Bettendorf School Board retreat mtg. 6.21.2003

Board lists special interest topics for 2003-2004.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA
Unofficial Minutes of the June 21, 2003, Board Retreat 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 Board retreat at the Ray Stensvad Administration Center, 3311 Central Avenue, Bettendorf, Iowa, on June 21, 2003. President Roski called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. 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, Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle. Members absent: Directors Castro, Crockett. Others: Dr. John Perdue, Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.

2. Agenda Approval.
Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Director Weigle, to approve the
agenda as presented.

Ayes: 5 Directors Anderson, Luton, Mayer, Roski, Weigle. Nays: 0 Absent: 2 Director Castro, Crockett. Motion carried 5-0-2. Insurance Committee Update/Report.

Tim Kearns, R.J. Lee Consulting, reviewed the current status of the districtís health plan, including historical data on paid claims and premium rates from 1998 through the current year. He outlined a breakdown of utilization for the prescription drug card, provider and ancillary services, and hospital expenses. Self-funding insurance estimates for 2003/04 totaled $2,864,528. Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services, reviewed the financial guidelines for the health insurance fund compared to the fund balance.

Directors discussed the potential of a cafeteria benefit plan, which would provide flexibility and options to employees based on their needs. Directors recommended the Insurance Committee meet on a monthly basis and begin reviewing cafeteria benefit plans. Special Interest Topics 2003/04.

President Roski asked Directors for their input on topics of special interest for 2003/04. The Board recommended the following topics: 1. Grading Structure ñ (Grade inflation, weighted class rank, grade point

values, departmental grading variance) 2. Balanced Calendar and Block Scheduling (Continuity of Learning) 3. Senior Year Enhancements 4. Early Childhood Education and Programming

President Roski discussed the public forum meetings held during the 2002/03 school year and encouraged Administration to schedule public comment sessions prior to regular Board meetings rather than on another evening. Superintendent Perdue indicated he would review the strategic plan and special interest topics to determine upcoming dates for the 2003/04 school year. Additionally, he asked Director to begin thinking of the follow-up reports they may be interested in adding to the roster for the 2003/04 year. Foundation Recognition.
Directors discussed various ways of recognizing the efforts, time and energy contributed by members of the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation. Their most recent campaign entitled ìChanging Needs for Changing Timesî generated approximately $600,000 and provided students of the district with new opportunities, particularly in the areas of biotechnology, art, and music education.

. Directors proposed a recognition plaque be displayed in the Board Room, listing current and past Foundation members; a Board resolution be drafted to honor the Foundationís efforts; and a recognition event be held in conjunction with Homecoming week. Spending Plan 2003/04.

Superintendent Perdue and Maxine McEnany reviewed the long-range financial plan through 2005/06. Directors advised the Health Reimbursement Fund remain at its current balance. Finance Committee will continue to discuss financial guidelines. Directors discussed the continual decrease in enrollment and its potential impact in coming years. The budget reductions and deferrals for the 2003/04 were summarized, along with settlement costs and increase in valuation for 2003/04. Directors requested from the City a listing of current TIF projects and businesses which have vacated the Bettendorf area in the past five to ten years. District #6 Directors Proposed Meeting.

Board members discussed the invitation from IASB District #6 Directors to meet and learn more about the concerns and issues important to Bettendorf. Directors voiced their interest in receiving IASB info electronically, having more ICN meetings, development and presentation of

topics relevant to veteran Board members, and meetings which better accommodate work schedules. On behalf of the Board, President Roski will send a letter to District #6 Directors and convey these points of interest. Other Topics

President Roski and Director Weigle volunteered to represent the Board at the Bettendorf 4th of July parade.

Director Anderson requested the Boardís vision statement be displayed on the cover of the Board packet and in the Board Room at RSAC.

Board election packets are available at RSAC for interested candidates.

Superintendent Perdue announced the PPEL Committee has initiated their campaign efforts.
Superintendent Perdue reported Greg Gackle will no longer be posting the Boardís audio-taped meetings to the website due to the labor intensive work of manually listening to each tape and entering the tape segments under each agenda item. Should the district purchase equipment with digital recording capabilities, it would simplify the process. Marcia Hartman, Instructional Technology Leader, will investigate associated equipment costs, and Superintendent Perdue will report back to the Board on options available. 9. Adjournment.

Motion by Director Mayer to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 a.m.

Debbie Roski, President ATTEST:

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Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary