3/15/99 Board 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, Thornton.
Absent: None.
Also present:
Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, Tom Parker, Teresa McCalley, Janna Rice, Sue Eby, and Chris Harvey.
EXEMPT SESSION APPROVED:
Motion by Dayman, second by Adam 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 - Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness.
Nays - none.
Motion carried.
AGENDA APPROVED:
Motion by Barsness second by Thornton to approve the agenda as presented.
All ayes.
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
High School PTA Wall of Honor Committee members were present to share information regarding the high school’s new Wall of Honor, which recognizes present and former students for academic achievement.
The Wall of Honor will also honor distinguished alumni of PVCHS who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, significant accomplishments in professional life, or distinguished human service.
The first Distinguished Alumni Award recipient will be Kent Vincent, M.D., Class of 1976, who is the Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, The Oregon Health Sciences University and Assistant Professor, Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Vincent will speak at the Academic Awards Night, Pleasant Valley Community High School, 7:00 p.m, on April 28.
The Board thanked the committee, which includes Kay Lehman, Teresa McCalley, Janna Rice, Sue Eby, and Tom Parker for their dedicated service in the development and completion of this project.
Director Romans asked Dr. Barber about the amount of federal aid the district can expect to receive for reducing K-4 class size.
Dr. Barber responded that 80% of the federal funds will be distributed on the basis of the number of free and reduced lunch students in a district and 20% on a district’s enrollment in K-4.
This distribution would provide Pleasant Valley with $40,000 of federal aid for one year to reduce K-4 class size.
Director Thornton congratulated the teachers who are going to be honored as recipients of the Golden Apple Award at the Capitol Theatre on May 7, at 7:30 p.m.
The Pleasant Valley teachers who will be recognized are Wayland Bauer, High School, Keith Cavanaugh, Pleasant View, William Grothus, Black Hawk Junior High, Tami Hewitt, Pleasant View, Connie Nagel, Black Hawk Junior High, Deborah Pelecky, Bridgeview, and Debbie Thomsen, Pleasant View.
Director Thornton also inquired about steps being taken to curb student smoking at both the high school and junior high school.
Dr. Barber replied that students who are found to be smoking or in possession of tobacco at the high school are suspended from school and charges are filed with law enforcement authorities.
At the junior high school students are suspended with the first offense and suspended and charges filed with law enforcement authorities if there is a second offense.
If students are issued a citation the fine is $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second,
and $100 for the third.
Dr. Spelhaug added that the administration hopes that programs through Genesis such as “Get the Facts” and the recently approved Drug Free Youth In Touch (DFYIT) club will help curb smoking in school.
Director Adam expressed the Board’s congratulations to Pleasant View’s Math Bee Team coached by Brent Pearson for receiving first place and Riverdale Heights Math Bee Team coached by David Barber for receiving second place at the Regional Math Bee.
Members of Pleasant View’s Math Bee Team are: Brad Egbers, Kelsey Knutsen, Jessica Barnes, Alex Lambert, and Alex Hahn.
Members of Riverdale Heights’ Math Bee Team are: Samantha Goldstein, Mark Kaiser, Adam Carlson, Derek Runge, and alternates Tyler Vens and Philip Mykleby.
Director Dehman relayed a student’s concerns regarding the effectiveness of the CADS program and also her concern regarding the recent snow day on March 9 which caused the elementary in-service day to be moved to the 10th.
Her concern was that some parents did not hear the announcements there was confusion regarding the records day being moved to March 10.
Dr. Barber replied that this circumstance had not happened before at the elementary level and that in the future when a snow day precedes a day off, notes will be sent home with students on the day they are dismissed early to inform parents of the schedule.
Dr. Spelhaug and Dr. Barber addressed the concern regarding CADS.
The goal of the district is to keep campuses drug and alcohol free.
There is a very low rate of repeat offenders after completing CADS.
The alternative to the CADS program would be to expel students from school for drug or alcohol related problems.
Dr. Barber reported that the Pleasant Valley/Business Education Network held a meeting on Wednesday, March 10.
The meeting was attended by approximately 45 area business people who shared many good ideas for future business partnerships.
Dr. Barber also congratulated the Black Hawk Junior High School MathCounts Team coached by Gordon Muller for receiving 4th place in the State competition.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Motion by O’Hara second by Dayman that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented.
All ayes.
Motion carried.
The Consent Agenda included the following: the recommendation for employment of Linda Noble as a counselor at the high school for the 1999-2000 school year, the resignation of Deborah Adducci as an elementary behavior disorder teacher effective the end of the 1998-99 school year, the regular employment of Jackie Palzkill as a special education aide at the High School and the resignation of Rita Scannell as a food service worker at Bridgeview.
The Consent Agenda also included two open enrollment applications; one open enrollment-in for 1999-2000 from Davenport Schools and one open enrollment-out application for 1999-2000 to Davenport Schools.
EXPENSES APPROVED:
Motion by Adam second by O’Hara that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $133,336.08 in payment of invoices presented.
All ayes.
Motion carried.
Motion by O’Hara second by Barsness that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $70,009.71 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 $3,778.82 in payment of invoices presented.
All ayes.
Motion carried.
Motion by Thornton second by Romans that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $17,501.03 in payment of invoices presented.
All ayes.
Motion carried.
Motion by Barsness second by O’Hara that Schoolhouse Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $8,948.71 in payment of invoices presented.
All ayes.
Motion carried.
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX UPDATE:
Dr. Barber thanked the Board and the community for their united effort in support of the local option sales tax.
The Board of Supervisors has certified the election, the district has forwarded forms verifying its certified enrollment, and the first monthly draw should arrive in September. Residents will notice a reduction of $1.00 per $1,000 taxable valuation in property taxes in their September tax statement.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Dr. Barber reported that the district is at a point where the strategic planning process needs to be revisited and refocused.
He shared that the strategic planning process was begun five years ago with a 25 member committee composed of teachers, administrators, classified staff, board members, parents, representatives of Scott Community College, and the AEA.
Most of the strategies developed by the initial committee have been or are in the process of being completed.
He recommended revisiting this committee and changing its makeup slightly to include members of the Teaching and Learning Council and the Interest Based Bargaining Council.
He proposed that the strategic planning process now focus on the State law requirements that the district be accountable for reporting student achievement and the ongoing 280.12/280.18 requirements that were previously mandated by the State.
Dr. Spelhaug also indicated that the merging of the 280.12/280.18 Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee will streamline the organization of the district. Motion by O’Hara, seconded by Barsness that the Board direct the administration to begin the initial steps of implementing the proposed modification of the strategic planning process.
Roll call vote.
Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman.
Nays - none.
Motion carried.
1999-00 CERTIFIED BUDGET HEARING DATE:
Terry Haut, Chief Financial Officer, discussed the necessity to establish a date and time to hold a public hearing and adopt the Certified Budget for 1999-00.
He recommended holding the hearing on Monday, April 5, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board room for the hearing and budget certification.
Motion by Romans, second by Thornton that the Chief Financial Officer be directed to publish a proposed budget summary reflecting a tax levy rate not to exceed $13.69 per thousand and to establish a date and time of April 5, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. to hold the public hearing and adopt the certified budget for 1999-2000.
Roll call vote.
Ayes - Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara.
Nays - none.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS:
Terry Haut presented the monthly financial report for February.
Receipts totaled $10,137.667 (57.2%) and expenses totaled $11,317,679 (61.9%)
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 Barsness, second by Adam that the Board accept the monthly financial reports for February as presented.
Roll call vote.
Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand,.
Nays - none.
Motion carried.
EXEMPT SESSION:
The Board met in exempt session from 8:17 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. for the purpose of negotiations.
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION ECONOMIC PACKAGE FOR 1999-2000 APPROVED:
In open session motion by Thornton, second by Romans that the Board approve the wage and benefit package with SEIU Local 150 for 1999-00 as presented.
The settlement will provide a 36 cent per hour across the board increase for custodial union members.
This is a 3.21% total package increase as called for in the third year of the three year contract with SEIU Local 150.
Roll call vote.
Ayes - Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans.
Nays - none.
Motion carried.
PLEASANT VALLEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION ECONOMIC PACKAGE FOR 1999-2000 APPROVED:
Motion by Barsness, second by O’Hara that the Board ratify the 1999-00 Master Contract with the Pleasant Valley Education Association as presented.
The agreement provides a $400 generator base increase, cost of insurance increases, estimated early retirement savings, 0.5% longevity increase, and the cost of 24 lane changes for advanced education on the salary schedule.
The total package cost is 2.98%.
Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand.
Nays - none.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:51 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 $100.00/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
High School Semester Tests
Due to two snow days this school year, semester exam days have been moved ahead two days.
The first exam date is June 2 and the second exam date is June 3.
Records Day will be June 4 - No School.
Congratulations!
To Jessica Pryor, 7th grade, who has been selected for the Iowa summer Institute to be held at the University of Iowa.
Jessica was one of only 17 junior high students chosen from the State of Iowa to take the social science class.
To Emily Alden who has been selected to participate in the Iowa Governor's Institute.
To Jessica Luebken, 6th grade Cody Student, who is being published as a poet in "A Celebration of the Midwest's Young Poets."
Kindergarten Round-Ups
Pleasant View -April 16, 9:30 a.m.
Bridgeview - April 20, 1:30 p.m
Cody - April 21, 1:30 p.m.
Riverdale Heights - April 22, 9:00 a.m.
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
Next Board Meeting Monday, April 5, 1999 7:00 p.m. Belmont Administration Center
Pleasant Valley School Board Minutes
3/1/99 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, Thornton. Absent: Romans. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, Becky Sipes, Marcia Kline, Tom Neuhaus, Chris Harvey, and others.
AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by O’Hara second by Barsness to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Director Barsness congratulated the High School’s seven National Merit Finalists. The students receiving this high honor are: Nicholas Betts, Aaron Fahrenkrog, Valerie Jones, Matthew Keller, Alodie Larson, Kim Soenksen, and Jacqueline Townsend. Paul Hartsock and Erin Smith have been honored as National Merit Semi-Finalists, and Neala Arnold and Bret Taber have been honored as National Merit Commended students. She also congratulated the wrestling and swimming state finalists.
Dr. Spelhaug congratulated Nick Cox, Project Ready senior, who has been named Junior Chef of the Year 1998 by the Heart of America Restaurants and Inns. He also announced that the Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf School districts would be hosting a social gathering for area business persons and teachers. The purpose of this “Business/Education After-Hours” is to create an opportunity to meet and build relationships which enhance student learning. This social will be held on March 16, 1999 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. It will be held at the Thomas A. Edison Education Center (former Bettendorf Post Office) which is the new site for Project Ready, the district’s alternative high school. Interested business people should contact Judy at the Bettendorf Chamber (355-4753) to RSVP.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Adam second by Thornton that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. The Consent Agenda included
the following: the recommendations for regular employment of Kathleen Huston and Valerie Strong as special education aides at Riverdale Heights Elementary School, Jane Richardson as a special education aide at Pleasant View Elementary School, and Patricia Wells as a food service worker at Riverdale Heights Elementary School. The Consent
Agenda also included seven open enrollment applications; one open enrollment- in for 1998-99 from North Scott Schools, two open enrollment-in for 1998-99 from Bettendorf Schools; two open enrollment-in for 1999-2000 from Bettendorf Schools and two open enrollment-out applications for 1999-2000 to Bettendorf Schools. It also included a cooperative agreement for student teachers with Western Illinois University.
EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by O’Hara second by Dayman that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $193,054.35 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 $1,118.50 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Thornton second by O’Hara that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $4,432.59 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman second by Adam that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $35,112.85 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
DRUG & ALCOHOL COMMITTEE - RECOMMENDATION TO ADD DRUG FREE YOUTH IN TOUCH (DFYIT) PROGRAM TO BLACK HAWK & HIGH SCHOOL: A group of parents, students, agency representatives, and school personnel has been meeting this year to discuss strategies to positively impact drug and alcohol use among Pleasant Valley students. Becky Sipes, Marcia Kline, Tom Neuhaus, and Jim Spelhaug were present to recommend adding a Drug Free Youth In Touch (DFYIT) organization to the junior and senior high schools. This group would meet before or after the school day and is meant to provide peer support and advocacy for students choosing to be drug/alcohol free. Becky Sipes provided background information on the organization. Mrs. Kline gave a parental perspective to adding the club to the junior and senior high schools. Mr. Neuhaus discussed the organizational work that had been completed to date.
Motion by Barsness, second by O’Hara that the Board approve the addition of a DFYIT club at the junior and senior high schools. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand. Nays - none. Motion carried.
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX UPDATE: Dr. Barber gave an update on the local option sales and service tax. The Quad City Times has commissioned a poll which indicates a favorable response to the issue. A press conference was held on Monday morning and was well attended by the area radio and television stations. Administrators in Scott County are cautiously optimistic that the local option sales tax will be approved.
COOPERATIVE SPONSORSHIP ACTIVITY AGREEMENTS: 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. Mr. Neuhaus recommended that the agreements be approved for 1999-00.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Dayman that the Board approve the cooperative swimming agreement for boys and girls with North Scott and the orchestra sharing arrangement with Bettendorf for 1999-00. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
1999-00 PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY RATES: Terry Haut, Chief Financial Officer, presented a preliminary review of 1999-00 property tax levies indicating the net change from fiscal year 1999 to fiscal year 2000 for the Operating Fund, Management Fund, and Schoolhouse Fund. The total district levy rate will remain at $14.69 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, subject to the election results for the local option sales tax on March 2. If the local option sales tax passes, the total district levy rate will be reduced to $13.69 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. The hearing date for the 1999-00 budget will be established at the March 15 Board meeting.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT: Terry Haut presented the monthly financial report for January. Receipts totaled $8,985,996 (50.7%) and expenses totaled $9,777,339 (53.5%) The January target for receipts and expenditures was 58.3% He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Hot Lunch, Revolving, and Activity funds.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Barsness that the Board accept the monthly financial reports for January as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried
The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Next Board Meeting Monday, March 15, 1999
7:00 p.m. Belmont Administration Center
Congratulations!
Nick Cox, Project Ready Senior, who has been named Junior Chef of the Year 1998
by the Heart of America Restaurants and Inns.
National Merit Finalists: Nicholas Betts, Aaron Fahrenkrog, Valerie Jones,
Matthew Keller, Alodie Larson, Kim Soenksen, and Jacqueline Townsend.
National Merit Semi-Finalists: Paul Hartsock and Erin Smith have been honored
as National Merit Semi-Finalists.
National Merit Commended Students: Neala Arnold and Bret Taber have been
honored as National Merit Commended students.
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
