Bettendorf School Board minutes 10.20.2003

Unofficial minutes of Bettendorf School Board meeting of Oct. 20, 2003

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 October 20, 2003. President Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:50 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, Mayer, Roski, Weigle. Members absent: None. Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Jeff Ehrmann, Board Treasurer; Dana Vavroch, BEA Representative; Tim Holmes and Lucy Colville, Student Representatives; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.

2. Agenda Approval.

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

Ayes: 7 Directors Anderson, Castro, Crockett, 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.

Keely Dykstra, 2630 Avalon Drive, Bettendorf, and teacher at Grant Wood Elementary, shared a letter of concerns from elementary teachers with the main focus as lack of input and communication about matters affecting their teacher and learning environment. Specifically, she stated that teachers should have been included in discussions and creation of an ITBS implementation plan that meets the needs of all the students.

Rose Schuch, 223 Custer Terrace, Bettendorf, and teacher at Grant Wood, addressed the spring conference concern and stated that teachers feel they either need adequate preparation and meeting time to have a face-to-face conference with each parent twice per year or spring conferences should be reserved for extended conferences with parents whose students have transition issues to the next grade level, who need additional interventions to improve achievement, or who have other concerns which warrant a conference.

Candy Egger, 2134 Cody Street, Bettendorf, and art teacher at both Hoover and Mark Twain, pointed out teachers do not feel there is adequate time to prepare report cards with the calendar configuration. The timing of the spring conferences is not at the end of a quarter, thus increasing the number of times preparation is required. She also stated contract concerns with staff development and limited input from teachers or the Staff Development Oversight Committee. She reported that staff development has not been relevant to all teachers and flexible arrangements have not been made for input.

President Anderson thanked the staff for sharing their concerns and assured them there would be follow-up on the issues brought forward. He encouraged them to continue communication with their building principals as well. He stated the districtís need for their input to make the best decisions in the interest of students.

1. Commendations. 4.01 Bus Safety Week, October 19-25. The Board of Education recognizes the efforts and concerns of district bus drivers in providing safe transportation to the students of Bettendorf. 4.02 Charles Collins, mathematics instructor at Bettendorf High School, attended a K-12 algebraic thinking institute from July 14-18, 2003 at Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, led by University of Northern Iowa faculty. This year-long professional development program focuses on improved teaching to raise student mathematical achievement. 4.03 Congratulations to the Bettendorf High School Boys' Golf Team for winning the State Championship. Senior Collin Burich was medalist. Members of the State Championship Team are senior Collin Burich, juniors Andy Brooks and Joe Smazal, sophomores Dusty Drenth and Adam Seitz, and freshman Ryan Williams. This team was coached by Tina Johnson.

5. Consent Agenda.

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

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

1. 5.01 Approval of October 6, 2003, Special Board Meeting Minutes. 2. 5.02 Approval of October 6, 2003, Regular Board Meeting Minutes. 3. 5.03 Approval of Financial Reports for Period ending August 31, 2003. 4. 5.04 Approval of Financial Reports for Period ending September 30, 2003. 5. 5.05 Approval of October 20, 2003, Bills Recommended for Payment. 6. 5.06 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel. Schedule D Approval to Hire Rod Moeller/BMS/Assistant Varsity Softball Coach/$2700/Replacing Jennifer Seifert/Effective October 7, 2003 Todd Hornaday/BHS/SADD Club Sponsor/$982/Replacing Mike Parella/Effective October 7, 2003 Schedule D Resignation Rod Moeller/BMS/Head Sophomore Softball Coach/Effective October 1, 2003 Classified - Recommendation for Employment Jo Ann Barnes/GW/Para Educator A/$11.05 per hour/4 hours per day/New position due to student enrollment/Effective 9/29/03 Kathy Holle/TJ/Para Educator B/$9.65 per hour/5 hours per day/New position per student IEP/Effective 10/13/03 Patricia Long/PN/Para Educator B/$9.65 per hour/4.5 hours per day/New position per student IEP/Effective 10/13/03 Classified - Letter of Assignment Modification Carol Hanrahan/MT/Para Educator B/Same rate of pay/From 1.5 to 2.75 hours per day/Student need/Effective 10/6/03 Dana Ross/BMS/Para Educator B/Same rate of pay/From 6 to 6.25 hours per day/Student need/Effective 10/8/03 Classified - FYI Debbie Sullivan/BHS/Secretary B/Remove longevity pay from hourly rate/Effective 10/13/03 1. 5.07 Board Goals 2003/04. 2. 5.08 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.

Into Bettendorf, 2003/04

Andrew Copeland, grade 2, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence

Nicholas Copeland, grade 5, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence

Derrick Cook, grade 4, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence

Stefanie Cook, grade 4, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence George Dexter, grade 7, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence Maddison Dexter, grade 8, from Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence

Into Bettendorf, 2004/05

Michael Baer, kindergarten (as of 2004/05), from Pleasant Valley Mitchell Fuhs, kindergarten (as of 2004/05), from North Scott Corbin Leander, kindergarten (as of 2004/05), from Pleasant Valley Sarah Montgomery, grade 6 (as of 2004/05), from Pleasant Valley For information only. The following students have open enrolled out of the Bettendorf Community School District: Out of Bettendorf, 2003/04 Nickolas Cockerell, grade 2, to Pleasant Valley, continuation due to change of residence Austin Perales, kindergarten, to Pleasant Valley

6. Discussion Items.

Shared Communications.

Director Crockett reported on the most recent PEC meeting.

Director Castro inquired as to whether the Student Council had received the list of servicemen from Bettendorf serving in Iraq. Tim Holmes, Student Representative, indicated the Student Council is interested and enthusiastic about doing something for these individuals and will begin planning once the Hunger Drive concludes.

Director Castro inquired as to the progress with the Cityís storm sewer and validation of property lines. Superintendent Perdue reported engineers are in the process of certifying the property lines, and he will report back to the Board once that is completed. Upon completion of the project, Decker Ploehn plans to meet with area residents to review landscaping refinements.

Director Castro attended a fitness/cardiovascular equipment show at McCormick Place in Chicago and had the opportunity to view all the latest in fitness equipment. He clarified that the current PE grade at BHS is based 80% on class participation, behavior, uniform requirement, etc., 10% on written tests, and 10% on fitness tests. With the new fitness equipment and the ability to quantify and monitor the progress of students, Director Castro felt it was important students strive to improve their fitness level. He stated he understands the reasons why students may chose to opt out of having their grade count as part of their GPA, but he doesnít agree with it.

Director Weigle clarified her comments regarding the PE grading issue, stating she didnít have a concern about the requirements of the class and students being graded; but because there was a change from previous year, it was important this be communicated so that students and parents were aware.

Director Castro pointed out the districtís $377,00 shortfall on the budget and recommended the $1,500 retirement incentive be reconsidered as a ìone-time solutionî and applied to health insurance for retirees, suggesting this may encourage additional staff to retire and help reduce budget shortfalls. Director Luton also stated his dissatisfaction with the early retirement plan offered by the district this year and supported Director Castroís suggestion for offsetting the $377,000 budget shortfall.

Directors Crockett and Weigle both shared their experiences of job shadowing at BMS.

Directors Anderson, Crockett, Roski and Weigle participated in the Homecoming Parade on Thursday, October 16. Director Roski congratulated BHS staff and students on their homecoming events and festivities, stating it was one of the nicest she had attended. Director Castro reported over 1,000 students attended the homecoming dance and no disciplinary action was need. He complimented the student body on their involvement.

Directors Roski, Weigle, and Castro attended the ìWelcome Backî for the BHS golf team and congratulated them on winning the State Championship title.

Directors Roski and Crockett attended the October 17 presentation and reception for Hall of Honor awardees and recognition to BSCF past and current members. On behalf of the Board of Education, Director Roski presented a plaque to the BCSF members for their dedication and service to the students and community. She thanked Sue Neblett and Lynne Lindstrom for their work in coordinating the event.

Director Roski complimented staff on their availability in providing tours to prospective families. She recently had the opportunity to come to Grant Wood with a potential family and commented on how impressed they were with the welcoming environment.

Director Crockett recently attended a staff meeting at BHS regarding the Senior Year, stating there are differing opinions on this topic. She suggested possibly moving the presentation of this special interest topic to later than December 17 in order to obtain meaningful student data. Superintendent Perdue stated the invitation for Board members to attend staff meetings is extended as a learning opportunity and for informational purposes.

Director Luton thanked Principal Hatfield and Lisa Reid for making him feel comfortable during his teaching experience at Neil Armstrongís intersession. He said it was very refreshing and an opportunity to do something meaningfulóhe is hopeful other elementary schools will take an interest in the balanced calendar as well. Director Castro also participated in the intersession as a teacher, and complimented Neil Armstrong on their 70 percent student participation rate, even with the $10 increase in fees.

Director Mayer contacted Representative Joe Hutter regarding the educational budget cuts. Representative Hutter expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Vilsackís decision for this cut, while he in turn provided significant salary increases to his staff.

Student Representative Tim Holmes reported on the Homecoming week festivities, including the parade and floats. As part of a fundraiser for the Hunger Drive, the Student Council is hosting a haunted house on Halloween. Student Representative Lucy Colville reported on the Powder Puff game, which was not as financially successful as in the past. She reported the Hunger Drive is coming to closure, and they are looking forward to preparing care packages to the Bettendorf troops serving in Iraq.

Budget Discussion.

Superintendent Perdue discussed Governor Vilsackís recent 2.5 percent across-the-board budget cut and shared the following options to address the $377,073 budget shortfall: 1. Utilize cash reserves 2. Make selected budget cuts 3. Borrow money 4. A combination of the first three items

In accordance with the Stateís across-the-board cuts, Superintendent Perdue presented the following recommended reductions: Teacher compensation ($9,425); Phase money ($3,477); Cash reserve ($200,000,'); District-wide budget cuts of 2.5% ($164,169). Various ideas from Directors included: utilizing the $150,000 set aside the past two years which was earmarked for budget shortfalls; reducing Board of Education travel; reducing non-essential administrative travel; energy conservation; not reducing teacher compensation or phase money; and reviewing budgets line by line.

Following discussion, the Board agreed to the following plan of action: Leave teacher compensation and phase money alone and intact Line-by-line budget analysis of budget, making selected reductions Utilize the balance needed from cash reserves

Once completed, Superintendent Perdue will present a budget adjustment plan for the Boardís review. Director Castro voiced his frustration on lack of media coverage on this important topic, when critical decisions need to be made. Director Mayer suggested a letter be sent to Governor Vilsack, voicing concern on the budget reduction. President Anderson suggested the Legislative Committee address this request. Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications, will prepare a press release to communicate with the community and staff the implications of budget cuts. Superintendent Perdue will also write a guest column to the Quad City Times on this topic.

7. Action Items.

7.01 Second Reading of Board Policies.

Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Director Mayer, to approve the second and final reading of suggested revisions to the following Board Policies: Supplemental Retirement Incentive #402.9 Supplemental Retirement Incentive Regulation #402.9R1 Student Health Services Regulation #604.2R1

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

7.02 At-Risk and Drop-Out Prevention Allowable Growth Program Budget.

Superintendent Perdue reviewed the historical summary of the at-risk budget and recommended increasing the tax levy from 87 cents to $1.14 for the 2004/05 school year, with a total budget of $1,527,424. He expressed concern for the possibility of losing the State Class Size Reduction funds, and the need to shift new spending within the At-Risk Allowable Growth budget to cover the expenses for the districtís Core Reading program. He clarified this increase to the at-risk budget levy would not increase the overall tax rate. Maxine McEnany, Director of Finance & Business Services reviewed the property tax rate estimates, which outlined the various funds actual compared to projected.

Motion by Director Roski, seconded by Director Weigle, to approve the At-Risk and Drop-Out Prevention Allowable Growth Program expenses not to exceed $987,677 for 2004/05.

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

1. Approval of Neil Armstrong Alternative Calendar for 2004/05.

The Neil Armstrong calendar for the 2004/05 school year was presented for approval.

Motion by Director Mayer, seconded by Director Roski, to approve the innovative balanced school year calendar for Neil Armstrong for 2004/05.

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

7.04 Proclamation: Month of the Young Adolescent.

Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Weigle, to approve the proclamation for Month of the Young Adolescent.

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

8. Superintendentís Report. Retirement Committee Update. A Retirement Committee consisting of Kent Hammer, Maxine McEnany, Director Weigle, Director Castro, and Superintendent Perdue is in the process of being organized to develop new alternatives to the current retirement plan. In addition to those listed, a representative from BESA, BEA, SIEU, and/or an administrator will be invited to participate. Superintendent Perdue also spoke with Tom Schuetz, who may assist with benefit options for consideration. The committee will develop a potential listing of offerings and request the Board of Education prioritize their interest, ranking benefits in order of importance. This feedback will assist the committee in recommending a new plan for the Boardís approval. Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the regular Board meeting scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3.

9. Future Events and Informational Items. 1. October 19-25, Red Ribbon Week. 2. Monday, October 27, Finance Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m., RSAC. 3. Saturday, November 1, Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation Fundraiser, 6:30 p.m., Putnam Museum/IMAX Theater 4. Monday, November 3, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., RSAC.

10. Adjournment.

Motion by Director Castro to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 p.m.

_______________________________________

Barry Anderson, President

ATTEST:

__________________________________ Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary