PV School Board meetings March 10, 19 and April 2

Petition seeks new Instruction Support Levy try; new teacher contract approved

MARCH 10, 2001: Special meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by
President Phyllis Ahlstrand. Members present: Ahlstrand, Barsness, Dayman,
O'Hara, Romans, Thornton. Absent: Coon. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim
Spelhaug, Mike Clingingsmith, and Chris Harvey.

AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Thornton, second by Dayman that the Agenda be
approved. All ayes. Motion carried.

The meeting then focused on a general discussion of the School Improvement
Plan, the Instructional Support Levy, and the possibility of changing Black
Hawk Junior High School's name.

The board arrived at consensus to bring the School Improvement Team together
in April or May for the purpose of revisiting the School Improvement Plan
and making a recommendation relative to the plan. The Board also agreed to
hear a proposal to change the name of Black Hawk Junior High at a regular
Board meeting in April.

The Board expressed its appreciation to the administrative team for their
efforts in attempting to pass the Instructional Support Levy.



The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2001 Meeting


Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
President Ahlstrand. Members present: Ahlstrand, Barsness, Coon, Dayman,
Romans and Thornton. Absent - O'Hara. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim
Spelhaug, Mike Clingingsmith, Jean Mattson, Caroline Stampe, Linda Noble,
Mike Duncan, Barb Skjei, Keith Cavanagh, Kevin Hatfield, Joe Kint, Tara
Addelia, Patty Sorensen, Robin Letney, Chris Harvey, and others.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Thornton, second by Dayman that the Board hold
a closed session as provided in section 21.5(1)(i) of the open meetings law
to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose performance
is being considered to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that
individual's reputation, as that individual has requested a closed session.
Roll call vote. Ayes - Thornton, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Coon, Dayman, Romans.
Nays - none. Motion carried.



AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Dayman second by Coon that the Agenda be
approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.



COMMUNICATIONS: Tara Addelia, Robin Letney and Patty Sorensen presented
petitions containing 660 names to the Board requesting that the Board
"pursue the option of placing the Instructional Support Levy (ISL) on a
ballot for voter approval at the earliest date possible."



President Ahlstrand accepted the petitions and thanked the parent
representatives for their interest and initiative. She informed them that
the Board, at its retreat on March 10, had reached consensus to call the
School Improvement Team back into session to revisit the School Improvement
Plan.



Director Thornton informed the administration of a concern that unitvent
fans at Bridgeview made it difficult to hear in the classroom. Dr. Barber
said he would look into this concern.

Director Barsness congratulated the new National Honor Society inductees:
Margaret Bacon, Jessica Ballou, Matthew Bell, Elizabeth Carter, Pooja
Chitneni, Carrie Claussen, Matthew Daugherty, Samuel Deutsch, Andrew Doyle,
Kelly Enstrom, Christopher Gans, Maggie Godwin, Amanda Hartter, Thomas
Hoscheid, Katherine Jones, Stefanie Kruse, Evan Markley, Abby Mattson, Sarah
McCool, Michael Mueller, Patricia Neinaber, Hannah Phares, Robert Platt,
Heidi Poleshaj, Jennifer Reep, Elizabeth Roland, Dana Schmidt, Eric
Svaleson, Taylor Swartz, William Treasure, Sarah Walsh, Jennifer Wendt,
Kevin White, and Brent Whitlock.

She also congratulated the PV Boys Basketball Team on their State Tournament
participation and the PV fans for their tremendous support of the team as
well as being excellent representatives of the district.



Director Coon commended those who organized and supported the Riverdale
Heights Fun Fair for their efforts in promoting a very well run event.



Director Dayman shared an article from the Chicago Tribune titled "When will
there be zero tolerance for bullying?" written by columnist Bob Greene.



Dr. Spelhaug congratulated the Black Hawk Junior High School Mathcounts team
for winning fifth place in the State Competition on March 10.
Congratulations go to Stephanie Fitton, Samantha Goldstein, Elise Johnson,
David Westlund.

Dr. Spelhaug gave special thanks to their coach Gordon
Mueller who has sponsored this team for many years and will be retiring at
the end of the current school year. He also recognized the four elementary
schools' Mathcounts teams and their sponsors Cathy Betts, Cody, Linda Goetz,
Bridgeview, David Barber, Riverdale Heights, and Brent Pearson, Pleasant
View for competing in the AEA's 6th grade math competition against 52 teams
where they all placed among the top 8 schools.



Dr. Spelhaug also commended Director Barsness for her speech to the National
Honor Society inductees.



CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Romans, second by Thornton that the Consent
Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Consent
Agenda consisted of the following:

the minutes of the March 5 Regular Board
meeting;

the employment of Russell VanWetzinga and David Hult as high school
social studies teachers for the 2001-02 school year;

the resignations of
Nicole Toohill as a special education teacher at Riverdale Heights, Sean
Morley as PVCHS boys assistant soccer coach for the 2000-01 season, and Jack
Vance as a probationary part-time custodian at PVCHS;

the addition of a 7/8
team leader stipend to Ann Fairbanks' contract for the 64 remaining contract
days;

the probationary employment of Linda Jones as business clerk at the
Belmont Administration Office, and the recommendation for regular employment
of Jackie Wells as a part-time custodian at Black Hawk Junior High School;


and five open enrollment applications out to Bettendorf Schools; one for the
2000-2001 school year; and four for the 2001-02 school year.



EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by Barsness second by Dayman that the General
Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $392,724.04 in payment of
invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.



Motion by Dayman second by Thornton that the Nutrition Fund warrants be
issued in the total amount of $33,503.23 in payment of invoices presented.
All ayes. Motion carried.



Motion by Thornton second by Barsness that Elementary/Junior High School
Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $3,899.34 in payment
of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.



Motion by Dayman second by Thornton that High School Activity Fund warrants
be issued in the total amount of $47,836.59 in payment of invoices
presented. All ayes. Motion carried.



Motion by Romans second by Dayman that Schoolhouse Fund warrants be issued
in the total amount of $51,312.54 in payment of invoices presented. All
ayes. Motion carried.



SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY 4 PROPOSAL: The K-12 guidance and at-risk
faculty presented the Character Counts program and recommended that it be
implemented next school year. This program study was initiated by School
Improvement Strategy #4 (We will implement a plan to promote respect.)
Financing for the implementation would come from the Success 4 and Drug Free
Schools grants. The program is endorsed by the State of Iowa. Character
Counts is a program that will support the development of trustworthiness,
responsibility, citizenship, respect, fairness, and caring in all PV
students.



Motion by Thornton, second by Barsness that the Board approve the School
Improvement Strategy #4 Action Plan as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes -
Thornton, Ahlstrand, Barsness, Coon, Dayman, Romans. Nays - none. Motion
carried.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS: Mr. Clingingsmith presented the monthly
financial report for February. Through February, general fund receipts
totaled $11,150,144 (57.3%) and expenses totaled $12,019,275 (61.6%) The
February target for receipts and expenditures was 66.7%. He also presented
reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Hot Lunch,
Revolving, and Activity funds.



Motion by Dayman second by Coon that the Board accept the monthly financial
reports for February as presented. All ayes. Motion carried..



EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Board met in executive session for personnel from
8:23 p.m. to 9:53 p.m. for the purpose of conducting the superintendent's
annual evaluation.



In open session, the Board adjourned at 9:55 p.m.



MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2001 Meeting


MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
President Ahlstrand. Members present: Ahlstrand, Coon, Dayman, Romans and
Thornton. Absent - Barsness and O'Hara. Also present: Dale Barber, Jim
Spelhaug, Mike Clingingsmith, Don Fry, Bill Myatt, Eric Larew, Kate
Stangler, Jenny Lelm, Ann Berger, Shawn Rice, Bev Soenksen, Mindy Mappin,
Kelsie Knutsen, Rita Knutsen, Kevin Hatfield, Larry J. Brown, Marsha Kline,
Robert Kline, Chris Harvey, and others.



EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Dayman, second by Thornton that the Board hold
a closed session as provided in Section 21.5(1)(i) of the Open Meetings Law
to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose performance
is being considered to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that
individual's reputation, and that individual has requested a closed session.
Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, Romans, Thornton, Ahlstrand, Coon. Nays -
none. Motion carried.



EXEMPT SESSION: Motion by Dayman, second by Coon that the Board hold an
exempt session for the purpose of negotiations as provided in section
20.17(3) of the Code of Iowa. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, Romans,
Thornton, Ahlstrand, Coon. Nays - none.



AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Thornton, second by Romans that the Agenda be
approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.



COMMUNICATIONS: Directors Romans and Coon thanked the Board for allowing
them to attend the National School Board Association conference recently.



Dr. Barber reported that the district's sheriff's liaison Bryce Schmidt is
meeting with principals to complete a security audit for each building. The
district is also working cooperatively through the Scott County
Decategorization Unit to apply for a county-wide school security grant.
Director Dayman requested that the results of the security audits and grant
proposal be publicized in local papers.



Dr. Spelhaug congratulated the High School Family
and Consumer Science program and teacher Marta Brooks for receiving the
Regional Program Award from the Iowa F.I.N.E. (First in the Nation in
Education) program.



He also reminded district parents of the meeting "Don't let your kids know
more than you!" to be held on April 9, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the PVCHS
Theater.

Dr. Spelhaug informed the Board that the district has submitted grant
request proposals totaling $230,000 to the Scott County Regional Authority.



2001-2002 ADOPTION OF BUDGET & TAXES: Mike Clingingsmith, Chief Financial
Officer, reviewed the proposed 2001-02 Budget and Taxes. President
Ahlstrand declared the meeting open for a public hearing of the proposed
2001-02 budget and taxes at 7:20 p.m. As no one provided input, President
Ahlstrand declared the hearing on the 2001-02 budget closed at 7:21 p.m.



Motion by Thornton, second by Dayman to approve the regular Physical Plant
and Equipment Levy in the amount of $ .33 per $1,000 of taxable valuation
for the fiscal year July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002, to be expended for the
purposes outlined in Chapter 298.3 of the Code of Iowa. Roll call vote.
Ayes - Thornton, Ahlstrand, Coon, Dayman, Romans. Nays - none. Motion
carried.



Motion by Romans, second by Coon that at this meeting of the Board of
Directors of the Pleasant Valley Community School District, held as provided
by law; and finding that the notice of the time and place of hearing has,
according to law and as directed by the Board, been published on the 15th
day of March, 2001, in the Bettendorf News, and that the affidavit of
publication thereof was on file; and after hearing any resident or taxpayer
presenting objections to, or arguments in favor of, any part of the proposed
budget; I move that we adopt the attached Budget Summary, together with the
property tax levies totaling $13.45589 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for
2001-02. Roll call vote. Ayes - Romans, Thornton, Ahlstrand, Coon, Dayman.
Nays - none. Motion carried.


It was noted that the tax levy rate for 2001-2002 will remain the same as
the current year.



CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Thornton, second by Dayman that the Consent
Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. The Consent
Agenda consisted of the following:

the minutes of the March 10, 2001, Board
Retreat and the March 19, 2001, Regular Board meeting and Executive Session;


the resignation of Robert Welch as custodian at Pleasant View;

the 2000-2001
extra-curricular assignment of William Keleture as assistant varsity boys
soccer coach; the 2001-2002 extra-curricular assignment additions of Ann
Fairbanks as 7/8 Team Leader, Kris Mahler as 8th grade Team Leader, John
Schneider as Junior High Student Council Advisor, and Gary Altman as 7th
grade Team Leader;

the 2001-2002 extra-curricular assignment deletions of
Ralph Weis as 8th grade Team Leader, Jennifer Davidson as Junior High
Student Council Advisor, and Jay Kirman as 7th grade team leader;

three open
enrollment applications-in from Bettendorf Schools; one for the 2000-2001
school year and two for the 2001-02 school year and one open enrollment
application-out to Bettendorf Schools for the 2000-01 school year.

EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by Dayman, second by Thornton that the General
Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $49,036.14 in payment of
invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.



Motion by Romans, second by Dayman that the Nutrition Fund warrants be
issued in the total amount of $999.58 in payment of invoices presented. All
ayes. Motion carried.



Motion by Thornton, second by Dayman that Elementary/Junior High School
Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $4,604.40 in payment
of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.



Motion by Dayman, second by Coon that High School Activity Fund warrants be
issued in the total amount of $11,136.01 in payment of invoices presented.
All ayes. Motion carried.



ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PROPOSAL: As a result of the curriculum mapping process,
the 9-12 English Department was present to make two recommendations to the
Board.

The first recommendation was to seek approval to divide the current
10th grade year into a semester of speech and a semester that is more
traditionally literature based. Because of current staffing limitations,
this restructuring will manifest itself as a reorganization of the
curriculum for practical and honors students.



The second recommendation was to modify the American Literature requirement
for graduation. The new requirement could be met by taking American
Literature or other literature courses. The belief is that the American
Literature requirement has a negative impact on the longer range goal of
developing life-long readers for students who struggle with their reading.



Motion by Romans, second by Thornton that the Board accept the changes to
the high school English curriculum as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes -
Romans, Thornton, Ahlstrand, Coon, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.



BLACK HAWK JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL NAME CHANGE: Black Hawk Junior High School
Principal Larry Brown, parent Marsha Kline representing the junior high PTA
and students Mindy Mappin and Kelsie Knutsen were in attendance to present a
recommendation that the Board change the name of Black Hawk Junior High
School to Pleasant Valley Junior High School and that the name of the junior
high athletic teams be changed from the Braves to the Spartans.

Mindy and
Kelsie both shared their belief that the junior high students could better
identify themselves with the school district and the high school should the
name change be implemented.



Dr. Barber proposed that a public hearing regarding the name changes be held
at 7:00 p.m. at the April 16 board meeting along with a separate agenda item
regarding the name changes.



Motion by Dayman, second by Thornton that a public hearing to provide input
into the proposed name changes for Black Hawk Junior High and the junior
high athletic teams be placed on the agenda for the April 16, 2001, Board
meeting. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, Romans, Thornton, Ahlstrand, Coon.
Nays - none. Motion carried.



The Board met in executive session for personnel from 8:27 p.m. to 8:48 p.m.

JUNIOR HIGH DEAN OF STUDENTS: Motion by Thornton, second by Coon that the
Board appoint Kevin Hatfield as Black Hawk Junior High School Dean of
Students for the 2001-2002 school year. Roll call vote. Ayes - Thornton,
Ahlstrand, Coon, Dayman, Romans. Nays - none. Motion carried.



2001-2002 PVEA MASTER CONTRACT: The Board met in exempt session for the
purpose of negotiations from 8:50 p.m. to 9:07 p.m.

In open session, motion
by Dayman second by Thornton that the Board ratify the 2001-2002 Master
Contract with the Pleasant Valley Education Association as presented.

The
agreement includes an $825 generator base increase, cost of insurance
increases, estimated early retirement savings, a 0.5% longevity increase and
the addition of a 5% extra duty stipend for the position of junior high
cross country coach.

The total package cost is a 3.7% increase over the
current year. Roll call vote. Ayes - Dayman, Romans, Thornton, Ahlstrand,
Coon. Nays - none. Motion carried.



The Board adjourned at 9:09 p.m.



Next Board Meeting
Monday, April 16, 2001
7:00 P.M.
Belmont Administration Center



You are cordially invited to participate in a Golf Benefit
& Hole-In-One Shoot-Out
for Pleasant Valley Schools
Educational Foundation
Presented by Alcoa
Palmer Hills Golf Course
Monday, April 30, 2001
11:00 a.m.
(Shot Gun Start - No Rain Date)


Funds raised provide PVCHS Student
Scholarships
To sign up, sponsor a hole/tee, or donate door prizes contact Chris Harvey,
332-5550, or email: harveychris@pleasval.k12.ia.us



The Right After Prom Committee is seeking your help. We are accepting
donations to provide a substance free night for our youth following the prom
on May 5, 2001. Donations can be sent to Pleasant Valley RAP c/o Kim
McCool, 3750 Nobis Drive, Davenport, IA 52802. Adult volunteers are also
needed. Contact Jennifer Meyer at 289-3198 or Lois Board at 332-3894 to
volunteer.



Congratulations! to Justin Merrit, PVCHS Sophomore who received a first
place award in photography from the Iowa State PTA. His photograph was one
of only four photographs chosen to represent the State of Iowa at the
National PTA Reflections Contest in April. Haley Ellerbach, PVCHS Senior
received an honorable mention for her visual art entry from the Iowa State
PTA.

Please Join Us!
LeClaire Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, April 21, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. in the PVCHS Cafeteria. Proceeds
donated to the Quest Program at Black Hawk Junior High School

Pleasant Valley Schools
Foundation
Alumni Data Base


If you are an alumnus of Pleasant Valley Community Schools, we'd like to
hear from you. We are developing an alumni data base and will make this
available for class reunions. Please let us know your address and phone
number and year of graduation so you can be kept informed of your class
events. Call (319)332-5550 or e-mail harveychris@pleasval.k12.ia.us.



PLEASANT VALLEY BOYS
BASKETBALL CAMP .....$45



Grades 9-12 8:30-11:30 June 18-22


Grades 3-4 8:00-10:30 July 9-13


Grades 5-6 11:00-1:30 July 9-13


Grades 7-8 2:00-4:30 July 9-13


Junior League($20) 12:00-1:30 June 12/14 19/21 26/28


(Tues./ Thurs. only)



* Grade student will enter in the fall.



Forms have been distributed to every eligible boy. If a form is needed you
can get them in the main offices at any school or in the Activities Office
at the High School.



Please direct questions to Dallas Duwa : 289-4781 (W) or 332-8066 (H)