PLEASANT VALLEY, IOWA
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGULAR MEETING, BELMONT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Monday, August 16, 1999, 7:00 P.M. C.D.S.T.
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, Thornton. Also present: Dale Barber, Jolene Mullins, Roi Brown, Linda Goetz, Connie Nagel, Louise Jesson, Tara Sitrick, Jan Erling, Barb Sexson, Chris Harvey, and others.
Motion by Dayman second by Adam to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: President Ahlstrand indicated she was pleased to learn that every student who registered received a schedule. Dr. Barber added that Pleasant Valley and 12 other school districts are cooperatively implementing a new student information system which includes a scheduling package for the junior high and high school. Problems were experienced with the scheduling package and some schools in the area were not able to give out student schedules at registration. The Board thanked Ladonna Czachowski, Julie Ward, administrators, counselors and staff who have worked diligently to provide schedules for students at registration.
President Ahlstrand also thanked the district for accommodating the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. Director Barsness added that the event raised over $75,000. She added she was pleased to see the PVCHS Cross Country Team sponsoring a team in honor of Rob Kline, a cancer survivor who attends the high school. The high school cheerleaders and drama department also participated.
Dr. Barber reported that the high school parking lot addition is about 1 to 1 1/2 days from completion. There will be a change order for approximately $800 for installing erosion control around a roof drain which was draining onto the parking lot. The new addition will add approximately 100 parking spaces and should take care of the overflow at the high school.
Dr. Spelhaug encouraged everyone to participate or volunteer in the Run With Carl event held on Labor Day. Pleasant Valley students benefit from the proceeds of this event in the form of scholarships.
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 employment of Melissa Lemsky as an MD Severe & Profound teacher at Black Hawk Junior High School and Carl Collins as the Elementary/High School Band instructor with the extra-duty assignments of Elementary Band, 9th grade band director, Assistant Marching Band Director, and Jazz Ensemble;
• the resignation of Terri Grafton as a special education instructor at Riverdale Heights Elementary;
• the employment of Megan McCarthy as a half time Remedial Reading instructor at Pleasant View Elementary School;
• the probationary employment of Fred Bailey as a part-time custodian at Riverdale Heights Elementary School;
• the extra-duty assignment of Sherry Britz as Assistant Publications Advisor at Pleasant Valley High School;
• the resignations of Mary Doyle as a special education aide at Black Hawk Junior High School, Vikki Lagerstrom as a special education aide at Bridgeview, Shawn Smith Rice as the assistant publications advisor at the high school, and Robert Schaecher as a school bus driver.
The consent agenda also included nine open enrollment applications - out for 99-00; one kindergarten student to Davenport Schools; one late application, and seven applications out due to good cause to Bettendorf Schools. The late application was recommended for denial due to failure to meet the application deadline.
Motion by O’Hara second by Dayman that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $44,672.48 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 $22,126.91 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 $168.64 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Adam second by Dayman that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $8,310.13 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Dayman second by Barsness that Schoolhouse Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $27,311.96 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
A group of teachers, stimulated by last year’s brain and learning in-service program, and Richard Gentry’s book “Teaching Kids to Spell” have been working together to develop an improved elementary spelling program which will use spelling lists developed from a spelling pattern or a specific group of words and from the child’s own writing. Ten teachers will pilot the program in their classrooms. The Board commended these teachers for the hours spent on development of this pilot.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Barsness to approve the elementary spelling program pilot for the 1999-2000 school year. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - None. Motion carried.
Dr. Spelhaug presented and discussed with the Board the two- and six-year follow-up studies for the classes of 1993 and 1997.
A summary compiled from a return of 47% of the six-year follow-up studies and 52% of the two-year follow-up studies indicated how well the graduates believed they were prepared for their post-secondary education.
The objectives of the follow-up studies are to determine the following: 1) the location of the graduates, 2) the type of post-high school training taken, 3) the main area of study during post-high school training, 4) the extent of full or part-time workers among graduates, 5) the types of positions currently held by PVCHS graduates, and 6) the reaction of graduates to the courses taken during high school.
Motion by Barsness, second by Dayman to accept the two and six year graduate follow-up studies as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Adam, Ahlstrand. Nays - none. Motion carried.
Dr. Spelhaug reviewed the 1999 Summer School financial report. 361 students participated and the district’s cost was $18,663.53. Four enrichment courses were offered: Pro-Engineering, Intro to the Internet, Multi-Media, and Web Page Design in which 49 students were enrolled. Board members discussed ways to increase participation.
Motion by Adam, second by O’Hara that the Board accept the 1999 Summer School Report as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
Due to the Labor Day holiday falling on Monday, September 6, Dr. Barber recommended scheduling the first Board meeting in September on Tuesday, September 7.
Motion by Dayman, second by Adam that the first Board meeting in September be held on Tuesday, September 7, 1999, 7:00 p.m. at the Belmont Administration Center. All ayes. Motion carried.
In order to keep the district in line with other area schools substitute teacher per diem rates, Dr. Barber recommended substitute teacher rates be increased.
The recommended new rates are: beginning rate of $65 for elementary and secondary, the elementary and secondary rate of $85 after 10 times of not refusing an assignment, and the K-12 long-term assignment rate of $110 for the same teacher over 45 days. The new rates would be the same as Bettendorf Schools as Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley utilize the same pool of substitute teachers.
Motion by Barsness, second by O’Hara that the Board approve the substitute teacher per diem rates as recommended for the 1999-2000 school year. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Adam, Ahlstrand. Nays - none. Motion carried.
President Ahlstrand led the Board in a discussion focusing on goals. It was agreed that the Board would schedule time after the new Board is seated in September and after the Strategic Planning team meets to confirm and formalize the goals.
The areas the Board focused on were: 1) Increased communication with the community - explore creative ways to market the district; 2) Serving our customers more effectively; 3) Continued focus on lowering class sizes; 4) Continued focus on safety of students and staff; 5) Foreign language at the elementary level; 6) Educational climate at the district and building levels.
Mrs. Dayman left at 9:00 p.m.
Dr. Barber presented the document “Overview of Sources and Use of High School Activity Funds” that was produced by Lorrie Long in the district’s Business Department. Ms. Long was commended for having done an excellent job in developing these materials which will give the Board a much better picture of how activity funds are generated and spent.
Dr. Barber presented the monthly financial report for May and June. Through May, general fund receipts totaled $16,226,037 (91.6%) and expenses totaled $15,456,809 (84.6%) The May target for receipts and expenditures was 91.7% . Through June, general fund receipts totaled $17,489,116 (98.7%) and expenses totaled $17,270,971 (94.5%) The June target for receipts and expenditures was 100% . He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Hot Lunch, Revolving, and Activity funds.
Motion by Barsness, second by O’Hara that the Board accept the monthly financial reports for May and June as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, O’Hara, Adam, Ahlstrand. Nays - none. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
PLEASANT VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PLEASANT VALLEY, IOWA
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGULAR MEETING, BELMONT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Monday, August 2, 1999, 7:00 P.M. C.D.S.T.
Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Phyllis Ahlstrand. Members present: Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, O’Hara, Romans, Thornton. Absent: Dayman. Also present: Dale Barber, Bob Ofner, Carole Anderson, Steve Lipes, Jim Sweeney, Ray LaFrentz, Mark Maness, Steve Fieweger, Margaret Newcomb, Mr. Newcomb, Jean Dickson Feeney, and Chris Harvey.
Motion by Thornton, second by Adam that the Board go into closed session, as permitted by Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) for the purpose of evaluating the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring performance or discharge is being considered and who has requested a closed session in order to prevent needless and irreparable injury to his reputation. Roll call vote. Ayes - Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, O’Hara, Romans. Nays - none. Motion carried.
Motion by Adam second by Barsness to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Robert Ofner shsred his observation that the Board is consistently voting unanimously in favor of agenda items. Director Romans responded that there have been a number of times in the past that the Board has not unanimously supported issues on the agenda. He further commented that interest based problem solving training has enabled the board to more effectively work together and arrive at consensus. This is accomplished by thoroughly discussing issues to arrive at a position that all members can support. A “snap shot” of the Board’s voting record does not necessarily provide the complete picture. Director Romans believes that the system is working.
Steve Lipes addressed the Board regarding the policy recently adopted which states that book bags and duffel bags must be stored in a student’s locker at the high school during the school day. Mr. Lipes stated that the Board should reconsider this policy and make a more equitable accommodation for boys as girls will be allowed to carry purses between classes.
President Ahlstrand responded that from her experience of teaching in a high school where this policy has been in place for a number of years, she doesn’t see that there is an inequity as boys use their pockets to carry such things as calculators while girls carry them in purses.
Dr. Barber responded that administrators would be discussing this issue at their orientation meeting. He realizes that there is concern about this issue, however, he believes that it is a reasonable step to help ensure that we provide a safe environment at the high school.
Director Barsness said she was sorry to see that Lynette Claeys was resigning and wished her well in her new position as an interim uniserv director.
After reading a newspaper article on the D.A.R.E. program which indicated that the program is not helping prevent drug use nationwide, President Ahlstrand asked Dr. Barber to comment on Pleasant Valley’s experience with the program. Dr. Barber said that while there is research that shows that the D.A.R.E. program is not effective in the long-term curtailment of drug and alcohol abuse, the district has had a very positive experience with the program in all buildings. The D.A.R.E. officers have created a positive rapport with students which provides many intangible benefits. He believes the district benefits from the excellent working relationship that has been created with the Scott County Sheriff’s office.
Director Romans said he had read with interest Davenport Schools’ decision to contract with the Edison Project to manage an elementary school.
Dr. Barber indicated that everyone in Iowa connected with education will be watching the Edison Project in Davenport. He further stated that he believes that public schools can continue to best serve the needs of students and that with the excellent cooperation and working relationship the district is experiencing with its employee groups, he doesn’t see privatization as a factor in the future of Pleasant Valley Schools.
Dr. Barber, Ray LaFrentz, and contractors have met regarding the high school parking lot addition. Foley Construction will begin grading Tuesday and, if weather cooperates, should be finished before school starts.
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 resignations of Lynette Claeys as an elementary teacher at Bridgeview Elementary School and Thomas W. Rogers as an educational aide at Black Hawk Junior High School for the 1999-2000 school year, and the employment of Rebecca Larson as an elementary teacher at Bridgeview Elementary School;
• four open enrollment applications - in for 99-00 from Bettendorf Schools due to change of residence and two open enrollment applications - out to Bettendorf Schools; one for 1999-2000 due to change of residence and one for 2000 - 2001;
• the following five legislative priorities to be submitted to the Iowa Association of School Boards:
1) IASB supports legislation which will assure ongoing funding in the area of class size reduction.
2) IASB supports the establishment of a study committee appointed by the legislature to study and recommend to the 2000 legislature reduction in state mandates, a standardization of reporting requirements impacting elementary and secondary education, and a plan to streamline government based on a cost/benefit analysis of services provided.
3) IASB supports legislation that will continue to provide funds to support technology in districts.
4) IASB supports changes to mandated key dates impacting school finance and collective bargaining to establish a uniform completion date of collective bargaining for licensed and support units no later than the date of budget certification and that such date be changed to April 30.
5) IASB supports including school boards in the development of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.
Motion by O’Hara second by Adam that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $53,570.56 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Thornton second by Romans that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $15,623.18 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 $202.24 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 $17,352.42 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.
Dr. Barber and Dr. Spelhaug presented a recommended modification to Board Policy 505.1 Student Records Policy which amends and consolidates Board Policies 505.1, 505.1A, 505.1B, 505.1C plus the necessary changes that the district needs to be in compliance for sharing information with other agencies such as the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Bettendorf Police Department, LeClaire Police Department, Juvenile Court Services, and the Department of Human Services.
Motion by O’Hara, second by Adam that the Board approve Board Policy 505.1 as amended. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.
The Board met in closed session from 7:40 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. for the purpose of evaluating the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring performance or discharge is being considered and who has requested a closed session in order to prevent needless and irreparable injury to his reputation.
In open session at 9:46 p.m., motion by Romans, second by O’Hara that the Board, after a full and fair opportunity to consider the evidence presented in the closed session, finds that the employee failed to show that the Superintendent’s decision to terminate his at-will employment was arbitrary or capricious or was affected by any error of law or fact, and was not an abuse of the broad discretion delegated to the Superintendent, and the Board therefore affirms the Superintendent’s decision. Roll call vote. Ayes - Romans, Thornton, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
