Bettendorf school board lets early retirement option expire

Unofficial Minutes of the November 6, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education (pending 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 Bettendorf High School, 3333 18th Street, Bettendorf, Iowa, on November 6, 2006. President Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and the Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Colleen Skolrood, Acting Board Secretary, verified that the meeting notice had been posted and mailed to the media as required by law.

Members present: Directors Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis, Mayer, Weigle. Members absent: Director Tinsman.

Other officials present: Marty Lucas, Superintendent; Dr. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Business and Financial Services; Cindy Ferguson, BEA Representative; Cara Voelliger and Nick Hunt, Student Representatives; and Colleen Skolrood, acting Board Secretary.

2. Agenda Approval.

Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Ehrmann, to approve the agenda as modified. Discussion item 6.02, 400 Board Policy Series and action item 7.01, First Reading of Board Policies have been postponed until the next Board meeting.

Ayes: 6 Directors Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis, Mayer, Weigle. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Tinsman. Motion carried 6-0-1.

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 Neil Armstrong Elementary School. Fifth grade students from Neil Armstrong Elementary School, along with teachers Trisha Calsyn and Scott Berg, presented a short video showing their "communitycircle" (part of the school climate and a behavior improvement goal), and shared information about Student Council. Kevin Hatfield, principal, made introductions and shared goal specifics. He also shared giant cards made by the students expressing appreciation to the Board and Administration for their commitment to the new Armstrong building. The card read “Thank you for turning our dream into a reality”.

4.02 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.

4.03 Bettendorf High School’s Students of the Month program encourages students for their hard work and accomplishments. Students are recognized in one of the following areas:

• Academic excellence

• Significant improvement on school achievement related elements such as attendance and managing conduct

• Achievements in activities and citizenship

The following students were named as Students of the Month. Also listed is the academic or activity area providing the nomination of the student:

August 2006

Jessica Berg – Student Mentors Mariah Helgerson - Mathematics

Jon Buck – Music Jason Jared – Cross-Country

Brandon Fullmer – Mathematics Jaide Nipper – Principals

John Gayton – Mathematics

September 2006

Caleb Andes – Varsity Football Taviah Pass – Principals

Jose Gomez – Science Christopher Pratt - Science

Takashi Iiyoshi – Language Arts Sarah Maxwell – Business

The Student Recognition Committee consists of Dena Cantrell, Bruce Clark, Jane Haedt, Jimmy Casas, Mark Brooks, Joy Kelly and David Thompson.

5. Consent Agenda.

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

Ayes: 6 Directors Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis, Mayer, Weigle, Anderson. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Tinsman. Motion carried: 6-0-1.

5.01 Approval of October 16, 2006 Board Retreat Minutes.

5.02 Approval of October 16, 2006 Public Hearing Minutes.

5.03 Approval of October 16, 2006 Regular Board Meeting Minutes. 5.04 Approval of November 6, 2006 Bills Recommended for Payment.

5.05 Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.

Certified Lane Change

Bill Petsche BA+15, 8 to MA, 8 $3,570

Schedule D Contract Modification

Diane McAnally/HH/Special Education/Increase from .50 FTE to .6875 FTE/increase in students/Effective 11-1-06

Schedule D Resignation

Amanda Schroeder/BMS/Assistant 7th & 8th grade Girls Basketball/Effective 11-6-06

Schedule D Approval to Hire

Candy Egger/HH/Elementary Curriculum Chairperson - Art/$1,020/Replacing Jill Lindstrom/Effective 11-6-06

Jay Fitzgerald/BMS/Assistant 7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball/$1,020/Replacing Amanda Schroeder/Effective 11-6-2006

Grant Funded - Recommendation for Employment

Anna Merritt/GW/Birth-to-Five Parent Liaison/$11.73 per hour/15 hours per month/ Replacing Rita Manwiller (trans)/Effective 10/2/06

Classified – Resignation

Julie Schneck/Admin/Guest Staff Caller/Effective 10/13/06

Classified - Recommendation for Employment

Cathy Weis/GW/Para Educator/$11.98 per hour/5.75 hours per day/New position due to student IEP/Effective 10/17/06

Classified – Letter of Assignment Modification

Vicki Fitzgerald/From TEEC&BHS to NA&BMS/Custodian-2nd shift/Same rate of pay/Same hours/Replacing Brandon Adkins/Effective 11/1/06

Wilma Halberg/PN/Food Service Part-time/Same rate of pay/From 4.5 to 4.75 hours per day/Additional breakfast duties/Effective 10/17/06

Brian Hess, Sr/From NA&BMS to BMS/Custodian-2nd shift/Same rate of pay/Same hours/Replacing Brandon Adkins/Effective 11/1/06

Julie Schneck/MT/Para Educator/Same rate of pay/From 4 to 5.75 hours per day/Student need in Resource room/Effective 10/23/06

5.06 Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.

Into Bettendorf, 2006/07

Amanda Elkin, grade 12, from North Scott, good cause

Christy Elkin , grade 9, from North Scott, good cause

Jaylan Ellis, grade 8, from Pleasant Valley, continuation

Bailey Pribyl, grade 3, from North Scott, continuation

Toby Pribyl, grade 5, from North Scott, continuation

Linda Skinner, kindergarten, from Pleasant Valley, continuation

FOR INFORMATION ONLY. The following students have open enrolled out of the Bettendorf Community School District:

Out of Bettendorf, 2006/07

Dylan Oberbroeckling, kindergarten, to Pleasant Valley, continuation

Erin Oberbroeckling, grade 3, to Pleasant Valley, continuation

Zachary Oberbroeckling, grade 5, to Pleasant Valley, continuation

Out of Bettendorf, 2007/08

Harsh Desai, grade 9, to Pleasant Valley

Riley Gau, kindergarten, to Pleasant Valley

6. Discussion Items.

6.01 Shared Communications.

Director Crockett attended the Parent Executive Council meeting. She reported Cindy Jacobsen, Director of Food Service, gave a thorough explanation on the wellness guidelines and what they are working on. There was also a lot of discussion regarding parties in school, fifth grade graduation and field trips. Director Crockett was appreciative of Superintendent Lucas’ explanation on each of these policies.

Directors Crockett, Justis and Tinsman toured Herbert Hoover last Friday. Directors Tinsmann and Crockett also toured Grant Wood and Paul Norton. Director Crockett said the tours were very informative.

6.02 400 Board Policy Series.

Directors postponed discussion on this agenda item until the next Board meeting.

6.03 Solvency Ratios.

Maxine McEnany, Director of Business and Financial Services, explained the Management Fund shows a surplus as of June 30th, but our liability for the early retirement payouts is approximately $500,000. Also, PPEL shows a balance but included in that balance is $800,000 carried over from 2005/2006 that will be used on the Neil Armstrong building project.

Maxine noted several recent high health insurance claims but the rates have been set to take care of the increase in claims.

6.04 Early Retirement Discussion.

The early retirement policy was approved in August 2004 for a 3-year period (2005, 2006, 2007). The Directors discussed whether to continue the policy or allow it to expire. Superintendent Lucas said there are a lot of unsettled questions right now on early retirement. He reported counsel favors allowing the current resolution to end and wait until present lawsuits have been settled before drafting another plan. A local district is currently involved in a lawsuit regarding early retirement with a similar policy.

Director Weigle asked Superintendent Lucas if he discussed with counsel the option to have the policy expire, but allow those who are one year out to take advantage of the early retirement policy. Superintendent Lucas said he did talk to counsel and on the surface they do not feel it is discriminatory, but it certainly has the potential to be tested.

Director Crockett said she is leaning toward being cautious if there is not a strong need to continue the policy.

Maxine said with new money at 5.5% and an increase in enrollment we are probably not looking at layoffs. Also, the list of eligible retirees includes 31 hard-to-fill positions. She felt these factors should be considered. Also, our policy was put in place when the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said we could help bridge payments for health insurance until medicare eligible and that is now what is being contested.

Director Ehrmann agreed with what has been said and would like to wait at this point.

Director Weigle stated she wants early retirement to be an incentive and is in favor of not having an ongoing policy. She feels it is responsible for the Board to offer early retirement when it generates new money. Director Weigle reported there are currently 3 people who would be eligible by our policy, but not IPERS. She felt it was worth looking into for that reason.

Director Mayer stated policies have always been made based on the District’s needs and not personal needs. He feels making exceptions will open a Pandora’s box.

President Anderson agreed saying the program was set up to meet the needs of the District and was never intended to be an annual program. He is in favor of letting it expire.

7. Action Items.

7.01 First Reading of Board Policies.

Directors postponed this action item until the next Board meeting.

7.02 Approval of Board Goals 2006/07.

Motion by Director Mayer, seconded by Director Ehrmann, to approve Board Goals for 2006/07. Ayes: 6 Directors Justis, Mayer, Weigle, Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Tinsman. Motion carried 6-0-1.

7.03 Proclamation: American Education Week.

Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Crockett, to approve the proclamation indicating the week of November 12-18, 2006 as American Education Week in Bettendorf Community School District.

Director Weigle read the proclamation.

Ayes: 6 Directors Mayer, Weigle, Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Tinsman. Motion carried 6-0-1.

7.04 At-Risk and Dropout Prevention Allowable Growth Budget.

Motion by Director Ehrmann, seconded by Director Crockett, to approve the At-Risk and Dropout Prevention Allowable Growth Program Budget for 2007/08.

Ayes: 6 Directors Weigle, Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis, Mayer. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Tinsman. Motion carried 6-0-1.

7.05 Early Retirement Program.

Motion by Director Ehrmann, seconded by Director Crockett, that the early retirement resolution dated August 16, 2004 be allowed to expire as stated in Section I (A) Program Life, “The early retirement program will be in effect for a period of three years starting with FYE June 30, 2005 and ending FYE June 30, 2007.”

Ayes: 6 Directors Weigle, Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis, Mayer. Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Director Tinsman. Motion carried 6-0-1.

8. Superintendent’s Report

8.01 Next Agenda Planning. Superintendent Lucas noted the 400 Policy series has been moved to the November 20th Board meeting. Also, the High School will review building goals prior to the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.

9. Future Events and Informational Items.

9.01 Thursday, November 9, New Board Orientation, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m., AEA

9.02 November 12-18, American Education Week

9.03 November 15-17, Iowa Association of School Boards Annual Convention, Des Moines

9.04 Friday, November 17, BCS Foundation, 12:00 noon, AEA

9.05 Monday, November 20, Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m., BHS Library

10. Adjournment.

Motion by Director Mayer to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.