Bettendorf School Board 10/1/01 minutes

BHS Fitness Center project moves forward

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA

Unofficial Minutes of the October 1, 2001, Regular Meeting
*Pending Board Approval


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 Board meeting at the Ray Stensvad Administration Center, 3311 Central Avenue, Bettendorf, Iowa, on October 1, 2001. President Roski called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Anderson, Arney, Castro, Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle.
Members absent: None.
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; Laura Kaufmann; BEA Representative; Drew Colville and Alex Zikra, Student Representatives; Jeff Ehrmann, Board Treasurer; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.



2. Agenda Approval.

President Roski recommended item #7.04 Student Travel be moved to item #6.06 under ÏDiscussion Items,Ó as it is not necessary to take action on this topic.



Motion by Director Castro, seconded by Director Anderson, to approve the agenda as amended.

Ayes: 7 Directors Anderson, Arney, Castro, Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.

3. Comments and Suggestions from Audience.

3.01 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.

Pete Sweedy, 586 33rd Avenue, East Moline, IL, expressed his appreciation and thanks to the Board and staff for the opportunity to provide planetarium presentations to the students of Bettendorf, stating he has conducted 20 shows thus far and has more scheduled for the coming months.





4. Commendations.
4.01 Congratulations to Anthony Bribriesco, who was named MVP of the week for the Bettendorf football victory over Pleasant Valley on Friday, September 14. ÃœThis award is given by the Quad Cities Sports Acceleration and WOC Talk Radio.


4.02 Linda Goff, associate principal at Bettendorf Middle School, has been elected to a two-year term as a representative of the Iowa North Central Association. The Iowa NCA is a state affiliate of the Regional Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement . Bettendorf Middle School, accredited by the North Central Association in 1997, is one of three Bettendorf Schools that are currently accredited. The other schools include Bettendorf High School and Mark Twain Elementary School.


5. Consent Agenda.

Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Arney, to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Ayes: 7 Directors Arney, Castro, Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle, Anderson.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.

Approval of September 18, 2001, Retiring Board Meeting Minutes.
Approval of September 18, 2001, Incoming Board Meeting Minutes.
Approval of Monthly Financial Reports.
Approval of October 1, 2001, Bills Recommended for Payment.
Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.


Certified Lane Changes


Name/Location From/To Difference Christine Iossi/GW BA+30, 13 to MA, 14 $4,718 Debora Patterson/BMS MA, 16 to MA+15, 16 1,179 Judith Wade/BMS MA, 16 to MA+15, 16 1,179

Certified Contract Modification


Sally Delgado/HH/Delete Teacher Assistance Team/$586/ Effective 8/20/01
Kayla Franck/BHS/Increase from .67 FTE ($16,729) to .92 FTE ($22,641) due to enrollment and curriculum needs at Thomas Edison Education Center/Effective 9/6/01
Ben Driscoll/BMS/Add Lunchroom Supervision/$1,062/Replacing Scott Lammers/Effective 8/22/01
Elaine Johnson/HH/Add Teacher Assistance Team/$586/ Replacing Sally Delgado/Effective 8/20/01
Amy Wichman/TEEC/Increase of $3,000 due to addition of Teacher in Charge responsibilities, stipend to be shared equally between Bettendorf, North Scott and Pleasant Valley school districts/Effective 10/01/01


Schedule D Approval to Hire


Jennifer DeSmet/BHS/Head 9th Basketball (Girls)/$2,359/ Replacing Jay Fitzgerald/Effective 11/1/01


Grant Employee Resignation


Julie Schneck/NA/Parent Liaison/Effective 8/24/01


Grant Employee Approval to Hire


Lisa Mekalson/NA/Parent Liaison/$9.70 per hour/12 hours per month/Effective 9/14/01
Carol West/TJ&GW/Core Team Coordinator/8 hours per day/12 months per year/$32,640/Replacing Jayne Biscontine-O'Brien/ Effective October 1, 2001


Classified-Recommendation for Employment


Michael Harris/Maintenance & Transportation Center/Bus Driver/$10.69/$11.42 after 90 days/As needed/Replacing Charles Porter(transferred to Utility Driver)/Effective 9/21/01
Marjorie Martel/TJ/Media Facilitator/$12.50 per hour/4 hours per day/Replacing Anita Ziffren/Effective 10/1/01
Joanna Sergeant/Maintenance & Transportation Center/Bus Driver/$10.69/$11.42 after 90 days/As needed/Replacing Stephanie Dhaenens (transferred to Utility Driver)/Effective 9/19/01


Classified-Letter of Assignment Modification


Mary Ann Bruno/From BMS to BHS/Food Service-Regular Part-Time/$7.44 per hour/5.5 hours per day/Replacing Chae Tisinger/Effective 9/17/01


Approval of Legal Services Agreement .


Approval of Core Team Agreement.


Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.


Into Bettendorf, 2001/02


Cosmo Davenport, kindergarten, from Pleasant Valley
Audie Fugate, grade 1, from Davenport, continuation due to change in residence
Calley Preisser, grade 1, from Davenport, good cause
Elijah Preisser, kindergarten, from Davenport
Carissa Sizemore, grade 2, from Davenport, good cause due to change in residence
Devontae Spradley, grade 1, from Davenport, continuation due to change in residence


Out of Bettendorf, 2001/02


Patrick Kane, grade 3, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change in residence
Reid Stamer, grade 8, to Davenport, continuation due to change in residence


Into Bettendorf, 2002/03


Jayden Clayton, kindergarten (as of 02/03), from North Scott
Gabriel Martin, grade 12 (as of 02/03), from Pleasant Valley


Out of Bettendorf, 2002/03


Nicholas Anderson, grade 11 (as of 02/03), to Pleasant Valley
Ryan Anderson, grade 10 (as of 02/03), to Pleasant Valley
Tiffany Day, grade 8 (as of 02/03), to Pleasant Valley
Hailey Duwa, kindergarten (as of 02/03), to Pleasant Valley

6. Discussion Items.

6.01 Shared Communications.

BHS sophomores, Katie Petersen and Stephanie Goettsch, shared a presentation with the Board on their White Ribbon campaign and Freedom Walk in honor of the victims of the September 11 national tragedy. BHS students will sell the white ribbons for $1.00 per ribbon and will also be accepting additional donations to assist the American Red Cross in New York and Washington, DC. The white ribbon symbolizes peace, the unity of Americans today, and the remembrance of the events of September 11. Directors shared their support of this worthwhile campaign.



With input from all directors, the Board finalized their future Board strategic discussion topics for 2001/02 as outlined:


Expanded school options - Directors Mayer and Weigle (January 2002)
Transitional periods - Directors Luton and Castro (December 2001)
Class size - Directors Arney and Anderson (November 2001)

The Board plans to discuss potential community forum topics at the October 15 Board meeting.

Directors provided input to Superintendent Perdue on the listing of follow-up reports requested for the 2001/02 school year.

6.02 At-Risk Allowable Growth Budget.

Carol Webb and Amy Wichman presented the At-Risk Allowable Growth budget, sharing an historical summary of requests from 1991-2002 and percentages of increase. The total 2002/03 budget of $477,102 included a breakdown of expenditures for wages and benefits; purchased professional services; supplies; and capital outlay. Directors voiced concern relative to the estimated 35 percent increase to the 2002/03 budget compared to 2001/02, which is primarily due to salary changes. Funding for 75 percent of the budget is generated by taxes, with the additional 25 percent from miscellaneous district income.

Directors recommended Paul Bobek's, Executive Director of Business Affairs, involvement with future budgeting for this program. Amy Wichman will provide directors a copy of the At-Risk program evaluation for their review. Approval of the At-Risk Allowable Growth Budget will be placed on the October 15 agenda as an action item. On behalf of the Board, President Roski expressed appreciation to staff for their ongoing efforts with at-risk students.

6.03 Project READY Programming.

Amy Wichman and Dave Terronez of Project READY shared programming modifications, including an alternative delivery model to create a more project-based curriculum and a multi-faceted program. The changes included curricular modifications, changes to daily schedule, work expectations, and seminar courses. Staff continues to troubleshoot and develop the curriculum, while providing an on-going review of programming. Mr. Terronez outlined the desired outcomes from changes at Project READY and discussed student accountability and responsibility. He also shared the results of a survey completed by students relative to their experiences at Project READY. Directors expressed their appreciation for the update on recent changes and acknowledged the hard work of the Project READY staff.

6.04 Annual Progress Report.

Superintendent Perdue commended Carol Webb, Celeste Reuter and John Schmelzer for their outstanding efforts in compiling data and reporting of the district's Annual Progress Report mailed to all district residents. Carol Webb shared highlights of the report and noted revisions from the previous year. This report is also available on the district's Internet site.

6.05 BHS Fitness Education Center Update.

Jeanne Cook, President of the Booster Club, and Rob Fick, BHS Fitness Education Center Committee representative, provided a progress report on the proposed construction of a fitness facility at BHS. To date, the Booster Club has deposited $38,000 in contributions and is in the process of printing a promotional brochure to assist with fund-raising efforts. Mr. Fick indicated an additional commitment of $50,000 is being finalized, and he feels confident of reaching their $300,000 funding goal.

Superintendent Perdue stated the results of soil boring tests should be available this week and once completed, project bids could be taken for a more accurate cost estimate of the facility.

Jim Russell, of Russell Construction, has volunteered to assist the district as liaison between the construction management firm, the district, and the architectural firm. Superintendent Perdue shared his enthusiasm for the project and the partnership between the district and private sector.

6.06 Student Travel.

Superintendent Perdue distributed a draft letter to district principals regarding student domestic and international travel as developed by the Board on September 29, 2001. In consideration of the national tragedy on September 11 and potential security issues, the following key components were articulated in the letter:


Travel plans will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent and Board of Education may cancel an educational trip due to concerns from travel advisories about student safety.


The Board has not cancelled any travel at this time. Faculty sponsors and principals should monitor destinations and travel plans by visiting the US Department of State travel advisory web site ( HYPERLINK "http://travel.state.gov" http://travel.state.gov ) and consult with travel sponsors. Decisions to conduct the student travel may be made by the faculty sponsor with input from the building principal. If the decision is to continue with travel plans, students and parents may make their own personal decision.


Students who make deposits to travel agencies should be advised that their trip could be canceled due to changing world events or safety concerns. Deposits could be forfeited or reduced by travel agencies. It is anticipated that if the school district would cancel a trip due to US Department of State travel advisories, so too would the sponsoring travel agency. The district will not be responsible for refunds or forfeiture of any student deposits based upon action the faculty sponsor, Superintendent, or Board of Education may take to cancel a trip due to safety concerns.


If a faculty sponsor decides not to participate in the trip, a substitute faculty sponsor would be determined to serve in this capacity. All students who travel as part of a school-sponsored educational trip must be supervised by school district staff or be part of another organized school-sponsored program.


All compensation from eligible Schedule D stipends will continue to be paid to faculty sponsors who function in these roles. This condition will exist even if the Board of Education should cancel a trip. If the faculty sponsor chooses to withdraw from these duties, a prorated portion of the Schedule D increment would be made and reassigned to any other staff member eligible to fulfill this role.


There have been no changes to current BOE policies. Due to recent worldwide events, these policies may be reviewed during the year for possible modification.
Superintendent Perdue will incorporate the BoardÃŒs minor revisions and distribute the letter to all principals tomorrow.

7. Action Items.

7.01 BHS Fitness Center Letter of Intent.

Directors reviewed the letter of intent between the district and the Fitness Education Center Committee, a subcommittee of the Bettendorf Athletic Booster Club. Legal counsel has reviewed the documents and concurs with the terms and conditions outlined.

Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the Letter of Intent between the District and the BHS Fitness Education Center Committee, a subcommittee of the Bettendorf Athletic Booster Club, for terms and agreements to construct a Fitness Education Center at Bettendorf High School as outlined in item #7.01 of the Board packet


.
Ayes: 7 Directors Castro, Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle, Anderson, Arney.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.

7.02 BHS Fitness Center Construction Manager.

Superintendent Perdue recommended the approval of Mel Foster Companies as the construction manager for the high school Fitness Education Center project. Jim Russell, of Russell Construction, has volunteered to serve as liaison between Mel Foster Companies, the district architect, and the district at no charge. Alex Zikra, Student Representative, stated that students are very excited and enthusiastic regarding the potential of a new fitness facility at BHS.

Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Castro, to approve the construction management contract between the District and Mel Foster Companies for construction management services of the high school Fitness Education Center.



Ayes: 7 Directors Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle, Anderson, Arney, Castro.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.



The Board recessed at 8:52 p.m. and reconvened at 8:55 p.m.

7.03 BOE Goals.

Directors reviewed Board Goals for 2001/02, which were developed at the Board Retreat on September 29.

Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Castro, to adopt the Board of Education Goals for 2001/02 as presented.

Ayes: 7 Directors Mayer, Roski, Weigle, Anderson, Arney, Castro, Luton.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.

7.04 Approval of Proclamation - Month of the Young Adolescent.

Director Weigle read aloud the Month of the Young Adolescent Proclamation

Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Anderson, to approve the Proclamation naming October as the Month of the Young Adolescent.

Ayes: 7 Directors Roski, Weigle, Anderson, Arney, Castro, Luton, Mayer.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.



7.05 BHS Chiller Bid Award.



Directors reviewed five bids received for the installation of the BHS chiller unit. This is a local option sales tax fund project.

Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Anderson, to award the bid for installation of the Bettendorf High School chiller unit to Johnson Contracting Company for an amount not to exceed $190,419.00.

Ayes: 7 Directors Weigle, Anderson, Arney, Castro, Luton, Mayer, Roski.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.

8. Superintendent's Report.


8.01 Enrollment. Superintendent Perdue provided an update on enrollment data for the 2001/02 school year.


8.02 IASB Convention. Directors signed up for lodging and dinner reservations for the annual IASB convention November 14-16 in Des Moines.


8.03 Homecoming Activities. Directors Mayer, Roski, Weigle, and Anderson plan to participate in the homecoming parade scheduled for October 11 at 6:00 p.m.


8.04 2002/03 Calendars. Superintendent Perdue provided an update as to the status of the school calendar for 2002/03. Since the district is participating in Option Two of the Teacher Compensation Program, two professional development days will need to be added to the calendar. Directors discussed various options for scheduling these days and suggested the BEA be given their preference on where to add these days. Superintendent Perdue will be meeting with the BEA to determine the placement of these professional development days. At the October 15 meeting, directors will approve the 2002/03 calendars.


8.05 Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the upcoming meetings on Monday, October 1, which will begin with a School Improvement Team report at 5:30 p.m., followed by the regular Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. (please note delayed start time).



9. Future Events and Informational Items.


9.01 Thursday, October 11, Homecoming Parade, 6:00 p.m.


9.02 Monday, October 15, Board of Education, 7:30 p.m., RSAC

10. Adjournment.

Motion by Director Castro to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m.