BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA
Official Minutes of the April 19, 1999, Regular Meeting
1. Call to Order
The Board of Directors of the Bettendorf Community School District, in the County of Scott, state of Iowa, met in open session according to Iowa law for the regular meeting at the Ray Stensvad Administration Center, 3311 Central Avenue, Bettendorf, Iowa, on April 19, 1999. President Mayer called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary, verified that the meeting notice had been posted and mailed to the media as required by law.
Members present: Directors Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.
Members absent: None.
Other officials present: John Finnessy, Superintendent; John Perdue, Assistant Superintendent; Ken Kelly, BEA Representative; Sarah Kennedy, Student Representative; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.
2. Agenda Approval
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Petersen, to approve the agenda. By unanimous consent, Item 5.13 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment, Out of Bettendorf, 1999/00, should be changed to “Emory Traicoff, grade 0, to Pleasant Valley” not “from Davenport.”
Ayes: 7 Directors Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
3. Comments and Suggestions from Audience.
3.01 President's Statement. On behalf of fellow Board members, at this time I would like to invite any member of the audience to step to the microphone with comments about items of interest or concern that do not appear on the agenda this evening. Please begin by stating your name and address. It would be most appreciated if you would limit your comments to three minutes so that we can keep the meeting moving in a timely fashion and allow others an opportunity to speak. We ask that you remember that Iowa law prohibits us from discussing specific employees or their job performance. If you have thoughts to share about items that are included as topics for tonight's meeting, we would invite those comments when we reach that point in the meeting. Thank you for your support of our school district.
There were no comments from the audience.
4. Commendations.
4.01 Congratulations to the following Bettendorf High School students: Katie McGivern was named to the Girls Basketball All Metro 2nd Team; Jill Aronson received Honorable Mention. Jevin Budde was named to the Boys Basketball All Metro First Team; Rick Eisenlauer received Honorable Mention.
4.02 Bettendorf Middle School teachers and parents were presenters at the Iowa Association for Middle Level Education conference at Bettendorf Middle School on March 17, 1999. The conference, which was attended by over 100 teachers from other area schools, included the following sessions:
Dealing with Grief and Death -- Robyn Plocher (parent) and Gwen Sones, BMS Guidance Counselor.
Compacting: Challenging Capable Students in the Regular Education Classroom -- BMS Teachers -- Marianne Marcek, Phyllis Richards, Ruth Senneff, and Judy Skogman.
Constructing Interdisciplinary Units -- BMS Teacher -- Tanya Spalla.
Technology Implementation in the Math Classroom -- BMS Teachers-- Jennifer McNab and Sue Begyn.
Organizing Parent Volunteers with Parent Link -- Parents -- Pat Bereskin, Paula Cone, and Paula Potthoff.
The Spatial/Visual Intelligence - Itís Not Just for Art Class -- BMS Art Teacher -- Craig Lennon.
Making Portfolios Work in the Classroom -- BMS Teacher -- Greg Bouljon.
Student Led Conferences - How Do You Make Them Work -- BMS Teachers --Judy Skogman, Sally Schmidt, Dan Manning, and Larry Flathman.
Heart Monitors in the Physical Education Classroom -- BMS PE Teacher --Deb Patterson.
Kinesthetic Learning in the Foreign Language Classroom -- BMS German Teacher -- Katie Walker.
Hands-on Science in the Technological Age -- BMS Teachers -- Larry Flathman, Tanya Spalla, Bob Walker, and Dave Folks.
Interdisciplinary Unit on Greece -- BMS Teachers -- Sue Begyn, Brad Cole, Kevin Stender, and Cheryl Irwin.
Positive ASSETS Program -- BMS Guidance Counselors -- David Sodac and Michelle Bruty.
Empower Your Students with M-Power -- BMS Teacher -- Chad Uhde.
The Multiple Intelligences of the Very Hungry Caterpillar -- BMS Math Teacher -- Linda Schoenfelder.
4.03 The following Middle School band students were chosen to be members of the St. Ambrose Junior High Honor Band: seventh graders Scott Dugan, clarinet, and Laurie Fritz, flute; eighth graders Paul Myers, tuba, Drew Wessels, trombone, and Joseph Kopacz, baritone. The band performed at a concert on March 18 at St. Ambrose. Five students were also selected to participate in the SEIBA Junior High Honor Band Festival held on March 20 in Mt. Pleasant. They were seventh grader Jacob Bowers, trombone; and eighth graders Sheila Conrad, percussion, Drew Wessels, trombone, Joseph Kopacz, baritone, and Paul Myers, tuba.
4.04 Congratulations to Bettendorf Elementary Teacher Assistance Teams for receiving regional recognition in the Iowa FINE Programs Recognition Project, sponsored by Iowa's Educational Research Foundation. An award ceremony will be held at the Governor's mansion in Des Moines on May 8.
5. Consent Agenda.
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Petersen, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.
Ayes: 7 Directors Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
5.01 Approval of April 5, 1999 Special Meeting Minutes.
5.02 Approval of April 5, 1999, Public Hearing Minutes.
5.03 Approval of April 5, 1999, Regular Meeting Minutes.
5.04 Approval of April 10, 1999 Retreat Meeting Minutes.
5.05 Approval of April 10, 1999 Special Meeting Minutes.
5.06 Approval of April 19, 1999, Bills Recommended for Payment.
5.07 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.
Certified Approval to Employ
Lisa Cox/BMS/Add 1/2 Unit Work Differential/$355/Effective 1999/2000 School Year
Certified Resignation
Brad Daehn/BHS/Science and Business/Effective 6/30/99
5.08 Approval of Request for 11th Grade Early Graduation.
5.09 Approval of Donation. Directors will vote to accept the gift of a Macintosh computer and equipment valued at $750, donated by Mr. & Mrs. Tom Blank to Bettendorf High School's Art Department.
5.10 Approval of Student Teaching Agreement with University of Northern Iowa.
5.11 Approval of Construction Change Orders.
5.12 Application for Waiver of Requirement for Breakfast Program.
5.13 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.
Into Bettendorf, 1998/99
Lindsay Voelliger, grade 5, from Pleasant Valley, change of residence
Ryan Voelliger, grade 10, from Pleasant Valley, change of residence
Out of Bettendorf, 1998/99
Brian Miller, grade 8, to Pleasant Valley, change of residence
Into Bettendorf, 1999/00
Gavin Fersch, grade 0, from Davenport
Out of Bettendorf, 1999/00
Emory Traicoff, grade 0, to Pleasant Valley
6. Action Items.
6.01 Second Reading of Board Policies, 401.16 and 403.1.
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Petersen, to approve the second reading of revised Board Policies 401.16, Credit Cards; and 403.1, Employee Physical Examinations.
Ayes: 7 Directors Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Mayer.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
6.02 Approval of School Year 1999/00 Calendar.
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Petersen, to approve the 1999/00 School Year Calendar as presented.
Director Mayer commented on his dissatisfaction with the length of the winter break. Director Weigle expressed concern regarding the length of the third quarter (43 days) versus fourth quarter (46 days) and the impact winter snow days may have on the calendar. Director Petersen suggested obtaining the input of studentsí parents on their preference for length of winter break and spring break.
Ayes: 6 Directors Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Nelson.
Nays: 1 Director Mayer. Motion carried 6-1.
6.03 Lunch Fee Schedule Changes.
Superintendent Finnessy presented a recommendation from Cindy Jacobsen, Director of Food Services, for a student lunch fee increase beginning with the 1999/00 school year. Elementary and middle school lunches would increase 5 cents per meal and high school lunches 10 cents. Comparability data on lunch prices from other local school districts was also shared with Directors. Director Mayer inquired as to the districtís current break-even price on lunches. Superintendent Finnessy did not have this data available but felt the current lunch prices were very close to cost at this point.
Motion by Director Petersen, seconded by Director Wahlstrand , to approve the food service fee schedule for school year 1999/00 as presented.
Ayes: 6 Directors Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Nelson, Petersen.
Nays: 1 Director Mayer. Motion carried 6-1.
7. Discussion Items and Reports.
7.01 Shared Communications.
Director Petersen announced a district slogan contest is being conducted by the Marketing Committee. Staff and students will be encouraged to get involved in the process, with final approval of the new slogan being made by the Board of Education.
Directors Nelson and Weigle attended the ‘Hall of Honor’ reception at Jumer’s on April 15.
Director Weigle updated Directors on the most recent Schools Council meeting.
Directors Petersen and Weigle attended the April 16-17 spring play entitled ‘Wizard of Oz’ and applauded BHS students for their performance and interaction with the audience.
AEA Report.
Glenn Pelecky, AEA Director, and Tom Mielnik, AEA District Director, and Joe Coon provided an update on AEA activities, with the primary focus being the implementation of the student accounting system. Mr. Mielnik shared with Directors a copy of the 1998-99 AEA budget. Additionally, questions were addressed regarding the drivers education program.
7.03 Graduation Requirements (605.4) & Early Graduation Policy (605.6, 605.6R).
Superintendent Finnessy reviewed recommended revisions to Board Policies 605.4 Graduation Requirements and 605.6, 605.6R Early Graduation. Directors agreed with proposed changes. These policies will be presented at the May 3 Board meeting for a first reading.
7.04 Criteria for Facility Improvements.
Directors provided input on the philosophical considerations and expenditure criteria in regards to facility improvements for the District. Based on input from Directors, Superintendent Finnessy will incorporate these recommendations and present a revised outline for approval at the May 3 Board meeting.
Sarah Kennedy left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Superintendent's Report.
Construction Update. Superintendent Finnessy updated Directors on current building projects. Progress continues to be made in several areas; however, the timeline is slightly behind schedule at this point.
2. Personnel Needs. Staffing needs for the 1999/00 school year were reviewed. Directors recommended moving forward with the proposal of adding a Curriculum Facilitator position and 1.5 custodians for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Finnessy also outlined other personnel needs for the Board’s consideration. Following this discussion, Directors recommended that Superintendent Finnessy work with the elementary staff on developing a proposal for consideration.
Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs, arrived at 9:00 p.m.
3. 900 Policy Series Review. A date of April 27 was set with the Policy Review Committee to begin review of policies in the 900 series.
4. Student Achievement. Dr. John Perdue reviewed preliminary student achievement data, which was formatted in a way similar to HF2272 reporting requirements. In September 1999 these statistics will be published to the community, and Dr. Perdue requested Board input on the presentation of this data.
8. Future Events and Informational Items.
8.01 Tuesday, April 20, School Improvement Steering Committee, 3:45 p.m., RSAC
8.02 Wednesday, April 21, Early Dismissal (Staff Meetings); BHS Parent Conferences 2:30-4:30 p.m.
8.03 Monday, April 26, BHS National Honor Society Induction, 7:00 p.m.
8.04 Monday, May 3, Board of Education, 7:00 p.m., RSAC
9. Adjournment
Motion by Director Wahlstrand to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m.
__________________________________
Steve Mayer, President
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA
Official Minutes of the April 5, 1999, Regular Meeting
1. Call to Order
The Board of Directors of the Bettendorf Community School District, in the county of Scott, state of Iowa, met in open session according to Iowa law for a regular meeting at the Ray Stensvad Administration Center, 3311 Central Avenue, Bettendorf, Iowa, on April 5, 1999. President Mayer called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary, verified that the meeting notice had been posted and mailed to the media as required by law.
Members present: Directors Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.
Members absent: None.
Other officials present: John Finnessy, Superintendent; John Perdue, Assistant Superintendent; Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary; Ken Kelly, BEA Representative.
2. Agenda Approval
Motion by Director Wahlstrand, seconded by Director Petersen, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: 7 Directors Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski,, Wahlstrand, Weigle.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
3. Comments and Suggestions from Audience
3.01 President's Statement. On behalf of fellow Board members, at this time I would like to invite any member of the audience to step to the microphone with comments about items of interest or concern that do not appear on the agenda this evening. Please begin by stating your name and address. It would be most appreciated if you would limit your comments to three minutes so that we can keep the meeting moving in a timely fashion and allow others an opportunity to speak. We ask that you remember that Iowa law prohibits us from discussing specific employees or their job performance. If you have thoughts to share about items that are included as topics for tonight's meeting, we would invite those comments when we reach that point in the meeting. Thank you for your support of our school district.
There were no comments from the audience.
4. Commendations
4.01 Congratulations to the following Girls Basketball players who were named to the MAC All Conference Teams: 1st Team, Katie McGivern; 2nd Team, Jill Aronson; 3rd Team, Tember Aguilar; and Honorable Mention, Jesse Boline. Also, congratulations to Kevin Skillett who was named Girls Basketball MAC Coach of the Year.
4.02 Congratulations to the following boys who were selected to the MAC Boys Basketball Teams: 1st Team, Jevin Budde; 2nd Team, Rick Eisenlauer; 3rd Team, Scott Miller; Honorable Mention, Justin Siefken, Doug Schmitz and Bryan Louck. Coach Mark Brooks was named MAC Coach of the Year. Special congratulations to Jevin Budde who was named as MAC Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
4.03 Congratulations to Jevin Budde who was selected to the Iowa Newspaper Association All State Basketball 2nd Team.
4.04 Congratulations to all winter sport athletes and to those who were selected as MVP's for their respective sports: Ian Renner-Arjes for Boys Swimming, Jill Aronson for Girls Basketball, Jevin Budde for Boys Basketball, Jake Hobbs for Wrestling, Angela Sexton and Stephanie Chrissotomos for Goldusters, and Joelle Borhart for Cheerleading.
4.05 Congratulations to Art Kitzman, Physical Education instructor at Paul Norton Elementary, who was recently appointed Chairman of the Iowa Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
4.06 The District appreciates the generousity of Kevin Rose for his donation of equipment, valued at $300 to the Middle School softball program.
5. Consent Agenda
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Roski, to approve the Consent Agenda. By unanimous consent:
* Item 5.02 March 15, 1999, Regular Meeting Minutes were revised on page 3, item 7.01 Shared Communications, to indicated "Directors Weigle and Roski reported...";
* Item 5.06 Approval of Request for 11th Grade Early Graduation was removed from the Consent Agenda;
* Item 5.09 Approval of Donation was added to the Consent Agenda.
Ayes: 7 Directors Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
5.01 Approval of March 15, 1999, Special Meeting Minutes.
5.02 Approval of March 15, 1999, Regular Meeting Minutes.
5.03 Approval of Monthly Financial Reports.
5.04 Approval of April 5, 1999, Bills Recommended for Payment.
5.05 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.
Administrative - For Your Information
Cathy Cahill/Interim Director of Communications/$15.00 per hour/Replacing Kathy Teel/Effective immediately.
Certified - For Your Information
Marianne Marcek/BMS/Rescind and reverse prior acceptance of resignation (3/1/99 board meeting) and resume her position of SAIL instructor at BMS/Effective 3/22/99.
Certified Resignation
Diane Trix/BHS/Special Education/Effective 3/24/99.
Classified Approval to Employ
Cheryl Ballantyne/Individual Aide/4.5 hours per day/$8.07 per hour/new position due to special education student's IEP/Effective 2/22/99.
Vicki Felsted/MT/Individual Aide (ECSE)/11 hours per week/$8.07 per hour/Replacing Melissa Kerr/Effective 3/15/99.
Classified Resignation
Kerry Nowak/BHS Sign Language Interpreter/Effective 4/16/99.
Tracy Paarmann/RSAC/Administrative Secretary, Human Resources/Effective 3/31/99.
Classified Transfer
Shelly Clifford/RSAC/Transfer from Accounts Payable to Purchasing/Replacing Phyllis Reeves/Same hours per day and rate of pay/Effective 4/12/99.
Phyllis Reeves/RSAC/Transfer from Purchasing to Administrative Assistant and Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent/Replacing Tammy Neuman/Same hours per day and rate of pay/Effective 4/12/99.
Ann Worthington/RSAC/Transfer from Substitute Caller/Office Assistant/7.0 hours per day/$8.87 per hour/To Administrative Assistant and Secretary to the Director of Human Resources/8.0 hours per day/$11.68 per hour/Replacing Tracy Paarmann/Effective 3/30/99.
Classified Reclassification
Carol Daufeldt/BHS/Change classification from "Cook" to "General Food Service Worker" and adjust hourly rate according to the 1999/2000 Food Service Worker salary schedule/Effective 8/99.
5.06 Renewal of Cooperative Orchestra Program. Directors will consider renewal of the cooperative orchestra program agreement with Pleasant Valley for school year 1999/00.
5.09 Approval of 1999/00 Board Meeting Dates.
5.08 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.
Into Bettendorf, 1998/99
Joseph Grgic, grade 8, from Davenport, change of residence
Out of Bettendorf, 1998/99
Jessica Ramza, grade 7, to Davenport, change of residence
Nicole Ramza, grade 10, to Davenport, change of residence
Into Bettendorf, 1999/00
Robyn Harms, grade 0, from Davenport
Jordan Sitter, grade 0, from Davenport
5.09 Approval of Donation. Directors will consider approval of 22 computers, 7 monitors, and 1 printer, donated by Genesis Medical Center, for use by the BHS Science Department. The equipment is valued at $1,300.
6. Action Items
6.01 Approval of FY'99-00 Budget.
Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs, presented a budgetary summary and reviewed property tax valuations and rates, fund allocations, rollback percentages, and taxable dollars. Mr. Bobek requested adoption of the proposed 1999/00 budget in the amount of $39,251,304 and a reduction in the property tax rate to $14.5837 per $1,000 assessed valuation.
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Petersen, to adopt the FY 1999/00 budget in the amount of $39,251,304 and a property tax rate of $14.5837 per $1,000 assessed valuation.
Ayes: 7 Directors Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Mayer.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
6.02 28E Agreement for Culinary Arts Apprenticeship.
Assistant Superintendent Perdue presented the 28E Agreement for Culinary Arts Apprenticeship. This agreement is between Bettendorf Community School district and seven local school districts and will provide a televised culinary arts program for high school students during the 1999/00 school year.
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Roski, to approve the 28E Agreement for Culinary Arts Apprenticeship as outlined.
Ayes: 7 Directors Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Mayer, Nelson.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
6.03 Approval of S.E.I.U. Contract.
Paul Bobek reviewed changes to the SEIU Contract for the 1999/00 school year. This contract has been ratified by SEIU employees. Mr. Bobek also distributed an addendum to the contract, which included the salary schedules for SEIU employees and a financial summary of the proposed increases.
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Petersen, to approve the SEIU Contract for the 1999/00 school year as presented, including the addendum of salary schedules and the financial summary.
Ayes: 7 Directors Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
6.04 Second Reading of Board Policies, 700-800 Series.
Motion by Director Petersen, seconded by Director Nelson, to approve the second reading of Board Policies 700-800 Series.
Ayes: 7 Directors Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
6.05 First Reading of Board Policies, 401.16 and 403.1.
Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Roski, to approve the first reading of Board Policies 401.16 and 403.1.
Ayes: 7 Directors Weigle, Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
6.06 28E Agreement for Communications Network.
Superintendent Finnessy presented a 28E Agreement for a Communications Network. Under this agreement, the City of Bettendorf would agree to share their fiber optic cable network with Bettendorf School District, Pleasant Valley School District, St. Katherine's-St. Mark's school, and the AEA, utilizing the City's conduit system. This would be very cost effective for the district and assist in establishing a city-wide network.
Motion by Director Petersen, seconded by Director Roski, to approve the 28E Agreement with the City of Bettendorf for a Communications Network to jointly own a fiber optic cable network, utilizing the City's conduit system.
Ayes: 7 Directors Arney, Mayer, Nelson, Petersen, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.
7. Discussion Items and Reports
7.01 Shared Communications.
Director Weigle inquired as to the interest of Directors in attending an "Accountability Countdown" conference sponsored by IASB on May 12, 1999, in Newton, Iowa. Director Weigle and Dr. Perdue are planning to attend, and if anyone else is interested, please notify Director Weigle.
Directors Wahlstrand, Weigle, Roski, and Arney attended the March 16 ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Thomas Edison Center located at 438 16th Street in Bettendorf.
Superintendent Finnessy provided legislative updates on a variety of bills currently being debated.
Director Arney recently attended a Variety Show at BMS. He suggested that future performances be held at BHS auditorium for improved visibility of the performers.
7.02 Local Option Sales Tax.
Superintendent Finnessy requested Board input on developing criteria for the use of the one cent sales tax revenue. He also reviewed a tentative process for involving staff and community in this process. Fred Jansen, Director of Operations, presented an overview of construction planned for this summer. This topic will be discussed further at the Board Retreat on April 10, 1999.
7.03 School Parking Lot Turnaround Areas.
Fred Jansen, Director of Operations, shared proposed plans for redesigning the traffic flow in the turnaround areas at BMS, Mark Twain, Grant Wood, and Paul Norton. These changes will provide easier access for pick-up and drop-off and improve safety for students.
7.04 Superintendent's Report.
1. Board Retreat Topics. The tentative Board Retreat agenda was distributed to Directors for review. The retreat is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 1999, at RSAC beginning at 8 a.m.
2. Strategic Planning Update. Dr. Perdue provided a review of the strategic planning process and district goals for 1999-2002 and asked for Board input. Currently the administrative team is focusing on strategy development and plans to involve stakeholders in this process.
8. Adjournment
Motion by Director Wahlstrand to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 p.m.
Steve Mayer, President
ATTEST:
Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary
