Government : V-S School Board summary from 10/14/19

Board President Rob Levis called the regular meeting of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District to order at 7:06 PM in the Shellsburg music room. All board members answered roll call with the exception of Kyle Schminke. All administrators were in attendance and Karrie Bartling served as acting secretary in Brenda Barkdoll’s absence.

Under Audience Comments, Jake Fish, Audra Piotti, Becky Williams and Tom Burke (all on the ballot for the next school board election) introduced themselves and were welcomed by the board.

Under Administrator Reports, the principals had submitted written reports and Mr. Islas updated the board on attendance rates at the high school.

Under the Superintendent Report, Hainstock shared preliminary enrollment data that indicates we may be up a few students this year. She shared the final abstract of the PPEL renewal vote. She shared there is a new insurance program available to the school that would potentially cover students’ insurance costs that are not covered by their personal insurance (deductibles, co-pays, etc.) and the board asked that she gather more information for the November meeting. Hainstock shared our admin team is in the process of determining how to best fill our Transportation Director position. She thanked staff for providing support during the unexpected student death earlier this month. She shared we had open enrollment requests filed on behalf of Gate Offill to attend Benton, Raelyn Gorsch to attend Benton, Anna Sasek to attend Linn-Marr and Tiara and Phillip Mull to attend Marion.

Under Board Reports/Requests, Kathy Van Steenhuyse noted the strong process used for the building and grounds interviews. Jason Hicok shared the band’s I rating at state marching band competition. Rob Levis thanked Ryan Davis for the tour and hosting; thanked the staff for helping with support after the student’s death, and thanked Hainstock for her service to the district.

Under General Business of the Board, the board reviewed the Consent Items. They included:

v  Minutes from the September 9^th regular board meeting; claims including $21,532.50 for auditorium work to Air Serv; financials including that the Management Fund will be in better shape after the September property taxes are deposited; and the Unspent Balance Authority that notes we increased the balance by $100,000 in FY19;

v  Contracts with: Vibrations Pro DJs and Photo Booth, Wand Enterprises and Kid Again for post-prom; SNAP! for the band’s fundraiser; and special education agreement with Edgewood-Colesburg and Forest City;

v  Bids for the MS door replacement with recommendation for Opening Specialists for $107,050 for labor, hardware and 100 doors;

v  Resignations from Jacqie Osborn as associate and Chad Anderson as 8^th grade assistant football and 7^th grade assistant boys’ basketball coach (pending suitable replacement);

v  Contract Modifications for Jennifer Michael to three hours/day; Tammy Hanson for library duties; and Tamra Fiser for an additional 15 minutes per day;

v  Recommendation for Transfer for Misty Williams from kitchen support to an associate position;

v  Hiring of Tamara Abkes as a shared counselor with Benton Community; Colin Carolus to serve as director of building and grounds; Amanda Kakac as Tilford Secretary; Daniel Thomsen, Brooke Sandford and Maybell McDaniel as special education associates; Amanda Hernandez as assistant winter wrestling cheer coach; Ryan Davis as 9^th/10^th girls’ basketball coach and Cody Robertson as head 7^th grade girls’ basketball coach.

The board approved two 28E agreements with Benton Community; one for the HR position and one for the new school counselor.

The board discussed the possibility of offering an early retirement program. Discussion centered around how many staff might be eligible, how many staff might be interested, if offered one is offered, what the benefits might be included, etc. They asked that I gather more information and bring it back to the November meeting.

The board reviewed the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, SAVE and Schoolhouse Fund recommendations as developed by the administrators and directors. The board approved the items recommended and the team will continue to gather more estimates, bids and costs.

The board conducted the first reading of board policies 100, 200.1, 200.1R1, 202.4, 206.4, 210.1, 210.5, 210.6, 211, 215, 216.2, 307, 404.1R, 606.3, 711.7, 711.10.

The board accepted Hainstock’s letter of resignation. They discussed next steps and will meet on October 28 with three search firms.

There were no audience comments.

Correspondence items included an article on our Farm-to-School program in Iowa Farmer Today and the abstract of Votes for the PPEL vote.

President Levis adjourned the meeting at 8:24.