BEA notes 3-11-19 BCSD Board Meeting

BCSD Board of Directors Meeting March, 2019

Attending:  Dean Vickstrom, Marlis Robberts, Darven Kendell, Deb Hatteberg, Heather Brueck

Absent:  Courtney

Late:  Bross

I. Call to Order - 7:01

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Adoption of Agenda  - Robberts moved, Hatteberg seconded.  Passed.

IV. Public Comments - None

V. Consent Agenda  - Robberts moved, Brueck second.  Passed.

VI. District Positive Accomplishments -  None.  Mr. Craddock was sick.

VII. Student Representative Report   - none.

VIII. Superintendent’s Report - He will be in training Tues, Wednesday. Cabinet meeting happened.  Weather was a slight problem at the beginning of the week. He sent a document about hound time days and digital learning.  Attended GPAEA superintendent meeting. Dedicated to concerns about Waukee community school district where misappropriation of public property occured. We must be always be prepared to explain expenditures.  Good enough is good enough. Lavish is not ok. Must be oversight on expenditures. Reynolds does a good job of doing this. He talked about whistleblower protection. It can’t be handled in a negative way. Admin must follow policy.  This is in response to something that happened in another district. Talked to head of GPAEA about right sizing. GPAEA has lost 1000 students and will shrink and lay off people. It’s not just Burlington. 80% districts in Iowa have declining enrollment. Attended a meeting a GRMC concerning medical services.  There may be telemedical services in our schools. Attended to normal flow of issues. He spent a lot of time out in the buildings. Angie Butler is doing a great job attending to matters. Friday, he attended Joseph’s college visit . Attached to the report was a article from new ISEA president. It was about mental health and schools.  He said that our district is way ahead of this with our after school programs and other stuff. He thanked people for their work. There was a document that was sent to legislature to encouraging them to not support vouchers in Iowa. He believes it would cause segregation. He asked Wingate about information about a study (not sure what he was talking about).  

IX. Items for Discussion

Poggemiller production service contract for sound/lighting for graduation presented by Reynolds.

Hatteberg moved, Robberts seconded.  Approved.

Reynolds presented budget guarantee resolution.  It is for district’s with declining enrollment like ours.  It’s a one year funding. It’s less than we have gotten before.  Brueck moved, Robberts seconded. Roll call vote and all voted yes.

The audit review was presented by Reynolds.  He gave the highlights of the report.

This was the first year that GASBE(?) had to be 75. ( No idea what this is.)  He talked about IPERS liability. We have 70+ retirees on our insurance. We have a lot of employee benefits that must be funded.  The audit for 2018 was the best that we can get. $59, 942,692 revenue for 2018. This was a .88% decrease from the previous year.  The general fund increased by 1.3 million. Some of this will be pulled out because of SPED. Capital projects balance increased from 820,040 to 5,826,826.   We are projected to lose enrollment which will negatively impact our revenues. State supplemental aid was set at 1.0% for FY19. Solvency ratio 23.5% increased from 19.7% but we will have to return about $1 million.  Continued revenue projections negative. Brueck asked if there a recommended solvency ratio. Reynolds 10%. Total revenues $50,429,441 for 2018. Total expenses $49,245,583 for 2018. Salaries are trending down, benefits somewhat trending down.  Student activity fund declined others increased. School nutrition fund is down. It was recommended to continue to review board policies as we have been doing. Kendell asked to look at general fund expenses. He pointed out that the drop in benefits was “negligible”  and that Chapter 20 didn’t really impact it. He was saying that the admin worked to protect benefits and they haven’t gone after it but they could in the future if necessary. Robberts said that the auditors speak very highly of Reynolds work. Our district is lucky to have Reynolds.  Brueck asked about the decline in the student activity fund. Reynolds said that most of it is sports related, gates receipts and fundraising. There was a decline in a music trip that impacted it. Coen then talked about not being able to bargain insurance. Becker Insurance Services will meet with BEA and ISEA to keep transparency.   Robberts moved, Hatteberg seconded. Passed.

The Iowa Children's Museum Ladders Americorps Program Agreement was presented by Reynolds.  This will provide two members to assist with summer school and freshman bootcamp. There is a slight cost.   Each staff works 300 hours. There is a cost of $1481 for each person. Should be able to reduce staff (teacher) requirements.  Coen said Cassie has brought in about $1 million to BCSD. Vickstrom talked about how restrictive the agreement was. Brueck moved, Hatteberg seconded.  Hatteberg asked if this was an enhancement and they agreed. Who will be in charge? Administrators will be in charge. Bross joined meeting at 7:38.

Branding information was presented by David Ruehs.  He saw a presentation of it. It was about controlling our message.  He showed business icons that people recognize. Quoted a book about branding.  Okoboji went through the process. Okoboji developed a mastermark and then derived icons from it.  Gave another example, Charles City. Apparel is trademarked. The final example, West Des Moines Valley.  They created subicons for all the buildings. Then he showed how many different icons we have for our district.  Waukee and Okoboji got in trouble for using other people’s brands. Our speed hound looks like University of Indianapolis.  Since we are in the middle of changing everything, maybe we should rebrand. He suggested hiring an outside entity to do this and presented pros/cons.  He also suggested using an inhouse committee. Presented pros/cons. He had more cons for this proposal. The third option was to do nothing. Robberts asked what fund would this come out .  Ruehs said it come out of the activity fund or maybe Purple and Gray might do it. Reynolds said it would probably be a general fund expenditure. We would replace old icons with new as they needed to be.  Vickstrom asked why you couldn’t start with community involvement first. Vickstrom suggested a prize for it. Kendell said it was exciting and interesting idea but a little concerned that it will hinder access to our logo and materials here locally.  The discount stores have clothing with logos. He would want that to still be accessible. He likes the idea of the uniform message but not hung up on making money about. Bross then explained what a mastermark gives us. Hatteberg is concerned about taking this out of the general fund.  She wants teachers in the classroom. She suggested get some outside groups to fund this. She wants an estimate of the cost of this. Coen said you can’t encumber a future board. Coen didn’t think the expenditure is very big. Bross said a couple of thousand is ok for this. Robberts said the marketing thing is bigger than they realize.  Trademarking should be done by a professional depending on the cost. Ruehs said the company didn’t want to say the price but “its a fraction of a teacher”. Bross said its nothing they can act on tonight. They need community input. This company has community involvement. Coen had Lacy if she met with the PR person for Greater Burlington and suggested she ask them what they do.  Bross knows alumni would be interested in this. The board asked for more information. Ruehs will start RFPs.

Board meeting start time was brought up.  Coen talked about moving it to 5:00. He said that it should be set once a year.  He suggested it be 5:30 to be accommodating to the public. Brueck then said that the meetings are now on YouTube.  Kendell said that there would be time for feedback and he thought they can be flexible about times and places. He asked Coen what he was hearing about it.  Coen then talked about phases of children (sports etc) and how nothing will be perfect. Vickstrom said that they should have the meetings different places. Coen said people didn’t really come when moved to the auditorium  Brueck suggested moving it monthly. Kendell suggested they make a decision this year. Robberts requested 5:30 not 5:00. Bross is concerned about moving it and makes longer meetings. Hatteberg suggested get some community feedback and not do anything until next year.  Brueck wants to do it this year. Bross said to poll the staff. Kendell said to make it available for the community as well. Robberts asked about what city council does. Hawkeye addressed the schedule for the city council. Bross said gather information and throw on April board meeting agenda.  Coen will put it on as an action item.

X. Board Communications

Hatteberg went to Aldo and viewed 8th grade national history day projects.   Some are going to regional competition. Congratulations to the kids. She also $2800 was given to Sunnyside in memory of Jack Wehrle.  She asked on the status of the handbook. Coen said that very few people volunteered. Keane got input on some. Coen he only saw one kid with a hat when in the high school.  Asked his wife to watch for hats. She has seen some. Coen said the handbook should be in time. Ruehs then went to the mic to address it. He said there were two parents that attended and were employees in the district.  They didn’t get a cross section of the population. Coen then said 99% of the people didn’t show up for right sizing stuff. Hatteberg asked about polling students. Coen said that two students asked to be on the committee.  

Vickstrom commended Ryan Osbourne’s op ed piece in the Hawkeye.  It was well written. He was very appreciative of what he wrote. Robberts agreed and wished to thank him and other staff who do stuff for the district.  Mentioned the festival of bands coming up in the spring play is coming up as well. Hatteberg mentioned the spring fling and vocal concerts. Brueck had nothing.  Kendell impressed by Coen sending stuff to legislature. The voucher program is not a good idea. Coen then said that Rep Kerr has already spoken to head of house education committee and they don’t think it has enough votes to pass.  Kendell then said something about the nurse's situation. He said there was misinformation about it and that Coen sent the facts out about. He thinks the issue has calmed down. It’s all about communicating. Bross the mentioned that we have started the 3rd trimester.  He thanked the staff for what they do. I appreciate the board working together as well. Kendell then praised Coen about doing the my community (something) training. Coen then said that Lacy met with nurses and did all the work. Cory has assumed command and have enabled him to be able to go to the class.  Vickstrom asked if we will look at worked and didn’t worked with the trimester system. Coen then said something about organisms and growth model. Vickstrom said something about confusion. Bross then praised Coen again about making virtual days work. BEA was recognized as helping.

XI. Adjournment  -  8:27

BEA Notes 2-25-19 BCSD Board Meeting

I. Call to Order – Welcome 5:00 p.m.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Adoption of Agenda- moving 8 up before 5- motioned by hatteberg, 2nded by courtney

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. Public Hearing

2. BHS Softball Field Lighting Project- info within packets- Vickstrom- time to change the lights. No actions or objections. closed.

VI. Consent Agenda

3. Minutes, Bills, Financial Report, Human Resources Report, and Gifts- moved by Brueck, 2nded by Robberts. Vickstrom- HR issue- electricians hall- felt we were going to cut an electrician. Coen- can’t answer for board. Looking at options other than cutting a nurse. The nurse position was cut. Bross nothing beyond that has changed. Coen- lucky 13 you heard that? Vickstrom- missed it while he was in Omaha.

Passed unanimously.

VII. District Positive Accomplishments- Aldo State Art Award winners- Onesto not here tonight, so Wes White presenting Aldo students. VAAP program. Mr. White respects their perseverance. Amazing work for him. Cela Strauss- VAAP is fun, that’s what she likes about it. White- why a tree? Strauss- that’s what the project was. Cela won at state award ceremony.

Caroline Strawhacker- like VAAP because get to learn different techniques of art.

Aylah Cannon- likes to learn new things in VAAP- good way to express what you think.

Adam Johnson- like VAAP able to do more different things than in reg art. Incorporated flags because peace in the world. Darian Forts last artist to be featured.

Board appreciative of students’ work.

Coen- you can make money with an art degree.

VIII. Student Representative Report- not here.

IX. Superintendent’s Report- board meeting. Attended IWU advisory meeting. 2nd and 3rd digital learning day meeting. Exciting. Received notification from BEA that we are going to begin bargaining. Schedule finance committee with Gobble to develop 19-20 budget. Greg’s work with Becker and associates- insurance renewal came in at 2.06 allowable growth- insurance is 1.7- thanks Greg for his hard work. Exciting that that’s where we’re at right now- could be better depending on what they decide. Cory working toward LMC meeting. Received a nice letter about Rector- beloved by Grimes family. Conducted radio show. Took a school safety course. Has trouble with cell phones- parents voicemail not setup yet- Coen is unable to leave a message. Friday pm met with Bross and Courtney- completed part of his eval. Sat am went to stem fair- spoke to quite a few families. Great stuff. Talked quickly with Ash and his wife. Went to coffee with the editor- Hawk Eye. takeaways in cabinet packet. Followed up with emails to Greene, Kerr, Senate House- digital makeup days.

Sat evening went to Vice Versa. Good event. Went because Josef was a court member. He didn’t dance. Queen Natalie Thompson and King Landon Wynn. excited to see happy time.

Document talking about make up days.

Hatteberg- will we get to learn more about the virtual learning packets. Coen overwhelmed with energy and ideas from staff. Can’t think of a time when teachers haven’t risen to the challenge- we have incentive to make it work. We can do more next year during parent teacher conferences to help with parents.

X. Items for Discussion

4. BHS Softball Field Lighting Bids- received initial bid- below engineer’s estimate. Low bid from Ardent lighting. Out of Knoxville Iowa. Robberts- have we worked with them before. Lighting suppliers are comfortable with the company. Lights come from Musco. Millard may have done the lights at Bracewell.

Hatteberg moved, Brueck 2nded. Money comes from PPEL funds. Courtney abstaining because nephew works for Musco.

Kendell- likes to support local businesses- Reynolds reminds the board they are required to take the low bid.

Passed with Kendell opposed, courtney abstaining.

8. Club M Coordinator Job Description- Cassie Gerst presenting. Volunteer Iowa got 1.25 mil grant- over 3 year period to expand club M mentoring program for middle school/hs mentoring program. One of 6 districts that received grant. Training covered- 50k a year for 3 years. Falls under professional service group. Courtney moved, Robberts 2nded. Kendell- how does this expand the program?

Gerst- requires 25 matches. We are behind due to government shutdown. It’s just now starting. Behind where it should be. Have to have 25 matches by June 30. Have a lot of things in place. Adults should contact this person when they are hired.

Aimed at high risk youth. Opioid use. Will work with office of juvenile justice. Opportunity to expand and work with these families. Coen receives reports from juvenile courts. No cost to the district.

Passed unanimously.

Board Communications

Robberts- congrats to art winners. Thanks to Greg for keeping health insurance so low.

Courtney- shame people aren’t getting vaccinations. Greene is opposed to that as well. Doesn’t think it will go anywhere he hopes.

Vickstrom- got some info from electricians- expo in (middletown?)- people in alternative fields- lots of opportunities for students. Lots of options for our students we should promote. We need to open students’ eyes to that.

Hatteberg- nope

Brueck- kudos to Greg, and Pop concert and cheaper by the dozen.

Kendell- great that allowable growth passed- Greene voted no on vaccinations. Kendell looking forward to concerts. Spent a lot on PD- would be great to get updated. Elem teachers to Chicago- would like to get update. Kendell- teachers having training is good, but students suffer when teachers are out of the classroom.

Bross- los angeles, las vegas, chicago- be good to have an update on that. HS Boys basketball. Great year from them this year. Hopeful with right sizing will help bring them together as a team and be better. Eager to see how the digital learning days will turn out. Has questions about how it will work practically.

Adjourned for closed session at 533.

5. Closed Hearing-Re-Admission JH052118

6. Closed Hearing-Re-Admission JM011409

7. Closed Hearing-Re-Admission HF100417

XI. Board Communications

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

BEA notes from 2-11-19 BCSD Board Meeting

Meeting was also televised on YouTube.

Here are the notes:

BCSD Board of Directors Meeting February, 2019

Attending:  Tom Courtney, Darvin Kendell, Deb Hatteberg,

On Phone:  Heather Brueck

Late:  Bryan Bross

Absent:  Marliss Roberts, Dean Vickstrom

I. Call to Order - 7:01

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Adoption of Agenda  Hatteberg moved, Courtney seconded. Passed.

IV. Public Comments - None

V. Consent Agenda  - Hatteberg moved, Courtney seconded.  Passed.

VI. District Positive Accomplishments -  

Jeff Christiansen presented about swim team accomplishments.  They had a good season. Started end of the year with JV conference in Mac.  They may be invited back next year even though we won’t be in the conference.  4-4 record. Two mac conference meets were canceled. Qualified two relays to state.  Two individuals qualified in two events each to state. They started the trip to state with an assembly at BHS.  They went to the cooperating school, Danville, Central Lee, and Holy Trinity. They were recognized at each school for the accomplishments.  The shared program has helped to give more competition for Burlington kids. We had 12:12 shared and BHS kids. This year were 17 BHS kids and 8 shared kids.   He feels the shared program helped build the program. Kendell asked about going to different district. Christianson said MAC school will keep us on the schedules.  They will basically swim a MAC schedule because the smaller schools don’t have swim programs. Coen then talked about picking up duals with Iowa City. Courtney asked if other sports would be impacted this way.  Coen said no because there is only one swim class in Iowa.

VII. Student Representative Report   Student representative not present.  No report.

VIII. Superintendent’s Report

It’s black history month.  He was in Atlanta GA, last week and visited the center for human rights.  He asked for everyone to be respectful of black history month. He talked about snow days.  He has contacted the State Dept to get digital days. We are fine hours wise because of the way we built our schedule.  Not a fan of going into June and people have vacations planned. Feb 2 South Hill Association dinner was very positive. Summer reading program coming up.  Support of pre-k programs. Normal flow of student parent community issues. The Pell Grant cannot be used for concurrent enrollment. Expand extra duties at the high school for a PR club.  I don’t know what this is. Moved forward with plan to promote PEPL . Reached out to the LMC about errata process. Started talk with Des Moines County Conservation Director Chris Lee about summer school programs, Hound Town Day, shared adventures there.  Big Hollow great assessment to community. Facility meeting for the high school coming up. RFP is being written to bring actual facility planner. Preparing with Burlington for RAGBRAI. Marilyn Sullivan passed away (teacher). Courtney said she and husband were long time community people in Burlington.   Hatteberg also spoke fondly of her. Coen said someone else passed away but I didn’t catch the name. Coen sent a letter to house/Senate committee about doing something with tech (?). Courtney asked if we could use Saturday to make up days. Coen said it could be possible and do two ½ Saturdays. Coen also suggested  adding 15 minute in morning and 15 more in the afternoon. Courtney thought it was a good idea. Cory Johnson is tasked with surveying staff and parents about it. Coen referenced Estherville. Courtney asked about students who don’t have Chromebooks. Coen said he could explain it later. Coen said little guys don’t use computers.  Coen then said we are spending lots of money on chromebooks and may be able to use them more effectively. But he said there are 5000 kids in Iowa doing online stuff for entire classes. Courtney seemed ok with digital makeup. Coen talked to college students and how they used computers a lot. Hatteberg suggested a combination of both.  Coen said the board doesn’t have to decide this issue. He wanted to try something digitally in the middle of April to plan for instruction. We have extra hours built. Hatteberg said with trimester the concern that there is not enough time built as it in. Kendell said he admires that Coen isn’t afraid to fire off a memo to Des Moines. Kendell is in favor of the digital thing too.  Coen sent the letter to the DE too, not just the legislators. Kendell commended Cory Johnson for taking care of calling school off for weather while Mr. Coen was gone.

IX. Items for Discussion

Early retirements recommended to be accepted.  Courtney motioned, Hatteberg seconded. Hatteberg congratulated and thanked the retirees.   Kendell thanked them and wished them a good retirement. Passed.

Cory Johnson presented the PE waiver to DE due to trimester schedule.  Courtney, moved Hatteberg seconded. Hatteberg aked how often is PE. Johnson said  the kids have to take it two trimesters and not a full year. Coen then said that kids can get an exemption not to take PE. Passed.

Cory Johnson presented the behavior intervention specialist position.  This is to address the concerns in challenging behaviors in special educational and throughout the curriculum.  It will be two positions paid out of SPED. TLC needs assessment suggested staff needed more assistance in this.  Hatteberg moved, Brueck seconded. Courtney asked about salary. Salary and benefits of $90,000 per position. Reynolds said we are running a positive balance in our SPED account so we can pay for this.  Coen contends kids do great if in class, ontime, and respectful. This is will help. Kendell asked about the $5000. Johnson - its a stipend and training necessary for it. Kendell - $500/day. Kendell said the salary is close to administrative pay.  Johnson said master’s in counseling and behavioral science. Johnson then defended the salary. Coen then said it is a teacher leader. Johnson said we have 14 TLC. Johnson said their average salary and benefits $85,000. Johnson reminded the board approved job descriptions for the TLC positions from the last meeting.  Kendell asked if the funds will continue. Reynolds said it can vary from year to year. He said our special ed funds keep up. Kendell said the position is administrative pay. Hatteberg said it would be at the same level as TLC. Johnson said it is similar. Hatteberg said it should take tasks away from principals. Johnson said yes and supports SPED teachers.  Hatteberg was all for it. Brueck also agreed. Courtney asked how many years this person will have when we hire them. Johnson said he didn’t know. Hatteberg will this be open to our staff first? Johnson said it would be posted internally and externally. Kendell wants us to be prudent in what we are paying. He thought it was too high. But he thinks it will yield benefits.  Courtney is in favor of it. Bross agreed. Passed.

Kendell handed meeting over to Bross at 7:40.  

Grey Reynolds presented the amendment to SEC rates for classes.  It slight reduction for next few years. Courtney moved, Hatteberg seconded.  Passed

Broken Centrifuge contract was presented for graduation ceremony.  Hatteberg moved, Courtney seconded. Passed.

BHS yearbook agreement with Josten’s for a three year contract that is better than the past vendor.  Yearbooks not sold don’t cost us. Courtney moved, Hatteberg seconded. Kendell said something about $18,200 per year.  Passed.

Americorp Substance abuse program presented by Reynolds.  We get two full time positions at no cost to the district.  Courtney moved, Hatteberg seconded. Passed.

Resolution to continue the PEPL.  Coen moved that the ballot be made for election.  Courtney moved, Hatteberg seconded. Courtney asked if this was no additional taxes but a continuation.  Reynolds agreed that it was not additional tax. Coen also agreed that taxes are not going up. Bross said it supports ongoing maintenance of our buildings.  Reynolds agreed and said we are levying less than the maximum allowed by law. Reynolds said it is critical that it is renewed.

Roll Call Vote:  All said aye.

X. Board Communications

Brueck - none.  Hatteberg thanked all those doing stuff during snow days and keeping everyone safe.  Courtney talked about measles epidemics in a number of states because parents aren’t vaccinating and vaccines don’t cause autism.  Kids are being exposed to a disease. Iowa parents can opt out and its ridiculous. He said the law should be changed. Parents are wrong doing this.  Scientists are right. It's ridiculous to not vaccinate. Parents need to vaccinate. Herd protection is important but as less parents vaccinate the kids, it’s being reduced.  Kendell said there was a seven minute video about our district and touts some of the great things our district does. It’s well done and people should watch it and get it out everywhere.  Asked to get something out about the PEPL election coming up. Bross thanked Courtney and Kendell for their comments. Commented about vaccines and their effectiveness. We have a YouTube channel and people need to use it.  He complimented the boys basketball team. He encouraged people to attend the basketball games. Two boys are going to state wrestling on Thursday. Brueck - The pops concert has been moved and asked to have the meeting moved an hour early so board members can attend.

XI. Adjournment  - 7:57  

XII. Closed sessions.