November 27, 2006
Regular Meeting
Board of Directors
Clarinda Community School District

The Board of Directors of the Clarinda Community School District met in regular session on Monday, November 27, 2006, 7:00 p.m., at the Board Room located in the McKinley Building, 423 East Nodaway, Clarinda, IA 51632.

Call to Order
President McComb called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call
The following Board members were present: President McComb, Vice President Watkins, Fulk, Scherf, and Turner.

Approval of Agenda
A motion was made by Watkins, seconded by Turner, to approve a revised agenda, adding item 7E, Cast Vote for IASB District #7 Board Member. The motion was approved 5-0.

Audience to Visitors
President McComb welcomed all visitors to the meeting. No visitors chose to address the Board at this time.

Administrative Reports
Superintendent Honnold reported:
1. Attended the Iowa Association of School Boards annual convention November 16th and 17th.

Old Business
There was no old business for the Board to consider at this time.

New Business
Report on Career Visions Academies
Dr. Richard Christie, director of the Career Visions Academies in Southwest Iowa for AEA #13, was at the meeting to share with Board members the background of the academies, the current status, and future possibilities for expanding the offerings. An initial grant from the Iowa West Foundation allowed a collaborative investigation of career fields that promised the greatest number of future jobs in our area for today’s high school graduates. Occupational trend data was used to determine that Career Vision Academies should be implemented on a regional basis as a way to provide vocational instruction to prepare students for the demands and dynamics of either post secondary instruction or the job market. A second grant from the Iowa West Foundation allowed for the implementation of the first three career academies during 2006-2007: Medical/Health Services, Information Technology (Web design, spreadsheet, and PC support), and Pre-Engineering. The academies allow students to enroll in various college level courses and earn college and high school credits simultaneously. School districts in AEA #13 are asked to partner with each other to provide the greatest number of opportunities for the greatest number of students. The current teaching staff can be trained to provide the instruction, eliminating the need to hire additional teachers.

Following Dr. Christie’s presentation, High School Principal Mr. Ruffing spoke to Board members on how he sees the Career Vision program enhancing the educational opportunities at our high school. After he and members of his teaching staff investigate how the program could work for our district, Mr. Ruffing will return to the Board to provide an update and gain approval to move forward.

Review Maintenance Projects for 2006-2007
The Board of Directors spent time reviewing a list of maintenance projects compiled by Craig Hill, maintenance supervisor, and Superintendent Honnold. The list of over 30 items was prioritized on a one to four scale, and each item was given an estimated cost. Past practice has been to maintain a list of potential facility/maintenance projects, adding new projects and re-prioritizing those that may have become a more immediate need each year. The district has two sources of funds for facility needs. One is the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and the other is 15% of the local option sales and service tax (LOSST) collected each year. Maintenance needs with the highest priority include repair or replacement of the visitor side bleachers at the football field, the sidewalk at the north side of the bus lot, updating the energy management system in all buildings, repair of the perimeter flashing on the west addition to the high school, and the annual replacement of carpet, ceiling tile, and paint. Mr. Hill reviewed each of the top priority items with the Board and then spoke briefly on other items on the list. Board members discussed all items listed and how much money they were willing to expend from the PPEL account and the LOSST account at this time, due to the anticipated need to replace the boilers in the high school building in perhaps another year at a cost of approximately $250,000. Following the discussion, the Board authorized Mr. Hill and Superintendent Honnold to move ahead with the items listed as highest priority and also investigate the cost of surveillance cameras for the middle school.

Approve Early Graduation Lists
A motion was made by Fulk, seconded by Watkins, to approve the early graduation lists for first and second trimester pending successful completion of the graduation requirements set by the Board of Education. Those graduates include:
First Trimester Second Trimester
Brandi Comer Heather Hicks Kiel Brittain Heather Kelley Pearson
Kayla Kraeger Brandy McNeese Courtney Brown April Spargen
Tascha Brown Mattea McNeese Michael Corcoran Nicholas Steinhoff
Christina Edwards Rachel Slauter Katie Graenser Shandee Theulen
Brandon Harris Kelli Turner Christian Hull Torrie Thummel
Lacey Johnson John Walker
Lukas Miller Nacole Woods
Following review of the list, the motion passed on a 5-0 vote of the Board.

Approve Special Education Contract
A motion was made by Watkins, seconded by Scherf, to approve the special education contract with Corning Community School District to provide special education services to a Clarinda resident student. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote.

Cast Vote for IASB District #7 Board Member
A motion was made by Scherf, seconded by Fulk, to approve casting a vote for Scott Hansen as District #7 Board Member for the Iowa Association of School Boards Board of Directors. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote.

Correspondence From Board Members
Fulk: Attended the IASB annual convention November 16th and 17th.
Scherf: Attended the “Leave A Legacy” meeting on November 15th at Clarinda Regional Health Center. Their organization promotes planned giving to charities and foundations.

Adjournment
A motion was made by Fulk, seconded by Scherf, to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 p.m. The Board approved the motion on a 5-0 vote.

Cindy L. VanFosson
Board Secretary