Bettendorf school board meeting - 5.6.2002

Board approves new teacher, support personnel contracts.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA

Unofficial Minutes of the May 6, 2002, 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 May 6, 2002. President Roski called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and the Board 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; John Campbell, Director of Operations; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Margie Schwaninger, BEA Representative; Alex Zikra, Student Representatives; Jeff Ehrmann, Board Treasurer; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.

2. Agenda Approval.

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

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.

There were no comments from the audience.

Commendations.
4.01 Iowa School Board Recognition Week. Paul Norton students presented Directors with cookies and a certificate of recognition for serving on the Board of Education.
4.02 Student Spotlight on Paul Norton Elementary School. Paul Norton Elementary first grade students and their teachers, Karen Wohlwend and Melissa Cotton, made a presentation to the Board of robot technology curriculum being used in first grade to teach technology and engineering skills.
On Tuesday, April 23, 2002, the S.O.U.P. (Students Organized to Unite People) received the Iowa Peace Institute 2002 Grinnell Peace Project Award in the high school category. The award was presented at the Young Women's Conference held at Jumer's. Members of the S.O.U.P. Troupe and staff advisors presented three break-out sessions at the Conference, as well. The event planned and carried through by SOUP members, Stop The Hate Week, was nominated for the award. Students writing the nomination on behalf of the SOUP members include: David Jarrett, Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, Rachel Annen and Emily Norveisas. Staff members include Paul Lewellan and Katy Harle, BHS advisors to S.O.U.P. Other students in attendance at the award presentation by Val Vetter of the Iowa Peace Institute included: Kassie Barnes, Katie Bates, Jay Bowman, Danielle Cobb, Jack Gilbert, Meghan Keck, Lisa Looye, Anna Prescott, Mindy Reichelt, Tori Schweiger, Anna Smith, Ted Tulon, Denise Wagner and Nancy Emmerson, advisor.
4.04 The Quad City Federated Music Teacher's Association held its annual Junior Festival on March 1-2 at Augustana College. Approximately 700 are piano, voice, and violin students performed in the Festival. Each student performed two musical selections and was given a rating on his or her performance by a judge. The judges were music professionals from the Quad Cities, Dubuque and Muscatine. The following Bettendorf Middle School students received the highest rating - Superior - on their performance: Alexis Bryant, Zachary Larson, Cara Voelliger, Ryan Naylor, Luke Peterson, Kyle Ballard, Annie Boyler, Emily Boyler, Michelle Cassady, Michael Conrad, Danielle Cook, Maddison Dexter, Eva Dondanville, Megan Dunlavy, Tim Dunlavy, Andrew Elges, Zachary Elges, Samantha Fink, Katelyn Flynn, Samantha Jerz, Alexandra Lubbers, Christina Slater, Shelia Tuftee, and Melissa Vasquez.

5. Consent Agenda.

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

Ayes: 6 Directors Arney, Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle, Anderson.
Nays: 1 Director Castro. Motion carried 6-1.

Approval of April 20, 2002, Board Retreat Minutes.
Approval of April 22, 2002, Special Meeting Minutes.
Approval of April 22, 2002, Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
Approval of Monthly Financial Reports.
5.05 Approval of May 6, 2002, Bills Recommended for Payment.
5.06 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.
Certified Resignation
Cindy Haeck/BHS/Guidance Counselor/Effective end of 2001/02 school year
David Terronez/Thomas Edison Learning Center/Project Ready Teacher/Effective end of 2001/02 school year
Kathy Laffoon/GW-TJ/Sail-Able Learner Groups/ Reducing .13 of FTE/Effective end of 2001/02 school year
Contract Modification
Suzanne Nolting/GW/Music-Vocal/Reducing full-time FTE to .90 FTE/Effective 2002/03 school year
Certified Transfer and Contract Modification
Robert Sturms/MT&TJ/Physical Education/Transfer from .5 FTE at MT&TJ to 1.0 FTE at HH&GW/Replacing Al Haedt/Effective 2002/03 school year
Schedule D Resignation
David Terronez/TELC/Work Differential,1 unit/Effective end of 2001/02 school year
Classified - Resignation
Rochelle (Chris) Smith/GW/Food Service-Regular Part-Time /Effective 4/9/02
Linda Tank/TJ/Parent Liaison/Effective 5/30/03
Classified - Recommendation for Employment
Patricia Hobbs/BHS/Food Service-Regular Part-Time/$6.66/$7.44 after 90 days/5 hours per day/Replacing Monica Sumhlei (transfer) /Effective 4/29/02
Kathy Nash/BHS/Food Service-Regular Part-Time/$6.66/$7.44 after 90 days/Replacing Paula Shaw/Effective 4/17/02
Classified - Letter of Assignment Modification
Karen Dodd/From BHS to BMS/Food Service-Regular Part-Time/$7.44 per hour/5.25 hours per day/Replacing Susan Gordon/Effective 4/29/02
Norma Zamora/BHS/From Food Service-Regular Part-Time to Assistant Cook/$8.29/5.75 hours per day/Replacing Darlene White (transfer)/Effective 4/29/02
2002/03 PPEL Budget.
Approval of Cooperative Activity Agreement with Rivermont Collegiate.
Approval of Tuition Application for 2002/03.
Alexis Coronell, grade 9 (as of 02/03)
Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.
Into Bettendorf, 2001/02
Megan Hirsch, kindergarten, continuation due to change in residence
Out of Bettendorf, 2001/02
Haley Bowman, grade 3, to Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change in residence

6. Discussion Items.

6.01 Shared Communications.

President Roski shared a letter from Megan Miller, BMS 6th grader, suggesting that each school in the district take one hour to clean up and/or plant trees and flowers at their school in honor of Earth Day. She indicated she was writing this letter as part of her science project.

Director Luton recently attended a soccer game held at BHS on the newly constructed soccer fields. He commented on the excellent complex and expressed his appreciation to John Campbell for his efforts in this regard.

Superintendent Perdue and Directors Castro and Luton visited the new Fitness Education Center under construction at BHS. Director Luton recognized the efforts of Director Castro on this project and stated his appreciation for Director Castro's positive and motivating liaison role.

Director Castro attended the band and music awards at BHS and complimented the music department on their event.

Superintendent Perdue and Directors Weigle and Castro attended BHS's academic award night.

Director Castro commended Superintendent Perdue for the initiation of the 360-degree evaluation tool for administrative staff, stating he has received positive feedback on this initiative.

On behalf of the student body, Alex Zikra, expressed his appreciation to Directors for their dedication and hard work on the Board of Education.

Transportation Contracting.

Superintendent Perdue and John Campbell, Director of Operations, presented a preliminary review of the district's operating expenses and program for transportation services. At the
May 20 Board meeting a more comprehensive comparison will be outlined. President Roski invited members from the audience to comment on the topic.

Stephanie Dhaenens, 4138 ? 33rd Street, Rock Island, expressed concern about losing her IPERS and sick leave benefits. First Student representative responded that their employees cannot participate in IPERS, but they do offer a 401(k) plan. Any district employees who transfers over to First Student would not lose their IPERS benefit which they have already accrued. Additionally, he stated that First Student employees are entitled to unemployment during the summer months and Christmas break. In regards to sick leave and any reimbursement for unused sick leave would need to be negotiated with the district directly. First Student does not provide sick leave. They have a performance plus benefit that is based on the employee's driving record, attendance, etc. with the potential for a monthly bonus if criteria is met, in addition to an annual bonus potential. He noted that approximately 85 percent of the employees that transfer over to First Student stay on.

Robert Haight, SEIU representative, 2925 11th Avenue B, Moline, Illinois, inquired about what would occur if allowable growth did not meet the rate of increase for the FirstStudent contract. He also questioned the security of the Transportation Coordinator position. First Student representative stated he could not speak to the allowable growth rate, but employees with FirstStudent would be given a 3 percent salary increase this year. As part of the contract negotiations, John Campbell is proposing the current Transportation Coordinator be retained as an on-site coordinator.

Director Luton requested information from districts that have gone through the proposal process and decided to keep their transportation services in-house. Additionally, the Board asked for First Student references from similar-sized school districts.

For the Board's review at their May 20 meeting, administrative staff will finish the spreadsheet comparison, including advantages and disadvantages. Superintendent Perdue stated this topic has been brought before the Board for several years but never pursued to this level. This item will be discussed and voted on as an action item at the May 20, 2002, meeting. President Roski encouraged staff to be present and welcomed their comments and input.

Student Achievement Report.

Ms. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent, shared the highlights from the annual Student Achievement Report prepared by John Smelzer, Curriculum Facilitator. The following observations were made:
The percentage of 4th grade students in the high performance band in reading and math is at a five year high.
The percentage of 8th and 11th grade students in the high performance band decreased in reading and math but is still significantly higher than the national average.
At least 82 percent of Bettendorf students in grades 4, 8, and 11 are achieving at the intermediate or high performance bands in reading and math.

The Board recessed at 8:57 p.m. and reconvened at 9:05 p.m.
7. Action Items.

7.01 First Reading of Board Policies.

Directors conducted a first reading of suggested revisions to the following selected policies:
#100 - Educational Philosophy
#100E1 - Mission Statement
#100E2 - Beliefs and Expectations
#100E3 - Parameters
#401.1 - Equal Employment Opportunity
#401.1E1 - Equal Employment Opportunity (Affirmative Action Plan)
#401.1E2 - Compliance Violation Grievance Procedure for Title IX
#401.14 - Verification of Criminal Conviction Records
#403.6 - Harassment
#403.6E1 - Harassment Complaint Form
#403.6E2 - Witness Disclosure Form
#403.6R1 - Harassment Investigation Procedures
#403.7 - Substance-Free Workplace
#409.6 - Licensed Employee Military Service Leave
#502.1R - Student Behavior and Discipline Regulation
#603.17 - Internet - Appropriate Use
#603.17R - Internet -Appropriate Use Regulation
#603.17E1 - Internet Access Permission Form for Students
#603.17E2 - Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents/Guardians
#603.18 - Web Page Policy
#704.6 - Donated Technology Equipment
#705.1 - Purchasing - Bidding
#906.1 - United States Flag Procedure for Displaying the Flag and Respect for the Flag
#906.2 - United States Flag Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council assisted in drafting two new policies related to the US flag, Policy #906.1 and #906.2. BHS students, Megan Bradley and Euseph Messiah, presented these new policies to the Board, highlighting key elements of the policies.

Director Weigle stated her concern with Policy #603.17E1, Internet Access Permission Form for Students. This form states ÏParent(s)/guardian(s) or students who chose not to have their name or work posted on a district web site must file a ìParental Authorization for Releasing Student Directory Informationî form, #505.2E1.Ó For clarification purposes, Director Weigle suggested the form #505.2E1's title be changed to better reflect the scope of the release, rather than limiting the title to Student Directory Information.î Superintendent Perdue will review this proposed change with the Policy Review Committee at a future meeting.

Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Weigle, to approve the first reading of the above-stated Board policies.

Ayes: 6 Directors Castro, Luton, Roski, Weigle, Anderson, Arney.
Nays: 0
Abstained: 1 Director Mayer. Motion carried 6-0-1.


7.02 Proclamation: Teacher Appreciation Week.

Director Weigle shared the Teacher Appreciation Week Proclamation. Recognition activities scheduled during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-11, were shared.

Motion by Director Mayer, seconded by Director Anderson, to approve the proclamation naming May 5-11, 2002, as Teacher Appreciation Week in the Bettendorf Community School District.

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

7.03 2002/03 Calendar.

President Roski reviewed the changes to the 2002/03, including the omission of two professional development days and the addition of three early release days at the elementary level as discussed at the April 22 Board meeting. Director Luton stated his preference for ending the school year the week of Memorial Day rather than Tuesday, June 3, 2003.

Motion by Director Mayer, seconded by Director Anderson, to approve the 2002/03 calendar as presented.

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

BEA Contract Approval.

Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Weigle, to approve the 2002/03 contract with the Bettendorf Education Association (BEA) and the Bettendorf Community School District, which includes the following financial components:
Step movement
Longevity changes
Increase in dental insurance
Change from the Protector 100 plan to the Protector 250 plan
Life insurance increase from $30,000 to $35,000
Increase to base salary of $720 (2002-03 = $24,310)
Total package of 2.44 percent

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

Director Luton expressed appreciation to President Roski for her assistance with the IBB process, and President Roski thanked the BEA for their understanding of the district's financial position due to state budget cuts.

BESA Contract Approval.

Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Anderson, to approve the 2002/03 contract with the Bettendorf Educational Support Association (BESA) and the Bettendorf Community School District, which includes the following financial components:

Freeze step movement
Longevity changes
Increase in dental insurance
Addition of a drug card to the Protector 250 health insurance plan
Drop vision reimbursement of $25 every two years
Increase physical reimbursement from $75 to $113 every three years
$0.30 per hour across-the-board wage increase
Total package of 2.5 percent

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

Administrative Contract Approval.

Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Director Mayer, to approve the 2002/03 contract with administrators, supervisors, and others and the Bettendorf Community School District to include the following financial components:
Prescription drug card with the protector 250 plan
Total package of 2.44 percent

Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Arney, to table definitely the administrative contract approval for the 2002/03 school year until Mr. Bobek has an opportunity to further explain the step movement process.

Ayes: 4 Directors Arney, Castro, Luton, Weigle.
Nays: 3 Directors Anderson, Mayer, Roski. Motion carried 4-3.

8. Superintendent's Report.
8.01 June 22 Retreat. Superintendent Perdue reminded Directors of the Board retreat scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Directors suggested the following topics of discussion: year-end financial report; early retirement follow-up; community forums.
8.02 Community Forums. Directors discussed potential ideas for community forums in the 2002/03 school year. Ideas included student learning, finances, school day start times, year-round education, and the district's strategic plan.
8.03 Construction Update. Major summer construction plans include Grant Wood Elementary and BHS Science Department. The BHS Fitness Education Center is scheduled for completion by June 1.
8.04 Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the regular Board meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20.

9. Future Events and Informational Items.
Friday, May 10, Foundation Fundraiser, 5:30 p.m., John O'Donnell Stadium
Monday, May 13, National Honor Society, BHS
Thursday, May 16, Parent Executive Council, 12:00 noon, RSAC
Thursday, May 16, Business Education Partnership Meeting, 4:00 p.m., RSAC
Monday, May 20, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., RSAC
Thursday, June 6, Comprehensive School Improvement Advisory Committee, 4:00 p.m., RSAC

10. Adjournment.

Motion by Director Mayer to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.



_______________________________________
Debbie Roski, President
ATTEST:


__________________________________
Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary
Board of Education
May 6, 2002