March 19 Bettendorf School Board meeting

Many come to speak in favor of lowering class sizes at Hoover Elementary school.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

BETTENDORF, IOWA



Official Minutes of the March 19, 2001, Regular Meeting



1. Call to Order



The Board of Directors of the Bettendorf Community School District, in the County of Scott, state of Iowa, met in open session according to Iowa law for their regular meeting at the Ray Stensvad Administration Center, 3311 Central Avenue, Bettendorf, Iowa, on March 19, 2001. President Roski called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary, verified that the meeting notice had been posted and mailed to the media as required by law.



Members present: Directors Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.

Members absent: Director Anderson.

Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; John Campbell, Director of Operations; Dana Vavroch, BEA Representative; Leigh Taylor, Student Representative; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.



2. Agenda Approval.



Motion by Director Wahlstrand, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the agenda as presented.



Ayes: 6 Directors Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.

Nays: 0

Absent: 1 Director Anderson. Motion carried 6-0-1.



3. Comments and Suggestions from Audience.



President's Statement. On behalf of fellow Board members, at this time I would like to invite any member of the audience to step to the microphone with comments about items of interest or concern that do not appear on the agenda this evening. Please begin by stating your name and address. It would be most appreciated if you would limit your comments to three minutes so that we can keep the meeting moving in a timely fashion and allow others an opportunity to speak. We ask that you remember that Iowa law prohibits us from discussing specific employees or their job performance. If you have thoughts to share about items that are included as topics for tonight's meeting, we would invite those comments when we reach that point in the meeting. Thank you for your support of our school district.



Stephanie Tansey, 2640 Buckingham Avenue, Bettendorf, updated Directors on a recent meeting of concerned Hoover parents regarding class size reduction efforts. She referenced an early intervention class size study completed in 1999-2000 by the Iowa Department of Education Bureau of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, noting the achievement benefits of lower class size. Based on statewide data, Bettendorf ranked in the bottom 10 percent for class size. She discussed the November community forum addressing class size and urged the Board to support reducing class size. She stated her belief that core time intervention was not enough.



Tom Bushman, 4270 Apple Valley Drive, Bettendorf, expressed his concern regarding class size. He referenced the STAR report, funded by the State of Tennessee, comparing achievement levels to class size. Data from the study concluded that children showed a marked improvement when class size was reduced to 22 students or less in grades K-3. He also referred to a Nevada study which highlighted the benefits lower class size as less special education referrals for students, less stress for teachers, and high morale amongst staff.



Julie Fee, 3711 Tam-O-Shanter Drive, Bettendorf, stated professional development should not being a substitute for lower class size. She referenced a California study concluding that class sizes with 20 students or less increased academic performance. A recent survey conducted by concerned Hoover parents indicated overwhelming support for lower class sizes. At the November community forum focusing on class size, parents and community also expressed their interest in lowering class size. She expressed dissatisfaction with Hoover elementary going from a three-section school down to a two-section school and full-time music, art, and physical education teachers going to part-time status.



Jim Ash, 3118 Windsor Drive, Bettendorf, stated his support of reducing class size and shared comparative data from 1999-2000 prepared by the Iowa Department of Education. In the category of class size, Bettendorf ranked lower statewide in class sizes for K-3 when compared to neighboring school districts (North Scott, Davenport, and Pleasant Valley). He suggested Hoover being in a unique position and capable of converting to smaller class size. Mr. Ash discussed marketing issues, boundary changes, and resourceful budgeting as areas for review to assist in achieving lower class sizes.



Superintendent Perdue expressed his appreciation for the input of community members. He noted the Board continues to review class size reduction and is the third year of their initial core time plan, which has shown improvement in student achievement.



President Roski thanked individuals for sharing their concerns and encouraged parents to get involved and attend meetings. She stated that the Board continually discusses and addresses this topic at its meetings.



Stephanie Egts, 2490 Hunter Road, Bettendorf, introduced herself as a junior student at BHS who has been involved and enjoyed the benefits of the district's music program. She expressed her concern regarding the inadequacies of space, noting rehearsals are often held in the cafeteria or auditorium. She stated her appreciation of the improvements done for the middle school music program and her support for a Fine Arts addition at the north end of the high school.



4.0 Commendations & Special Invited Guests.

4.01 Student Spotlight on Herbert Hoover Elementary School. Principal Jeff Johansen introduced second grade students from Hoover Elementary School who presented a readers theatre entitled "The Strange Shoe" by utilizing puppets.

4.02 Congratulations to all winter sports teams for receiving certificates from the State of Iowa for high grade point averages. †Winter teams are Girls and Boys Basketball, Boys Swimming, Wrestling, Cheerleaders and Goldusters.

4.03 Congratulations to the following basketball players who were named to the MAC All Conference Teams: 1st team, Erin Riley, Nick Thompson; 2nd Team, Mike Martin; 3rd team, Julie Fick; Honorable Mention,†Lynne Jasper, Drew Wessels. Erin Riley, also received an Honorable Mention for Class 4A Iowa Newspaper Association All State Girls Basketball Team.

4.04 Congratulations to the following Bettendorf Community School District teachers who were nominated to the most recent edition of "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" by one or more of their former students: Joseph Buck, Chris Coy, Sally Delgado, Lori Hatch, Ethel Hegeman, Brent Hutton, Kenneth Kelly, Paul Lewellan, Marianne Marcek, Amy Pavlacic, Pat Sherman, and Theodore Thompson.

4.05 The following Grant Wood Elementary students were winners at the Regional Invent, Iowa! Competition held on February 24, and will represent their school at the State competition in Ames on April 29:

Jacob Hemberger, Aaron Johnson, Andrew Wier, Michelle Plante, Holly Mohr.



5. Consent Agenda



Motion by Director Castro, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the consent agenda as presented.



Ayes: 6 Directors Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.

Nays: 0

Absent: 1 Director Anderson. Motion carried 6-0-1.



5.01 Approval of March 5, 2001 Regular Board Meeting Minutes.

5.02 Approval of March 19, 2001 Bills Recommended for Payment.

5.03 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.

Certified Resignation

Jan Wixon/MT/Title One Reading/Effective 6/01

Schedule D Resignation

Brian Barquist/BHS/Assistant Varsity Football/Effective 3/20/01

Schedule D Approval to Hire

Brian Barquist/BHS/Head Sophomore Football/Per 2001/02 Salary Schedule/Replacing Ron Egger/Effective 8/01

Classified Approval to Employ

Michael Dhaenens/Maintenance & Transportation Center/Bus Driver/$10.59/$11.32 after 90 days/4.5 hours per day/Replacing Tasha Thames/Effective 3/7/01

Mary Jo Emerson/BMS/Teacher Associate/$10.00 per hour/5.5 hours per day/New position due to IEP changes/Effective 3/12/01

5.04 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.

Into Bettendorf, 2000/01

Carly Addington, grade 3, from Davenport, continuation due to change in residence

Stephanie Armbrust, grade 4, from Davenport, continuation due to change in residence

Ellen Border, grade 1, from Davenport, good cause related to change of residence

Out of Bettendorf, 2000/01

Sarah Harnisch, kindergarten, to Pleasant Valley, good cause related to change in residence

Breanna Kinnan-Bogan, grade 3, to Davenport, good cause related to change in residence

Shaianne Kinnan-Bogan, kindergarten, to Davenport, good cause related to change in residence

Into Bettendorf, 2001/02

Jacob Elliott, grade 9 (as of 2001/02), from Davenport

Out of Bettendorf, 2001/02

Mollie Bonney, kindergarten (as of 2001/02), to Pleasant Valley

Baylor Hill, grade 1 (as of 2001/02), to Pleasant Valley



6. Discussion Items.



Shared Communications.



Director Weigle enjoyed observing Jefferson Elementary's ABLE learners build objects out of macaroni and first grade students developing and utilizing math concepts.



Director Castro commented on his recent visit to the Cedar Rapids school district, which provided him an opportunity to tour five different all-day kindergarten classrooms, review their curriculum and balanced literacy program, and discuss scheduling and other points of interest with teachers and staff.



Director Castro also attended the Hoover PTO chili supper and spoke positively about the interaction and dialogue amongst staff, parents, and administration. He noted it was nice to see parents getting involved and caring out their children's education.



Directors Wahlstrand and Anderson plan to meet Tuesday evening to review Board Policy 500 Series with the Superintendent.



Directors Arney and Roski met with the bargaining team and continue to exchange interests.



Director Roski discussed the move of the primary mental disability (PMD) program from Paul Norton to Hoover. An open house is scheduled for parents on March 21, and she encouraged staff to welcome these students to their facility, as it is a very stressful time for them and their families.



Community Access to Buildings.



Director Castro facilitated the strategic discussion topic of community access to buildings. He reviewed a listing of those groups utilizing the district's facilities, including issues of concern and possible solutions. The elementary schools receive the heaviest usage by outside programs, which consist primarily of the YMCA, Bettendorf Park and Recreation, and AAU plus their affiliated programs.



Mr. Jerry Fagle, Principal at Grant Wood Elementary, reviewed the "Grant Wood Computer Night" held February 27 and March 6. A hands-on computer class was offered to first graders and their parents. The February 27 night focused on writing and drawing programs and the March 6 night outlined appropriate Internet sites for first graders. Sixteen adults and sixteen children attended the first session, while seven adults and seven children attended the March 6 meeting. Survey responses were all positive; however concern was expressed by staff over the low percentage of participation, amount of preparation time required, and security (front door) during class time.



Directors reviewed increased maintenance cost, repairs needed to district facilities and equipment, safety issues, and rising energy costs. Directors also addressed the inequity of the fee Bettendorf students are charged by Bettendorf Park & Recreation to use the BMS gym and the limitations the swim club is creating on the BHS pool. Mark Brooks, Athletic Director, shared with directors the benefits and donations provided by the Bettendorf Park & Recreation Department and the swim club. In conclusion, the Board requested an ad hoc committee be formed to address issues related to facility usage. The committee will provide recommendations, including revisions to the current Board policy on facility usage. Additionally, the Board stated its interest in making the facilities more accessible to students for academic and curriculum usage after the school day. Directors Castro and Luton volunteered to join with Rick Herrig, Jerry Fagle, Mark Brooks, and Leigh Taylor on an ad hoc committee to begin work on this topic, with a target of May 21 for an initial report to the Board.



BMS Looping Team.



BMS Principal, Rick Herrig, presented a multi-age looping team recommendation in an effort to reduce class size in the core academic areas and improve student achievement. The looping team concept would not require additional staff, and students from each grade would be assigned to the same group of teachers. Classes would be scheduled by grade level with opportunity for multi-age instruction to meet individual needs. The multi-age looping team implementation would be communicated in the BMS April newsletter and evaluated by a parent/student satisfaction survey, ITBS scoring, and class size comparative data. Superintendent Perdue stated his support of this concept and expressed his appreciation for Mr. Herrig's innovative approach to reducing class size in the core academic areas. Directors' consensus was to move forward with the looping team initiative and requested a status report on it at the end of the first quarter next school year.



2001/02 Spending & Staffing Plan and Tentative Budget.



Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs, reviewed the spending and staffing plan for 2001/02. He outlined data on fund allocations and presented the proposed property tax rate of $15.08 per $1,000 assessed valuation, an increase of 3.43 percent from the prior year. Board members indicated an interest in holding the property tax rate at the current $14.58 level for the 2001/02 fiscal year. The Board is scheduled to adopt the budget and certify the property tax rate on April 2.



Superintendent Perdue presented a draft of the proposed staffing plan for the 2001/02 year. As enrollment numbers and class registrations become more definitive these numbers will be solidified.



Communicating the Work of the Board.



Superintendent Perdue shared information regarding the Board's interest in video broadcasting Board of Education meetings. To implement a delayed-video broadcast, it would require approximately $15,000 in equipment for a two camera system and $2,000-$4,000 in staffing to operate the system. The City of Bettendorf has volunteered their facilities and equipment on a temporary basis, providing an opportunity for directors to further review this option. If successful, directors indicated an interest in pursuing a grant for funding of equipment. Community members present at the meeting also indicated their interest in having Board meetings video broadcasted. Superintendent Perdue will contact Mr. Decker Phloen and attempt to make arrangements for video broadcasting Board meetings during the fall of 2001.



7. Action Items.



2001/02 PPEL Budget & Improvement Projects.



Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs, reviewed estimated revenues and expenditures for the PPEL budget. John Campbell, Director of Operations, presented the proposed 2001/02 PPEL projects totaling $695,273, which included a breakdown of expenses at each facility. Representatives from KJWW and Downing Architects outlined design changes to the HVAC system at BHS estimated at approximately $300,000. Mr. Campbell noted that the PPEL budget contains the purchase of two school buses; however, these purchases will not be made until the study on contracting for transportation services has been completed and reported to the Board. Directors requested additional information from staff regarding the expenditure of $20,000 for security cameras at BMS and BHS.



Motion by Director Wahlstrand, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the 2001/02 PPEL Budget and Improvement Projects as presented, less the expenditure of $20,000 for security cameras at BHS and BMS.

Ayes: 6 Directors Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney.

Nays: 0

Absent: 1 Director Anderson. Motion carried 6-0-1.



Open Enrollment Request Out of the District, 2001/02.



Superintendent Perdue presented the open enrollment request out of the district for school year 2001/02 for Whitney Rollins, grade 9, to Davenport. The request application was not filed by the January 1 deadline.



Motion by Director Wahlstrand, seconded by Director Weigle, to approve the request for open enrollment out of the district for school year 2001/02 for Whitney Rollins, grade 9, to Davenport.



Ayes: 1 Director Roski.

Nays: 5 Directors Luton, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Castro.

Absent: 1 Director Anderson. Motion failed 1-5-1.



8. Superintendent's Report.



8.01 Class Size Planning.



Superintendent Perdue summarized class size reduction efforts with the current core teacher plan for grades K-2, which will conclude next year with three half-time teachers being added at Paul Norton, Grant Wood, and Thomas Jefferson elementaries. He sited student scoring data, illustrating improved student achievement since implementation of the core plan. Considerations impacting long-term plans for class size reduction included: 1) limitations of state and federal funding; 2) facility/space issues; 3) declining enrollment; 4) financial commitment; and 5) student achievement data. Superintendent Perdue suggested reconvening the Class Size Reduction Committee to review additional opportunities in class size reduction. This committee consists of two representatives from each building, parents, and the Assistant Superintendent.



President Roski provided an opportunity for Hoover Elementary parents and staff to share their ideas and interests related to class size planning. Comments centered on the following issues:

Core time has had a positive impact on reading, however there is a concern regarding the implication it has had on math, science, and social studies.

Core time has been a positive change but is not enough.

Changing from a three-section school to a two-section school would allow Hoover to pilot a class size reduction program, but with PMD moving into the facility this would not be feasible.

Want to retain Hoover's three-section school and pilot a lower class size project. This would provide a unique opportunity to collect data and, if successful, market the effort district wide.

The challenges of converting Hoover to a two-section school and reducing their art, music and physical education teachers to part-time has impacted negatively on morale.



Superintendent Perdue responded to inquiries and suggestions, and shared his interest in pursuing lower class size. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to reconvene the Class Size Reduction Committee to develop and recommend ideas for lowering class size.



8.02 Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the April 2, 2001, meeting, including a 5:00-6:45 p.m. closed session for the Superintendent's evaluation and a work session on the BOE Secretary Evaluation form.



9. Future Events and Informational Items.

Tuesday, March 20, Board Policy Review Committee, 5:30 p.m., RSAC

Monday, April 2, Board of Education Work Session, 5:00 - 6:45 p.m., RSAC

Monday, April 2, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., RSAC



Board recessed at 11:20 p.m. and reconvened at 11:25 p.m.



Closed Session.



Motion by Director Wahlstrand, seconded by Director Luton, to go into closed session in accordance with Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(i), for the purpose of evaluating the professional competency of individuals whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge are being considered, when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to those individuals' reputations and those individuals request a closed session.



Ayes: 6 Directors Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Arney, Castro, Luton.

Nays: 0

Absent: 1 Director Anderson. Motion carried 6-0-1.



Directors entered closed session at 11:26 p.m.



Directors returned to open session at 12:01 a.m.



11. Adjournment.



Motion by Director Wahlstrand to adjourn the meeting at 12:02 a.m.

Official Minutes of the March 19, 2001, Public Hearing



1. Call to Order



The Board of Directors of the Bettendorf Community School District, in the County of Scott, state of Iowa, met in open session according to Iowa law for a public hearing at the Ray Stensvad Administration Center, 3311 Central Avenue, Bettendorf, Iowa, on March 19, 2001. President Roski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary, verified that the public hearing notice had been posted and mailed to the media as required by law.



Members present: Directors Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.

Members absent: Director Arney.

Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; John Campbell, Director of Operations; Dana Vavroch, Teacher Representative; Leigh Taylor, Student Representative; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.



Public Hearing



The public hearing on bidding of sound systems for the Bettendorf High School gymnasium, auditorium, swimming pool, and Touvelle stadium, including amplifiers, speakers, microphone outlets, microphones, and all accessories required for a complete installation opened at 7:00 p.m. President Roski invited interested parties to comment or file objections to the proposed project. There were no comments from the audience. Opening date for bids on this project is scheduled for March 22, 2001, at 2:00 p.m.at RSAC. The public hearing closed at 7:01 p.m.