taven Harris is in the paper a lot, but it is a team effort - Players came up and listed name, position and grade. -8 of them. Shay - two coaches here too. Taven accomplished so much - Taven shattered 1897 yards rushing - 2nd in the state by 13 yards this year. Tony Baker in 1962 held the record to 56 years - Taven passed his record in the seventh game - 289 rushing attempts - Taven has a GPA 3.6+ and 39th in his class. Listed some more stats, number 1 all time leader in Burlington history. It has been an honor to coach him in the past four years. Taven - I went into every game not just to make my family proud, but I wanted to carry the community and make them proud. Bross - you all worked hard and made them proud. Robberts - The younger kids know your names and look to you all a lot. Kids would mention how Mr. Newman went out there and made a tackle. Taven and these guys you set the tone. Thank you.


Student Representative Report - Kaely Lawler


(kinda quiet) Already heard a lot about the game. The girls swim team won in Fairfield. Saturday - Josh’s eyes, and Sunnybrook. Friday Course Trunk or Treat. Nov. something - some kind of presentation in Cedar Rapids.


Superintendent's Report


Positive - Tomorrow - Red Ribbon week. Great collaborative work with the right sizing. Talking with transportation with buses. Talked with Keane and Butler about something. Got positive feedback about Steffensmeier and then and some about how he is not the most dynamic speaker. Poverty training was good - Cory and Jeremy got trained with the something sequence to manage items in district. Talked about a communication course with Mr. Keane as a possibility. On the radio and only got one call. Greater Burlington Partnership - some kind of pipeline . 10th street house Nov. 12th hearing - sell the house. This was a failure and I claim responsibility. Talked with Courtney and someone else to selling property and subdividing Mr. Taylor and Mr. Johnson meeting with CASA? List with principles. Attended parent teacher conferences and parents sure wanted to talk about math. Attended Thursday NCP meeting about bus drivers. Talked with parents. Delivered outstanding artwork to the bus barn - tell the busdriver thank you - appreciation week. Jet Bus - artwork was pretty cool. And shared policy about obsolete equipment and how to get rid of them and please review them and update.


Items for Discussion


Update of Certified Enrollment Numbers (Information Only)


Greg - schools are funded by the number of student enrolled - lost 122.8 students - include open enrolled $827,000 loss down 155 students , but dual enrolled adds 32.2. Elementary down 100 student, middle school up 2 and high school is down 57. We are down in preschool as well but that does not affect our overall budget like K-12. Robberts - there are 90 students moved out of our district. Bross - some of that is that the kids were not not born smaller. Hatteberg - The projectsions? Greg - it was originally 70 ish then 90 student by we are up to 155 lost - more than expected.


Title I Application (Information Only)


Greg - Tag team to with CASA? funds - all the programs are federally funded. What paper we gave you was just an overview and have and summary. Taylor and Johnson will give you more information. Taylor - there is flexibility with the funds - Title I all elementary and can use that money to support the day - summer school programs were supported by - 17.2 staff members from this, supports afterschool programs, parent and family support, supplies, softwares, transportation - summer school, services to Notre Dame, 9th largest allocation in the state, we have a good pool of money to support students and staff. Johnson - Title 2 supports instruction - Class size reduction 2.5 elementary teachers, helps to maintain teacher student ratio. Title 4 - well rounded ed program and a needs program, school culture and safety issues - tier 1 PBIS programs and implement these programs and electronic programs to reduce kids falling in the cracks, and technology - flexible learning spaces in the elementary. Title 5 - areas of reading and mathematics - secondary level and have software online and support teachers in the middles and high school. There is an equitable share that goes to support Notre Dame. Brueck - can we use them in counseling support - Bross - Homeless support - Johnson - Gerst is helping to support this. Helps us to give transportation for homeless students, staff time support to help. Bross - does this money cover it or put a dent in it? Taylor - The biggest fund here is used for transportation, and now we can talk with admin to better support these students and find them or get students referrals. Johnson - this is a student by student basis - Taylor, most homeless are doubled up in homes and we try to get them to go to their school of origin because studies support leaving them there.


Board Policies 400’s (First Reading)


Coen - Tabor could not be here. Hatteberg - Robberts - Hatteberg - there are a few typos or words I don’t know. = pg 3 of 19 - emergency - no exigency is a word, 9 of 19 takinge to taking no - it is crossed out it is good.


Board Communications


Hatteberg - A little more information on the bus hub is going to work. I would like to have more information - Coen - It is in the BLDD. Bross - there was an email, with an overview. Hatteberg - Handbook committee at the high school? I wonder if there is an update on it - Coen - I can’t comment on that now, but Cory went to Iowa City and here in December there will be a 2 week time period where he can meet with students and staff. We need to know who is on the committee and Cory will get it on. Hatteberg - I am just trying to get this figured out so we are not doing it last minute. Brueck - I have talked with Keane and he has people on his list. Once more thing, I asked the question - Staff is unsettled - How are we going to work out where the students go - I hope we follow the hand book, Seniority? The more details, the more information the better. Coen, I can't tell you until we decide. I can act and plan when you decide. There would be no reason to deviate from the handbook. Hatteberg - grade alike is going to make people are upset. The sooner the better. Positive - BHS waiting for an appointment and I want to thank the staff for the positive welcoming environment.


Vickstrom - I like to complement the football team on their effort. They worked hard even though they knew they were going to get hammered. The gave good effort. Thank you for all to bring us logical information. Hopefully people come and give us suggestions and tell us why. I didn’t have to deal with the same age group as teachers do now - and I need the logical information from you all.


Brueck - We do actually survey people in the public. Congratulate the orchestra - Sam made it to all state.


Kendall - Gone


Courtney - Gone


Bross - Reviewed the dates and times for the meeting at BHS on Wednesday, Saturday, and Monday (at Ed Stone). We have an Alumni - Brian Metzer - got an award and is a professor - another fine example of our alumni - Vickstrom - we have a nationally recognized student with welding. I want to thank the football team and sharing tonight. We need all the input we can get from the public.


Robberts - Football team - congratulations. I would like to ask the Hawkeye to print the specific dates and times of the meetings. Thank you for you coming and sharing your views - and we cannot give response, but I encourage you to contact your board members (talking towards Melissa). This week are PT at grade school. Wednesday - are we sending our a staff survey? Bross - not until staff can hear the presentation - Robberts - Suggestion is to get the survey or feedback from staff sooner rather than later. Please contact board members.


Adjournment - pass 8:08 - closed

BEA notes from 10-8-18 BCSD Board Meeting

I. Call to Order – Welcome 7:00 p.m.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Adoption of Agenda- moved by Robberts, 2nded by Hatteberg- passed unanimously

IV. Public Comments

The Board encourages citizens to attend its meetings. Citizens have this opportunity

to comment on issues and concerns (Policy 210.9 & 213)- None.




V. Consent Agenda

2. Minutes, Bills, Human Resources Report, and Gifts- Moved for approval by Courtney, 2nded by Robberts. Gifts are amazing. Bross- Hetta Gilbert gift- over $10. They have given 304k since 1990.

Passed unanimously with Brueck abstain.




VI. District Positive Accomplishments- Grimes-“The Grayhound Way”- Joe Rector and Chrissie Stevens (sorry if I’m spelling wrong)

PTO- perfect attendance emphasized, being on time. Gave out 5 bicycles at end of year for perfect attendance.

7 grayhound tickets per day for kids doing the right thing. Classroom and building drawings. PBIS wall of fame. Kids pics put up on wall to be recognized. Wall of Blue handprints- students and staff traced hands- respecting each other and being friends to each other. Miss Burlington comes to Grimes and talks about the Grayhound Way. Kids come and give back to the Grimes Program. Be Hard Working- PBIS- kids recognized for doing quality work- displaying all over the building. Monthly classroom attendance challenge- they are competing with each other for fewer absences and tardies- earn an award for a whole classroom.

Courtney- anti bullying working? Rector- yes, absolutely. Every claim is addressed. It’s made a big difference. Older kids pass it to younger kids. Student representative- its such a nice school- it’s grown since she’s been there.

Bross- your PTO is a power house. Rector- great that board members attend the PTO meetings.




VII. Student Representative Report

Lawlor- soph- Friday Taven Harris broke yardage record. 2-5 football record. Fresh and JV team 3-3. Dreamcatchers just completed 20th wish with hospice- spa day for family of hospice member. Blood drive coming up, and canned food drive. HOPE club for students that feel alone- get to meet people- mental health counselor involved with that, Lori Bray (sp, if so I’m sorry)




VIII. Superintendent’s Report- Coen- Oct 1 count day- down 154 students- 6 classrooms 25 students- haven’t signed a lot of open enrollment forms. SE IOWA regional development report- most homes being built out in the country on a couple acres. Good things going on at Ed Stone. Cassie Gerst and Coen in talks with someone about locating office in admin building for some early childhood worker. Little bit of action with LMC and BEA- scheduling issues- if 8% of kids schedules didn’t work- then 92% did. It’s like a game of Jenga.

Classroom management- ISEA Academy- work through different PD courses from schools- Cory checking on that. Muscatine- calling us asking us what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. They’re looking at us for how we are getting students more credits. Trimesters working. Freshman initiatives. Bump in grad rate.

Michelle Randall from scc- 97 students taking college classes. Reduce student debt for alumni. Won’t feel full force of trimesters for 2 more years.

Supt meeting- ESSA.

School attorney- we don’t have to post our meeting with public- time to deliberate with board is not at public meetings. Board members can’t deliberate amongst themselves- they have to listen to the public and not share how they feel. Courtney- if the public asks you something, do we not answer? Coen- the public is supposed to share how they feel, not have the public see how the board feels. Coen- that’s shaky legal ground.

Hatteberg- You can speak to them privately.

Coen- Board members must speak with constituents- representatives have to talk to their people, but don’t do it while there are 5 of them together.

Robberts- we aren’t running these meetings- BLDD is running them. Coen wrapping up.

Bross- please explain that to us.

Coen- conferences at hs. HS is jovial. Friday night’s football game- what a heartbreaker. Oktoberfest- spoke to people about community- very positive- young people saying they helped set it up- took pride in the event. Map of James Madison area for reference.




IX. Items for Discussion

3. Red Ribbon Proclamation- student Red Ribbon proclamation. Don’t do drugs. Red Ribbon week sometime- he didn’t say a date. Oct 23-31. Moved by hatteberg and 2nded by Brueck. Passed unanimously.




4. Naviance Agreement- Cory Johnson- all students have to adopt a 5 year plan- BCSD has used for 2 or 3 years. Valuable use of time and resources. 2 year contract- reduces costs slightly. Dont want to lock in too long in case requirements change. Recommended approval.

Moved by Robberts, 2nd by Hatteberg.

Bross- savings over 1 year? Around 2000.

Vickstrom- how successful? Johnson- want to include more classroom lessons and materials- counselors will use. Teachers will use more during houndtime. Asks student rep. 5 year plan talk. HS is excited to enact the curriculum.

Johnson- gives an interest inventory at 8th grade- points them toward career paths- helps them plan out what electives they will want to take.

Brueck- what fund does it come out of- Reynolds- before and after school funds- some reimursement from Perkins regional funds- around 3k a year reimbursed.

Bross asks student reps- she says they don’t really focus on it at all- teachers don’t really acknowledge it at all. Bross- it could use some more pushing.

Student says it’s not really forced on them. They don’t know what it’s for. Courtney- if we’re not using it we shouldn’t do it. Johnson- it’s for Hound Time. Ruehs isn’t here to talk about it. Johnson- will use more efficiently in Hound time this year. Will be used more effectively this year- will be more beneficial as it goes on. Coen- it’s people legislating what we have to do- we’re being legislated to tell 14 year olds what they want to do. This is a pathway you can develop a plan. Cognitive mental map on how to get somewhere. It can’t be about teaching the kid what they want to be when they’re 14.

Courtney- 16k a year and kids don’t know what it is.

Robberts- her son used it in 8th grade. She seemed to like it. She thinks it’s a helpful program. Good tool to start. Hopes HS begins to use it more.

Bross- that’s the point. Junior Achievement in 8th grade. Self Knowledge. Helps them plan ahead. Fact that we’re legislated to do it and it’s a good program- key area is 8th and 10th- that’s Bross’s assessment. (based on his observations)

Student rep has changed her mind. HS hasn’t used it really.

Coen- may help at hs because trimesters can save 2 years of college debt. Coen will find out for Courtney how many kids are using it. Hatteberg- do teachers have enough PD on it? Johnson- no, probably not on Naviance. All 8th graders use it. Finding most efficient way for students to revise plans in hs. Ruehs and counselors have a plan to improve it.




Passed unanimously.




5. SBRC Allowable Growth Request-LEP- annual application for additional spending authority. Tries to get spending authority for students we are serving ELL. various languages. Moved by Courtney, 2nded by Brueck. Passed unanimously.




6. BLDD Community Engagement Planning Process- Bross abstaining- passed Robberts- BLDD- thanks for giving opportunity to present.

Facilities planning approach- 2 phases- group worked to understand range of options- cost benefit analysis- 3 scenarios

Qualitative analysis- what does the community prefer for the future




Obtaining feedback- process determines the value of the feedback- good process- broader segment of community- encourages participation

Want to hear past the noise

Town hall- requires public speaking- creates platform for persuasive speeches- misrepresent the will of the community




Staff Input first!

Wed 10/24

Options Forum

Open House format-

3 stations- plus a welcome station

Station 1- introductions and orientations

Station 2- looking at optinos

Station 3- what do i feel is important

Multiple dates and times- 10/24, 10/27, 10/29

Run analysis

Incorporate results into plan

Welcome station- big area- (used Charles City for example)

Get a refreshment- hang up coat- grab a handout that explains choices- they can record their own thoughts




Station 1- presenter- school board member, administrator, or planner

Goal of the evening

Planning is about looking at the issues- making smart decisions

Preserve the district’s highest priorities

Students opportunity for the future

Instructions for rest of meeting- send them to station 2

Robberts- is this a consistent time schedule for this station? BLDD- yes- 10-12 min frequency

Will try to start early so people aren’t waiting




Station 2- competing scenarios- BLDD or Greg would be presenting

Background- inspection of building conditions and brainstorming

Enrollment projections and ability to oprerate

4 pk-4 5-6 7-8 9-12

more grade alike i think (((2 pk1, 2- 2-4, 1- 5-6, 1- 7-8, 9-12))

4 pk-4 2 (5-8), 9-12




Station 2- simply trying to answer questions




Station 3- interviewers should be board members and administrators, could be SIAC

3 ways to gather feedback

Survey

Electronically using computers

What would you recommend we do- channel inner reporter- just listen

Paper and pencil copies of the survey

Participant names to be recorded

Thank the participants for their time




Analysis- identify long term priorities- creating 21st century learning environments- focus folks on long term- want to analyze surveys for community preferences




?s

Robberts- what options do we have for staff feedback- are we sending them a survey? Staff is a big part of the decision-

BLDD- we haven’t nailed that down- we might want to send them the presentation of station 1 and 2- use online survey- can be there in person- to answer questions

They haven’t put together final format

Brueck- couldn’t they do the same thing public does?

Robberts- wants to give staff more time since they might not be able to make that meeting

Wants staff to have a Large voice in what they feel will work or wont work

BLDD- pays to have a staff only meeting- if community feels staff wasn’t involved- hurts them

Specific buildings will be represented

Coen- we won’t have to spend this million dollars- we can talk about raises and insurance

Staff benefits from being financially secure

BLDD- talk is more secure

As you move from 5-4 how does that happen? That’s going to be the number 1 question

Financial discussion- helps us retain the best and brightest staff and best environment for students




Robberts- staff could really see benefits of grade alike buildings

BLDD- he likes that idea

Hatteberg- will there be mapping for 5-8 at middle schools- to show which school students will attend

BLDD- staff will really want to know that

Vickstrom- once we select an option- could we be painting ourselves into a corner

BLDD- we want to get community feedback- arms you with a compelling reason to make a decision

Vickstrom- do we have flexibility once we’ve made a decision

BLDD- you may not agree- it doesn’t take the decision out of it’s hand

Coen- board in the future may undo this




Robberts- is there a general consensus on Monday morning or Tuesday morning meeting

No preference- 29th better for Courtney

BLDD has no preference

BLDD wants the most number of people that can attend to be able to survey folks

Robberts can’t attend Oct 24

Hatteberg leaving 25-Nov 11- she can do the staff one

Brueck can do them all

Vickstrom might be hunting

Bross gone the 27th

Darven available for majority of them (he’s absent tonight)

Should have at least 4-5 board members at each

9-11 am on the 29th

Will work together on location

Is there a movement?

Staff orientation? (hatteberg)

Mapping and Cleo analysis of 3rd scenario

Robberts- when? BLDD- Friday before 24th- is that enough time? 19th?- the board meeting on the 22nd.




Board gets info 19th- 22nd board meeting- staff meeting 24th at 4-6

Public

27th at noon

29th at 9 am

Robberts- is there a motion? Hatteberg and Vickstrom

Passed unanimously with Bross abstaining




7. 400 Partial Series of Board Policies 2nd Reading- Tabor absent- moved by Hatteberg- 2nded by ?- passed unanimously




X. Board Communications

The members will have the opportunity to share items and events.-

Hatteberg- don’t have much. Thank Hetta Gilbert Group.

Courtney- nothing- soph volleyball game won

Vickstrom- encourage people to come to the meetings for the public

Brueck- nothing

Robberts- thank North Hill PTO for allowing her to come to meeting- they’re very organized- they have a lot going on.

Thank LEOs for helping with Oktoberfest. All their help.

Congratulations to Mr. Harris for breaking school record.

Bross- thanks student rep. Eagle Scout project painted map at North Hill- 246 hours planning and preparing that painting. Encourages people to come to the meetings and give them feedback- want people to feel heard.



XI. Adjournment