Bettendorf School District Board Minutes 9.2.03

Unofficial Minutes of the September 2, 2003, Regular Meeting

Early retirement plan for teachers discussed.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BETTENDORF, IOWA
Unofficial Minutes of the September 2, 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 September 2, 2003. President Roski called the meeting to order at 7:00 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, Luton, Roski, Weigle. Members absent: Directors Crockett, Mayer. Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Kent Hammer, Director of Human Resources; Dana Vavroch, BEA Representative; Tim Holmes, Student Representative; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.

2. Agenda Approval.
Motion by Director Castro, seconded by Director Anderson, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: 5 Directors Anderson, Castro, Luton, Roski, Weigle. Nays: 0 Absent: 2 Directors Crockett, Mayer. Motion carried 5-0-2.

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 Mike Green, Director of Instrumental Music at Bettendorf High School, was elected to the office of President-Elect of the American School Band Directors Association at their annual convention held in Columbus, Ohio, on June 28, 2003. ASBDA is a national organization dedicated to the support and strengthening of School Band programs across the United States through research projects and liaisons with other Band and School Administrator organizations. The President-Elect office will last for one year (2003-04), after which Mr. Green will become President and will conclude after the 2005 Annual Convention scheduled in Little Rock, Arkansas.
4.02 The following District Staff were recognized for Perfect Attendance during the 2002/03 school year: June Ales, Mary Ann Bruno, Ronald Bruno, Patrick Burr, Kitty Butterfield, Stephen Earp, Mary Emerson, On France, Teresa Gindlesparger, Denis Glynn, Linda Goff, Carol Holmes, Jeffrey Johannsen, Mark Kuntz, Linda McEchron, Betsy Messmer, Joyce Meyer, Gary Mockmore, Theodore Thompson, Nichole Tice, Rhonda Tisinger, John Walston, and Doris Wood.
4.03 Alex Mohr, entering 3rd grade at Paul Norton Elementary, recently won the 1st/2nd grade Spelling Bee at the Iowa State Fair. Alex studied for the competition all spring. He was one of 75 chosen, and endured a two-hour competition to get to the elimination round of five. Alex won with the words "automobile" and "vicious."
4.04 Thank you to Linda and Ken Sevigny for spearheading efforts to create a new garden at Bettendorf Middle School, and to all the volunteers who made this project a success. The Sevigny family did all the initial tilling, added compost, and trimmed bushes. Their daughter Erika, an 8th grader, also helped plant several days. 1. Congratulations to Laura Kauffman, foreign language instructor at Bettendorf High School, who has been nominated for the 2003 Iowa World Language Educator of the Year award. This award is given annually to an IWLA member who has shown excellence in teaching and outstanding service to the profession.
5. Consent Agenda.
Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Ayes: 5 Directors Anderson, Castro, Luton, Roski, Weigle. Nays: 0 Absent: 2 Directors Crockett, Mayer. Motion carried 5-0-2.
1. 5.01 Approval of August 18 Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
2. 5.02 Approval of Monthly Financial Reports:
3. 5.03 Approval of September 2, 2003, Bills Recommended for Payment.
4. 5.04 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel. Certified Approval to Hire Karla Williams/TELC/Alternative Education Instructor/(Reg Ed & Spec Ed)/1.0 FTE/MA, 3/$32,644/New Position/Effective August 15, 2003 Karen Williams/GW/Special Education Instructor/FTE/BA+30, 8/$36,571/Replacing Micki Quinn (transfer)/Effective August 15, 2003 Maria Pieper/BMS/Resource Instructor/.50 FTE/BA, 0/$11,260/New Position/Pending Iowa Certification/ Effective September 15, 2003 Certified Transfer Jill Pepper/BHS & GW/Transfer from 1.0 FTE Deaf Education Instructor at BHS to 1.0 FTE 4th Grade Teacher at GW/ Replacing Keely Dykstra & Megan Ramirez (transfer)/Effective August 18, 2003 Megan Ramirez/GW & PN/Transfer from 1.0 FTE 5th Grade Teacher at GW to 2nd Grade Teacher at PN/Replacing Judy Verlinden (transfer)/Effective August 14, 2003 Schedule D Approval to Hire Alonzo Clayton/BMS/Assistant Boys Basketball Coach/$982/New Position /Effective August 14, 2003 Alonzo Clayton/BMS/Assistant Volleyball Coach/$982/New Position/ Effective August 14, 2003 Hugo Herrera/BHS/Assistant Freshman Football Coach/$2,209/Replacing Terry Stevens/Effective August 19, 2003 Tina Johnson/BHS/Head Varsity Boys Golf Coach(.5 Increment)/$2086 /Replacing John Lavelle/Effective August 19, 2003 Tanya Spalla/BMS/Assistant Volleyball Coach/$982/New position/Effective August 21, 2003 Shannon Clayton/BMS/Assistant Boys Basketball Coach/$982/New position/Effective August 21, 2003 Shannon Clayton/BMS/Assistant Girls Basketball Coach/$982/New position/Effective August 21, 2003 Ben Driscoll/BMS/Assistant Boys Track Coach/$1,473/Replacing Brad Cole/Effective August 21, 2003 Brad Cole/BMS/Head Boys Track Coach/$1,718/Replacing Ben Driscoll /Effective August 21, 2003 Melissa Scherbring/BMS/Head Girls 8th Grade Volleyball Coach/$1,964/ Replacing Mark Kuntz/Effective August 21, 2003 Amanda Schroeder/BMS/Assistant Volleyball Coach/$982/New Position/ Effective August 25, 2003 Amanda Schroeder/BMS/Assistant Basketball Coach/$982/New Position /Effective August 25, 2003 Chris Like/BHS/Head Boys Golf Coach (.5 Increment)/$2086/Replacing John Lavelle/Effective August 22, 2003 Bobby Sturms/MT & HH/Director Elementary PE--Intra-Extramural/$3,878 /Replacing Art Kitzman/Effective September 2, 2003 John Miller/NA/Elementary PE Curriculum Chairperson/$982/Vacant position/Effective September 2, 2003 Jill Lindstrom/NA/Elementary Art Curriculum Chairperson/$982/Replacing Candy Egger/Effective September 2, 2003 Carol Holmes/MT/Elementary Math Curriculum Chairperson/$982/ Replacing Melissa Cotton/Effective September 2, 2003 Anne Kurth/TJ/Conflict Manager (.5 Increment)/$417/Replacing Joyce Helfter/Effective August 18, 2003 Schedule D Resignation Tonya Salas/BMS/Cheerleading Coach/Effective August 4, 2003 Donna Johnson/NA/Elementary Science Curriculum Chairperson/Effective August 27, 2003 For Your Information Chad Uhde/BMS/Science Curriculum Leader/$1,350/Erroneously sent to August 4, 2003 Board as $1,945/Effective 2003-2004 school year Grant-Funded Position - Recommendation for Employment Annetta Cooper/TJ/Birth-to-Five Parent Liaison/$9.94 per hour/12 hours per month/Replacing LuAnn Stemlar/Effective 8/1/03 Classified - Recommendation for Employment Carol Albrecht/BHS/Food Service-Part-time/$8.08 per hour/4 hours per day /New position/Realignment of duties/Effective 8/21/03 Ryan Ames/BHS/Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/7.5 hours per day /Replacing Jennifer Seifert/Effective 8/20/03 Olga Cyphers/BMS/Para Educator B/$9.65 per hour/4 hours per day/ Replacing Margaret Coen/Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/.75 hours per day/New position-student need/Effective 8/20/03 Jessica Ebert/PN/Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/7.5 hours per day/ Replacing Margaret Coen/Effective 8/20/03 Stephanie Krueger/BMS/Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/5.5 hours per day/Replacing Emma Stader/Effective 8/20/03 Seng Martin/BHS/Assistant Cook II/$8.93 per hour/5.75 hours per day/ Replacing Jackie Jones/Effective 8/21/03 Mary Obert/BHS/Para Educator B/$9.65 per hour/7 hours per day/Replacing Carissa Ehrecke/Effective 8/20/03 Dana Ross/BMS/Para Educator B/$9.65 per hour/6 hours per day/Replacing Michael Rosenthal (transfer)/Effective 8/20/03 Lynne Strandlund/PN/Secretary B-Office/$10.49 per hour/5 hours per day/ Replacing Lana OíHara/Effective 8/5/03 Barbara Swanson/BHS/Para Educator B/$9.65 per hour/7 hours per day/ Replacing Kelly VanBlaircome (transfer)/ Effective 8/20/03 Shelly Winston/HH/Para Educator B/$9.65 per hour/6.5 hours per day /Replacing Lynn Lynch/Effective 8/20/03 Classified - Letter of Assignment Modification Jennifer DeSha/Maintenance & Transportation Center/From Bus Driver to Transportation Dispatcher/$13.52 per hour/4 hours per day/Realignment of duties within department/ Effective 7/16/03 Fred Genung/Maintenance & Transportation Center/From Mechanic to Transportation Specialist Mechanic/$16.74 per hour/same hours per day /Realignment of duties and responsibilities/Effective 7/16/03 Kathy Nash/From BHS to Maintenance & Transportation Center/From Food Service-Part-time to Transportation Dispatcher/$12.24/$13.52 per hour after 90 days/4 hours per day/Realignment of duties within department/Effective 9/2/03
1. 5.05 Approval of Cooperative Teaching Agreement with St. Ambrose University.
2. 5.06 Approval of 28-E Agreement with Scott Community College for Culinary Arts-Youth Apprenticeship Program.
3. 5.07 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.
Into Bettendorf, 2003/04
Danielle Day, grade 11, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence Vincent Gnad, kindergarten, from Pleasant Valley Dylan Jones, grade 6, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence Nicholas VanDerGinst, grade 6, from Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence For information only. The following students have open enrolled out of the Bettendorf Community School District: Out of Bettendorf, 2003/04 Shebah Chirackal, grade 5, , to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence Brittany Clemons, grade 2, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence Kaitlyn Ferkel, grade 5, to Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence Meghan Ferkel, grade 3, to Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence Kenzi Gardner, grade 5, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence Sean McAllister, kindergarten, to Pocahontas Community School District Amy Reighard, grade 6, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence Rebecca Reighard, grade 5, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence Ryan Reighard, grade 3, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence Brenden Robinson, kindergarten, to Pleasant Valley Bryce Robinson, grade 1, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence.
6. Discussion Items.
Shared Communications.
Director Castro attended the ìRun for Carlî on Monday, September 1. He recognized Jeff Castro and Kevin Jandt for their time and for offering the AccuSplit race timing service at a reduced cost.
Director Castro expressed concern for the disproportionate number of males to females on the 2003 new hires, which included 8 males and 57 females.
Director Castro announced that the BHS Fitness Education Center would be open the evening of the first home football game on Friday, September 5. Solicitation efforts continue for 8 additional cardiovascular machines. In the near future, Director Castro is hopeful this facility will be available a couple times per week for staff and families.
Director Luton visited the newly air conditioned BMS and commented on what a great morale booster this was for staff and students. Director Luton stated that BMS parents have approached him and inquired as the status of the balanced calendar initiative, expressing continued support for its implementation.
Director Luton expressed an interest in investigating the option of a fee-based daycare for employees of the district.
Director Luton congratulated Michelle Bruty and Marilyn Phelan for their efforts in obtain a grant-funded, after-school activity bus. He recognized the support of Dr. Carol Webb in this project as well.
Student Representative, Tim Holmes, addressed the Board and reported that he will be sharing topics of interest from the Board of Education meeting with Student Council members on the day following the Board meeting, with the intent of better communication and sharing information.
Jeannine Crockett arrived at 7:18 p.m.
6.02 Early Retirement Planning.
Kent Hammer, Director of Human Resources, outlined the proposed retirement resolution, which included the modification as it relates to the reemployment of retirees as permitted by IPERS. Specifically, the reemployment conditions include: making vacant positions open to existing school staff; advertising vacant positions; and not rejecting qualified candidates. Additionally, he reviewed early retirement projections and the turnover savings of $222,302 for the 2002/03 school year. The savings from the early retirement plan are utilized to help the district in balancing their budget without reducing staff and providing salary increases to staff.
Director Luton stated he feels the early retirement plan falls short of what he would like to see offered. He believes there is a discrepancy between the administrators and teachers retirement plan, as it relates to the tax-sheltered annuity offered to administrators. At a minimum, he would like the sick day conversion increased to three days of health insurance for one day of sick leave.
Sandy White, 1403 14th Street, Moline, Illinois, and teacher at BMS for several years, stated she is contemplating retirement but would not be eligible for Medicare for another nine years and would like to see a more enriched plan for retirees. She stated her appreciation for what is given but also recognizes the district is saving substantial money when they are able to rehire a new teacher at a reduced rate over a veteran teacher. She feels this savings could supplement the plan and make retirees feel appreciated and recognized for their employment efforts.
Bob Walker, 1923 Edgewood Drive, Bettendorf, and teacher at BMS, commented that he has excessive numbers of sick days and would like the Board to consider the potential of a monetary benefit for these sick days when he retires.
Gary Hirsch, 4200 Apple Valley Drive, Bettendorf, and counselor at BHS, reviewed the percentages of eligible retirees (14% in 2002, 20% in 2001) who took advantage of the plan and the ongoing savings this has provided the district. He shared his frustration in speaking with colleagues who are employed by school districts who offer a more positive retirement plan.
Judy Smith, 4045 Tanglefoot Terrace, Bettendorf, and BMS teacher, stated her husband is employed and she is covered under his medical insurance; therefore, the sick day conversion is not of benefit to her. She recommended the Board consider a monetary incentive in place of the sick day conversion.
Director Castro asked for clarification to the Early Retirement Fact Sheet, page 2, under ìHow do married district employees who are eligible for early retirement utilize the Incentive and Resolution benefits?î responses #2 and #3. Particularly, he requested clarification as it relates to what happens to sick days when married couples do not retire at the same time. He expressed his concern for inequities when one employee leaves one year and then a few years later the other one leaves, the first one loses all his/her sick leave. If they retire the same year, those days are added together.
Director Weigle stated that married couples employed by the district have the benefit of the 10 percent health insurance fee being waived because they are both employed. She felt this benefit was financial worthwhile to married couples by helping to offset expenses.
Director Weigle also stated her support of the current retirement plan and is not in favor of a larger payout to those retiring, as she feels it would hinder funds for curriculum, programming and current employees salaries. She stated that it is not because she doesnít appreciate the work by veteran teachers and she would like to support the plan in the ways she can but also wants to be able to pay the staff well while they are employed.
Based on current health insurance rates, Maxine McEnany estimated it would cost approximately $30,000 to add one additional sick day to the plan, taking the conversion from two days to three days of health insurance coverage for one day of sick leave.
Director Anderson expressed that is a challenge to come up with a plan which shows the Boardís appreciation for staff and also does not financially impact programming in a negative way down the road. He stated he favors a plan which doesnít take away from current offerings and is fiscally responsible.
Director Castro clarified that the retirement savings accrued goes into the general fund and retirement plan benefits come out of management fund. Maxine McEnany pointed out the management fund also is utilized for unemployment compensation, liability, insurance costs and retirement and has a $715,000 balance as of June 30, 2003. Based on current trends with increase health insurance costs and those who have retired, this fund is projected to be at $600,000 as of June 30, 2004.
Director Crockett shared her concern for budgeting impacts and financial variables. She suggested offering an equitable option for those retirees who are unable to take advantage of the sick day/health insurance conversion. In past years, a monetary stipend caused taxable issues for all benefits received.
Director Castro asked Director Weigle if she would ever see the retirement plan going to three days of insurance coverage for one sick day. Director Weigle indicated she views the $30,000 expense to offer the third day as the ability to hire another teacher. She stated it is a challenging balance, and she would like to be fiscally responsible.
President Roski thanked staff for coming forward and sharing their thoughts on this topic. She stated Director Castro, Maxine McEnany and Superintendent Perdue would meet to discuss the retirement plan as it relates to the clarification of retirement benefits for married couples employed by the district.
Director Castro requested data on projected savings based on the number of employees who retire, with incremental breakdowns on a variety of percentages of those taking advantage of the plan. The early retirement program is scheduled for action on September 15.
6.03 Food Service Annual Report.
Cindy Jacobsen, Director of Food Service, provided an overview of the food service program for 2002/03. She shared the positive results of a pilot program at BMS and BHS, which included dairy vending machines. Changes to the food service program for 2003/04 include an automated lunch ticket system at Grant Wood, with other elementary schools to follow. Promotional programs included a USDA Eat Smart Play Hard and a FUN (Fitness Unites with Nutrition) Week, both promoting a nutritious and healthful eating habits and physical activities in the school environment. Ms. Jacobsen outlined her goal of increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables for students. She is working on a potential grant-funded program, which would provide a nutritious afternoon snack for students on a regular basis.
Action Items.
7.01 ResolutionóDesignated Fund Balance as of June 30, 2003.
Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services, reviewed the Designated Fund Balance Resolution, which stipulated cash reserve funds as follows: Technology $ 500,000 Class Size & School Improvement (ISL) $ 459,259 Working Capital $1,500,000 For clarification, it was noted that the class size and school improvement amounts represents a cumulative total of three years, while technology and working capital are an annual designated amount and not cumulative.
Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Director Anderson, to approve the Designated Fund Balance Resolution as presented.
Ayes: 6 Directors Anderson, Crockett, Luton, Roski, Weigle, Castro. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Mayer. Motion carried 6-0-1.
7.02 Classified Payroll Resolution.
Maxine McEnany explained the technical aspects of rectifying a payroll sequence issue for noncertified employees, putting the district in compliance Article VII, Section 1 of the Iowa Constitution.
Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Director Anderson, to approve the Classified Payroll Resolution as outlined in item #7.02 of the Board packet.
Ayes: 6 Directors Anderson, Crockett, Luton, Roski, Castro, Crockett. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Mayer. Motion carried 6-0-1.
8. Superintendentís Report.
Armstrong PTA Meeting. Director Crockett volunteered to attend the upcoming Armstrong PTA meeting with Superintendent Perdue.
Enrollment Update. Superintendent Perdue reviewed projected enrollment numbers and reported a decline of 29 students overall at this point.
IASB Annual Convention. Directors were reminded of the IASB annual convention to be held November 19-22, 2003, in Des Moines.
Construction Update. Superintendent Perdue updated Directors on the progress of the various construction projects. He also indicated Story Construction and John Campbell, Director of Operations, will be meeting to move the timeline for future air conditioning projects forward and may be coming to the Board for approval.
Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the regular Board meeting scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15.
1. Future Events and Informational Items.
2. Tuesday, September 9, School Board Election & Physical Plant & Equipment Levy Vote
3. Monday, September 15, Finance Committee Meeting, 12:00 noon, RSAC
4. Monday, September 15, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., RSAC
President Roski invited those interested to attend an IASB conference entitled ìEmployment Practices that Support Student Achievementî in Des Moines, September 19, 2003. She also shared the Board Development Guide for 2003/04, which includes the ABLE meeting schedule for the coming year.
10. Adjournment.
Motion by Director Luton to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Debbie Roski, President
ATTEST:
Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary