PV Board Minutes 12.6.04

MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Deborah Dayman. Members present: Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski, Messman, O'Hara, Schurr. Absent: None. Also present: Jim Spelhaug, Cyndy Behrer, Mike Clingingsmith, Dick Davidson, Ray LaFrentz, Tom Gall, Dave Bulington, Evalea McBride, Christine Harvey, Brian Strusz, Jackie Puck, Cathi Betts, Gene Bolich, Maury Betzel, Kate Stangler, Don Dehner, Nancy Dehner, Robert Ofner, Bill Myatt, Jennifer Arp, Wendy DePover, Linda Goetz, Gary Barsness, Mike Zimmer, Bev Anderson, Keith Piotter, and others.

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. Directors Barsness and Messman thanked the board for the opportunity to attend the Iowa Association of School Board convention. President Dayman commended the Pleasant Valley Junior High students who raised approximately $800 through "Hat Day" and divided the funds between Ashley McCandless and Jayne Andreesen, two junior high students with cancer.

Cyndy Behrer congratulated the PVCHS competition cheerleading team for their win of the Co-Ed division of the state cheerleading competition. They will be competing in Orlando, FL in February.

She also conveyed that the English Department thanked the board for allowing six of their members to attend the National Council of Teachers of English conference recently.

Dr. Spelhaug recognized the submission of Kindergarten teacher Judy Simonson's letter of retirement and expressed the district's appreciation for her many years of service.

He also thanked the Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA) for its continuing support through recent grants to the district totaling $86,845 ($50,000 to the Reaching for Excellence campaign, $30,000 for books for bookrooms and libraries, and $6,845 for music risers and staging).

CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by O'Hara, 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 November 15, 2004, regular board meeting; the resignations of Carl Collins (currently on educational leave of absence) as instrumental music teacher effective immediately and Judy Simonson as an elementary teacher effective the end of the 2004-05 school year; the regular employment of Mary Kauten as a food service worker at Riverdale Heights and the recommendation to increase the letter of assignment of Deborah Graham from 4.5 hours per day to 5.0 hours per day; and one 2004-05 open enrollment-in application from Bettendorf Schools and two 2005-06 open enrollment-in applications from Bettendorf schools.

EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by Hoffmann, second by Kaminski that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $66,749.43 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Messman, second by O'Hara that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $6,536.47 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 $6,201.19 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by O'Hara, second by Kaminski that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $51,333.57 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Barsness, second by Messman that PPEL Fund warrants be

issued in the total amount of $15,043.49 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

CONSIDERATION OF TRANSPORTATION OUTSOURCING STUDY: Dr. Spelhaug explained that due to difficult financial times for school districts the district is proposing to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to private contractors for bus transportation. He emphasized that the absolute standards are: that student safety will in no way be compromised, student ride time, pick up location and pick up times will remain constant to current practice; and there will be no diminishment from current practice in field trips or extra-curricular traveling. The first draft of the Request for Proposal was presented at the November 15 meeting. Changes were made to the first draft of the RFP as a result of some of the suggestions and questions at the November 15 meeting. Dick Davidson of Lane and Waterman explained the changes.

* Insurance provisions have been updated as suggested by Trissel Graham & Toole, the district's insurance carrier. * A provision has been added requiring that the contractor furnish a history of any labor disputes to the district for evaluation prior to awarding a contract. * The contractor will be required to use its best efforts to obtain a no-strike clause in any union contracts. * The contractor will be responsible for the payment of any additional costs to the district in providing substitute transportation service in the event of a strike, plus an administrative fee of $5,000 per day for disruption. * Total package compensation payable by the contractor must be competitive with other school districts in Scott County and their respective private contractors. * A provision has been added concerning monitoring assurance of customer satisfaction and reporting to the district annually. * Dates and bus replacement schedule were added.

The proposed schedule for the Request for Proposal is as follows:

December 7 - 10, 2004: RFP is finalized and mailed to vendors. January 28, 2005 RFP due from vendors. February, 2005 Administrative study and analysis. March 7, 2005: Initial presentation of analysis to board. March 21, 2005 Recommendation

The board discussed the revised draft with Mr. Davidson.

Ms. Jackie Puck, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 312, Dave Bulington, Pleasant Valley ATU Union Representative, Robert Ofner, and Tom Gall asked questions and offered suggestions for the RFP.

Motion by O'Hara, second by Schurr that the Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding the outsourcing of transportation services be approved as discussed and distributed on the schedule presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - O'Hara, Schurr, Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski, Messman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

REPORT FROM RECONSIDERATION COMMITTEE: Cyndy Behrer thanked the members of the committee that reviewed The Misfits by James Howe. She reviewed for the board that the district received a formal request for reconsideration of the book on October 21, 2004. The request sought removal of the book at all levels. Following Board Policy, 603.8, "Instructional Materials Selection Procedures", Section IV, a committee was formed, an open forum was held, and a written recommendation was submitted to the superintendent for action by the board. The recommendation of the study committee was to leave the book in the libraries and as a read aloud option in grades 4-6 and 7-12. The following people addressed the board regarding the book: Evan Chiappinelli, Jim Nitzschke, Kathy Bolkcom, Charlie Meurer, Linda Goetz, Sara Slagle, Julie Small, Alta Price, Eric Belby, Dennis Shannon, Connie Nagel, Jeff Paul, Tim Tisinger, Elizabeth Leuthauser, Mike Fendley, Yvette Shearer, Tom Benge, and Peter Sickler. After public input, board members shared their views. Directors Barsness and O'Hara spoke in favor of supporting the reconsideration committee's recommendation. Directors Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski, Messman and Schurr expressed reservations about age appropriateness. All of the directors were unanimous in their expression of support for the work of our teachers and of the fact that the district will stand firm on the imperative that every student, no matter their belief system or background, receive a great education in a safe and secure learning environment.

Motion by Schurr, second by Messman that the Board accept the recommendation of the reconsideration committee to allow the book The Misfits by James Howe to stay in all libraries and to amend the committee's recommendation to allow it to be used as an option for a read aloud in grades 7-12 but not in grades K-6. Roll call vote: Ayes - Schurr, Dayman, Kaminski, Messman. Nays - Barsness, Hoffmann, O'Hara. Motion carried.

2004-05 EARLY GRADUATION REQUESTS: Debbie Menke presented six names of PVCHS students who have submitted their request to graduate early. All are subject to successfully completing graduation requirements. Most of the students plan to continue their post-secondary education.

Motion by O'Hara, second by Schurr that the board approve the recommendation for early graduation of six seniors at the end of the first semester of the 2004-2005 school year, pending successful completion of requirements. Roll call vote. Ayes - O'Hara, Schurr, Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski, Messman. Nays - none. Motion carried.

RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO 2005-06 HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY: Debbie Menke reviewed recommended changes to the high school course of study with the board. New course offerings include: Freshman Band, Introduction to Industrial Technology I and II, Fashion Construction, Journalism I, Journalism II, Journalism III - Independent Study, Individual Fitness, Lifetime Activities, Ultimate Fitness, and AP Comparative Government.

Motion by Messman, second by Barsness that the Board approve changes to the high school course of study as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Messman, O'Hara, Schurr, Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The administration commended Mrs. Menke and her staff for continually striving to improve and add courses that will engage students.

FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE: Dr. Spelhaug shared a summary of the Five Year Capital projects plan which includes a proposed schedule for an addition to and a remodel of Cody (to begin in August, 2005), a junior high gymnasium addition, and a new elementary building on Hopewell Road to open August 2010. The latter two projects, like all projects in years 2-5 of the plan, are tentative to allow flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances.

Mike Clingingsmith presented two financial scenarios to assist in decision making for the upcoming capital projects. The scenarios revolve around the portion of the PPEL levy that is annually approved by the board. The origin of this discussion is the state's early elimination of the Machinery and Equipment (M & E) subsidy that was promised to the district when M & E was taken off the tax rolls eight years ago. The district is not receiving $1,000,000 per year for this year and next as a result of the state's action.

Motion by Schurr, second by Barsness that the board approve the five year capital projects update as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes - Schurr, Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski, Messman, O'Hara. Nays - none. Motion carried.

IOWA DEMONSTRATION CONSTRUCTION GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION: The district is applying for a 2004-05 "Harkin" Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant for the Cody Elementary School Classroom Addition project. The district plans to submit a grant request for $375,000 (25% of the projected total cost of the project). A 75% local match is required which the district can meet with PPEL and local option sales tax dollars. Dr. Spelhaug added that the district is not counting on this money as a part of the budget for the Cody classroom addition project, but wants to take advantage of the chance for grant support.

Motion by Barsness, second by O'Hara that the Board approve the Cody Elementary School Classroom Addition Project schedule and authorize submission of a 2004-05 Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program application for the Cody Elementary Classroom Addition. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski, Messman, O'Hara, Schurr. Nays - none. Motion carried.

IASB BALLOT FOR DISTRICT 6A BOARD MEMBER: The Iowa Association of School Boards requested that the district cast its ballot for an expired three-year term for District #6a. Lee Ann Grimley, Springville Community Schools was nominated during the Delegate Assembly.

Motion by Messman, second by Kaminski that the Board cast its ballot to appoint Lee Ann Grimley as IASB District #6a board member. Roll call vote. Ayes - Messman, O'Hara, Schurr, Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski. Nays - none. Motion carried.

CHANGE DECEMBER 20 BOARD MEETING TIME TO 6:30 PM: Dr. Spelhaug recommended that the December 20, 2004, board meeting begin at 6:30 p.m. to allow the Board to attend a holiday social function following the meeting.

Motion by Barsness, second by Kaminski that the Board approve changing the starting time of the December 20 Board meeting to 6:30 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes - Barsness, Dayman, Hoffmann, Kaminski, Messman, O'Hara, Schurr. Nays - none. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:46 p.m.

Pleasant Valley Community School District's Human Growth and Development Committee is sponsoring the following seminar:

"Talking to Your Child About Sex" Tough Issues - - Tougher Questions

Mary Ann McLeod, Division Director of Bethany for Children and Families, will provide an overview of this topic including tips for strengthening self-esteem, communications strategies, and straight talk about current trends in adolescent sexuality. Following her presentation, a panel representing the educational, religious, and medical perspectives will collaborate with Mary Ann to respond to parent questions.

In an effort to meet the developmental needs of adolescents at varying ages, two slightly different presentations have been scheduled for:

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 6:30 p.m. - Pleasant Valley Junior High (for grades 5-8)

Thursday, January 13, 2005 - 6:30 p.m. - Pleasant Valley High School (for grades 9-12). Despite the focus of each presentation, parents of students at any age are invited to either, or both, evening meetings. Free childcare will be provided.

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.

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.

CPR SATURDAY

Eastern Iowa Community College District and committee present CPR Saturday, February 19, 2005 at the Isle of Capri Convention Center in Bettendorf. Bring your family and take advantage of this opportunity to learn CPR for just $5. Pediatric CPR will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Adult CPR: 12 noon to 1 p.m. A brunch presentation: "CPR - What you need to know today" will be given from 10:30 a.m. to noon by Dr. Bradley, Trinity Medical Center Emergency Room physician. The CPR Saturday committee: American Heart Assn, American Red Cross, Davenport Fire Dept., Eastern Iowa Community College District, Genesis Health System, Medic EMS, Palmer Chiropractic Clinics, and Trinity Medical Center. Accommodations are limited, so please call ahead to register: 441-4100. Use course number 131620A.

The Pleasant Valley Schools Educational Foundation's New Leaders Scholarship ($1,000) has been presented to 144 PVCHS seniors over the past thirteen years. The Foundation is a non-profit organization and contributions to it are tax deductible. For more information on how funds can be directed to scholarships, contact Jim Spelhaug, Superintendent, at 332-5550 or spelhaugjim@pleasval.k12.ia.us.

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.

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).