Grant to help start-up Cisco Networking Academy
MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Ahlstrand. Members present: Ahlstrand, Barsness, Coon, OíHara, Dayman, and Thornton. Absent - Romans. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Mike Clingingsmith, Ladonna Czachowski, and Chris Harvey.
AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Dayman, second by OíHara that the Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: President Ahlstrand read a letter of thanks from Swati Dandekar who was elected to the Iowa Association of School Boards Board of Directors from district #6.
Dr. Barber reported that Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) Five Year Capital Projects Plan is being updated and will be presented to the Board in March.
Dr. Spelhaug congratulated the Black Hawk Junior High Mathcounts Team for winning first place in their chapter competition. Team members are Steffanie Fitton, Elise Johnson, Samantha Goldstein and David Westlund. Individual winners at the contest were: Steffanie Fitton - 2nd place, Elise Johnson - 4th place, Samantha Goldstein - 5th place, David Westlund - 6th place and Brian Tunis - 7th place. The team is coached by Gordon Muller and will participate in the state competition in Des Moines on March 10th.
The secretary asked if there was a Board volunteer to serve as a delegate to the Scott County Conference Board Meeting on Thursday, February 15, 2001. Director Barsness agreed to represent the Board at this meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by OíHara, second by Thornton that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
The Consent Agenda consisted of the following:
the minutes of the January 22 Regular Board meeting;
the resignations of James Anderson as a fourth grade teacher at Pleasant View and Tamra Hewitt as a full-time kindergarten teacher at Pleasant View;
the recommendation of Tom Hoskins as High School Social Studies Department Chairperson for the 2001-2002 school year;
and the employment of Tamra Hewitt as a half-time kindergarten teacher at Pleasant View for the 2001-2002 school year;
and eleven open enrollment applications; one open enrollment application in from North Scott Schools for the 2000-01 school year; two open enrollment applications out to Davenport Schools for the 2001-02 school year; and eight open enrollment applications in for 2001-2002, six from Davenport Schools, one from Bettendorf Schools, and one from Burlington Schools.
EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by Barsness, second by Dayman that the General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $80,402.28 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman, second by Thornton that the Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $8,522.29 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Thornton, second by Dayman that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $3,306.27 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by OíHara, second by Barsness that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $15,989.65 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY: Dr. Spelhaug and District Technology Facilitator Ladonna Czachowski reported that Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf School Districts jointly applied for and received a grant in the amount of $11,925 from the Scott County Regional Authority to purchase the equipment required for start-up of the Cisco Networking Academy.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program teaches students to design, build and maintain computer networks. Students who successfully complete the two semester course will be eligible to earn Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
The course will be offered at Bettendorf High School Monday through Friday from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. beginning in the fall of 2001. Students will receive two credits per semester.
DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY BENCHMARKS: As a result of School Improvement Strategy #5, ìWe will implement a plan to encourage applied learningî, a set of grade level expectations for technology was developed.
The categories included in the benchmarking are:
1) Basic Operations and Concepts;
2) Social, Ethical and Human Issues;
3) Technology Productivity Tools;
4) Technology Communication Tools;
5) Technology Research Tools. Dr. Spelhaug and Mrs. Czachowski explained that by setting forth expectations for students, the document helps teachers identify areas in which they will require additional training. He emphasized that this document should be viewed as ìwork in progressî and, that it will be a living document subject to ongoing revision.
Motion by Barsness, second by Coon that the Board accept the technology benchmarks as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, Coon, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Ahlstrand. Nays - none. Motion carried.
TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FACILITIES: The district is in the process of adding office space in the lower level of Belmont Administration Center for Technology Facilitator Ladonna Czachowski and Technology Trainer Julie Ward.
Dr. Barber explained that this move will enhance their ability to work with technology on a district wide basis and will free up space at the high school for special education needs for next year. In addition, an area adjacent to their office space will be enclosed for training small groups in technology applications and as a small group conference room.
1999-2000 AUDIT REPORT: Mike Clingingsmith presented the 1999-00 Audit Report from Hunt, Kain & Associates for the year ended June 30, 2000.
The auditors presented an ìunqualifiedî opinion of the districtís financial statements. There were no reportable conditions and no material weaknesses listed in the audit.
Mr. Clingingsmith thanked the central office staff for their assistance in attaining a perfect audit. The Board congratulated Mr. Clingingsmith and the entire business office on this accomplishment.
Motion by Thornton, second by OíHara that the Board accept the audit report from Hunt, Kain & Associates for the year ended June 30, 2000. Roll call vote. Ayes - Thornton, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Coon, Dayman, OíHara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT LEVY UPDATE: Dr. Barber reported that Dr. Spelhaug, Mr. Clingingsmith and himself had made nineteen presentations on the Instructional Support Levy to date.
They will give the presentation to the Editorial Board of the Quad City Times on Thursday, February 8 and to an adult church group on February 18.
Civic groups desiring a presentation should call 332-5550.
ENDORSEMENT OF CITY OF LECLAIREíS STRATEGIC PLAN: President Ahlstrand read the following letter which endorses the City of LeClaireís strategic plan:
Dear Mayor Spring & City Council Members:
The Pleasant Valley Community School District Board of Education endorsed the City of LeClaireís efforts in developing a strategic plan at our February 5, 2001, Board Meeting. City Manager Ed Choate shared the strategic plan with our Board of Education on January 8. We are impressed with the vision that has been created for the City of LeClaire and are excited about the opportunities that will be provided for our community through this planning process.
Pleasant Valley Community School District looks forward to working with the City as the plan is implemented.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Ahlstrand, President
Board of Education
Motion by Dayman, second by Thornton that the Board approve sending a letter to the City of LeClaire endorsing their strategic planning process. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Coon. Nays - none. Motion carried.
NEXT BOARD MEETING - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2001: Due to the fact that the February 19 Board Meeting falls on Presidents Day which is a district-wide holiday, Dr. Barber recommended that the second Board meeting in February be moved to Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Coon, second by Barsness that the February 19 Board meeting be moved to Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. due to the Presidentís Day Holiday falling on February 19. Roll call vote. Ayes - Coon, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.
The Board adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Next Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 20, 2001
7:00 P.M.
Belmont Administration Center
SENIOR PHOTO DEADLINE!
Senior photos (wallet size) for the 2001 yearbook must be turned in to Mrs. Remy in room 141 by February 23rd. Contact Mrs. Remy at 332-5151, X242 if you have any questions.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL TEAM
WILL BE REPRESENTING PLEASANT VALLEY IN COMPETITION
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17
9:25 A.M.
AT
NORTH SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL
Business Horizons-Quad Cities
Where the Bottom Line is the Future
Parents of sophomores and juniors, your student has the opportunity to apply to attend Business Horizons-Quad Cities (BH-QC). This program is held at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA, between July 29-August 3, 2001.
BH-QC is a week-long experience sponsored by the Association of Business and Industry Foundation, Iowa Department of Education, Junior Achievement of the Quad Cities, Iowa Bankers Association, St. Ambrose University, Drake University, and QC Area Chambers of Commerce, as well as many area business, organizations, and individuals.
Your student will enjoy a week to remember, while learning about the work world from business executives who are willing to share their knowledge to help your student succeed.
Your student will also meet other students from the QC area. Together, as teams, they will create a product, run a mock business, design a marketing plan (including a television commercial), learn about leadership, personal development, and about career opportunities.
Of course, the bottom line at business Horizons is fun. They will hear dynamic speakers, enjoy lively activities, including a trip off-campus, a dance and more.
To find out more about BH-QC, please call Scott Tunnicliff, BH-QC administrator, at the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce, 355-4753 or visit BH-QC online at http://www.iowaabi.org/foundation. Applications can be found at the website, or they are available at the HS Guidance Office or Career Center. The deadline for applications is March 9, 2001.
Pleasant Valley Schools
Foundation
Alumni Data Base
If you are an alumnus of Pleasant Valley Community Schools, weíd like to hear from you. We are developing an alumni data base and will make this available for class reunions. Please let us know your address and phone number and year of graduation so you can be kept informed of your class events. Call (319)332-5550 or e-mail harveychris@pleasval.k12.ia.us.
