News : School Board hears update from Alternative High School

he board met on Monday at 5:15 in the high school media center in regular session. They will meet again on Monday, March 23 at 5:15 at Central Office for their budget workshop.

Under Administrator Reports, Ken Kasper gave an overview of the Alternative High School and then Morgan Snyder and Michael Harris spoke as students and Tony Stenberg and Jim Mochal spoke as instructors. They highlighted key components of the program including strong relationships and high expectations as well as how everyone works together as a team. Matt Kingsbury invited everyone to attend the Career Fair on Tuesday from 8:30-10:45 and shared they will be hosting several administrators from the Grant Wood area on Thursday and that the Animal Learning Lab’s open house will be on Friday, March 27 from 11-1 as well as encouraged everyone to purchase and read Dan Gable’s new book. Shelly Petersen updated the board on upcoming conferences and that there is a lot of student interest in the spring track season. Ryan Davis stated they are looking forward to nicer weather so the elementary students can get rid of snow pants and boots although the mud is a bit of a challenge; the Governance Committee is asking for input on surveys about the school; there have been several days and weeks of solid learning and all elementary students will have an opportunity to attend an opera at Tilford on Tuesday that includes a message of anti-bullying.

Under the Superintendents’ Report, the board reviewed timely filed open enrollment applications and the schedule for the next few weeks.

Under General Business of the Board, the Consent Agenda Items included:

o Minutes from the February 9th regular meeting, claims and financials.

o Contracts with Union to continue sharing girls’ swimming, Kirkwood to continue our 28E agreement to offer classes, Grant Wood for the i3 Induction Consortium, HACAP to provide Sealants for Shellsburg 2nd-5th graders, Delta Dental to continue coverage with 0% increase for next year, and Mt. Mercy to continue student teaching and field experience opportunities.

o Work Change Proposal Request for the athletic field to have logos included.

o Personnel Items including

§ Resignations from Megan Albertsen as the 7th grade girls’ track coach as a one year leave of absence and Jacquie Osborn as a preschool associate.

§ Contract Amendments for Deb Garbers and Jeannine Peyton.

§ Hiring of Nathanael Brandt as the 7th grade girls’ track coach during the one year leave of absence; Stephanie Miller as the 7th grade boys’ track coach; and Jim Womochil as assistant girl’s and boys’ track throwing coach.

§ Transfers for five individuals to serve as instructional coaches including Marty Annis, Whitney Bowen, Louise Fleming, Allison Gates and Jodi Hacker.

The board reviewed the plans and specifications for the MS office renovations project and approved them. They will accept proposals through Tuesday, April 7th at 3:30 PM.

The board reviewed and adopted the 2015-16 calendar with an August 31st start date although if the law changes, they adopted a calendar that starts on August 24th as well.

The board approved entering into a one year contract with H & R Imaging for school pictures and other services. (Thanks to our building secretaries for assisting with the research and recommendation.)

The board conducted the second and final reading on board policies concerning the adoption of policy and compulsory attendance.

The board heard an update on the legislature’s recent work including that no moment has been made on school funding even though we have to submit our budget to the state by April 15th; there is some discussion on flexibility in how we use our PPEL funds and at-risk funds.

The board reviewed correspondence items including a thank you from former Vinton Recreation director Duane Randall.

The board entered into closed session to conduct the superintendent’s mid-year evaluation.

The board moved into exempt session to discuss negotiation strategies.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 PM.