Board Minutes - 2020.09.16

EMMETSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Regular Meeting 

Board of Education

September 16, 2020 Minutes

 

All motions are unanimous unless otherwise noted.

The Board of Education of Emmetsburg Community School District met in a regular session on September 16, 2020 at 5:30pm in the HS Library. 

 

Present: Jane Hoyman, Bill Huberty, Kathy Roethler, Aaron Dietrich, Scott Kibbie

Katy Thomsen, Val Morton 

Absent:   None

Also Present:  Darren Hanna, Lisa Chapman, Tracie Christensen, Tim Rodemeyer, Sara Straw

Tyler Bjustrom, Kelly Josephson, Darca Saxton, Julie Dunlap, Arik Kerr

 

Jane Hoyman, President, called the session to order at 5:30pm, acknowledged the fact of a quorum.

 

Approval of Agenda:  Huberty moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Kibbie. Motion carried.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

CONSENT ITEMS:  Thomsen moved to approve the consent items and was seconded by Roethler. Motion carried.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Board Policies: Updated Policies 406.1-406.5 were presented for approval.   Hoyman moved to approve the policies and was seconded by Morton. Motion carried.

 

EDUCATIONAL NEWS

Edify Assessments-Instructional Coaches Sara Straw and Kelly Josephson presented the Edify Assessment Program to the board. This program was used by the elementary last year and was added to the Middle and High Schools this year. This is a comprehensive assessment. It is much like the Iowa Assessments, but on a smaller scale. The assessments help teachers to ensure that students know grade level material. The data helps administration and teachers determine the understanding of the students. The program will evaluate if goals are met. The tests are aligned to what is taught. Teachers receive immediate feedback. The tests help teachers know what is going well and what is not and what needs to be changed. The data helps teachers find what students need more help with. Teachers review the data weekly in Professional Learning Communities (PLC). The data also helps administrators decide what kind of professional development is needed.

Secondary Report-Christensen has been working with the Student Council and still allowing the Homecoming experience for the students. There will not be a parade, but there will be a pep rally on the football field. Students will be on the home side. Public is allowed to come and remain in their vehicle or use the visitor side bleachers. There will be limited attendance at coronation. More detailed information will be on the website this week. Christensen also shared enrollment information. Many registration fees are still outstanding. The goal is to integrate the payment system with the registration process for next year.

Elementary Report: Bjustrom reviewed the vision of the elementary with the board.Bjustrom stated, “The vision of West Elementary is to create a safe and productive learning environment where students and staff flourish using an engaging and appropriate curriculum.” One example included the process created so that one 3rd grade teacher could teach both classes when the other 3rd grade teacher had to be out for COVID precautions. Bjustrom talked about the unity of each class becoming imperative. The PLC program drives the curriculum and the technology is a major proponent of instruction. Technology is utilized to make lessons more engaging and effective. Not having a pool of very many substitutes has led to many innovative ways to teach students and has been effective during the pandemic.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Personnel: Dietrich moved to approve the resignation of Chad Francis as Freshmen Basketball Coach pending finding a replacement. Seconded by Huberty. Motion carried unanimously. Dietrich also moved to approve the volunteer cheer coach for basketball Jenna Wolfe. Seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.

Board Policies (First Reading): 407-407.6E2  policies were reviewed by committee. First reading was submitted to the entire board.

Special Education Modified Allowable Growth Request: Huberty moved to approve the Modified Allowable Growth application for Special Education in the amount of $295,262.56. Seconded by Morton. Motion carried.

Early Graduation: Christensen presented a list of seniors applying for early graduation. Morton moved to approve the early graduation students pending meeting final requirements by the end of the semester. Seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.

Chevy Suburban Bids: Bids for the 2001 Chevy Suburban were opened. Three bids were received. Arik Kerr-$700, Jim Wickman-$775 and George Zech-$1,100. Morton moved to approve the high bid from George Zech and was seconded by Roethler. Motion carried.

Educational Assistance Program: Hanna presented the Educational Assistance Program that will enable teachers to get help with tuition costs as long as they are receiving endorsements needed by the district in high need areas. The maximum amount allowed per year is $5,250. Tuition reimbursement is paid to the educational institution.Hoyman moved to approve the Program. Seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.

Seasons Contract: Hanna presented a contract between the Northwest Iowa Mental Health Center, dba, Seasons Center. This contract will allow a qualified Mental Health Therapist and a Youth Services Worker to be housed in the district and help students. The amount of the contract is $45,000. Hoyman moved to approve the contract and was seconded by Roethler. Ayes-Hoyman, Roethler, Morton, Thomsen, Dietrich, Huberty. Nay-Kibbie. Motion carried.

 

Hoyman congratulated Mike Dunlap on his 100th win over Algona on September 4th!

Hoyman also expressed condolences from the entire board to the Nadaly Lara family.

Thanks was also given to the crises teams and everyone involved with the process.

 

Kibbie moved to adjourn at 6:42pm. Seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.

 

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Board President                                                                                 Board Secretary