Bettendorf School Board Minutes for Feb. 18

Ms. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update from the Class Size Committee. A variety of options and costs for the 2003/2004 school year included the following: maintaining core time ($301,728); expanding core time to include third grade ($300,447); eliminate core time and reduce class size in grades K-3 to 21 and grades 4-5 to 24 students per class ($344,000,'); continue core time and reduce class size in buildings with special programs or small classrooms ($389,476); or continue core time and reduce class size to 21 students for third grade ($389,476).

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA

Unofficial Minutes of the February 18, 2003, 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 February 18, 2003. President Roski called the meeting to order at 7:02 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, Castro, Crockett, Luton, Roski, Weigle.
Members absent: Director Mayer.
Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Laura Kaufman, BEA Representative; John Campbell, Director of Operations; Jeff Ehrmann, Board Treasurer; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.

2. Agenda Approval.

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

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

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.

4. Commendations.
4.01 4th and 5th grade students from Bettendorf School Districtís six elementary schools participated in the annual Invention Convention on January 24. This competition is part of Invent Iowa, a state competition to encourage students to create inventions to solve problems. The following students will advance to regional competition, which will be held at the Family Museum of Arts & Science. 5th Grade: Bailey Ford - Untangleable Icicle Lights; Katie Hendricks and Christy Elkin - Handy Strap; Lian Markovich and Madison Rasmussen - Clean Sweep 2003; Kristin Lubbers - Sew Not For Cooking; Cassie Fenton - The Condiment Combination; Matt Suiter - Cupcake EZ Go; Roderick Hoover - No Grab Gloves; Cresston Gackle - Crack Pot; Elizabeth Fry and Kelsey Warner - Awesome Organizer; Katie Adams and Alexis Bushman - Presidents Game; Miranda Wymore - Tag-a-long; Lauren Negaard - Kidz Kalendar; Stacey Behal and Molly Conrad - The Tidy Tots Kit. 4th Grade: Caitlin Campbell - Sockin' Pajamas; Kevin Trahan - Trahan Torso Protector; Ann Miller - Healing Hound; Katie Whiteman - Furry Friends Feeder; Nick Moffitt and Blake Naylor ñ Survival Quest; Michael Striet - Hands Free Relief; Grant Anderson - Solar Lighted Street Sign; Anthony TouVelle - Do It Yourself Spill Proof Milk Bottle; Jake Hess - Glow Stake; Cameron Clifford - Pet Coolmate 2003; Connor Young - Spin O Rack; Carla DeWit - Catertainment Center.
4.02 Jeff Petersen, instrumental music teacher at BHS, recently served as a guest clinician for the Muscatine High School Jazz Band. He was part of a team of musician/educators that was asked to work with jazz band members. The team spent 2 hours listening to students and making instructional comments in addition to working with them in small groups. Jeff and the others will return during February as a follow up to their January visit.
4.03 Congratulations to Bettendorf High School senior Brad Cook, who was selected by the Iowa Football Coaches Association to the Football Academic All State Team.
4.04 Julie Wold Peterson, 5th grade teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, will be a presenter at an Eastern Iowa Writing Project workshop on March 1 at St. Ambrose University.
4.05 The following students have been accepted to participate in the Annual Saint Ambrose Honor Band Festival on Thursday, March 6, 2003: Christie Downs, Clarinet; Michelle Vesole, Clarinet; Evan Smith, Alto Sax; Megan Assenmacher, Alto Sax; Dennis Kapolnek, Alto Sax; Don Reichelt, Trumpet; Mike Conrad, Trombone; Joe Kopacz, Euphonium. Students will rehearse during the day with a guest conductor and perform a public concert that evening (March 6, 2003).

5. Consent Agenda.

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

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

5.01 Approval of February 3, 2003, Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
5.02 Approval of February 18, 2003, Bills Recommended for Payment.
5.03 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.
5.04 Schedule D Approval to Hire
Amanda Koester/BHS/Assistant Varsity Girlsí Track Coach/$2,674 /Replacing Teresa Grothus/Effective 2/1/03
Classified ñ Resignation
Marjorie Martel/BMS/Para Educator B/Effective 2/3/03
Kathy Nash/BHS/Food Service - Part-Time/Effective 2/14/03
William Smith/BMS/Custodian/Effective 2/24/03
Classified ñ Recall
Michael Rosenthal/BMS/Para Educator B/$9.55 per hour/6 hours per day/Replacing Marjorie Martel/Effective 2/6/03
Classified - Recommendation for Employment
Terry Kelly, Sr./Maintenance & Transportation Center/Bus Monitor/$10.37 per hour/As needed/Replacing Joe Otero/Effective 1/27/03
Classified - Letter of Assignment Modification
Kelly Rashid/TJ/Para Educator A/$10.37 per hour/Increase LOA one hour per day to include assistance to Resource Teacher/Need due to increased caseload/Effective 2/3/03
5.05 Construction Change Orders.
5.06 Approval of Donation. Directors will consider approval of a donation of cardio fitness equipment valued at $2,500 from Pat Militech for use in the Bettendorf High School Fitness Education Center.
5.07 Approval of Tuition Application, 2002/03.
Mary Oehler, grade 6, from Davenport

5.08 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.
Into Bettendorf, 2003/04
Samuel Glancy, grade 3 (as of 2003/04), from Davenport
Charlotte Koberg, kindergarten (as of 2003/04), from Davenport
Kaycie Lewis, kindergarten (as of 2003/04), from Davenport
Bethany Manley, kindergarten (as of 2003/04), from Davenport
Kelsey Reitz, grade 9 (as of 2003/04), from Davenport
Kerri Reitz, grade 8 (as of 2003/04), from Davenport
Rachel Schebler, grade 6 (as of 2003/04), from Davenport
FOR INFORMATION ONLY. The following students have open enrolled out of the Bettendorf Community School District:
Out of Bettendorf, 2002/03
Jacob Oleson, kindergarten, to Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence
Cody Tebbitt, grade 8, to Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence
Hunter Tebbitt, grade 6, to Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence
Amber York, grade 8, to Davenport, continuation due to change of residence
Karissa York, grade 9, to Davenport, continuation due to change of residence
Out of Bettendorf, 2003/04
Kelsey Cook, grade 9 (as of 2003/04), to Pleasant Valley
Christopher Farwell, grade 9 (as of 2003/04), to North Scott
Chelsea Grillot, grade 10 (as of 2003/04), to Pleasant Valley
Jordan Robinson, kindergarten (as of 2003/04), to Davenport
Jenna Sisam, grade 10 (as of 2003/04), to Pleasant Valley

6. Discussion Items.

6.01 Shared Communications.

President Roski reported on the recent City Assessors and Conference Board meeting she attended.

Director Luton shared the following:
ï Iowa City School District recently passed a $39 million referendum with a 71 percent voter approval.
ï Lourdesí Principal, Mrs. Herter, was very happy to be included in the districtís calendar planning.

If the district were to consider a balanced calendar for future years, Director Luton stated his interest in reducing the amount of early release days and is hopeful this type of calendar would offer familyís more flexible vacation scheduling and reduce the number of days students are pulled from the classroom for this purpose. Director Castro and BEA Representative Laura Kaufman stated the usefulness of early release days for productive meetings amongst staff.

After recent discussions related to rigor and relevance in the classroom, Director Weigle took the opportunity to monitor a grammar class at the high school. She has been attending classes, took the pre-assessment test, and the class test as well. She reported it has been a very positive first-hand experience and stressed the importance of being in the classroom with the teacher. Superintendent Perdue encouraged her to write an article for a school board journal regarding her learning experience.

Director Castro commented on two recent articles in the Quad City Times, the first on the swim teamís 9th straight state championship and the second featuring Andrew Bribriesco and his father. Additionally, The Leader featured an article related to the learning experience Mrs. Jan Luton is providing history students at Assumption High School by hosting Vietnam War veterans.

Directors Luton, Roski, and Weigle continue with IBB meetings and are anticipating conclusion by the end of March.

6.02 Construction Projects Cash Flow.

Superintendent Perdue presented a proposal, which has been reviewed by the Audit Committee, to maximize the use of one-cent sales tax funds, as well as accrued savings from set-aside money for the 1997 bond repayment, to cash flow the upcoming air-conditioning and renovation projects. He reviewed the five-year plan and budget from Story Construction totaling approximately $7.1 million. Tim Oswald, financial advisor with Piper Jaffray, and Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services, outlined two proposed cash flow scenarios. Directors expressed their support of the second cash flow option, which would include enriched PPEL funds totaling $350,000 for classroom upgrades, pending renewal of the voted PPEL. Directors endorsed this option, stating it was a fiscally responsible solution to funding the upcoming air-conditioning and renovation projects and also provided savings to the taxpayers.

6.03 PPEL Renewal Plan.

Superintendent Perdue reviewed the proposed Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL) special electionóMaintaining Our Investmentóstrategy and outlined the projected tax levy plan for this vote. He shared the timeline and objectives of the PPEL campaign, as well as the projected ten-year enriched PPEL project plan. The proposed $1.34 levy would not require a tax increase and would provide ten years of funding (2004-2014) for technology replacement, classroom upgrades, and projects to supplement renovations with the one-cent sales tax fund projects.

Student Representative, John Hall, arrived at 7:52 p.m.

6.04 Class Size Committee Report.

Ms. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update from the Class Size Committee. A variety of options and costs for the 2003/2004 school year included the following: maintaining core time ($301,728); expanding core time to include third grade ($300,447); eliminate core time and reduce class size in grades K-3 to 21 and grades 4-5 to 24 students per class ($344,000,'); continue core time and reduce class size in buildings with special programs or small classrooms ($389,476); or continue core time and reduce class size to 21 students for third grade ($389,476). Funding which included state class size reduction funds, federal class size reduction funds, and Title II funds totals $319,357. The amounts are estimates and based on current information and enrollment. Ms. Webb asked for feedback from Directors, who indicated an interest in the continuation of core time in addition to exploration of options which reduce overall class size. Superintendent Perdue suggested the core time option and achievement data continue to be publicized so community is aware of its value. Ms. Webb indicated the Class Size Committee will continue to explore ideas, and she would report back to the Board once the legislature has made a final funding decision.

6.05 Community Forum Report.

Superintendent Perdue provided a summary of the community forum held January 30, 2003, regarding school start times and year-round calendar. With approximately 100 attendees, the feedback indicated enthusiasm for a balanced calendar but not for adjusting school day start times. Directors will continue to discuss the potential of a year-round calendar at an upcoming Board retreat.

7. Action Items.

7.01 Air Conditioning and Renovation Plan Specifications.

Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the air-conditioning and building renovation plan specifications for projects at the Middle School, Herbert Hoover, Mark Twain, and Thomas Jefferson beginning in the summer of 2003 and concluding in 2007.

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

It was the consensus of the Board to move agenda item ì#7.05 Approval of Bus Bid Recommendationî to the next item of business in consideration of Mr. Campbellís evening schedule.

7.05 Approval of Bus Recommendation.

Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Director Crockett, to approve the bus bid as recommended to purchase an 84-passenger school bus from School Bus Sales, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $68,749.00

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

7.02 Second Reading of 100 Board Policy Series.

Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Castro, to approve the second and final reading revisions made to the 100 Board Policy series.

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

7.03 Instructional Support Levy (ISL) Resolution.

Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Weigle, to adopt Instructional Support Program Levy Resolution of Participation at a rate not to exceed 10 percent of the regular program district cost, including the budget guarantee for the budget year, for a period of five years beginning with fiscal year 2004, as outlined under item #7.03 in the Board packet.

Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Luton, to amend the original motion to include the intent of how the 10 percent ISL would be utilized: recurring costs (5%); technology (2%); one-time expenses (1%); and class size reduction planning, all-day kindergarten, and school improvement initiatives (2% ).

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

President Roski requested a vote on the original motion:

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

President Roski suggested the district inform the public of how the Instructional Support Levy is utilized.

7.04 Financial Guidelines.

Motion by Director Castro, seconded by Director Weigle, to approve the Financial Guidelines for fiscal year 2002 for the following district funds: General Fund, Management Fund, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and Health Insurance Fund.

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

8. Superintendentís Report.
8.01 Elementary Semester Enrollment Report. Superintendent Perdue highlighted the enrollment profiles of each elementary attendance center. He will continue to monitor enrollment trends and share this with the Board on a regular basis.
8.02 Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the regular Board meeting scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3.

9. Future Events and Informational Items.
9.01 Thursday, February 20, Parent Executive Council, 12:00 noon, RSAC
9.02 Thursday, February 20, Facilities Advisory Council, 5:00 p.m., Hoover Elementary School
9.03 Friday, February 21, BCS Foundation, 12:00 noon, Bettendorf High School
9.04 Saturday, February 22, Legislative Forum, 8:10 a.m., St. Ambrose University
9.05 Tuesday, February 25, Community Forum on Finance, 7:00 p.m., Bettendorf High School Cafeteria
9.06 Thursday, February 27, Interest-Based Bargaining, 4:15 p.m., RSAC
9.07 Monday, March 3, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., RSAC

10. Adjournment.

Motion by Director Castro to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m.



_______________________________________
Debbie Roski, President

ATTEST:



__________________________________
Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary