Government : Recap of March 9 School Board meeting

The board met in regular session on Monday, March 9, 2020 in the board room at Central Office. All members answered roll call with the exception of Mike Timmermans. All administrators were present including Business Manager Barkdoll.

Under Receive Visitors/Public Comments, Melissa Schwan requested the board approve a use of facilities during the Iowa Bike Ride in July. Angie Plasencia addressed the board concerning an open enrollment out request for the remainder of the year for her daughter. Andrea and Ryan Grimm requested the board offer a shuttle to Shellsburg. Dawn Driscoll introduced herself as a candidate for our Iowa Senate seat.

Under Administrator Reports, Teresa Meyer, president of the VSCSD Foundation provided their annual report. Le Cox and Kelly Steffen requested the board allow them to travel for a field trip to Illinois. Tony Islas shared about attendance and Matt Kingsbury shared details about spring activities, ISASP testing and Cabaret. Other administrators had submitted written reports.

Under the Superintendent Report, Hainstock shared student data including winter FAST and other building summaries. She shared an email from Benton in which they notified the district that they do not want to continue sharing the HR position next year. She also shared about the coronavirus as well as the challenges faced with the regular flu. She shared about the Tilford 4th grade HVAC upgrades and many open enrollment requests (March 1 was the deadline for 2020-21).

Under Board Reports/Requests, Kathy Van Steenhuyse and Sue Gates shared about the district meetings they are attending around students' social, emotional, behavioral and mental health supports. Ms. Van Steenhuyse also shared about assisting with the Cold War project and speech contest. Rob Levis requested that Hainstock compile and share more information about the activity bus research done and considerations for offering in the future.

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

• Minutes from the February 10th regular meeting and February 11th special board meeting.
• Claims and financials
• Bids from FLR Sanders for our gym flood summer work.
• Contracts with Delta Dental, Mount Mercy University and UNI for student field experiences, Interstate Studios for school pictures, Time Management Systems for a new timeclock system, and Junior Achievement
• Resignations from Roger Bistline as transportation mechanic, Troy Hallberg as 8th grade boys assistant track count, Fritz Burow as teacher at the alternative HS and Julie Burow as an associate at the alternative HS
• Contract Amendment for Emily MacWilliams for an adjustment in her first semester teaching duties.
• Hiring of our Instructional Coaches for the 2020-21 year, Mathew Hilby as assistant 7th grade boys' track coach, Katie Busch as head 7th grade girls' track coach, Kelsey Nourse as assistant 8th grade girls' track coach, Megan Albertsen as assistant 7th grade girls' track coach, Aaron Zuspann as assistant 8th grade boys' track coach, April Ahrenholz as assistant musical director and Abilene Baldwin to be an associate at Shellsburg.
• Transfer of Lois Martin to elementary music and Nancy Donahue to the fifth year program.
• Heather Crabb to be a substitute teacher.
• Request for Travel for Le Cox and Kelly Steffen's field trip.
• Miscellaneous equipment disposal.

The board had pulled out the OE Out late request by Angelia Palasencia from the Consent Agenda and approved it.

The board conducted a public hearing on the 2020-21 school calendar. One question from the audience concerned the December 23 day and it is anticipated as a type of flex day similar to how January 2 was used this year. The board approved the calendar.

The board approved request from Vinton Unlimited to use facilities during the Iowa Ride.

The board directed Hainstock to submit a letter of support to upgrade 61st Street south of the high school from dirt to gravel.

The board reviewed the 2020-21 budget. Discussion included that the levy rate is expected to remain fairly level although there will not be a great deal of new money for next year. They voted to publish the budget and a budget amendment for the current fiscal year. They set the public hearing for April 13 at 6:00 PM.

The board conducted the second and final reading of miscellaneous board policies.

Superintendent Hainstock shared an update about recent legislative action and discussion.

There were no audience comments on any of the preceding items.

The board reviewed correspondence items including the student data documents, letter from Benton regarding the shared HR position, letter to parents and community regarding the COVID-19 virus, and an overview of the JA partnership.

The board moved into closed session to discuss the potential sale or purchase of real estate.

The board moved into exempt session to discuss negotiation strategies.

The board adjourned.