Minutes from meeting of 2/16/99
MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Phyllis Ahlstrand. Members present: Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara.
Absent: Romans and Thornton. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Tom Parker, Deb Menke, Brian Hodgin, Ray LaFrentz, Jean Mattson, Paul Petherick, Larry Dodds, Rod Blunk, Cathi Betts, Gary McKenrick, Terry Bloomer, Chris Harvey, and others.
AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Barsness second by O’Hara to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Terry Bloomer asked when the new classrooms at Riverdale Heights are going to be opened. Dr. Barber replied that the earliest they would be used would be next fall and that it is probable that they would not all be opened at once. The factors of enrollment and the Governor’s K-3 funding proposal will be considered in adding elementary sections.
He explained that enrollment drives funding for teachers and also cautioned against providing lower class size before ongoing funding is available as this could result in having to cut staff to balance the budget at a later date. Mr. Bloomer asked if there is more of a need at Bridgeview at this time. Dr. Barber replied that there is not and that the most immediate need for classrooms is at Riverdale. Two years ago, when Riverdale Heights opened, there were six open classroomsto accommodate future growth. These classrooms are now being utilized which has resulted in the need for the Riverdale classroom addition. He assured Mr. Bloomer that the district does have a goal to keep class size low and that the administration will be addressing that issue over the next few months.
President Ahlstrand and Director Adam added that lower class size is a priority of the Board and that they support Dr. Barber’s comments.
Director Barsness thanked the Board for allowing her to attend the IASB Legislative Conference in Des Moines. She encouraged Board members to provide input to their legislators early in the session. She also commented that she learned that 80% of Iowa school districts are declining in enrollment causing legislation to lean toward these districts. She also thanked Cody Elementary for their newsletter.
President Ahlstrand thanked the High School’s PTA for establishing the new Wall of Honor. Tom Parker, High School Principal, commented that the Wall of Honor emphasizes scholastic achievement. It recognizes students who are currently on the Honor Roll, students who are members of the National Honor Society, all those who have been members of the National Honor Society in years past, and students who have received National Merit Finalist status. There is also a Hall of Fame where alumni who have made a contribution to society in some manner will be recognized. The first member of the Hall of Fame will be announced at the Academic Awards Night on Wednesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Parker thanked Kay Lehman and the High School PTA for their efforts and support.
President Ahlstrand also thanked Dr. Barber, Terry Haut, and Jim Spelhaug for their efforts in making several public presentations regarding the local option sales tax.
Dr. Barber reported that there was nothing new to share on the Riverdale Heights addition due to lack of progress on the terrazzo floors. He added that there are still a few punch list items to be covered on the Black Hawk Junior High School air conditioning project. Hopefully, both projects will be closed out during the next month.
Dr. Spelhaug announced that the High School has seven National Merit Finalists this year. He congratulated the students, their parents, and the district faculty. The students receiving this high honor are: Nicholas Betts, Aaron Fahrenkrog, Valerie Jones, Matthew Keller, Alodie Larson, Kim Soenksen, and Jacqueline Townsend.
Dr. Spelhaug also announced that High School Social Studies teacher Wayland Bauer has been named Iowa Council for the Social Studies High School Teacher of the Year for 1999 and congratulated Mr. Bauer on receiving this honor.
He congratulated the Black Hawk Mathcounts Team members Jake Allbee, Nick Bruns, Tom Clark, Scott Myers, and alternate Ryan Cavanaugh for their first place finish in the Chapter Competition. The team will now compete in the State Competition in Des Moines on March 13. Their advisor is Gordon Muller.
The High School’s Construction Trades class has entered a competition sponsored by the Homebuilders Association. Ron VenHorst’s class has constructed a playhouse version of the one room Forest Grove Road School. Dr. Spelhaug encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to view this project.
He also encouraged any current sophomore or junior to apply for the Business Horizons Camp held at St. Ambrose University. This camp is sponsored by Junior Achievement, area Chambers of Commerce, St. Ambrose University, and the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. The one week camp provides students with an opportunity to network with area business leaders to design and market a product and learn about the free enterprise system.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by O’Hara second by Adam that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. The Consent Agenda included the following: the resignation of Lori Hodge as half-time counselor at Black Hawk Junior High School effective the end of the 1998-99 school year; the recommendation of Rich Palmer as assistant girls track coach for the 1998-99 school year; and the recommendation to extend Cathy Spinsby’s contract from five hours daily to five and one-half hours daily due to an increase in the number of special education students being served at Cody Elementary School.
The Consent Agenda also included four open enrollment applications; one open enrollment-in application for 1998-99 from Davenport Schools due to change of residence; two open enrollment-out applications for 1998-99 to Bettendorf Schools due to change of residence, and one kindergarten open enrollment-out application for 1999-2000 to Bettendorf Schools.
EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by O’Hara second by Barsness that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $269,289.87 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman second by Adam that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $58,686.50 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Adam second by Barsness that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $3,676.30 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Barsness second by O’Hara that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $19,923.24 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by O’Hara second by Dayman that Schoolhouse Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $55,655.72 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
SOPHOMORE CAREER EDUCATION CONFERENCES: High School Counselors Jean Mattson and Paul Petherick were present to review the first year of the Sophomore Career and Education Planning Conferences. The conferences were developed as a result of the strategic planning process. Their goal is to help focus high school students toward their future plans and to help plan their high school course work accordingly. 179 conferences were held in October and November. Based on comments and survey results, the conferences were well-received by parents and students and the counselors plan to continue them next year.
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX UPDATE: Dr. Barber gave an update on the local option sales and service tax. Three public meetings have been given to date. All employee groups have viewed the presentation. Dr. Barber and other area superintendents met with the Quad City Times editorial board last week to share information regarding the proposal. The election date is March 2, 1999.
HIGH SCHOOL 8TH PERIOD RESOURCE PROPOSAL: Dr. Spelhaug, Deb Menke, and Tom Parker reviewed the 8th period resource proposal for the Board. The proposal does not change the length of the school day or the number of classes students take. It does provide for a common resource time. The proposal is being brought to the Board as a result of the following: 1) under utilization of resource time; 2) to enhance the transition of services for 9th graders; 3) to increase collaboration time for faculty; and 4) provide for extra-curricular activity schedules without continual interruption of class time.
Mr. Gary McKenrick spoke in regard to the 8th period resource proposal. He stated he believed the proposal would in effect shorten the school day to seven periods; would increase conflicts in scheduling; would not provide for students who wish to participate in both vocal and instrumental music; and would contribute to increased juvenile crime due to students leaving school early.
Dr. Spelhaug replied that 8th period has the fewest number of single section classes scheduled. There are currently 550-600 students who have study hall at that time. He said the conflicts issue is of importance and that conflicts in scheduling will never be totally eliminated. However, it is believed that this proposal won’t cause a significant increase of conflicts. He also indicated that it was likely that no more students would be eligible for early release and that with all the resources of the school available, there would be a decrease in the number of students leaving campus 8th hour. Students are not given this option without parent and administrative permission. Ms. Menke added that some early bird classes in Wellness and/or Parenting may be added to aide students who are scheduled every period.
Mr. Terry Bloomer questioned the methods of evaluating the proposal. Tom Parker, High School Principal, responded that evaluative criteria would include the percentage of course conflicts, midterm reports, students’ grades, and the impact on at-risk students.
Motion by Dayman, second by Adam that the Board approve implementing eighth period resource at the high school for the 1999-2000 school year. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, O’Hara, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.
President Ahlstrand thanked Deb Menke for chairing the committee that recommended the proposal.
97-98 TRANSPORTATION REPORT: Ray LaFrentz, Director of Operations, presented the 1997-98 Transportation Report. The District owns 29 vehicles that are used to transport students on a daily route basis. There are 79 regular bus runs traveling 1,264 miles per day and 10 special education routes traveling 410 miles per day. The average transportation cost per pupil is $159.95 per year. The District’s average cost per mile for 1997-98 was $1.81. The Pleasant Valley cost per pupil for transportation is compared to each district in Iowa and shows that there are only seven districts out of 377 in the state with lower per pupil costs for transportation.
Motion by Adam, second by Dayman that the Board approve the Annual
Transportation Report as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
BUS BIDS: Mr. LaFrentz presented information on bus bids. The replacement cycle calls for the purchase of one 66 passenger and one 84 passenger bus. He recommended that the district purchase a 66 passenger chassis for $32,745, a 66 passenger body for $17,874, and a 84 passenger bus for $59,812, all from Thomas Bus Sales. The total price after trade for these two complete units is $110,431.
Motion by Dayman, second by O’Hara that the Board approve the purchase of a 66 passenger chassis for $32,745, a 66 passenger body for $17,874, and an 84 passenger bus for $59,812, all from Thomas Bus Sales, for a total price of $110,431. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, O’Hara, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.
SCOTT COUNTY CONFERENCE BOARD DELEGATE: The Scott County Assessor’s office informed the district they are preparing for the Conference Board Meeting to set the budget for the County Assessor’s Office and they would like at least one representative from the Pleasant Valley Board of Education to attend. The meeting is February 18, in the Bi-Centennial Building, 428 Western, 5th floor conference room, at 3:00 p.m. Director Barsness indicated that she would be willing to serve in this capacity.
Motion by Adam, second by Dayman that the Board appoint Director Barsness as a delegate to the Scott County Conference Board Meeting. Roll call vote. Ayes - Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Mark Your Calendars Now for the Alcoa Sponsored Pleasant Valley Schools Educational Foundation Annual Golf/Tennis Benefit
Golf at Palmer Hills on Monday, April 26. 10:00 a.m. shot gun start.
The day includes the Alcoa $1,000,000 Hole-in-one Shoot-out! Entry fee $125.00.
The tennis tournament will be held on Sunday, April 25, 12:00 noon at the PVCHS tennis courts. Semis and finals will be held on Monday, April 26, 12:00 noon at the PVCHS tennis courts. Entry fee $100.00/team.
Plan now to join in the fun!
Proceeds provide scholarships to PVCHS graduating seniors. For more information, call 332-5550 or e-mail chris-harvey@qmail.aea9.k12.ia.us
PUBLIC NOTICE
Special Education Services:
Notice of Intended Destruction of Student Records The Pleasant Valley Community School District maintains personally identifiable information for the purpose of providing special education services to students. A permanent record of each student’s name, address, his or her grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed will be maintained without time limitation. All other special education student records currently maintained by the district are subject to destruction five years after services to the student have ended. The district intends to destroy all such records currently maintained by the District unless you make written request for them by March 1, 1999. Written requests should include full student name, birthdate, and last year of school attendance. These written requests should be mailed to Dr. Jim Spelhaug, Assistant Superintendent, P.O. Box 332, Pleasant Valley, IA 52767. You may want the records for social security benefits or other purposes.
Congratulations!
Nick Cox, Project Ready Senior, who has been named Junior Chef of the Year 1998 by the Heart of America Restaurants and Inns.
The Boys Swim Team for their 3rd place Conference finish.
Qualifying for State Competition are: Matt Albert, 200 & 500 Freestyle, John Kuykendall, 50 & 100 freestyle, Kelly Frizzell, 100 Butterfly, Medley Relay Team (Kris Higgins, Nick Tarpein, Kelly Frizzell, Seth Mahler), 200 Yd. Freestyle Relay Team (Seth Mahler, Dan Tarpein, Nick Tarpein, John Kuykendall), 400 Yd. Freestyle Relay Team (Jonathan Graham, Justin Jackson, Matt Albert, John Kuykendall).
Take a Look!
PVCHS art can be viewed throughout the month of February at the Bettendorf Library.
Softball Clinic Saturday, March 20
1st-5th grade 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
6th-8th grade 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Pleasant Valley H.S. Gymnasium
Please contact Julie Spelhaug, Head Softball Coach, at 332-5151 (school) or
332-0027 (home) for more information.
Mintues from Feb. 1, 1999
Pleasant Valley Community School District
Board of Education Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Phyllis Ahlstrand. Members present: Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans. Absent: Thornton. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, Tom Parker, Deb Menke, Ron Phillips, Diana Dalton, Brian Hodgin, Roi Brown, Danielle Spaete, Janelle Kuebrich, Paul Jones, Danielle Davenport, Joe Kint, Chris Harvey, and others.
AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Adam second by Dayman to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Dr. Barber attended a legislative meeting at St. Ambrose University where allowable growth was discussed. While some legislators indicated support for increased allowable growth for 1999-2000, it appeared that the issue was not going to progress during this legislative session. Dr. Barber suggested that people contact their legislators regarding this subject.
Dr. Spelhaug congratulated the Pleasant Valley Community High School Science Bowl Team for taking second place out of forty teams in the Midwest Regional Competition at the Ames Lab and Iowa State University Science Bowl contest in Ames. The team members were Matt Keller, Jake Spinsby, Nick Betts, James Borchardt, and Aaron Fahrenkrog. Bert Murphy and Duane Dawson sponsored the team.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by O’Hara second by Romans that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. The Consent Agenda included the following: the resignation of James Harder as a high school B.D. special education teacher at the end of the 1999-2000 school year; the recommended transfer of Jennifer Davidson from the Language Arts/Geography position at 7/8 grade at Black Hawk Junior High to the 7th grade Language Arts position at Black Hawk Junior High for the 1999-2000 school year; the probationary employment of Gene Bolich and Harold Keesee as school bus drivers and Patricia Wells as a food service worker; the transfer of David Heimer from Head Sophomore Baseball Coach to Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach for the 1998-99 school year; and the assignment of Bill Petsche as Head Sophomore Baseball Coach for the 1998-99 school year. The Consent Agenda also included three open enrollment applications; one open enrollment-in application for 1998-99 from Davenport Schools due to change of residence; and two open enrollment-in applications for 1999-2000 from Bettendorf Schools.
EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by O’Hara second by Barsness that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $40,596.72 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Barsness second by Dayman that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $4,040.13 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman second by Adam that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $1,041.05 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Adam second by O’Hara that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $13,193.48 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX UPDATE: Dr. Barber gave an update on the local option sales and service tax. The county-wide citizens committee has raised funds to mail a brochure explaining the issue. The election date is March 2, 1999. Local option sales tax presentations to Pleasant Valley Community School District employee groups begin this week. Public presentations begin next week. A schedule is published at the end of these minutes.
H.S. PROPOSAL FOR 8TH PERIOD RESOURCE: Dr. Spelhaug, Deb Menke, Tom Parker and high school faculty members Danielle Spaete, Janelle Kuebrich, Diana Dalton, Ron Phillips, Paul Jones, and Danielle Davenport were in attendance to present a proposal regarding High School Eighth Period Resource. The current high school schedule for a full-time faculty member involves teaching six periods, having one period of preparation time, and one period for resource. As it currently exists, this resource period may be assigned any of the eight periods. This proposal would allow every teacher to be assigned a resource period during the eighth period of the day. Such a structure would promote academic achievement, improve students’ schedules, provide full utilization of school facilities, and create time for curricular articulation. Mrs. Menke pointed out that all students would have the opportunity to receive help from the teachers of their classes in 8th period resource because all teachers will be available at that time. Early bird classes and a special Wellness section will be offered to alleviate schedule conflicts which may emerge from scheduling across seven periods. The school day would begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. just as it does now. Buses would pick up students at the regular time of 3:30 p.m.
The Board will vote on this issue at its next regular meeting.
1997-98 AUDIT REPORT: Terry Haut presented the 1997-98 Audit Report from Hunt, Kain & Associates for the year ended June 30, 1998. The auditors presented an “unqualified” opinion of the district’s financial statements. There were no reportable conditions and no material weaknesses reported. Mr. Haut thanked the central office staff for their assistance in attaining a perfect audit. The Board congratulated Mr. Haut on this accomplishment.
Motion by Romans, second by Barsness that the Board accept the audit report from Hunt, Kain & Associates for the year ended June 30, 1998. Roll call vote. Ayes - Romans, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
BOARD MEETING MOVED TO TUESDAY, FEB. 16: Due to the fact that the February 15 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 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Adam, second by Dayman that the February 15 Board meeting be moved to Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. due to the President’s Day Holiday, which is a district-wide holiday, falling on February 15. Roll call vote. Ayes - Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans. Nays - none. Motion carried.
The Board adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
Next Board Meeting
TUESDAY, February 16, 1999
7:00 p.m.
Belmont Administration Center
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
High School
February 8
7 p.m.
Riverdale Heights
February 9
7 p.m.
Cody
February 11
7 p.m.
Pleasant View
February 18
7 p.m.
Bridgeview
February 22
7 p.m.
Black Hawk
February 23
7 p.m.
Mark Your Calendars Now for the Alcoa-sponsored Pleasant Valley Schools Educational Foundation Annual Golf/Tennis Benefit
Golf at Palmer Hills on Monday, April 26. 10 a.m. shot gun start. The day includes the Alcoa $1,000,000 Hole-in-one Shoot-out! Entry fee $125.00.
The tennis tournament will be held on Sunday, April 25, noon at the PVCHS tennis courts. Semis and finals will be held on Monday, April 26, noon at the PVCHS tennis courts. Entry fee $100/team.
Plan now to join in the fun! Proceeds provide scholarships to PVCHS graduating seniors. For more information, call 332-5550 or e-mail chris harvey@qmail.aea9.k12.ia.us
PUBLIC NOTICE
Special Education Services:
Notice of Intended Destruction of Student Records
The Pleasant Valley Community School District maintains personally identifiable information for the purpose of providing special education services to students. A permanent record of each student’s name, address, his or her grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed will be maintained without time limitation. All other special education student records currently maintained by the district are subject to destruction five years after services to the student have ended. The district intends to destroy all such records currently maintained by the District unless you make written request for them by March 1, 1999. Written requests should include full student name, birthdate, and last year of school attendance. These written requests should be mailed to Dr. Jim Spelhaug, Assistant Superintendent, P.O. Box 332, Pleasant Valley, IA 52767. You may want the records for social security benefits or other purposes.
4th Annual Cake Auction
Pleasant Valley's 4th Annual Cake Auction will be held Friday, February 12th! Organizations wanting to have a cake in the live auction must contact Joanne Duncan, 332-5151, or Claire Anthony, 332-4461 or 344-6261. There are limited spots. An additional "Silent Auction" for Home Size Cakes will be held and donations are needed. All proceeds from the Home Size Cakes will go to the Pleasant Valley Athletic Boosters which benefits all of our athletes. Donations for the Home Size Cake Auction may be brought to the gym area when you come to the game. All organizations participating will receive information closer to the date.
Softball Clinic
Saturday, March 20
1st-5th grade 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
6th-8th grade 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Pleasant Valley H.S. Gymnasium
Please contact Julie Spelhaug, Head Softball Coach, at 332-5151 (school) or 332-0027 (home) for more information.
Pleasant Valley Schools Foundation Alumni Data Base
If you are an alumnus of Pleasant Valley Community Schools, we'd 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 chris-harvey@qmail.aea9.k12.ia.us
Take a Look!
PVCHS art can be viewed throughout the month of February at the Bettendorf Library.
