BETTENDORF SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 11.1.04

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 November 1, 2004.

President Anderson 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, Crockett, Ehrmann, Luton, Mayer, Weigle. Members absent: None. Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Business & Financial Services; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Joe Slavens, Board Treasurer; Erin Cavanaugh, Student Council Representative; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.>

2. Agenda Approval. Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Mayer, to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes: 7 Directors Anderson, Castro, Crockett, Ehrmann, Luton, Mayer, 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.

There were no comments from the audience.

4. Commendations. 4.01 Student Spotlight on Herbert Hoover Elementary School. 1st grade students and Mary Decker, music instructor, from Herbert Hoover Elementary School made a presentation regarding the ìSinging/Reading Connection.î 4.02 The Bettendorf Community School District has been selected as a recipient of the Carol M. White Physical Education for Progress federal grant program offered by the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program. The District will receive $672,401 in federal funds over a three-year period for the following program goals for grades K- 12: 1. increase the fitness level or students 2. increase the amount of activity from students during physical education classes 3. motivate students to achieve wellness through active lifestyle and healthy nutrition 4. educate teachers in the latest technology and best practice research The District commends Deb Patterson, physical education instructor at Middle School, Kimber Weckel, Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency consultant, Maxine McEnany, Director of Financial and Business Services, Dr. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent, physical education instructors Diane Lichtenberg, Kathy Hayward, Scott Lammers and Rod Moeller, and all those who assisted in submitting this grant and assuring its success. 4.03 The following Middle School students participated in the Bettendorf Public Library summer reading program and successfully completed their reading goals. SIXTH GRADE: Chloe Biermann, Meghan Brophy, Caitlin Campbell, Dakota Claussen, Mariah Coffey, Camille Cooper, Emily Culliton, Kaitlyn Danko, Carla Dewit, Mike Dickens, Matt Emard, Megan Evans, Patrick Garrity, Catherine Gehrmann, Alexa Hackforty, Garrett Harmsen, Tayler Hein, Chris Jasper, Ali Maiden, Natalie Martin, Stephen Medina, Lindley Mosher, Jennifer Pena, Andrew Peterman, Kelsey Rose, Logan Shine, Erin Sickels, Anthony Touvelle, Ellen Turner, Courtney Wachal, Brooke Wehrle, Katie Whiteman, and Taylor Wirtala SEVENTH GRADE: Katelyn Benge, Nicole Bodenschatz, Tina Bonneau, Katie Brown, Kevin Campbell, Kyle Campbell, Justin Conner, Spencer Crane, Melissa Dunlavy, Solveig Entwistle, Bailey Ford, Elizabeth Fry, Creston Gackle, Emily Goldsberry, Jeremy Jacobsen, Kristin Lubbers, Alex Martel, Lillie Moore, Evan Rahn, Meredith Rich, Sean Salter, Rachel Schebler, Jessica Sible, Ali Steidl, David Tank, Scott Tinsman, Joey Trizzino, Erika Vigen, and Paige Wear EIGHTH GRADE: Kelly Berg, Grant Britnall, Choia Brown, Erika Dívorak, Ami Gagnon, Sean Garrity, William Graves, Steph Kosgard, Jenny Longenecker, Sarah Mascher, Ryan Peterman, and Clair Robnett 1. Congratulations to Bettendorf High School Senior, Erin Cavanaugh, who was selected by Bettendorf High School to share her paper at The World Food Prize, and experience this world event held October 14 ñ16 in Des Moines. The World Food Prize is an international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. Her instructor is Dea Nelson, family and consumer science instructor at Bettendorf High School. 4.05 In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, the Bettendorf Community School District recognizes the contribution of all those staff members and Directors who served our country in the armed services. The observance of this day helps preserve the spirit of patriotism, sacrifice, and the willingness to work together for the common good that these veterans have demonstrated. 4.06 Thank you to all District personnel who participated in the 2004/05 United Way Campaign, and to Celeste Reuter for coordinating this effort. Our total contribution was $17,362. 4.07 The Bulldog Marching Band earned their 14th consecutive Division I, Superior Rating at the annual Iowa High School Music Association Marching Band Festival in Muscatine, Saturday October 16, 2004. Mike Dynes is the Marching Band Director, and Mike Green the Assistant Director. 4.08 The following middle school and high school orchestra students were accepted into the Quad City Youth Symphony: Sarah Mascher, Rihana Al-Ghalayini, Jill DeWit, Kelly Helmich and Paul Trapkus, violin; Drew Thompson, string bass; and Mike Conrad, trombone. These high school and middle school orchestra students were accepted into the Youth String Ensemble: Sarah Maxwell, Taylor Finney and Elizabeth Knoche, violin; and Audrey Thompson, string bass. All of these students were required to audition, competing against students throughout the greater Quad City area for a position in these quality ensembles. The Bettendorf Schoolsí orchestra directors, Donna Rod and Mike Green, are proud to have these fine students representing the district. 4.09 Thank you to the Bettendorf Rotary Club, Genesis Heart Institute, and the Scott County Regional Authority for their generous donations of seven Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to district schools. The devices, already in place at Bettendorf High School, will be available in the case of sudden cardiac arrest. The AEDs provide an additional level of emergency response to students, parents and community members who use district facilities. Dr. Blair Foreman was also instrumental in securing AEDs for area schools and in leveraging community resources. 5. Consent Agenda. Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Ehrmann, to approve the consent agenda as presented. Ayes: 7 Directors Castro, Crockett, Ehrmann, Luton, Mayer, Weigle, Anderson. Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0. 1. 5.01 Approval of October 18, 2004, Public Hearing Minutes. 2. 5.02 Approval of October 18, 2004, Regular Board Meeting Minutes. 3. 5.03 Approval of November 1, 2004, Bills Recommended for Payment. 4. 5.04 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel. Certified Contract Modification Lori Ernster/MT/Addition of Teacher Assistance Team/$622/ Effective 8-25-04 Lisa Webb/GW/Core Reading 2nd grade/Increase from .5 FTE to .72 FTE/Additional Title I Funds/Effective 9-27-04 Certified Leave of Absence Nicole DeKeyzer/GW/3rd grade/Parental Leave for remainder of 2004/2005 school year following birth of child. Grant Funded ñ FYI Reggie McGill/BMS/Physical Education Program Project Manager/$19.00 per hour/696 hours by 6-30-04/Starting immediately Classified ñ Resignation Delores Evans/GW/Food Service-Satellite/Effective 11/4//04 Classified - Recommendation for Employment Maxine Byers/GW/Food Service-Satellite/$7.64 per hour/ 2.75 hours per day/Replacing Delores Evans/Effective 11/8/04 Lance Sullivan/PN/Para Educator A/$11.53 per hour /2 hours per day/New position/Effective 10/7/04 Classified ñ Letter of Assignment Modification Earl Dean Arner/From NA&BMS to BHS/Custodian-2nd shift/Same rate of pay/Same hours per day/Voluntary transfer/Effective 10/18/04 Lori Deaton/GW/Add Para Educator B/$10.63 per hour/3 hours per day/New position-per student IEP/Effective 10/18/04 Terry Strawhacker/From MT to NA&BMS/Custodian-from days to 2nd shift/From $14.02 to $14.27 per hour/8 hours per day/Voluntary transfer/Effective 10/18/04 Robert Zepeda/From BHS to MT/Custodian-from 2nd shift to days/From $14.27 to $14.02 per hour/8 hours per day/Voluntary transfer/Effective 10/18/04 1. 5.05 Approval of Lease Agreement for Head Start Program. 2. 5.06 Construction Change Orders. 5.07 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment. For information only. The following students have open enrolled out of the Bettendorf Community School District:

Out of Bettendorf, 2004/05

Dillan Chermak, grade 4, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence

Kaitlin Chermak, grade 2, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence

Kelly Jackson, grade 3, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence

Akhil Kolluri, grade 5, to Pleasant Valley, good cause due to change of residence 6. Discussion Items. 1. Shared Communications.

Director Ehrmann attended a workshop entitled ìChildhood Obesity Strategiesî on October 27 sponsored by the Community School Health Advisory Council. This organization is attempting to better inform parents of the health risk related to childhood obesity, including the reporting of each studentís body mass index (BMI) on report cards.

Director Luton attended a recent presentation on the districtís early retirement. He stated employees were inquiring as to the whether this plan would extend over three years. He confirmed his support of the plan and feels it is a positive benefit to employees.

Director Weigle recently helped out with the 5th grade class at Hoover, and reported the positive team work, collaboration, and sharing of results that was taking place amongst the students.

Director Crockett attended the October Parent Executive Council meeting which was hosted at the high school planetarium. On behalf of the Foundation, Lisa Humenik gave a report on recent Foundation activities. The upcoming Department of Education visit was also discussed. 1. 6.02 BHS School Improvement Report.

BHS Principal Casas presented information to the Board on the school improvement effort initiated in August 2004 to raise student achievement levels as well as provide enrichment opportunities for students achieving at high levels. He reported on the increased awareness between classroom teachers and student; more accountability for students not achieving at adequate levels; improved communications amongst administration, faculty, and students. Attendance at the study sessions was reported at 96.4 percent, with the overall response very positive. Students are developing improved study techniques, staying on tasks, and more focused on their assignments. Teachers indicated no incompletes for the first quarter and juniors and seniors taking advantage of turning Bís into Aís. Director Castro stated his involvement as a tutor in several of the study sessions and shared success stories on three students, noting it has been a rewarding experience for him as well. Mr. Casas also noted an increase in participation in the ACHIEVE program and staffís ability to handle more students. Director Crockett inquired as to the potential for this type of assistance at the middle school level. Principal Casas shared historical data on students who struggled with achievement, reporting approximately 2/3 of these students entered the Bettendorf system between the kindergarten and fifth grade years. He indicated they will continue to review data to assist in their decision-making process. Recently a parent survey was distributing, requesting input on the various components of the schedule for 2004/05 school year. Staff and student surveys will also be distributed and responses assessed. In conclusion, Principal Casas and Ms. Joy Kelly complimented the staff on their efforts in reaching out to students in ways they havenít before and aiding in their success. Another status report will be presented to the Board in late January or early February 2005 and will include grade results from the first semester. Superintendent Perdue extended his appreciation to staff and the Board for their support of this program focused on improving student achievement. Teacher Exchange Program with Arica, Chile.

Ms. Ann Fagle, BHS Modern Language teacher, provided an overview of her experiences in hosting and participating in a teacher exchange program with schools in Arica, Chile. She requested a letter of support for the teachers and students to learn about cultures and partnering with the district for foreign language and cultural experiences, specifically the exchange program of the Lieco St. Mariaís Ventana al Mundo: Destino Iowa, a cultural and English language immersion program for teachers from Arica, Chile. Ms. Fagle hopes to see this programís continued success through future exchanges of Chilean teachers coming to Iowa to experience first hand our communities and schools. Finance Committee Report.

President Anderson reviewed the following financial guidelines as recommended by the Finance Committee for fiscal year 2004: Maintain a general solvency ratio of not less than 10% Levy sufficient funds for the Management Fund to maintain a carry forward balance at each fiscal year-end to fund 100% of the subsequent yearsí estimated expenditures. Carry a contingency balance in the voted and regular Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL) fund equal to 16% of the next yearís levy. In addition, balances for the health insurance fund and unspent balance were targeted. The property tax rate of $15.47 per $1,000 assessed valuation will remain constant for the coming year. As an alternative to bond indebtedness, Ms. McEnany outlined the proposal of interfund loans between district funds, which has the potential of cost savings to district. Dr. Perdue reviewed the local option sales and service tax income projections against expenses. 2005/06 District Calendar.

Superintendent Perdue reviewed the proposed school calendar for 2005/06, with a start date of August 15, 2005, and conclusion on May 25, 2006. Director Weigle voiced her interest in making Monday, April 17, a tentative snow make-up day if needed. Superintendent Perdue indicated this was a contractual issue with approximately 150-175 employees; however, it could be renegotiated if needed. Director Luton noted the first quarter is the only quarter with no break, and suggested starting earlier and incorporating a long weekend in mid- October. Director Weigle discussed the potential of combining some of early release days and providing teachers with a longer segment of professional training, thus cutting back on the number of early release days. Director Mayer stated his disapproval of the two-week holiday break, while others stated their support of this time off. 7. Action Items.

7.01 Approval of District Calendar for 2005/06 School Year.

Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the district calendar for the 2005/06 school year, with the amendment of designating Monday, April 17, as a potential snow day if needed.

Ayes: 7 Directors Crockett, Ehrmann, Luton, Mayer, Weigle, Anderson, Castro. Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0. 1. Second Reading of Board Policies.

Motion by Director Mayer, seconded by Director Crockett, to approve for a second and final reading suggested revisions to the 700 Board Policy Series, Non-Instructional Operations and Business Services, and selected policies as follows: 1. 501.6R School Attendance Areas Regulation 2. 501.12R Open Enrollment as a Receiving District Regulation 3. 701.1 Depository of Funds 4. 701.2 Transfer of Funds 5. 704.3 Investments 6. 704.4 Gifts-Bequests-Grants 7. 704.5 Student Activities Fund 8. 705.3 Payment for Goods and Services 9. 707.2 Treasurerís Annual Report 10. 711.R1 Student School Transportation Eligibility Regulation 11. 711.4 Summer School & Intersession Program Transportation Service 1. 711.8R1 Transportation During Adverse Weather Regulation

Ayes: 7 Directors Ehrmann, Luton, Mayer, Weigle, Anderson, Castro, Crockett. Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0. 1. Approval of Financial Guidelines for FY 2004.

Motion by Director Castro, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the districtís Financial Guidelines as presented for FY 2004.

Ayes: 7 Directors Luton, Mayer, Weigle, Anderson, Castro, Crockett, Ehrmann. Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0. 1. Approval of Resolution Supporting Foreign Exchange Program.

Motion by Director Castro, seconded by Director Ehrmann, to approve the Resolution supporting the Foreign Exchange Program with Arica, Chile.

Ayes: 7 Directors Mayer, Weigle, Anderson, Castro, Crockett, Ehrmann, Luton. Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0. Superintendentís Report. 2. DE Accreditation Visit; BOE Questions. Due to time constraints, this item was moved to the November 15 meeting agenda. 3. Elementary Semi-Annual Enrollment Profiles. Superintendent Perdue reviewed semester enrollment profiles by buildings. He inquired as to Directorsí interest in joining him at a Mel Foster realtor meeting regarding market strategies, and Director Crockett volunteered to join Dr. Perdue and Ms. Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications. 4. Next Agenda Planning. Directors discussed the proposed agenda for November 15, 2004, including a 6:15 p.m. Learning Session. Future Events and Informational Items. 2. Tuesday, November 9, Board representative visits to: Paul Norton PTO Meeting, 9:00 a.m., PN Commons Grant Wood PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GW Media Center Mark Twain PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., MT Media Center 1. Thursday, November 11, Parent Executive Council, 12:00 noon, BMS Media Center 2. Monday, November 15, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., RSAC Director Weigle distributed a Board Meeting Evaluation for directorsí input. Ms. Lindstrom will tabulate the results and share this data a future time. 10. Adjournment. Motion by Director Mayer to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 p.m.

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Barry Anderson, President ATTEST: __________________________________ Lynne Lindstrom, Secretary