4/19/99
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, Romans, Thornton. Absent: None. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, Larry Brown, Dick Hanzelka, Sonia Vogel, Stephanie Judkins, Jolene Mullins, Ginny Treasure, Brian McKenrick , Gary McKenrick and Chris Harvey.
EXECUTIVE SESSION APPROVED:Motion by Adam, second by O’Hara 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 individual’s reputation, and that individual has requested a closed session
Motion by Dayman second by Thornton to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Mrs. Kay Lehman, Chairperson of the Wall of Honor Committee, was present to formally invite the Board to a reception in honor of the first Wall of Honor recipient, Dr. Kent Vincent, on Wednesday, April 28, at 3:30 in the High School Library. She thanked Sue Eby, Janna Rice, Theresa McCaulley, Tom Parker, Beth Winders, Patty Guilfoyle, John Jacobsen, Cindy McClanahan, and Sandra Adamson for their efforts on behalf of the committee. She also thanked the parents of PVCHS students for their support of the Cash Back for Schools program which provided funding for the project.
Board Directors Kevin O’Hara, Joe Adam, and Phyllis Ahlstrand thanked the district for the opportunity to attend the National School Board Conference in San Francisco last week. Various themes of the conference were shared including community service as a requirement for graduation, student codes of conduct, and accountability to the community. Dr. Barber replied that many of these themes will have an opportunity to be utilized in the next phase of Strategic Planning.
Director Romans asked what exposure students who attend Pleasant Valley Schools have to practical economics. Dr. Spelhaug replied that the district has fully implemented the Junior Achievement curriculum and that economics is a graduation requirement for all students.
President Ahlstrand recognized PVCHS Senior Matt Keller who won the state Academic Decathlon individual competition. He is the first student in PVCHS history to win the top state award for this competition. He now will advance to the National Academic Decathlon Bowl in Orlando, Florida, in June. Matt has also been named one of six Presidential Scholars in Iowa.
The Board congratulated the following students who have been named “Classiest of the Class of 1999” from Pleasant Valley High School: Nicholas Betts, James Borchardt, Jesse Brunsvold, Aaron Fahrenkrog, Matt Gass, Michella Hall, Katie Hermanson, Valerie Jones, Matt Keller, Alodie Larson, Melissa Lehman, Angela Lewis, Cheri Nordstrom, Abbey Poleshaj, Kim Soenksen, Bret Taber, Jacqueline Townsend, Dan White.
Director Barsness informed the Board that Tom Parker, High School Principal, and students Andrea Myers and Matt Gass, officers of the Interact Club presented $1500 raised by the club to the Make a Wish Foundation.
Dr. Barber informed the Board that the district will receive approximately $38,000 next year from the State to be used at the K-3 level. There is a four year commitment for this funding and it will be distributed to districts with 50% based on the free and reduced lunch count and 50% based on enrollment. Had the State distributed the money solely on a per pupil basis, the district would have received an additional $21,000.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by O’Hara, second by Barsness that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
The Consent Agenda included the following:
• the resignation of Ron Swanson as head girls cross country and head girls track and field coach for the 1999-2000 school year.
• contract extensions of Madelyn Cox to include one additional section of art at Black Hawk Junior High School for the 1999-2000 school year.
• Marisa McClain to full-time by including the 1/6 time Spanish position at the high school for 1999-2000.
• John Schneider to full-time by including the two-thirds Language Arts position at the junior high for 1999-2000.
• employment of Amy Prins as a high school English/Journalism teacher, newspaper advisor, yearbook advisor, and Quill and Scroll advisor for the 1999-2000 school year.
• the extra-curricular assignments of Amy Weber as Head Varsity Volleyball Coach.
• the resignations of Paul Seefeldt as part-time custodian at Black Hawk Junior High School and Michalee Walker as a part-time food service worker at the high schoo.
• the regular employment of Gene Bolich and Harold Keesee as school bus drivers, Linda Teagarden as a special education aide at Riverdale Heights Elementary School, and Wanda Derby as a food service worker at Pleasant Valley Community High School.
• approval of the cooperative agreement for student teachers with the University of Northern Iowa.
EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by O’Hara, second by Dayman that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $109,736.87 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman, second by Barsness that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $32,278.74 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Thornton, second by Romans that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $10,089.03 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Romans, second by Adam that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $30,989.79 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Barsness, second by Dayman that Schoolhouse Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $31,224.67 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
ANALYZE & APPLY: Dr. Spelhaug, Sonia Vogel, Stephanie Judkins, and Jolene Mullins provided an overview of Analyze & Apply, an elementary curriculum resource which focuses the curriculum and delivery system on the achievement of the lifelong learner traits. Elementary teachers will adapt one unit in their curriculum to utilize Analyze and Apply applications next year.
Motion by Thornton, second by Adam to approve the elementary Analyze and Apply curriculum project for the 1999-2000 school year. All ayes. Motion carried.
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: Dr. Dick Hanzelka, AEA General Education Director, is the district’s outside facilitator for Strategic Planning. This is the fifth anniversary of the district’s strategic plan and Dr. Hanzelka presented a proposed timeline for implementation of the School Improvement Advisory team which would be utilized to implement the next phase of strategic planning for the district. The Board will review the district’s beliefs, mission, strategic goals and approve the advisory team at the May 3rd Board meeting.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Barsness to approve the timeline for implementation of Phase II of the district’s Strategic Plan. All ayes. Motion carried.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS: Terry Haut presented the monthly financial report for March. Receipts totaled $11,157,859 (63.0%) and expenses totaled $12,781,442 (69.9%) The March target for receipts and expenditures was 75.0% He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Hot Lunch, Revolving, and Activity funds.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Dayman that the Board accept the monthly financial reports for March as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Board met in Executive Session from 8:55 p.m. until
10:30 p.m. for the purpose of conducting the Superintendent’s evaluation.
The meeting adjourned in open session at 10:31 p.m.
Next Board Meeting Monday, May 3, 1999
7:00 p.m. Belmont Administration Center
PV Volleyball Camp
August 10, 11, and 12
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Grades 9-12
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Grades 4-8
Cost $45
Sign up and pay by May 5 and receive a free camp t-shirt.
Questions? Call DanielleDavenport at 332-5151.
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.
Junior High Football Camp
June 7 - 11
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
$40 or $55 (for two from same family) for Boys entering 7th or 8th grade next year.
Questions - Call Ed Morrissey 289-4507
Pleasant Valley School District
Board Minutes
4/5/99
MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice-President Joe Adam. Members present: Adam, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans. Absent: Ahlstrand and Thornton. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, Larry Brown, Cyndy Behrer, Janelle Kuebrich, Steve Townsend, Brian Hodgin, Bridget Cullen, Deb Gustafson, Tom Neuhaus, Ron Ven Horst, Ladonna Czachowski, Joe Kint and Chris Harvey.
AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Dayman second by O’Hara to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Steve Townsend, a district resident, shared his concerns regarding the sewer project for the new subdivision west of the high school. A manhole had been left open over the weekend allowing storm water to enter the sanitary sewer. Also, prairie grass south of the high school has been destroyed. Dr. Barber replied that he would investigate the concern regarding the manhole. The district has an agreement with the contractors that all property will be returned to its original state at the conclusion of the project.
Director Romans asked if the notification that was sent to parents of Bridgeview Elementary parents recently was optional or a board policy. Dr. Barber replied that it was an administrative decision based on a new law now in effect in Iowa. The district consulted with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the LeClaire Police, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, and the district’s attorney before notifying the parents. He will consult with the District’s legal counsel regarding the appropriateness of a Board policy for this type of situation.
Director Barsness congratulated National Honor Society inductees: Waseemuddin Ahmed, Kim Ahrens, Kelly Arnold, Erin Arnold, Jeff Beck, Julie Bleecker, Pat Campion, Erin Consamus, Laura Cummings, Christina Danico, Mollie Dudley, Rachel Fitkin, Paul Friemel, Andrea Hensel, Adrienne Gaster, Kristen Kinnemann, Greg Lipes, Tiffany Lewis, Katie Ludwig, Amy Nienaber, Kate Phelan, Jennifer Rodine, Erin Smith, Aaron Suh, and Amy Walsh.
Dr. Barber introduced Erin Smith, a Senior at Pleasant Valley High School, who was named Iowa Junior Miss 1999, and Melissa Lehman, also a Senior at Pleasant Valley High School, who was named first runner up in the Iowa Junior Miss 1999 competition. Erin and Melissa explained that the Iowa Junior Miss pageant is based on academics, poise, fitness, and talent. Erin will compete in the national contest this summer and the finalist will receive $40,000 in scholarship money. Dr. Barber congratulated both young women and said it was a credit to the school district to have the top two positions represented by PVCHS.
Dr. Spelhaug shared a list of summer school enrichment offerings in technology. These classes will operate under a separate fee arrangement than the regular tutorial summer school classes. The classes being offered are Introduction to the Internet - grades 4-6, $30; Multi-Media - grades 4-6, $30; Create and Publish - grades 4-6, $30; Web Page Design - grades 4-6, $30; Multi-Media - grades 7-8, $30; Web Page Design - grades 7-8, $30; The “Photo” Shop - grades 7-8, $30; and a High School Credit (1) Course. Availability of these classes depends on enrollment. For further information, contact Chris Smith at 332-5550.
Dr. Spelhaug also invited the Board and the public to attend a program for parents on Tuesday, April 27, 7:00 p.m., at Pleasant Valley High School presented by Dr. Lonise Bias, a nationally known motivational speaker and lecturer. Dr. Bias’ son, Len Bias, died from a drug overdose days after he had been drafted in the first round of the NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. The program is free of charge and brings a message that is useful and inspirational.
1999-2000 ADOPTION OF BUDGET & TAXES: Terry Haut, Chief Financial Officer, reviewed the proposed 1999-00 Budget and Taxes. Vice-President Adam declared the meeting open for a public hearing of the proposed 1999-00 budget and taxes at 7:34 p.m. After answering questions from Directors Romans and Adam, Vice-Presi dent Adam declared the hearing on the 1999-00 budget closed at 7:40 p.m.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Barsness to approve the regular Physical Plant and Equipment Levy in the amount of $ .33 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for the fiscal year July 1, 1999, to June 30, 2000, to be expended for the purposes outlined in Chapter 298.3 of the Code of Iowa. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman, second by O’Hara that at this meeting of the Board of Directors of the Pleasant Valley Community School District, held as provided by law; and finding that the notice of the time and place of hearing has, according to law and as directed by the Board, been published on the 25th day of March, 1999, in the Bettendorf News, and that the affidavit of publication thereof was on file; and after hearing any resident or taxpayer presenting objections to, or arguments in favor of, any part of the proposed budget; I move that we adopt the attached Budget Summary, together with the property tax levies totaling $13.69000 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for 1999-00. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Barsness second by O’Hara that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. The Consent Agenda included the following: the resignation of Julie Moran as an elementary teacher effective the 1999-2000 school year; the employment of Sherri Britz and Amy Weber as special education teachers at Pleasant Valley Community High School for the 1999-2000 school year and Jana Sychra as a counselor and at-risk instructor at Black Hawk Junior High School; the following extra-duty changes: the deletion of Dennis Boyd as 8th grade team leader, Jennifer Davidson as 7/8 grade team leader, Doris Hawkins as 7th grade team leader, and Jay Kirman as Student Council Advisor; the addition of Gordon Muller as 8th grade team leader, Mary Reitinger as 7/8 grade team leader, Connie Nagel as 7th grade team leader, and Jennifer Davidson as Student Council Advisor; and the probationary employment of Richard Savalia as a part-time custodian at Black Hawk Junior High School, Paul Wakeland as a part-time custodian at Pleasant View Elementary School, and Judd Allbaugh as a part-time seasonal mower. The Consent Agenda also included five open enrollment applications; two open enrollment-in applications for 1999-2000 one from Davenport Schools and one from Bettendorf Schools; one open enrollment-in for 1998-99 from Bettendorf Schools; and two open enrollment-out applications for 1998-1999 to Bettendorf Schools.
EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by Romans second by Dayman that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $85,033.73 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 $1,740.91 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Barsness second by O’Hara that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $21,018.25 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman second by Romans that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $27,853.70 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
SCHEDULING FOR JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS ACCELERATED TO THE HIGH SCHOOL: As a result of the elimination of the Scott County Academy, the district began a program this year to transport a group of 8th grade students to the high school for enrollment in the honors biology and geometry courses. Dr. Spelhaug explained there is no way to do this without causing something to be eliminated from their junior high schedule of courses. Band or study hall were eliminated during the present year and adjustments were made to keep band students involved in that program. The Department of Education gives districts wide latitude in determining what students may opt out of in this situation. Dr. Spelhaug recommended that the list of courses students could opt out of be expanded to give parents/students more flexibility. The choices would include wellness, orientation, music, or art. This program involves approximately 12 students.
Motion by Romans, second by O’Hara that the Board approve the recommendation to allow scheduling flexibility for junior high students taking accelerated classes at the high school. Roll call vote. Ayes - Romans, Adam, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
NEW TEACHER MENTOR PROGRAM PROPOSAL: Dr. Spelhaug explained that for several
years the district co-hosted a 25-30 hour training session for teachers new to the district. This was done in conjunction with Bettendorf School District and covered a variety of topics under the title of Theory into Practice. Last year, we separated from Bettendorf to better accommodate the size of our group and to focus on a schedule and topics most useful to our teachers.
Janelle Kuebrich, High School At-Risk teacher, who conducted the new teacher in-service this year, surveyed the new teachers following the in-service and again at the end of their first semester. The results of both surveys indicated the new teachers felt they would benefit from establishing an ongoing mentoring relationship with a veteran teacher.
Cyndy Behrer, Cody Elementary School Principal, surveyed school districts across Iowa regarding their new teacher in-service programs and studied literature on this topic. She found that forming a mentor structure for new teachers enhances employment retention and effectiveness.
Ms. Kuebrich, Ms. Behrer, and Dr. Spelhaug presented a proposal to add a new teacher mentoring program as a step toward providing on-going support. The cost for this proposal would be approximately $2500 in start-up costs to provide for text and video support materials. This expense would be re-allocated from the existing in-service line item budget. Stipends for the new teachers and mentors would be provided as a Phase III project. Pending legislation that may provide state funding for mentorship programs is also being followed as a possible source of funding.
Motion by Romans second by Dayman that the Board approve the establishment of a new teacher mentoring program for the 1999-2000 school year. Roll call vote. Ayes - Romans, Adam, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
SCOTT COUNTY YMCA SCHOOL YEAR DAY CARE PROPOSAL: Bridget Cullen, Executive Director, Child Care and Family Services, and Deb Gustafson, Assistant Executive Director, were present to discuss the Scott County YMCA School Year Day Care proposal. Ms. Gustafson explained that this would be an expansion of the current “Latch Key” program. Children in kindergarten would be cared for until their school day started and again after kindergarten ended until 6:00 p.m. The children participating have breakfast and lunch provided by the school lunch program and paid for by the YMCA. A YMCA van would provide transportation for students from Pleasant View. District transportation would be used to allow Bridgeview and Cody students to be transported to Riverdale Heights Elementary. Parents of all students participating would pick up their child at Riverdale Heights at the end of the day. The charge per pupil is $59/week for families with “Y” membership; $64 to non-members. If over 20 children sign up, the “Y” would consider a split with both an a.m. and a p.m. program. The district would provide the space by utilizing one of the two new kindergarten rooms at Riverdale Heights. Parents should indicate their interest in this program by contacting their building principal.
Motion by Barsness second by Dayman that the Board approve the Scott County Family YMCA Day Care Proposal as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Adam. Nays - none. Motion carried.
SOCCER COMPLEX PRESS BOX PROPOSAL: Dr. Barber introduced Tom Neuhaus, PVCHS Associate Principal for Activities and Ron Ven Horst, PVCHS Industrial Technology teacher, who proposed to build a press box/storage facility for the soccer field located at the summer sports complex. Mr. Neuhaus explained that the field has now become the district’s main soccer field and will be shared with Scott Community College. The facility is necessary to allow the field to serve the needs of both the high school and community college soccer programs. Ray LaFrentz has met with Riverdale Mayor Eldon Hansen and the City of Riverdale has approved the project. Mr. VenHorst indicated that the building would be a 16’ X 24’ structure with reverse board and batten siding. His High School Vocational Construction class would like to begin construction as soon as possible as part of their spring curriculum. The materials for the project would be paid for by the High School Athletic Department, the Booster Club, and possibly through grant dollars that we will be seeking in conjunction with Scott Community College.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Barsness that the Board approve the soccer complex press box/storage area proposal as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.
Mrs. Barsness commended Mr. Ven Horst and his class on their Forest Grove Road School playhouse project which earned $3,300 for charity at the Homebuilders Show.
Y2K UPDATE: Ladonna Czachowski was present to share information regarding the district’s Y2K compliance program. Mr. Don Manor, who is a district resident and the Y2K compliance coordinator for Deere & Co, has volunteered his assistance as an outside consultant. The district’s hardware and software, fire alarms, heating, water, and fueling systems are being checked for compliance. At this point, the committee dealing with this issue believes the district is in a good position and will be in compliance this fall.
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Next Board Meeting Monday, April 19, 1999 7:00 p.m. Belmont Administration Center
Don't Miss Out! 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
PV Volleyball Camp August 10, 11, and 12 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Grades 9-12 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Grades 4-8 Cost $45
Sign up and pay by May 5 and receive a free camp t-shirt.
Questions? Call DanielleDavenport at 332-5151.
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.
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.
Understanding Youth of the 21st Century!
Program for Parents
On Tuesday, April 27, Dr. Lonise Bias, nationally known motivational speaker and lecturer, will speak to parents at Pleasant Valley High School. Admission is free and the program is being sponsored by the Mississippi Bend AEA. Dr. Bias is themother of former basketball great, Len Bias, who died from a drug overdose days after he had been drafted in the first round of the NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. She also had another son who was killed in a drive-by shooting. She is aware of the difficult challenges facing youth today and brings a message of hope for the future. She believes we must change our approach to meet the needs of youth today.
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
