PV board reviews school improvement progress, challenges

PV Board Minutes 1.22.07

MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Dayman. Members present: Adams, Dayman, Huegel, Messman, Paulsen, and Witters. Absent: Schurr. Also present: Jim Spelhaug, Cyndy Behrer, Mike Clingingsmith, Don Dehner, Brian Strusz, Beth, Russell, & Hannah McComber, Joyce, Charles & Bethany Junge, Lana, Nathan, & Michael Brees, David & Emma Tews, Jacquelyn, James, Hope & Matt Leonard, Carla & Jenna Duncan, Julie, Ellie, Carli, and Lexi Spelhaug, Chris Harvey, and others.

EXEMPT SESSION: Motion by Messman, second by Paulsen that the Board hold an exempt session for the purpose of negotiations as provided in section 20.17(3) of the Code of Iowa. Roll Call Vote. Ayes – Messman, Paulsen, Witters, Adams, Dayman, Huegel. Nays – none. Motion carried.

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

COMMUNICATIONS: President Dayman welcomed visitors to the meeting.

Director Witters expressed her appreciation for the Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) training process which she was able to participate in January 17 and 18.

Cyndy Behrer congratulated the Spartan Competition Cheerleaders on winning 1st place in the All-girl Stunt group and being awarded Grand Champions for their highest score overall at the University of Iowa cheer and dance championship. She congratulated the Large Group speech team for earning three Division 2’s and one Division 1 rating at district competition on Saturday. The team will compete at the State competition on February 3.

The family of Tom Maher, H.S. Associate Principal, was congratulated on the recent birth of their daughter, Alayna Jo and the family of Jim Wichman, Riverdale Heights Principal, was congratulated on the recent birth of their son, Everhett Dale.

The Board expressed its sympathy to Beth Newberry, District Bookkeeper, and her family on the recent death of her mother.

Dr. Spelhaug reported that both the LeClaire and Bettendorf Chambers of Commerce have endorsed the renewal of the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). The referendum to renew PPEL will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.

Dr. Spelhaug reported that the walls are up and roof deck on at the PVJH addition.

Dr. Spelhaug shared the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy renewal power point presentation with the board and audience.

Don Dehner, Principal of Pleasant View Elementary school, introduced Mrs. Jill Skyles, who has initiated the Pleasant View Before School Fitness Club. The club meets each Day 2 of the 5 day cycle at 8:00-8:25 A.M. and is opened to all K-6 students Average attendance has been 20-30 children. Mrs. Skyles and students Hannah McComber, Bethany Junge, Michael Brees, Emma Tews, Carli Spelhaug, Ellie Spelhaug, Lexi Spelhaug, Madison Strusz, Matt Leonard, Hope Leonard, and Jenna Duncan demonstrated a yoga lesson and answered questions about the benefits of exercise.

CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Adams, second by Huegel 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 January 8 Regular Board Meeting; the extra-duty additions of Trena McCartney as junior high assistant girls track coach; Melody Oswald as junior high head swimming coach; John Schneider as junior high assistant swimming coach; and Jane Wheeler as assistant varsity girls track coach; the extra-duty drops of Paul Eure as junior high head swimming coach; Trena McCartney as assistant varsity girls track coach; and Jane Wheeler as junior high assistant girls track; and the regular employment of Michelle Bump and Kathy Saunders as special education aides at Riverdale Heights; and four open enrollment applications-in for 2007-08, three from Bettendorf and one from North Scott.

EXPENSES APPROVED: Motion by Adams, second by Witters that General Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $24,586.18 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Witters, second by Adams that Nutrition Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $40,081.30 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Paulsen, second by Huegel that Elementary/Junior High Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $1,959.95 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Huegel, second by Witters that High School Activity Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $6,584.69.

Motion by Witters, second by Adams that a PPEL Fund warrant be issued in the total amount of $3,099.40 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Messman, second by Huegel that Capital Projects Fund warrants be issued in the total amount of $99,475.48 in payment of invoices presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

PARENT/STUDENT SURVEY SCHEDULE: Since 1997 the district has annually surveyed the parents in the district and the students in grades 4-12 and used this information to inform district practice. Student participation has remained fairly constant due to the classroom administration during the school day. However, parent participation has decreased over the last several years. The percentage of parent responders raises the question of the accuracy of the feedback the district is currently receiving and the potential need to administer the survey in a different manner/schedule. Cyndy discussed this situation with the board. The consensus of the board was that the survey should be given annually, but the method of giving it was discussed. The administration will bring further information to the board at a later meeting.

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CSIP) UPDATE AND BOARD APPOINTMENT

Cyndy reported that the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Planning (CSIP) Team met on Thursday, January 11, 2007 to review the work of the district in the realization of its current five-year school improvement plan first put forth in September of 2004. The team reviewed the progress around the various action plans and initiatives undertaken to realize the attainment of district goals in literacy, math, science, and the learning environment. While a number of positive results were noted and celebrated, several significant challenges remain. Among those are:

· The district’s ability to address the achievement gap between our various subgroups and the majority of our students

· The achievement ‘dip’ as students progress from the intermediate grades into the junior high. This ‘dip’ is most noticeable in the area of reading but exists in math as well. High school scores then recover to the levels attained at the elementary grades.

· The district’s relative stability and general inability to continue to trend upward in a continuous improvement mode

At the conclusion of that presentation, the committee felt it would be beneficial to schedule an additional meeting to give the membership time to process the information and offer specific feedback. With that purpose in mind, a meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, 2007 beginning at 4:30 P.M. at the Belmont Administration Center.

Due to other commitments, Director Schurr is not able to continue as the board’s representative on the CSIP Team; therefore, Cyndy requested that the board appoint a new member to serve as its representative.

Motion by Adams, second by Messman that the Board appoint Heather Witters to assume membership on the district’s CSIP team. Role call vote. Ayes – Adams, Dayman, Huegel, Messman, Paulsen, Witters. Nays – none. Motion carried.

ADOPTION OF 2007-08 CALENDAR: Dr. Spelhaug reported that he had only received three questions/concerns regarding the proposed 2007- 2008 calendar. It was presented for a public hearing at the January 8, 2007 board meeting with no objections.

Motion by Huegel, second by Adams that the Board approve the 2007-08 calendar as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes – Huegel, Messman, Paulsen, Witters, Adams, Dayman. Nays – none. Motion carried.

The major dates for the 2007-2008 calendar are as follows:

Start Date – August 15, 2007

Winter Break – December 22, 2007 – January 2, 2008

Spring Break – March 14, 2008 – March 24, 2008

Graduation – May 25, 2008

Last Day of School – May 30, 2008

CHANGE START TIME OF FEBRUARY 5 BOARD MEETING TO 5:00 P.M.: In order to avoid conflicting with a band concert on February 5, it was recommended that the February 5, 2007 board meeting begin at 5:00 p.m.

Motion by Adams, second by Witters that the Board approve changing the start time of the February 5, 2007, board meeting to 5:00 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes – Adams, Dayman, Huegel, Messman, Paulsen, Witters. Nays – none. Motion carried.

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS: Mr. Clingingsmith presented the monthly financial reports for December. Through December, general fund revenue totaled $11,232,173 and expenses totaled $9,737,726. The fund balance in the General Fund at December 31, 2006 was $3,414,471. He also presented reports on the Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Nutrition, Internal Service, and Activity Funds. There were no significant variances from projections in the December financial reports.

Motion by Messman, second by Paulsen that the Board accept the monthly financial reports for December as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes – Messman, Paulsen, Witters, Adams, Dayman, Huegel. Nays – none. Motion carried.

EXEMPT SESSION: The board met in exempt session for negotiations from 8:19 – 9:07 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

The board has established Tuesday, February 13, 2007 as the referendum date when voters are being asked to renew PPEL for a 10 year period. Here are some important reminders from information previously provided.

What is PPEL?

PPEL is the acronym for the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. This levy is used by the school district to maintain buildings and grounds, complete remodeling projects, purchase or lease technology, vehicles, and equipment, and support major capital improvement projects such as building additions or new facilities.

Is this a new levy?

No. This is a renewal of the existing levy. PPEL and its predecessor, the School House Fund, have been utilized by the district continuously since 1968.

Does this renewal increase my property taxes?

No. The district is currently levying $1.34 per $1,000 taxable valuation for PPEL and the renewal keeps the PPEL levy at that same level.

What are the most significant benefits of PPEL?

•Allows the district to maintain the $81,000,000 investment our community has made in facilities.

•Addresses needs related to growth without borrowing money.

•Facilitates long range planning and provides a stable revenue source to respond to changing needs.

How can I learn more about PPEL and its impact on the district?

The public is invited to attend any of the remaining informational meetings:

February 5, 2007 5:00 pm Adm. Center

February 6, 2007 5:30 pm HS Library

February 7, 2007 6:30 pm LeClaire City Hall

February 8, 2007 7:30 am Adm. Center

February 12, 2007 2:00 pm Adm. Center

You may also call or e-mail questions or requests for information to Dr. James Spelhaug at (563)332-5550 or spelhaugjim@pleasval.k12.ia.us.

When and where do we vote?

The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2007. Polling places for each director district are:

Director District – Polling Place 1 – Cody Elementary School 2 – BridgeviewElementary School 3 – Pleasant View Elementary School 4 – P.V. Administration Center 5 – Riverdale Heights Elem. School 6 – Pleasant Valley High School 7 – PV Maintenance Center If you are not sure of your director district, check your voter registration card or call Chris Harvey (332-5550 X1018). Your voting location is not necessarily where your children go to school.

How will the ballot be worded?

“Shall the Board of Directors of the Pleasant Valley Community School District, in the County of Scott, State of Iowa, continue to levy a voter-approved physical plant and equipment property tax, not exceeding one dollar and thirty-four cents ($1.34) per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for a period of ten (10) years commencing on July 1, 2008 to be placed in the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy fund and expended for the purchase and improvement of grounds; the construction of schoolhouses or buildings and opening roads to schoolhouses or buildings; the purchase, lease or lease-purchase of a single unit of equipment or technology exceeding five hundred dollars in value per unit; the payment of debts contracted for the erection or construction of schoolhouse or buildings, not including interest on bonds; procuring or acquisition of library facilities; repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses; expenditures for energy conservation; the rental of facilities under chapter 28E; purchase of transportation equipment for transporting students; the purchase of buildings or lease-purchase option agreements for school buildings; equipment purchases for recreational purposes; payments to a municipality or other entity as required under section 403.19, subsection 2; and all other lawful purposes?”

A yes vote authorizes a renewal of the levy.