Tuesday, September 7, 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, Romans. Absent: Thornton. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, Ray LaFrentz, Chris Harvey, and others.

Motion by Adam second by Barsness to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS: President Ahlstrand welcomed students from Mr. Phillips’ and Mr. Shileny’s American Government classes.

Director Barsness recently attended an ABLE workshop on Legislative Advocacy. She explained that each Board member who attended was asked to share a Legislative Issue Analysis sheet with their Boards and ask them to complete this activity. This will be an item for discussion on the September 20 Board Agenda.

Director Romans congratulated the football team on their win Friday night and commented he was pleased to see an increase in the number of students participating. He also relayed information for further investigation regarding a study on funding of public schools recently completed by the NPR/Kaiser/Kennedy Foundation.

President Ahlstrand reminded all district constituents to vote on Tuesday, September 14, 1999. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Two Board members, Tana Barsness, Director District 4, and Kevin O’Hara, Director District 6, are running for re-election. The polling place for Director District 4 is Riverdale Heights and the High School for Director District 6.

President Ahlstrand congratulated Director Barsness for qualifying for the Iowa Association of School Board’s Better Boardsmanship Award Certificate by accumulating 75 credits while serving as a Board member from September 1, 1998, through August 31, 1999, in formalized inservice, experience, and service. Director Barsness will be presented a plaque at the State IASB Convention in Des Moines this November.

President Ahlstrand shared information from an in-service that violence in schools was down last year nationwide. She attended the fourth meeting of the Bettendorf/Pleasant Valley School Safety and Security Committee. They were pleased to receive a very positive safety audit report on Black Hawk Junior High. The elementary buildings will be audited during the current school year.

Dr. Barber and Dr. Spelhaug have been asked to report on safety and security at the Riverdale Heights PTA meeting on September 21.

The School Improvement Team (formerly called the Strategic Planning Team) will be meeting September 22 and 23. This team is now also the district’s 280.12/280.18 group which serves in an advisory capacity to fulfill state standards and school improvement requirements.

Director Romans asked what the status of the C.O.P.P.S. (Community Oriented Policing & Problem Solving Grant) Grant was. Dr. Barber said the district is still waiting to hear from the federal government on this. Hopefully, we will receive word within the next week or two. Major Conard, Sergeant Kunde, and Sheriff Bladel have been very cooperative in providing the district coverage in lieu of the grant’s approval.

President Ahlstrand noted that Dr. Barber and Dr. Spelhaug were wearing their identification badges. All staff and faculty are required to wear the badges during the day. At this point, students are required to carry their student identification cards but are not required to wear them.

Dr. Spelhaug thanked the Bettendorf Jaycees for their generosity in providing (for the second year) five moving boxes full of school supplies which were divided among the four elementaries and the junior high. The supplies are utilized to help students who may not have the supplies or who have difficulty getting supplies because of financial constraints.

Dr. Spelhaug also asked Board members for their comments as they reviewed the results of the survey sent to parents of open enrolled-out and parochial students who live in the district. Director Dayman observed that there was not a lot the district could focus on as far as changes with the exception of class size which is being addressed.

Dr. Spelhaug pointed out that the primary reason for parents sending their students to parochial schools is for the faith centered curriculum. The primary reason for parents open enrolling their students to another district is peer association and school satisfaction; the students have started in one district and want to continue there despite their parents moving out of the district.

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 staff members who have earned extra credits since their contracts were issued and are eligible for advancement on the salary scale - Maurice Betzel, Trish Bondi, Craig Clark, Katie Cordell, James Dennis, Kelly Dircks, Mary Jo Gruneich, Dalen Hodge, Lori Hodge, Darcie Kress, Jenni Lelm, Kathy Miller, Mary Mulvihill, Glen Naber, Kristen Remmert, Lisa Roberts, Mary Simon, and Therea Staley.

• the employment of Tiffany Fuller as a special education teacher in the B.D. program at Riverdale Heights Elementary school, the probationary employment of Ron Mayday as a school bus driver, Debbie Claussen as a part-time special education aide at Black Hawk Junior High School, Deanna Moore as a part-time Title I Aide at Bridgeview School, and Megan Rocker as a special education aide at the high school, the regular employment of Janis Sussex and Linda Teagarden as special education aides at Riverdale Heights Elementary.

•the resignation of Amy Brown Gaghagen as a special education aide at the high school, Janice Jones as a building secretary at Riverdale, and Margaret Newcomb as a school bus driver.

• the increase of assignment of Merry Jo Harmon to full-time from half-time in the MD SCI program at Black Hawk Junior High School, the revision of Debbie Hartman’s assignment from 3 hours as a special education aide and 2 1/2 hours as a regular aide per day to 3 hours as a regular aide and 2 1/2 hours as a special education aide per day at Black Hawk Junior High School, and the increase of Pam Robertson’s assignment as a special education aide from 4 hours per day, 2 days per week Title I position, to 6.5 hours per day, 5 days per week special education aide position at Bridgeview Elementary school.

•and the extra-duty assignment change dropping Gary Altman from freshman football coach and adding him to the 7th grade football coach position, dropping Jeff Crooks from 7th Grade Football Coach and adding him to the Freshman Football Coach position, and the addition of Marie Grothus to the assignment of junior high volleyball coach.

•The consent agenda also included four open enrollment applications,
out for 99-00 – three to Bettendorf Schools due to good cause; and one to Davenport due to change of residence.

• Also included in the Consent Agenda was the approval of a Certificate of Compliance, an actuarial opinion, an annual financial report prepared by an independent actuary, and a $100 filing fee which are required by the Iowa Division of Insurance of all public bodies providing health benefits to their employees on a self-insured basis Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 509a.

Motion by Dayman second by O’Hara that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $140,781.67 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Barsness second by Adam that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $17,381.96 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 $1,563.70 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 $25,122.19 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Dr. Barber, Ray LaFrentz, and Terry Haut presented a proposal to increase the part-time Vehicle Mechanic position to a full-time Assistant Vehicle Mechanic position at a total cost of $31,500.

This vehicle maintenance person would provide assistance to the current head vehicle mechanic and free him for more technical tasks. This person would also be available to assist the building mechanics and grounds keeper.

Currently the district is transporting more students on more buses on more routes over more miles, and doing it with less mechanical personnel than 20 years ago.

Outside vendors whose rates range from $56.00 per hour to $68.00 per hour would be used less. There would be less overtime used. This increase in time would be funded entirely through a reallocation of funds within the Operations, Maintenance, and Transportation line item building budgets. No instructional funds would be used to fund this position.

Motion by Romans, second by Dayman to approve the full-time Assistant Vehicle Mechanic position as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Romans, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.

Ray LaFrentz, Director of Operations, presented bids from three vendors for a two-ton dump truck which would replace the district’s 1989 one-ton dump truck. Specifications which included a snow plow, lift gate, and dump box were sent to six vendors with three submitting bids. The low bid was received from Reynolds Motor Company for $31,265.00.

The 1989 truck has over 81,000 miles on the odometer and Mr. LaFrentz noted that these miles are not an accurate representation of mileage as the truck is utilized for snow removal. When used for this purpose, the truck travels in reverse approximately 50% of the time which actually rolls miles off of the odometer. He recommended acceptance of the low bid from Reynolds Ford.

Motion by Dayman, second by Adam that the Board accept the low bid of $31,265.00 submitted by Reynolds Ford for purchase of a two ton dump truck equipped with lift gate and snow plow package. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.

For the past twelve years, the District’s dental, life, and disability insurance has been provided through the Iowa Association of School Boards Health Insurance Trust and underwritten by Principal Life Insurance Company (Principal). During the past year, school board members and administrators on the IASB Insurance Committee voted to transition from a fully insured program to a self-funded program. The new self-funded program will be named the Iowa Schools Employee Benefits Association (ISEBA) and will be jointly governed by the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) and the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA).

Effective July 1, 1999, district employees’ dental coverage is being provided by ISEBA and administered by Principal. Life and disability insurance will continue to be insured by Principal. This does not affect benefits currently offered to employees. The coverage and benefits to the employees are identical to those in place during 1998-99.

As a result of the new trust, the Board was asked to approve the 28E Agreement that is required for school districts participating in the plan. Mr. Haut reviewed these changes and answered questions regarding the 28E Agreement.

Motion by O’Hara, second by Romans that the Board adopt the resolution authorizing the approval of an Application and Agreement to participate in the Iowa Schools Employee Benefits Association. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The Iowa Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly is held on Wednesday, November 17, prior to the IASB annual convention. Pleasant Valley Schools can send one delegate and an alternate, who may cast five votes.

Motion by Dayman, second by Adam that the Board approve Phyllis Ahlstrand as the Board’s delegate to the 1999 IASB Delegate Assembly and Tana Barsness as the alternate delegate. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The district has long done follow-up studies for graduates.

Two years ago it began to survey all district parents and students in grades 4-12. Dr. Barber and Dr. Spelhaug explained that in order to expand the collection of data, the district plans to seek input from the teaching faculty by means of the 1999-2000 Leadership and Climate Survey of Faculty.

The purpose of these surveys is to gather information useful to the improvement of the district’s educational programs and opportunities.

Motion by O’Hara, second by Dayman that the Board approve the Leadership and Climate Survey. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

As an information item for the Board, Dr. Spelhaug provided a copy of the letter sent to parents of 6th, 8th, and 11th grade students informing them of the Iowa Youth Survey to be given in late September. The State and District receive valuable information about student behavior and attitudes relative to topics of safety, drug, alcohol, tobacco, and sexuality from this survey.

Dr. Barber recommended that the Board schedule its annual tour to review summer projects for 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 20. As has been done in the past, the tour will begin and end at Belmont and will review projects including the new High School parking lot, work completed at the summer sports complex, the eight classroom addition at Riverdale Heights, classroom computer additions in various buildings, and the networking and fire retardant file room at Belmont.

Motion by O’Hara, second by Dayman that we set a special meeting time for 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 20 for the purpose of reviewing 1999 summer capital projects. Roll call vote. Ayes - O’Hara, Romans, Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

Mr. Haut presented the monthly financial report for July. Through July, general fund receipts totaled $168,135 (0.9%) and expenses totaled $1,386,682 (7.6%) The July target for receipts and expenditures was 8.3% . He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Hot Lunch, profile case, in Colorado, we have somehow lost sight that schools are a safe environment for children. She also visited all of the buildings this week and was very impressed with their condition.

Dr. Barber added that at the end of the PTA Presidents’ meeting, one of the parents who has had children at Cody and now at the high school told him how pleased she was with the condition of the district’s facilities. She has had an opportunity to visit schools in other districts and can compare how well our buildings are kept. The custodial and maintenance crews provide a clean, attractive environment for students, employees, and the community.

Dr. Barber also commented that the school year started off in a very positive manner. Everything is operating smoothly and students are cooperating and responding well to the policy requiring that book bags and duffel bags be stored in lockers during the school day. He expressed hope that the year would continue on the same positive note.

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

The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.




PLEASANT VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PLEASANT VALLEY, IOWA

UNOFFICIAL MINUTES

BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGULAR MEETING, BELMONT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

Monday, September 20, 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, Romans, Thornton. Absent: None. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim Spelhaug, Terry Haut, Eric Heil, Jolene Mullins, Lucille Mumma, Tara Sitrick, Linda Goetz, Louise Jesson, Chris Harvey, and others.

Motion by Dayman second by Adam to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS: President Ahlstrand welcomed students from the High School’s American Government classes.

Board members thanked the administration for the tour of capital improvement projects at district facilities that took place prior to the Board meeting. They expressed appreciation for the district making its facilities available to the community and pride in the condition of the facilities. Director Romans commented that the district’s Five Year Plan is an excellent means of keeping the facilities up to date.

Director O’Hara had a question concerning the district’s Athletic Code of Conduct. There is some confusion regarding out-of-season and in-season consequences. Dr. Spelhaug responded that a student who has a first offense out-of-season violation has the option of performing community service while a student who has a first offense in-season automatically loses competition. A review of the Code of Conduct will be placed on a board agenda in October.

Director Thornton thanked Principals Larry Brown and Tom Parker for providing excellent experiences at the Black Hawk Junior High and High School Open Houses.

Dr. Barber commented that September 17 was the Department of Education’s Official Count Day. While some figures are not available at this time, it appears that the district’s enrollment will be down this year. Enrollment may be down as well in the Bettendorf and North Scott school districts . An enrollment and class size report will be given at the next Board meeting.

Dr. Barber also reported that he and Ray LaFrentz have met with KJWW Engineering in regard to the elementary schools air conditioning project. Bids should go out in November with a tentative bid opening date of December 14. Bids will go to the Board the first meeting in January and then the successful contractor can begin ordering materials. The project could begin with outside work and demolition work at the end of March or first of April.

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 probationary employment of Tim Mesick as a school bus driver.

• The consent agenda also included ten open enrollment applications; three out for 99-00 to Bettendorf Schools due to change of residence; seven in - one from North Scott Schools due to change of residence, six from Bettendorf Schools - three due to change of residence, two due to good cause, and one kindergarten student.

Following approval of the Consent Agenda, the 1998-99 Board of Education was adjourned.

The Oath of Office was administered to re-elected Board Directors Tana Barsness, Director District 4 and Kevin O’Hara, Director District 6.

The 1999-00 Board of Education was convened with Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Thornton present and none absent. Election of officers was held. Phyllis Ahlstrand was re-elected President with votes cast by Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans and Thornton. and Joe Adam was re-elected Vice-President with votes cast by Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, O’Hara, Romans and Thornton. The Oath of Office was administered by Christine Harvey, Board Secretary.

Motion by Dayman second by Thornton that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $309,273.05 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Barsness second by O’Hara that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $30,445.27 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by O’Hara second by Adam that Elementary/Junior High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $5,457.58 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Thornton second by Dayman that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $16,965.86 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Adam second by Romans that Schoolhouse Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $165,089.97 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Members of the spelling program pilot team and Jim Spelhaug presented a follow-up to the August 16 spelling program recommendation. Assessments that will be utilized to evaluate the program were discussed. These include an analysis of growth in local percentiles on the ITBS spelling sub-test, the pre and post test for the pilot program, a student and parent survey, and teachers evaluations based on weekly test scores, anecdotal notes, and professional reflection. Board members expressed their appreciation to these teachers for developing this innovative spelling program.

Steve Grimes, Joe Hutter, Greg Adamson representing the Bettendorf Park Board were in attendance to discuss the possibility of jointly developing recreational areas at the district’s Hopewell Road property. This could include joint funding to develop playgrounds, a baseball/softball diamond, and a soccer field.

The park board does not have immediate need for a park/recreational facility in this area but would like to begin discussing options for development. Dr. Barber explained that there are 25 acres at the Hopewell parcel which should provide ample space for the proposed recreational developments. As a comparison, he noted that Riverdale Heights’ campus is 15 acres. A letter of intent will be drafted for both the Boards to approve.

Director Barsness asked if the Park Board could make greater use of the PVCHS facilities and in doing so possibly provide support for their improvement as has been done with the Bettendorf High School facilities. Mr. Hutter explained that due to the fact that the PVCHS campus is actually in the Town of Riverdale that becomes a barrier to this type of aid. Dr. Barber pointed out that approximately 95% of the new housing starts in the City of Bettendorf are actually in the Pleasant Valley.

Mr. Grimes and Park Board members will look into a possible 28E agreement in order to utilize the Pleasant Valley facilities.

The district received word last week that the C.O.P.P.S. grant submitted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the school district has been approved. Plans are underway to begin the interview process and hopefully the officer will begin duty at the high school within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, Sheriff Bladel and Major Conard have assigned a deputy to the high school until the regular liaison officer is alley School District.

Dr. Spelhaug pointed out that faculty and administration e-mail addresses will be mailed out with the September 7 Last Week’s Board Minutes publication.

President Ahlstrand congratulated Tana Barsness and Kevin O’Hara on being re-elected unanimously.

Director Barsness conducted an exercise with Board members regarding the analysis of legislative issues. Each board member outlined a specific issue by describing its impact on district students, the information supporting their position, the legislative action desired, how blockers will be overcome, and strategies to use to approach the issue. Topics ranging from TIF districts, State mandates with additional reporting requirements, continued support for class size reduction, vouchers, reduction of Phase III, and technology funding were discussed.

Board representatives for the Human Growth and Development committee which will be meeting later this year were discussed. Deborah Dayman and Kevin O’Hara volunteered to serve on this committee.

Motion by Adam, second by Barsness that the Board appoint Deborah Dayman and Kevin O’Hara to serve as board representatives on the Human Growth and Development Committee. Roll call vote. Ayes - Adam, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman, O’Hara, Romans, Thornton. Nays - none. Motion carried.

Mr. Haut presented the monthly financial report for August. Through August, general fund receipts totaled $448,272 (2.4%) and expenses totaled $2,611,071 (14.3%) The August target for receipts and expenditures was 8.3% . He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Hot Lunch, Revolving, and Activity funds.

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

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.