PV Board Minutes 10.18.04

MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Debbie Dayman. Members present: Barsness, Dayman, Kaminski, Messman, Schurr. Absent: Hoffmann and O'Hara. Also present: Jim Spelhaug, Cyndy Behrer, Mike Clingingsmith, Debbie Menke, Brian Strusz, Carolyn Leutwyler, Roy Liljegren, Greg Egbers, David Bloom, Jeff and Theresa Bloom, and Christine Harvey.

AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Barsness, second by Messman that the Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS: President Dayman welcomed visitors to the meeting.

Director Schurr congratulated Director Joanne Messman who has received the Iowa Association of School Boards Better Boardsmanship Award of Achievement. This certificate will be presented to her at the IASB convention on Thursday, November 18.

Cyndy Behrer congratulated the following:

PVCHS Boys Cross Country Team for their MAC conference championship last Thursday; Kenny Slocum for his first place finish for the boys and Kelsey Bulat for her first place finish for the girls.

Junior High students who competed at the state cross country meet at Saydel. The 7th grade boys finished third; 7th grade girls finished 4th; 8th grade boys finished 6th; and 8th grade girls finished 1st. Top male and female finishers for each grade include: 8th grade - Kevin Townsend, 25th place, and Anna Aquino, 3rd place; 7th grade - Austin O'Brien, 1st place, and Brittany Paustian, 5th place.

Four PV freshman choir students who were selected to the Opus Honor Choir - Ben Britz, Ryan Gould, Charlie Paul, and Alex Tomesch.

Ben Opperman, PVCHS Junior, who was selected to the all-state cheerleading squad.

Four PV fifth grade teams competed in the 5th grade Eco-meet which is comprised of schools throughout the Quad Cities. Riverdale Heights placed 2nd, Bridgeview placed 3rd, and Cody placed 5th.

Dr. Spelhaug updated the board about concerns that have been in the media about safety at school polling sites on election day. The district has met with the county auditor's office and local police departments to make sure that student safety is insured on election day. Dr. Spelhaug emphasized that these are purely precautionary measures and not based on any belief or evidence that there is a threat of any sort.

On behalf of the Bettendorf Rotary Club Carolyn Leutwyler presented the district with defibrillators for each elementary school and the junior high. PVCHS has had one for some time. The funds for purchasing five defibrillators ($2,000 each) were contributed by the Scott County Regional Authority, the Genesis Foundation, Bettendorf Rotary Club, Rotary District 6000, and by individual contributions by every member of the Bettendorf Rotary Club. These defibrillators provide an excellent additional measure of safety for all who attend school or school events.

High School Principal Debbie Menke congratulated 2005 National Merit Semifinalists Bradley Egbers, Samantha Goldstein, and

Alexander Lambert and National Merit Commended students David Bloom, Mark Kaiser, and Tim Phelan for their academic achievements and introduced David Bloom and his parents Jeff and Theresa Bloom and Greg Egbers, father of Brad Egbers.

Roy Liljegren of the LeClaire Lions Club presented Junior High Principal Brian Strusz with a check in the amount of $525 for the Quest Program (Say No to Drugs) at the Junior High. The Board thanked the LeClaire Lions for their long time support and loyalty to this worthy program.

CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Kaminski, second by Schurr that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. The Consent Agenda consists of the following: approval of the minutes of the October 4, 2004, regular board meeting; the regular employment of Karen Hackfort as a special education aide at Pleasant View/Redeemer Preschool; Debra Huegel as a food service worker at Riverdale Heights; the extra-curricular drop of Chris Kohn as 8th grade girls basketball coach and the add of Jill Skyles as 8th grade girls basketball coach; five open enrollment applications-in - one for 2004-05 from Davenport schools and four for 2005-06 - three from Bettendorf schools and one from Central Clinton Community Schools; and approval of the following members to the district's school improvement advisory committee (CSIP team) for the 2004-05 school year: Joe Adam, Drew Anderson, Kirk Barkdoll, Tana Barsness, Cyndy Behrer, Lane Bleeker, Janice Carter, Ladonna Czachowski, Don Dehner, Roya Francis, Samantha Goldstein, Kathy Graver, Linda Guyer, Chris Harvey, Laura Hechtel, Tammy Hewitt, Marilyn Ianni, Kathy Jerz, Ann Kardell, John Kempton, Joanne Maciejko, Debbie Menke, Steve Morency, Janie Odegard, Glenn Pelecky, Deb Schwake, Tara Sitrick, Steve Sorensen, Jim Spelhaug, Brian Strusz, Maggie Tinsman, Tim Wilkinson, Greg Freehling.

EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by Messman, second by Barsness that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $437,217.77 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Barsness, second by Kaminski that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $41,922.73 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Schurr, second by Barsness that Elementary/Junior High Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $10,764.94 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Kaminski, second by Schurr that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $101,356.54 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Messman, second by Schurr that PPEL Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $781,593.74 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SITE VISIT: As part of Iowa's commitment to improve student learning, the Department of Education will conduct a comprehensive site visit to the district during the week of February 14-17, 2005. This is a regularly scheduled visit which each district in the state receives every five years. Tom Cooley, from the state department of education, will serve as the team leader. Brian Strusz, junior high principal, will chair the district's site visit oversight committee. That committee has already begun meeting in preparation for the visit. Cyndy Behrer explained that the site team will include five or six individuals from the Department of Education, the local Area Education Agencies, and/or other accredited school districts. They will meet with individual groups of teachers, administrators, students, parents, board members, and community members as well as others. The purpose of the site visit is: 1) to assess progress with the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan; 2) to provide a general assessment of educational practices; 3) to make recommendations to assist the school or school district in improving educational practices, and 4) to determine that the school district is in compliance with the accreditation standards.

FINAL READING OF REVISED BOARD POLICY 605.4, "GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS": Dr. Spelhaug presented revised board policy 605.4, "Graduation Requirements" for its final reading. This policy needs to be updated to reflect changes put in place by the high school graduation requirements study team in November of 2002. The requirements are: English - 4 Units, Mathematics - 3 Units, Science - 2 Units, Social Studies - 3 Units, Expressive/Technical Arts - .5 Unit, Health - .5 Unit, Parenting Skills - .5 Unit, Service Learning - 1 Unit, Technology - .5 Unit, Wellness - 1 Unit, Electives - 7 Units for a total of 23 Units. The changes were first implemented last year.

Motion by Barsness, second by Messman that the Board approve revised Board Policy 605.4, "Graduation Requirements" for its final reading. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, Kaminski, Messman, Schurr. Nays - none. Motion carried.

SCHOOL BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE APPLICATION FOR INCREASING ENROLLMENT RESOLUTION: Mike Clingingsmith asked the Board to approve the resolution to apply to the School Budget Review Committee for on-time funding due to increased enrollment for this year. Based on the certified enrollment figures as reported to the state by the October 1st deadline, this would provide the district with $230,053 of additional spending authority for the additional 47.2 resident students that were added to our certified enrollment for this school year. The district recommended that the Board approve a motion to request the maximum amount allowable from the SBRC based on our final amended certified enrollment numbers. This year, the district does not qualify for allowable growth for open enrolled out students who were not on the previous year's headcount as that number is less than the total increase in our certified enrollment.

Motion by Kaminski, second by Barsness that the Board request from the SBRC at its December 2004 meeting an on-time funding budget adjustment in the maximum amount allowable. Ayes - Kaminski, Messman, Schurr, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS: Mr. Clingingsmith presented the monthly financial reports for September. Through September, general fund revenue totaled $1,568,876 and expenses totaled $2,767,957. There are no significant variances in the total revenue and expense numbers from Mr. Clingingsmith's projections for the end of September under the GAAP method of accounting. The District will receive its first significant draws of property tax for the fiscal year in October and November. Mr. Clingingsmith noted that while the fund balance in the general fund at the end of September was negative (-$82,991), the general fund cash balance was not negative ($139,762). While it is normal for the general fund cash and fund balances to be at their lowest point in September due to timing of state aid and property tax receipts, these low balances are also a result of the state elimination of the machinery and equipment (M & E) replacement funds, the 2003-04 state across the board budget cuts, and the decision to keep the levy rate at the same level as it has been the past several years. He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Hot Lunch, Internal Service, and Activity Funds.

Motion by Kaminski, second by Messman that the Board accept the monthly financial reports for September as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Kaminski, Messman, Schurr, Barsness, Dayman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

2005-2006 AT-RISK BUDGET: Mike Clingingsmith and Jim Spelhaug presented the 2005-06 At-Risk Allowable Growth Budget. They recommended one minor change by adding $1,470 to the at-risk budget for junior high after school supervision coverage. The rest of the increase in the budget is due to projected cost increases to support the existing program.

Motion by Barsness, second by Messman that the Board approve the 2005-2006 At-Risk Allowable Growth Budget. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, Kaminski, Messman, Schurr. Nays - none. Motion carried.

CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR BRIDGEVIEW CLASSROOM ADDITION PROJECT: Dr. Spelhaug presented a change order for the Bridgeview parking lot project in the amount of $19,208.00. This cost was a result of the addition of fly ash to the soil to achieve suitable compaction for the parking lot. This will leave a contingency balance for this project of $2,910.00. Motion by Messman, second by Kaminski that the Board accept Bridgeview Classroom Addition project Change Order #2 in the amount of $19,208.00 for the integration of fly ash and subsequent grading and compaction to achieve a suitable base for the new parking lot. Ayes - Messman, Schurr, Barsness, Dayman, Kaminski. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

PV 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament - The Pleasant Valley staff and players are sponsoring a 3 on 3 Tournament for boys in grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 at the Pleasant Valley High School gymnasium. DATE: Tuesday December 28th, 2004 TIMES: 3-4 9:00-10:30; 5-6 10:30-12:00; 7-8 12:00-1:30 Forms will be given out at the elementary and junior high schools or they can be picked up at the PV High School's main office. Questions can be addressed to Dallas Duwa at 289-4781 (W).

Safety Hotline 344-4469 School Safety at Bettendorf & Pleasant Valley Schools In Cooperation with the Bettendorf Police Department & Scott County Sheriff's Department

District Residents Who Are Federal Employees Please note that the Pleasant Valley Schools Educational Foundation is noted on Page 40 in the 2004 Illowa Bi-State Combined Federal Campaign booklet, "Every 1 of Us", as organization #5028. If you are a federal employee, you can designate the Foundation as a recipient of your charitable giving. The Foundation has donated over $140,000 to PVCHS Seniors in the form of $500-$1000 scholarships over the last thirteen years.

Volunteers Needed The High School is in need of volunteers to work with students who are in need of academic support. Please contact Mrs. Menke at 332-5151 if you are interested in assisting with this program.

Pleasant Valley Schools Foundation Alumni Data Base If you are a graduate of Pleasant Valley Community Schools, we'd like to hear from you. We are developing an alumni data base and will make this available for class reunions. Please let us know your address and phone number and year of graduation so you can be kept informed of your class events. Call (563)332-5550 or e-mail harveychris@pleasval.k12.ia.us.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT PARENTS OR GUARDIANS WITH CHILDREN ATTENDING NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS:

The 2002 Iowa Legislature made changes to the section of the Iowa Code related to Nonpublic Transportation Reimbursement. Per the changes made to Iowa Code Section 285.3, in order to qualify for parental reimbursement, a parent or guardian of a student attending an accredited nonpublic school who furnishes transportation for the student in accordance with this section, shall submit a notice of nonpublic school attendance to the resident public school district, notifying the district that the student is enrolled in and will attend an accredited nonpublic school during the period for which parental reimbursement is being requested. The notice shall be filed with the resident public school district not later than December 1 for the first semester claim and May 1 for the second semester claim each year. Forms which must be filled out in order to qualify for this parental reimbursement are available at the Belmont Administration Center, 525 Belmont Road, Riverdale, Iowa 52722 and on the district website at http://www.pleasval.k12.ia.us. Information needed to complete the form includes the parent or guardian's name and address, the name, age, and grade level of the student, the name of the nonpublic school and its location and the number of miles one way to transport the child from home to school. Iowa Code Section 285.1, subsection 3, limits the number of students that may be eligible for parent reimbursement to a maximum of three (3) elementary students and one (1) high school student per family.

OPEN ENROLLMENT NOTICE Parents/Guardians considering the use of the open enrollment option to enroll their child or children in another public school district in the state of Iowa should be aware of the following dates:

JANUARY 1, 2005 - Last date for regular open enrollment requests for the 2005-06 school year.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2005 - Last date for open enrollment requests for entering kindergarten students for the 2005-06 school year.

Parents/guardians of open enrolled students whose income falls below 160% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for transportation assistance. This may be in the form of actual transportation or a cash stipend.

Parents should be aware that open enrollment may result in the loss of athletic eligibility.

For further details, contact 332-5550.