Minutes of the August 18 meeting

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA

Unofficial Minutes of August 18, 2003, Regular Meeting

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA

Unofficial Minutes of August 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 August 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, Mayer, Roski, Weigle.
Members absent: Director Luton.
Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Lisa Reid, BEA Representative; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.

2. Agenda Approval.

Director Mayer requested striking item ì#7.01 Construction Manager/Architect Selectionî from the agenda and rescheduling this action item following legal review. Superintendent Perdue recommended these contracts be reviewed and updated by legal counsel, prior to the Boardís approval.

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

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

3. Comments and Suggestions from Audience.
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 Bettendorf High School Golduster Dance Team won numerous superior awards at the 2003 Universal Dance Association Camp at Iowa State University, Ames, IA. The Goldusters were awarded a superior team rating, resulting in an invitation to participate in the UDA National Dance Competition to be held in Orlando, Florida. Jillian Roberson, Katie Petersen, Amy Krush, Christine Solis, Lauren Jahns, and Kristine Serrano were honored as ìAll-Star Dancersî at the camp, resulting in an invitation to dance in an international UDA dance competition to be held in London, England. Co-captains Jillian Roberson and Katie Petersen were invited to dance in Macyís Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. 2003-04 Goldusters include senior co-captains Jillian Roberson and Katie Petersen, seniors Kelly Corbin, Kelli Hemmen, Jill Jessen, Chelsea Rogan, and Jordan Stofflet; juniors Lindsay Chess, Lindsey Guerrero, Lauren Jahns, Amy Krush, Brittney Lewis, Alyse Pohlmann, Kristine Serrano, and Christine Solis; sophomores Brittany Heiser, Kimber Knutsen, Kristen Pierce, and Emily Slavens, and freshman Lauren Brandt. Ms. Laura Miller, a former Golduster, coaches the team.
4.02 Tom Schuetz and Steve Sorensen were nominated for the 2003 Governorís Volunteer Awards for their work with the Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley School Districtsí School-to-Work program. They will be honored at a reception with Governor Vilsack on September 22 in Marion, Iowa.
4.03 The Bettendorf Community School district was honored at the Iowa Pupil Transportation Associationís annual meeting in Des Moines last month for using soy biodiesel fuels to power its buses. Fred Genung, transportation coordinator, received the recognition on behalf of the district.

5. Consent Agenda.

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

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

5.01 Approval of August 4, Special Board Meeting Minutes.
5.02 Approval of August 4, Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
5.03 Approval of August 18, 2003 Bills Recommended for Payment.
5.04 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.
Certified Approval to Hire
Lori Dodds/BHS/Mathematics Instructor/1.0 FTE/BA, 2/$26,753/Replacing Nancy McBride/Effective August 11, 2003
Certified Transfer
Judy Verlinden/PN/Transfer from 1.0 FTE 2nd Grade to 1.0 FTE 4th Grade Teacher/Replacing Katie Dorwart/ Effective August 5, 2003
Schedule D Approval to Hire
Shelley Klaas/NA/District Curriculum Leader, Guidance/$1301/Replacing Dave Sodac/Effective August 5, 2003
Ryan Ames/BHS/Assistant Director of Forensics (.5 Increment)/$1472/Replacing Jennifer Miller/Effective August 13, 2003
Schedule D Resignation
Jennifer Miller/BHS/Assistant Director of Forensics (.5 Increment)/Effective August 4, 2003
Ben Driscoll/BMS/Head 7th & 8th Track Coach/Effective July 31, 2003
Brad Cole/BMS/Assistant 7th & 8th Track Coach/Effective August 4, 2003
Melissa Cotton/PN/Elementary Curriculum Chairperson, Math/Effective August 12, 2003
Jennifer Seifert/BHS/Assistant Varsity Softball Coach/Effective August 8, 2003
Classified ñ Reduction in Force
Nancy Fulton/MT/Food Service-Satellite/Realignment of lunch supervisory duties within building/Effective 8/21/03
Classified ñ Resignation
Lynn Lynch/HH/Para Educator B/Effective 8/4/03
Carissa Ehrecke/BHS/Para Educator B/Effective 8/5/03
Jennifer Seifert/BHS/Para Educator A/Effective 8/11/03
Classified - Recommendation for Employment
Jan Ehrlich/PN/Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/3.5 hours per day/ Replacing Rebecca Gulling/Effective 8/20/03
Lynn Miller/HH/Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/2 hours per day/Replacing Rhonda Tisinger/Effective 8/20/03
Kathy Nash/BHS/Food Service-Part-time/$8.08/5.5 hours per day/Replacing Kathy Blaser/Effective 8/21/03
Classified - Letter of Assignment Modification
Julie Cole/GW/Food Service-Satellite Worker/Same rate of pay/From 2.5 to 1.5 hours per day/Realignment of lunch supervisory duties within building /Effective 8/21/03
Kelli VanBlaircome/BHS/From Para Educator B to Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/7.5 hours per day/Replacing Tishy Clark/Effective 8/20/03
Classified ñ For Your Information
Vera Betts/BHS/Secretary B (Attendance)/$11.56 per hour/ 7.5 hours per day/Correction from 8/4/03 board info
5.05 Approval of Lease Agreement with Iowa East Central T.R.A.I.N. for Head Start Program.
5.06 Construction Change Order.
5.07 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.
Into Bettendorf, 2003/04
Jake Brandt, kindergarten, from Davenport
LoTtee Fisher, grade 1, from Davenport, continuation due to change of residence
Charles Gondwe, grade 7, from Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence
Joseph Gondwe, grade 9, from Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence
Justice Gondwe II, grade 10, from Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence
Andrea Katzenburger, grade 1, from Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence
Isaac Katzenburger, grade 2, from Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence
Kyla Katzenburger, grade 1, from Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence
Cole Nicely-Green, grade 8, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence
Jacob Ruchotzke, grade 5, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence
Samuel Ruchotzke, grade 3, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence

Discussion Items and Reports.

Shared Communication.

Director Weigle reminded Board members of the staff ìWelcome Backî scheduled for August 20 in the BHS cafeteria. On behalf of the Board, Director Luton has volunteered to address the staff.

Director Castro recently attended the ìRun With the Dogsî Boosterís fundraising event, with race timing was done by AccuSplit. He acknowledged the volunteer efforts of Kevin Jandt and Jeff Castro, in giving back to the district their time and energy for this event.

Director Castro recommended the Board review the districtís current retirement agreement as it relates to reemployment, in particular Schedule D. He suggested the district may be losing qualified individuals and could reduce advertising cost related to filling these positions.

Director Castro discussed the recent article in the Quad City Times, reporting five Title I schools in Davenport are on the ìfailingî list related to the new No Child Left Behind legislation. He reported Davenportís Lincoln Fundamental School is not on the ìfailingî list, stating his support of its practical approach to fundamental education.

Director Castro commented on how nice the new BHS auditorium seats look and inquired as to the funding status. Superintendent Perdue indicated approximately $15,000 in community donations have been received.

Director Castro inquired as to what method the district uses in disposing of old textbooks. Dr. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent, indicated a book company comes in and buys back old, used textbooks, with the remainder being donated to missions or disposed. Director Crockett also mentioned some of the worn books, which are not outdated, are given to students as a home reference.

Core Team Update.

Ms. Amy Wichman and Ms. Carol West, Co-Coordinators of the Core Team Program, updated Directors on the programís operation and provided general information about the various support it provides families and students. The team has a proactive approach to at-risk students, empowering families and increasing involvement in order to prevent or decrease potential problems with alcohol and drug abuse. The Core Team Program began five years, with the majority of funding coming from Scott County Decategorization Program. Ms. Wichman reported recent federal budget cuts resulted in personnel reductions to the program, however, stated her support of this very unique and worthwhile program, which reduces state juvenile court costs.

Physical Plant & Equipment Levy Campaign Update.

As co-chair of the Citizens for Bettendorf PPEL, Ami Wells updated the Board on the marketing campaign for the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). A bank account has been opened at Wells Fargo, with a letter being sent to key supporters informing them of the vote, asking for a financial contribution and use of their name in paid advertisements. Ms. Wells shared a marketing brochure, which will be mailed to citizens the end of August. Presentations are being made to the Bettendorfís Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and Kiwanis during August, followed by meetings with parent organizations. The vote for PPEL is scheduled for Tuesday,
September 9.

Legislative Issues & Concerns.

Directors reviewed their legislative priorities for the 2003/04 school year. Superintendent Perdue indicated the AEA will be hosting a legislative forum for all Scott County school boards, merging together priorities for one county voice to be shared with legislators. He encouraged Board members to continue to contact their representatives, as their voice is of value and can make a difference.

6.05 Scheduling of Special Interest Topics.

Directors reviewed special interest topics for 2003/04 and scheduled them as follows: Grading Structure, December 15; Balanced Calendar & Block Schedule, January 2004 Retreat; Senior Year, November 17. The topic of early childhood programming will be presented by the Superintendent as a Board learning session in 2004.

Action Items.

7.01 Construction Manager/Architect Selection.

Per agenda approval, this action item was removed from the August 18 agenda.

8. Superintendentís Report.
BOE Election. Superintendent Perdue announced the Board Election scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, with Directors Luton and Castro running unopposed as incumbents.
Construction. Superintendent Perdue reported air conditioning projects are being completed, leaving only Mark Twain and Thomas Jefferson eligible for early release due to heat.
Enrollment. Superintendent Perdue reviewed projected enrollment and class sizes for 2003/04. It appears the declining enrollment continues. As numbers become more definite, Superintendent Perdue will continue to update the Board.
Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the regular Board meeting scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2.

Superintendent Perdue indicated he would be preparing a letter to Decker Ploehn, City of Bettendorf, regarding the storm water detention area, including recommended safety measures and size of the area. Engineers from Shive Hattery are scheduled to meet with Superintendent Perdue on August 21.

Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services, inquired as to the Boardís interest in price locking natural gas through Mid American Energy for the 2003/04 heating season. Directors gave their approval to proceed at up to 50 percent of last yearís usage, should the market be favorable.

Future Events and Informational Items.
Wednesday, August 20, Staff Welcome Back, 7:30 a.m., BHS Cafeteria
Tuesday, September 2, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., RSAC
Tuesday, September 9, School Board Election

Adjournment.

Motion by Director Castro to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m.