EMMETSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Regular Meeting
Board of Education
August 19, 2020 Minutes
All motions are unanimous unless otherwise noted.
The Board of Education of Emmetsburg Community School District met in a regular session on August 19, 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, Julie Dunlap
Mary O’Connell, Tyler Bjustrom, Kari Schany, Kelly Josephson, Holly Keenan, Arik
Kerr, Darca Saxton, Mike Dunlap, Jadyn Schutjer
Jane Hoyman, President, called the session to order at 5:30pm, acknowledged the fact of a quorum.
Approval of Agenda: Thomsen moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Huberty. Motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING
CONSENT ITEMS: Morton moved to approve the consent items and was seconded by Roethler. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Board Policies: Updated Policies 404-404.R2, 405.1-405.9, 40-.2E1403.9R2, 414.9, 501.09-501.09E1, 601.2, 604.11, 907-907.1R1 were presented for approval. Kibbie moved to approve the policies and was seconded by Morton. Motion carried.
EDUCATIONAL NEWS
The website has been updated with COVID Resources for the Return to Learn Plan. Google Classroom updates will be added for parents. There will be 2-3 minute videos by subject for parents to view. Parents may also submit a question through the FAQ link. The application on the phone has all of the same information for quick access. Superintendent Hanna has sent out information about the requirement of students riding the bus must wear a face mask.
STEM BEST AWARD-Principal Christensen along with teachers Darca Saxton and Kelly Josephson worked together to bring either “Iowa Big” or “No Boundaries” programs to the district. One way to start this was to apply for the Stem Best Grant. Emmetsburg CSD was awarded up to $25,000 to implement this plan. The plan for this program is to offer real world and relevant opportunities that don’t exist in the school setting. The program encompasses students in grades 7-12. Christensen has worked with surrounding districts to join their program. The plan will start with approximately 15 students. One of the first tasks is to find an off-site location. This is a comprehensive proposal that includes STEM curriculum, valuable partnerships with community businesses and real-world learning opportunities at the postsecondary education and training level. Emmetsburg will serve as a model to share unique perspectives, strengths, demographics and program focus with other schools throughout Iowa.
NEW BUSINESS
Personnel:Huberty moved to approve the resignation of Bill Geelan as Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach and Travis Hayenga-Elementary Para-educator. Seconded by Dietrich. Motion carried. Hoyman moved to approve the following contracts and/or assignments: Volunteer Football Coaches-Tyler Bjustrom, Bruce Nelson, Jared Joynt and Erin Cogdill-Elementary Para-Educator. Seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.
Board Policies (First Reading): The board held a first reading of board policies 406.1-406.6, 409.1-409.2. Athletic Department Budget:The 2020-2021 Athletic Budget was submitted. The board asked questions regarding revenue and expenses especially with changes in regards to COVID. Dunlap reviewed prior year figures. The budget presented allotted the same expenses as the previous year. Dietrich moved to approve the budget for 2020-2021. Huberty seconded. Motion carried.
Official Depositories for FY21:. The resolution for official depositories was presented. Thomsen moved to approve the resolution naming Laurens State Bank, Iowa Trust & Savings Bank and Wells Fargo as the official depositories with a maximum of $8,000,000 at each bank. Aye-Thomsen, Dietrich, Roethler, Huberty, Morton, Kibbie, Hoyman. Nay-none. Motion carried.
Fundraisers SY21:. Dunlap presented the list of fundraisers from the prior year with their profits. The fundraisers for the 2020-2021 year were also presented. COVID requirements dictated some of the reasons for not holding certain fundraisers. Superintendent Hanna recommended holding off on holding those fundraisers that have contact with the public. Hanna wants to limit the risk and prioritize school attendance. Hanna recommended r the Ribeye Dinner by the Band Boosters (by using a food truck & individual meal sales) and any on-line sales. Dunlap and Hanna will get together to determine future options for other groups.
West Elementary Handbook: Principal Bjustrom explained handbook changes to the board including lunch times and parents will not be allowed to escort students to the classroom. Huberty moved to approve and was seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.
SAVE Contracts with Iowa Lakes Community College: Roethler moved to approve SAVE contracts with Iowa Lakes and Kibbie seconded. Motion carried.
Van Purchase: The van replaces the Suburban. The van is a 2018 Ford 350 and can be used to transport students for activities. The Suburban is currently being advertised for bids. Dietrich moved to purchase the van for $28,850 from Emmetsburg Ford. Seconded by Huberty. Motion carried.
Adult Meal Prices: Hoyman moved to approve the increased adult meal price of $3.85 which was dictated by the USDA. Seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.
Return to Learn Faculty & Staff Supplemental Resource: Hanna presented the resource for staff regarding COVID questions and regulations. Both FFCRA and FMLA conditions were discussed and are outlined in the document. A listing of FAQs for staff were included. Thomsen moved to approve the document and was seconded by Morton. Motion carried.
Strategic Plan Administered by UNI: In coordination with the City of Emmetsburg, the district would like to have the University of Northern Iowa facilitate a plan to set goals for the next 5-10 years. Some of the work would include working with the city in creating common goals. The cost for the district is approximately $5,000. The ultimate goal is to decide what is wanted of the entire community and gives a road map for guidance. Hoyman moved to approve the agreement with UNI to facilitate the strategic plan. Seconded by Dietrich. Motion carried.
Bowling: Hanna recommended the sponsorship of a bowling team for Emmetsburg CSD. It will be structured much the same way as the trap shooting program. The district will not incur the coaching cost.The program is for high school students. The season runs from November-February. All rules will be followed the same as all sports. Dunlap will have to work on setting up a schedule with other teams for competition. Kibbie moved to approve the sponsorship of a bowling team. Seconded by Dietrich. Motion carried.
Re-admission of Previously Expelled Student: Student A from an expulsion last school year has requested readmission to the district. Parents are asking for remote learning and transition into alternative learning in the future year(s). Hanna recommended readmission with the stipulation that Student A uses the remote learning option. Roethler moved to approve the readmission. Seconded by Thomsen. Motion carried.
Kibbie moved to adjourn at 7:56pm. Seconded by Dietrich. Motion carried.
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Board President Board Secretary
