BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGULAR MEETING, BELMONT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Monday, March 20, 2000, 7:00 P.M. C.S.T.

Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Phyllis Ahlstrand. Members present: Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton. Absent: Romans. Also present: Amy LaBarge, Tom Neuhaus, Keith Osborn, Linda Goetz, Carole Anderson, Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, and Chris Harvey.

Motion by Thornton, second by Dayman that the Board hold a closed session as provided in Section 21.5(1)(c) of the open meetings law to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, OíHara. Nays ñ none. Motion carried.

Motion by Adam, second by Barsness that the Board hold an exempt session for the purpose of negotiations as provided in section 20.17(3) of the Code of Iowa. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton. Nays ñ none. Motion carried.

Motion by Dayman, second by OíHara that the Board hold a closed session as provided in section 21.5(1)(i) of the open meetings law to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose performance is being considered to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individualís reputation, as that individual has requested a closed session. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays ñ none. Motion carried.

Motion by O'Hara, second by Adam that the Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS: Director Thornton congratulated the 8th grade band which performed at the Southeast Iowa Bandmaster's Association (SEIBA) Concert Band Contest on March 11 and was one of only two bands that received a perfect score.

Director Barsness congratulated the new inductees into the National Honor Society: Amanda Bales, Elizabeth Bicknell, Andrea Bland, Nicole Brunsvold, Michael Clark, Mai-Anh Epperly, Sean Gallagher, Adrian Gasperut, Allison Gasperut, Emily Glynn, Daniel Hale, Katherine Hansen, Eric Heil, Kevin Kaiser, Kristin Keith, Jackie Kubik, Kevin Morrison, David Miller, John V. Miller, Elisabeth C. Naylor, Andrea Rheinhart, Natalie Rice, Lisa Spurrier, Sara Stamm, Nathan Suh, Theresa Svoboda, Mark Swanson, Sarah Thompson, Lisa Tice, and Ayrica Zeigler. She also commended Director Dayman for her remarks to the inductees.

Director Barsness congratulated Kelly Arnold, Kristin Kinnemann, and Amy Nienaber who are finalists in this year's National Merit Scholarship Competition.

Director Barsness, Dr. Barber, and Board members discussed legislation including Charter Schools, SF 2318, Parent Contracts, SF 2267, and Alternative School Funding, HF 2496, which are currently in the legislative process. Dr. Barber commented that he has contacted area legislators in opposition to Charter Schools legislation which has passed the Senate and is now in the House in a different version. He stated that he believes approval of Charter Schools would erode local control and take funding away from public schools. In regard to Parent Contracts, Dr. Barber commented that this legislation would require students to be at grade level math and reading skills by grade three or be retained. He spoke in opposition to this bill as it is yet another unfunded mandate from the State and, the current research in education finds that retention is believed to create more problems than it remedies. The Iowa Association of School Boards and the Iowa State Board of Education both oppose the Charter Schools and Parent Contract legislation. The district supports the Alternative School Funding legislation passed by the Iowa House which would provide increased funding for alternative school programs such as Project Ready. He encouraged district citizens to contact their legislators in regard to these legislative items.

President Ahlstrand related that she and her husband had the pleasure of attending the Boys State Basketball Tournament on Saturday. During half-time of the 3A Championship game, Dr. Barber was presented the School Administrators Award for 2000 by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. She congratulated Dr. Barber on this honor and expressed the Board's pride in his accomplishments.

President Ahlstrand also congratulated Dr. Spelhaug who was recognized by United Way of the Quad Cities for his work in serving as a United Way fund distribution volunteer.

Dr. Barber reported that he met with national representatives of Junior Achievement for an assessment of current J.A. offerings in the Quad Cities and to discuss the future direction for J.A.

Dr. Spelhaug presented each Board member a copy of the Scott County Regional Authorityís 1999 Annual Report. Pleasant Valley Schools is featured in the report several times. He also expressed the districtís appreciation for the SCRAís contributions to education in Scott County.

Motion by O'Hara, second by Barsness that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. The Consent Agenda consists of the following: the transfer of Kathy Cline as an L.D. instructor at Black Hawk Junior High School to a Language Arts instructor for the 2000-2001 school year; the employment of Trena McCartney as a Language Arts instructor at Black Hawk Junior High School for the 2000-2001 school year, Elizabeth Somsky as a Chemistry instructor at Pleasant Valley Community High School for the 2000-2001 school year, Wes Rowe as junior high boys basketball coach for the 2000-2001 school year, and Carrie Landau-Smith as the head Sophomore Softball coach for the 1999-2000 school year; and the resignations of John Jacobsen as the Head Custodian at Pleasant Valley Community High School and Jenni Lelm as co-sponsor of cheerleading at Pleasant Valley Community High School; one open enrollment-out application for 1999-2000 to Bettendorf Schools due to good cause, and two open enrollment applications for 2000-2001; one ìinî from Davenport Schools due to good cause and one kindergarten student ìoutî to North Scott Schools

Motion by Dayman second by O'Hara that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $203,232.86 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Barsness second by Thornton that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $31,960.71 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by O'Hara second by Dayman that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $2,646.58 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Thornton second by Adam that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $54,051.81 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Adam second by Thornton that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $44,386.04 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

After discussion of a Board retreat, the Board proposed Saturday, May 20, 2000, from 8:30 ñ 11:30 a.m. This date will be placed on the April 3 Board Agenda as an action item.

The cooperative sponsorship activity agreements for boys and girls swimming with North Scott Schools and orchestra with Bettendorf School District were presented for annual approval by the Board. High School Associate Principal for Athletics/Activities Tom Neuhaus recommended that the agreements be approved for 2000-01.

Motion by OíHara, second by Barsness that the Board approve the cooperative swimming agreement for boys and girls with North Scott and the orchestra sharing arrangement with Bettendorf for 2000-01. Roll call vote. Ayes - OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The Board discussed materials from Mary Jane Vens, Board Development Director for the Iowa Association of School Boards, regarding hosting Academy of Board Learning Experiences (ABLE) workshops. This involves setting a date, contacting school board members from other districts, establishing the topics to be discussed, and providing refreshments. The Board agreed to pursue this opportunity.

Motion by Barsness, second by Dayman that the Board work with area school districts to attempt to host an ABLE workshop this spring. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ Barsness, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand. Nays ñ none. Motion carried.

Terry Haut presented the monthly financial report for February. Through February, general fund receipts totaled $10,876,675 (57.5%) and expenses totaled $11,793,179 (61.7%). The February target for receipts and expenditures was 66.7% . He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Hot Lunch, Revolving, and Activity funds.

Motion by O'Hara, second by Thornton that the Board accept the monthly financial reports for February as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - O'Hara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The Board thanked Mr. Haut for providing reports that are thorough and easy to understand.

The Board met in executive session from 8:11 p.m. until 8:41 p.m. for the purpose of discussing litigation with district legal counsel Carole Anderson.

The Board met in exempt session from 8:42 p.m. until 9:11 p.m. for the purpose of negotiations.

In open session, motion by Dayman, second by Thornton that the Board approve the wage and benefit package with SEIU Local 199 for 2000-01 as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays ñ none. Motion carried. The tentative agreement calls for a .19 cent per hour across the board raise, the addition of an annual physical exam to the current health insurance plan, and minor language changes. The agreement will be in effect for the next three years and the total package increase for 2000-01 is 3.33%. The total package settlement will be equal to the districtís percentage of allowable growth for the subsequent two years.

The Board met in executive session from 9:20 p.m. until 10:19 p.m. for the purpose of conducting the superintendentís annual evaluation.

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGULAR MEETING,
BELMONT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Monday, March 6, 2000, 7:00 P.M. C.S.T.

Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Phyllis Ahlstrand. Members present: Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton. Absent: Romans. Also present: Cyndy Behrer, Jean Rittmer, Deb Pelecky, Louise Jesson, Becky Roller, Jan Erling, Sonia Vogel, Cathy Salthun, Kathy Miller, Mary Ritter, Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, and Chris Harvey.

Motion by OíHara, second by Barsness that the Board hold an exempt session for the purpose of negotiations as provided in section 20.17(3) of the Code of Iowa. Roll call vote. Ayes - O'Hara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

Motion by Adam, second by Thornton that the Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

President Ahlstrand declared the public hearing open at 7:02 p.m. for input from citizens regarding the sale of the district owned Lots 1-6 in Bridgeview West Addition to the City of LeClaire, Scott County, Iowa. Paddy's LLC, a company owned by Mr. Pat Mitchell and Mr. Pat Glynn, has made an offer on the property pending an environmental inspection. The district has owned the property for approximately 30 years. It was formerly connected to the Bridgeview Elementary School campus until the City of LeClaire constructed Stagecoach Road through the property. President Ahlstrand declared the public hearing closed at 7:03 p.m.

Motion by Thornton, second by Adam that the Board approve the sale of Lots 1-6 in Bridgeview West Addition to the City of LeClaire, Scott County, Iowa, to Paddy's LLC for the purchase price of $108,000 contingent upon the buyers environmental inspection prior to closing. Roll call vote. Ayes - Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O'Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS: Director Adam indicated there was considerable discussion within the Diocese of Davenport regarding the development of a middle school for 6, 7, and 8th grade students. He recommended that the administration monitor this situation as it could have considerable impact on area public schools.

Director Thornton congratulated Ben Klemme, Gerard Krupke, and John Scott for their selection to the NCACDA High School Men's Honor Choir.

President Ahlstrand reported that she had seen bicyclers on the high school track and wondered if that was permissible. Dr. Barber responded that wheeled vehicles are not allowed on the track and that he would discuss this issue with Tom Neuhaus, Athletic Director, and Ray LaFrentz, Director of Operations.

President Ahlstrand also read the following letter into the minutes and expressed the Board's appreciation for Dr. Barber's participation in ATEEC.

February 22, 2000

Dear Ms. Ahlstrand:

My name is Ellen Kabat Lensch and I am the Director of ATEEC - the Advanced Technology Environmental Education Center. We are a national center of excellence funded through the National Science Foundation. Our mission is to improve environmental technology through curriculum development, professional development and program improvement in our nation's secondary schools and community colleges.

ATEEC has created a network of community colleges, supported through public and private partnerships, that prepares and maintains an environmental technology workforce to address industry's needs and to promote the transfer of secondary students to higher education.

Your superintendent, Dr. Dale Barber, is a member of our National Advisory Board. He is one of eleven members from across the country who serve in the capacity of advisor, assessor and advocate for the Center. Our annual face-to-face meeting was held in Davenport last Thursday evening and Friday (February 17th and 18th).

Dale's insight and input for the Center are invaluable. He has been an active member since our inception six years ago. I have personally thanked Dale for his support and generous contribution of time and expertise. I would like to thank you and your Board for supporting his participation in this most worthy cause.

Although many of our activities are felt more on a national basis, we will be working specifically with your school district on a contextualized teaching and learning grant to facilitate high school faculty internships this summer in the environmental area.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Ellen J. Kabat Lensch, Ph.D.
Director, ATEEC

Dr. Barber responded that ATEEC received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation six years ago and that the Center works with secondary and post secondary schools in developing environmental curriculum materials and in providing professional development opportunities.

Motion by Barsness, second by O'Hara that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

The consent agenda consists of the following:

• approval of the February 22, 2000 and February 23, 2000, board minutes;
• the resignation of David Fairweather as principal of Riverdale Heights Elementary School;
• the early retirement and resignation of Linda Cook, secretary at Black Hawk Junior High School;
• the recommendation for regular employment of Rita Scannel as a food service worker at the high school and Pleasant View, Gloria McGee and Debra Thompson as food service workers at the high school; and the recommendation for probationary employment of Anita Noble as a Pleasant View food service worker;
• three open enrollment-in applications for 2000-2001 from Bettendorf Schools and two open enrollment-out applications for 2000-2001 to Bettendorf Schools;
• an early graduation request recommendation for a junior student to graduate at the end of the 1999-2000 school year due to medical reasons.

Motion by Adam second by Dayman that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $343,410.77 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Dayman second by O'Hara that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $61,342.98 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Thornton second by Adam that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $6,463.94 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Barsness second by Dayman that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $28,658.04 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Dr. Spelhaug introduced Cyndy Behrer and Jean Rittmer who recommended the following changes in the elementary summer school remediation program: 1) change the length from 5 weeks to 3 weeks and change the time from end of the school year to a placement just before the start of the new school year; 2) change the scheduling where a student could take a math or a reading block to a unified 3 hour block of time devoted to skill development; 3) and the development of a Horizons Enrichment program open to all students during 2 weeks of June. These courses are designed to appeal to the interests and curiosity of all children in a manner in which the committee believes will enhance cognitive skills development.

Motion by Dayman, second by Thornton that the Board approve the K-6 Summer School program as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.

President Ahlstrand thanked the committee for their work in developing the recommendations for revision.

At the February 22 Board meeting, Jim Spelhaug and the K-6 Math Committee made recommendations regarding adoption of the "Everyday Math" program. Dr. Spelhaug and the Math Committee then gave presentations at all four elementaries. They reported that the program has been well received at each location. The elementary faculty is planning to implement the program during the 2000-2001 school year as opposed to phasing in the adoption over two years. Dr. Spelhaug and the K-6 Math Committee recommended that the Board approve Everyday Math for the 2000-2001 school year.

Motion by OíHara, second by Barsness that the Board accept the K-6 Math Committee recommendation to adopt the ìEveryday Mathî program for the 2000-2001 school year. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays ñ none. Motion carried.

Ray LaFrentz, Director of Operations, reported that the school bus replacement cycle calls for the purchase of two 84 passenger units as replacements in the fleet. Eleven dealers were sent bidding information. One bid meeting specifications was received. Mr. LaFrentz recommended that the Board approve the low bid of $63,433.00 each after trade-in allowance for a total of $126,886.00 from Thomas Bus Sales.

Motion by Barsness, second by Dayman that the Board approve the purchase of two 84 passenger buses at $63,433.00 each after trade-in allowance for a total cost of $126,886.00 from Thomas Bus Sales. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ Barsness, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand. Nays ñ none.

Terry Haut, Chief Financial Officer, presented a preliminary review of 2000-01 property tax levies indicating the net change from fiscal year 2000 to fiscal year 2001 for the Operating Fund, Management Fund, and Schoolhouse Fund. The total district levy rate will be 13.41 per $1,000 of taxable valuation which reflects no change from the current year.

Mr. Haut also discussed the necessity to establish a date and time to hold a public hearing and adopt the Certified Budget for 2000-01. He recommended holding the hearing on Monday, April 3, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board room for the hearing and budget certification.

Motion by Dayman, second by OíHara that the Chief Financial Officer be directed to publish a proposed budget summary reflecting a tax levy rate not to exceed $13.41119 per thousand and to establish a date and time of April 3, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. to hold the public hearing and adopt the certified budget for 2000-2001. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays ñ none. Motion carried.

Director Adam had previously requested that the item of a board retreat be placed on the agenda for discussion. Board members shared their thoughts on scheduling and topics, which they will forward to President Ahlstrand. This item will be discussed further at the April 3 Board meeting.

Dr. Barber reported that the interview process for the principal at Riverdale Heights has been completed. Twenty-six candidates requested materials. Six candidates were interviewed in a day-long process which included interviews with the administration, Riverdale Heights teachers, parents, and staff, lunch, and a tour of the district. Dr. Barber recommended that the Board offer a one year contract to Mr. Jim Wichman who is currently an elementary principal and curriculum coordinator for the Ventura Community School District.

Motion by Dayman, second by Barsness that the Board extend a one year contract to Mr. Jim Wichman as Principal of Riverdale Heights Elementary School for the 2000-2001 school year as recommended. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, OíHara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The Board met in exempt session from 9:20 p.m. until 9:33 p.m. for the purpose of negotiations.

In open session, moved by Adam, second by Dayman that the Board ratify the 2000-2001 Master Contract with the Pleasant Valley Education Association as presented. The agreement includes a $400 generator base increase, cost of insurance increases, estimated early retirement savings, and 0.5% longevity increase. The total package cost is 3.33%. Roll call vote. Ayes ñ Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, OíHara, Thornton. Nays ñ none. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.