The Board of Directors of the Clarinda Community School District met in regular session on Monday, November 13, 2006, 7:00 p.m., at the Board Room located in the McKinley Building, 423 East Nodaway, Clarinda, IA 51632.
President McComb called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The following Board members were present: President McComb, Vice President Watkins, Fulk, Scherf, and Turner.
A motion was made by Fulk, seconded by Watkins, to approve an amended agenda, removing item 8G. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote.
President McComb welcomed all visitors to the meeting. No visitors chose to address the board at this time.
1. Fall sports have concluded with the last post-season banquet to be held Tuesday, November 14 th .
2. The high school drama department presented "The Diary of Anne Frank" on November 10 th and 11 th .
3. Five high school students have qualified for the All State Music Festival to be held in Ames later this week. Chorus: Bethany Hickman and Rachael Dudley. Instrumental: Kory Aldrich, Katie Aldrich, and Erin DeBolt. Congratulations to them.
4. We received word today that Coach Willeford has been named Southwest Iowa Regional Coach of the Year for cross-country.
Mr. Honnold, Superintendent, reported:
1. Parent-teacher conferences are being held this week at the K-8 building, while high school students are completing the first trimester with tests on Thursday and Friday.
2. Curt Dow has agreed to assist with the high school wrestling program on a volunteer basis. His assistance is invaluable, as he travels with either the varsity or junior varsity teams to Saturday tournaments.
3. The annual Iowa School Board Convention is being held this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in Des Moines.
4. We will be meeting with the CEA prior to our regular December 11 meeting to present opening proposals for negotiations.
A motion was made by Scherf, seconded by Turner, to approve the following consent items:
General Fund $184,257.18
Activity Fund $26,899.84
Management Fund $398.00
Debt Service $50,020.01
Nutrition Fund $25,225.03
• October 31, 2006, Financial Statements, Activity Fund report, Hot Lunch report, and open enrollment application(s).
Board member Fulk informed he had audited the bills and found them in order for payment. The motion to approve the consent items was unanimously approved by the Board.
President McComb explained he would allow visitors the opportunity to speak in regards to the decision by the Board of Directors at the October 23 rd meeting to limit student athletes to participation in one athletic activity per season. Following any statements by visitors, the Board of Directors would be given the opportunity to speak, either as a group with one spokesperson, or individually. Pam Honken, a visitor to the meeting, spoke against the decision made at the last meeting based on what she believed was a positive experience by her daughter by participating in both cross country and volleyball this fall sports season. Board President McComb stated his belief that student athletes need to attend all practices with the rest of the team. Mr. Scherf commented that our coaches should not be put in the position of being asked to agree with dual participation by athletes. He also pointed out that the number of athletes requesting such a privilege could increase. Mr. Watkins said he believed dual sports participation sets athletes up to let teammates down because at some point a student who is dual sporting will not be at an event, practice, or competition with the rest of their team. Ms. Turner told the group she spoke to Mr. Schieffer and a few coaches to get their opinion when she was asked to make a decision about dual sports participation. She stated she voted against dual sports participation based on the belief that team sports require time and dedication by each member of the team at all practices and competitions. Following all comments by visitors and Board members, President McComb thanked everyone in attendance for their concern and support of students in our district.
State Representative Richard Anderson was present at the meeting to hear and discuss any issues board members felt strongly about prior to the 2007 legislative session. Mr. Anderson was given the list of five items Clarinda Board members voted as their top priorities from a list prepared by the Iowa Association of School Boards.
Approve Bid to Update ICN Room
A motion was made by Watkins, seconded by Turner, to approve the bid for $10,921.50 from ECS, Inc. to replace the node control unit of the ICN classroom. Currently only the monitor at the back of the room is functioning and students cannot communicate with the teacher via the microphones in the room. The module is considered old technology and replacement parts are not available. Two bids were received to upgrade the equipment: 1) AVI Systems: $13,855. 2) ECS, Inc: $10,921.50. It appears the low bid will meet our needs and provide us with current technology. Following discussion of student use of the ICN classroom, the motion passed on a 5-0 vote of the Board.
Approve Board Goals
A motion was made by Fulk, seconded by Scherf, to approve the 2006 Board goals in the areas of finance, facilities, non-instructional programs, and future instructional programs. Board members spent time this fall discussing and compiling the 2006 Board goals as follows:
1. Finance
A. Strive to maintain an 80% ratio of salaries/benefits to total budget.
B. Strive to keep the solvency ratio at no lower than 15%.
C. Develop and promote a school foundation committee to promote an avenue and guidelines for gifting to the Clarinda Community School District.
2. Facilities
A. Maintain quality facilities through the development and updating of an ongoing maintenance list that is prioritized annually through the assistance of the Board, administration, and maintenance staff. Focus of the decisions include, but are not limited to: 1) safety and health of the district; 2) reduction of energy costs; 3) financial position of the district.
3. Non-instructional Programs
A. The Board will evaluate non-instructional programs with the assistance of administrators in relationship to cost and overall needs of the district. These programs include, but are not limited to: preschool programs, before and after school programs, activity programs, and all other non-instructional programs associated within the supervision of the Clarinda Community School District.
4. Future Instructional Programs
A. The Board will annually review the instructional program opportunities offered within the district in an attempt to provide ongoing changes and growth that will assure all students are provided the best educational programs financially feasible.
Following a review of the final list, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the 2006 goals.
Report on Special Education Count for 2006
Superintendent Honnold reviewed results of the official special education count on November 1, 2006. This complete count of special education students in the district is compiled each year. The official count determines the special education funding for the 2007-2008 school year. Special education funding is based on the weighted count of resident special education students. The greater the need of the student, the higher the weighted count. The total weighted count for next year's funding is 96.63, and increase of 8.39 over last year's count. Clarinda resident special education students make up 11% of our student population.
Approve Special Education Contracts
A motion was made by Scherf, seconded by Watkins, to approve the contracts with Des Moines Independent, Atlantic, Prescott, and Ottumwa Community School Districts for special education students being served at the Clarinda Academy. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote of the Board.
Approve 28E Sharing Agreement with Extension with New Market Schools
A motion was made by Watkins, seconded by Fulk, to approve the 28E sharing agreement continuation with New Market Schools. Current contract language states the agreement is made to provide educational and extra-curricular programs for New Market students in grades 7 through 12 for fiscal years 2008 to 2010. The New Market Community School District will pay to Clarinda 90 percent of the New Market regular cost per pupil excluding supplemental weighting for the three years of the agreement. This percentage is the same as that paid for the 2007 fiscal year. Transportation from New Market to the Clarinda District remains the responsibility of the New Market School District. A copy of the entire 28E agreement is on file in the Superintendent's office for review. Following discussion, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the motion.
Board CorrespondenceScherf: 1) Attended the School Improvement Advisory Committee meeting. Items discussed included student achievement, the new academic eligibility rule for high school students, and the high school model core curriculum. It was a very good meeting. 2) Jean Negley asked if a representative from our Board would like to attend a dinner meeting at the hospital on Wednesday evening to hear more about the "Leave a Legacy" organization. I am planning on attending that meeting.
McComb: Enjoyed the Middle School Southwest Iowa Honor Band concert at Lewis Central on Friday night. Students put a lot of time and effort into their presentation.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Fulk, seconded by Watkins, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. The motion was approved on a 5-0 vote of the Board.
Cindy L. VanFosson
Board Secretary