Bettendorf school board approves all-day kindergarten

The Bettendorf Board of Education has approved implementation of all-day every day kindergarten beginning this fall.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BETTENDORF, IOWA



Official Minutes of the March 5, 2001, Regular Meeting

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 meeting at the Ray Stensvad Administration Center, 3311 Central Avenue, Bettendorf, Iowa, on March 5, 2001. President Roski called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and members 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, Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle.
Members absent: None.
Other officials present: John Perdue, Superintendent; Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Affairs, Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Ron Egger, BEA Representative; Lynne Lindstrom, Board Secretary.



2. Agenda Approval.



Motion by Director Castro, seconded by Director Wahlstrand, to approve the agenda as presented.



Ayes: 7 Directors Anderson, Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, 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.



Ms. Bonnie Kapolnek, 3050 Stillwater Court, Bettendorf, expressed her concern regarding the inadequacies of the Fine Arts Program at Bettendorf High School, noting that current facilities are too small to meet the ever-growing needs of the department. She provided comparative room requirement data and stated her support for the Fine Arts addition at the north end of the high school.



Ms. Deb Kopacz, 4721 Greenbrier Drive, Bettendorf, shared her childrenÃŒs interest in the Fine Arts Program at Bettendorf High School. She expressed her concern regarding safety issues as it relates to the size/capacity of the room. She pointed out the lack of storage for marching band uniforms, instruments, and music and usage of a hallway as a fitting area and uniform storage. She also indicated her support of the Fine Arts addition at the north end of the high school.



Ms. Pam DeSmet, 4025 E. 59th Street, Bettendorf, stated her support of the Fine Arts addition through funding of the one percent sales tax revenue. She shared her childrenÃŒs interest in music and the lack of facilities. A recent grant obtained by Mr. Green provided keyboard software to enhance curriculum, and he is unable to utilize this benefit due to lack of space and electrical power outlets to accommodate the program. Chorus practice meets in the auditorium if the Marching Band has inclement weather; second quarter they meet in the cafeteria, which is being used to serve breakfast. Additionally, the auditorium is overscheduled due to band and drama production events. She spoke positively about the changes implemented at BMS and recommended the Fine Arts addition proposed.



Superintendent Perdue expressed his appreciation for the input of community members. He encouraged parents to communicate their interests with the Building Committee at BHS and also through the Facility Advisory Committee.



President Roski thanked individuals for sharing their concerns and support of our district. She also noted the Facility Advisory Committee work on the district-wide needs and prioritization of these projects and encouraged parents to convey their interests.



4. Commendations & Special Invited Guests.
4.01 Congratulations to the following boys swimmers who were named MAC All Conference: 200 Medley Relay 1st Team: ÃœAndrew Sissel, Grant Parrish, Nate Billups, Scott Sampson. 200 Freestyle1st Team: ÃœAdam Lehenbauer & Ryan McAnally; 2nd Team Scott Sampson. 200 Individual Medley 2nd team: ÃœJason Meinhardt; Honorable Mention Tim Clark. 50 Freestyle 1st Team: ÃœGrant Parrish; Honorable Mention Aaron Doerder. 100 Butterfly 1st Team: ÃœNate Billups. 100 Freestyle 1st Team: ÃœRyan McAnally, 2nd Team Rob MacKenzie. 500 Freestyle 1st Team: ÃœAdam Lehenbauer, Scott Sampson, 2nd Team Jason Meinhardt. 200 Freestyle Relay 1st Team: ÃœRyan McAnally, Grant Parrish, Scott Sampson, Adam Lehenbauer. 100 Backstroke 1st Team: ÃœNate Billups; Honorable Mention Rob MacKenzie, Andrew Sissel. 100 Breastroke 2nd Team: ÃœAaron Doerder, Grant Parrish. 400 Freestyle Relay 1st Team: ÃœNate Billups, Ryan McAnally, Adam Lehenbauer, Rob MacKenzie.
4.02 Congratulations to the 7th and 8th grade Middle School MATHCounts Team for their participation in the District MATHCounts competition, a national competition sponsored by the Society of Professional Engineers, on February 3, 2001 at Middle School. Middle School team members were: Thomas McConville, John Stroh, Heath Vignes, Zack Young, and alternate, Luther Wirtz. The team received trophies for placing 4th in the Iowa competition. Thomas McConville placed 9th and Zack Young placed 10th individually. Linda Schoenfelder was the team coach.


4.03 Anna Tunnicliff will represent Bettendorf Schools in the annual state competition Invent, Iowa! Ü Anna's invention "The Marshmellow Oven" keeps marshmallows from falling into the fire and burning. ÜShe will compete April 29 in Ames, Iowa with 5th grade inventors from across the state.



5. Consent Agenda



Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Luton, to approve the consent agenda as presented.



Ayes: 7 Directors Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Anderson.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.



Approval of February 20, 2001 Exempt Session Minutes.
Approval of February 20, 2001 Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
Approval of Monthly Financial Reports.
Approval of March 5, 2001 Bills Recommended for Payment.



Approval of Administrative Recommendations--Personnel.


Early Retirement - Teachers
Ron Egger/BHS/Physical Education/Effective 6/30/01
Carol Lawson/GW/1st Grade/Effective 6/30/01
Judy Skogman/BMS/6th Grade Math and Social Studies/ Effective 6/30/01
Marilyn Wing/BMS/Counselor/Effective 6/30/01


Early Retirement - Coaches
Steve Beckman/BHS/Head Varsity Golf/Effective 6/30/01
Ron Egger/BHS/Head Varsity Track (Boys)/Effective 6/30/01
Ron Egger/BHS/Head 10th Football/Effective 6/30/01


Schedule D Resignation
Nora Hunter/BHS/Assistant Varsity Soccer (Girls)/$1,912/Effective 2/22/01


Schedule D Approval to Hire
Rodney Moeller/BHS/Head Sophomore Baseball/$2,474/ Replacing Shelley Hutton/Effective 5/01/01


Classified Approval to Employ
Karen Dodd/BHS/Food Service-Regular Part-Time/$7.34 per hour/4.75 hours per day/Re-hired/Effective 2-21-01
Susan Moseley/MT/Teacher Associate/$10.00 per hour/5 hours per day/New position due to increased enrollment/Effective 2/2/01 thru 6/8/01 only
Monica Sumhlei/BHS/Food Service-Regular Part-Time/$6.56/$7.34 after 90 days/5.75 hours/Replacing Susan David/Effective 3/6/01


Approval of Requests for Early Graduation.


Approval of Requests for Open Enrollment.


Into Bettendorf, 2000/01
Justin De Toye, grade 10, from Davenport, continuation due to change of residence
Austin Mairet, grade 2, from Pleasant Valley, good cause related to change of residence
Tyler Mairet, grade 6, from Pleasant Valley, good cause related to change of residence
Gabriella Snider, kindergarten, from Davenport, continuation due to change of residence


Out of Bettendorf, 2000/01
Micah Bates, grade 7, to Davenport, continuation due to change of residence
Into Bettendorf, 2001/02
Moriah Spainhower, kindergarten (as of 01/02), from Davenport



6. Discussion Items.



Shared Communications.



Director Luton shared a recent experience visiting a Pre-K, all-day class in Austin, Texas, and was supportive of the district's all-day kindergarten proposal to better serve the needs of our children.



Directors Luton and Arney recently participated in the Young Writers Day at Paul Norton, where students shared stories and poems.



Director Weigle attended the parade of bands March 1, noting the accomplishments of many children.



Director Weigle reminded Board members of the FoundationÃŒs fundraiser Saturday, March 10, at the Isle of Capri. If interested in attending, please notify Director Weigle.



Directors Arney, Weigle, and Roski attended the second bargaining meeting with the BEA and exchanged their interest. TheyÃŒll be meeting again this week to continue discussions.



SIS Update.



Mr. Joe Coons from the AEA provided an update to the Board on the Student Information System (SIS). He noted continual improvement in SIS, with only minor modules to be incorporated, i.e. nursing and transportation. All major modules have been added and are operational. A new release is scheduled to come out in the near future with no major changes noted but will address concerns related to the first release. Ron Eggers, BEA Representative, stated there has been much improvement compared to one year ago. One of the main issues of concern remains with aging computer equipment that needs to be replaced over the summer months, primarily at BMS. User groups continue to share information and resolve issues.



7. Action Items.



Approval of Public Hearing Date on Proposed FY 2002 Budget.



Motion by Director Anderson, seconded by Director Luton, to set April 2, 2001, as a public hearing date for the proposed FY 2002 budget.



Ayes: 7 Directors Castro, Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Anderson, Arney.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.



Approval of ISL Rate of Participation.



Director Weigle shared a resolution (see Attachment A) which would increase the districtÃŒs participation level in the instructional support levy to 10 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002.

Funds used from the two percent increase are primarily targeted to the following three initiatives: all-day, every day kindergarten; class size reduction; and school improvement initiatives. President Roski encouraged administration to inform the community as to the importance of this funding for maintaining educational programs and expanding key programs which are critical to the vitality of the school system.



Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Wahlstrand, to approve an increase of 2 percent to the Instructional Support Levy (ISL), for a total ISL of 10 percent for the 2001/02 year as outlined in the resolution (see Attachment A).



Ayes: 7 Directors Luton, Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Anderson, Arney, Castro.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.



All-Day Kindergarten.



Superintendent Perdue shared the recommendation of an all-day, every day kindergarten program, as well as a half-day kindergarten option, for the 2001/02 school year. He outlined the rationale for this proposal and also highlighted staffing costs, enrollment guidelines, space availability, curriculum, a sample schedule, and additional factors for development.



Director Arney suggested students be evaluated in November and then categorize into two levels of development. Their schedule would then be redesigned so the first half of the day all students would be intermingled and then in the afternoon students would be separated into two groupings, with the top one-half of the students being together and the lower one-half together. Director Arney believes this would maximize the benefit to the lower one-half of the students, who may need the increased assistance and opportunity to share ideas in the classroom.



Ms. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent, stated that research does not support the separation of students in this matter. She suggested benefits from being together and noted the teacherÃŒs ability to conduct small breakout session for those children with special needs.



A visit to the Cedar Rapids school district has been scheduled and will allow Directors to visit five different classrooms, review their curriculum, and discuss scheduling and other points of interest with teachers and staff.



President Roski inquired as to staffÃŒs ability to adequately prepare for this change by Fall 2001, and teachers responded that they were willing to put forth efforts to be prepared and ready.



Kindergarten round-up is scheduled for March 16; and for planning purposes, Administration would like to survey parents regarding their choice of all-day, every day or half-day kindergarten. Directors indicated their interest in reviewing the survey once it is developed and also after results and comments are accumulated. Administration will provide an update on the final curriculum schedule and enrollment numbers during the summer months. Director Arney requested consideration be given to a division of lower/upper half students.



Motion by Director Weigle, seconded by Director Luton, to direct Administration to begin implementation and planning for all-day, every-day kindergarten as well as a half-day kindergarten option for all kindergarten students for the 2001/02 school year. This recommendation also includes the elimination of the PREP program. Directors requested an update on survey results and curriculum schedule during the summer months.



Ayes: 6 Directors Roski, Wahlstrand, Weigle, Anderson, Castro, Luton.
Nays: 0 None.
Abstained: 1 Director Arney. Motion carried 6-0-1.



President Roski expressed her appreciation for the teamwork and cooperation amongst administration, staff, and the Board of Education.



The Board recessed at 8:45 p.m. and reconvened at 8:54 p.m.



Approval of Snow Make-Up Day.



Motion by Director Luton, seconded by Director Castro, to approve using Friday, March 23, 2001, as a snow make-up day with the following features:



Morning classes for all students, no lunch served, dismissal as follows:
Elementary: 11:30 a.m.
Middle School: 11:00 a.m.
High School: 11:15 a.m.



Afternoon time will be scheduled for conferences, grade reporting, and inservice needs. Kindergarten classes will be canceled for parent conferences. There would be no other make-up time needed for staff or students. This day would count as a school day for students as well as inservice day for staff.

Ayes: 7 Directors Wahlstrand, Weigle, Anderson, Arney, Castro, Luton, Roski.
Nays: 0 Motion carried 7-0.



Directors suggested when planning for the 2002/03 school calendar and future years consideration be given to allotting a snow make-up day in the first semester.



8. Superintendent's Report.



April 7, 2001, Board Retreat Planning. Superintendent Perdue reviewed upcoming discussion topics for the retreat. Due to scheduling conflicts, the April 7 retreat was rescheduled to April 2 at 5 p.m. and the June 23 retreat scheduled to June 9. The following discussion topics were allocated to the various meetings as noted:



March 19 (Board Meeting) Superintendent's Self-Evaluation
April 2 (Board Retreat 5 p.m.) BOE Secretary Evaluation Form and Process
Superintendent's Evaluation
April 2 (Board Meeting): Community forums and topics
Projects where follow-up reports are desired by BOE
June 9 (Board Retreat 8 a.m.) BOE Self-Evaluation
Board Goals



Enrollment Projections 2001/02. Superintendent Perdue reviewed district enrollment projections for the 2001/02 school year, estimating a decline of approximately 133 students.



2001/02 Spending and Staffing Plan. Paul Bobek reviewed the budget planning documents, noting a proposed increase in student fees, reduction in the technology budget, and an increase in the ISL. Directors indicated an interest in reviewing data related to the proposed student fee increase. As numbers become more definitive, Mr. Bobek will update directors.



9. Future Events and Informational Items.
Friday, March 9, Bettendorf Schools Foundation Board Meeting, 12:00 noon, RSAC
Saturday, March 10, Bettendorf Schools Foundation Fundraiser, Isle of Capri
Thursday, March 15, Parent Executive Council, 12:00 noon, RSAC
Friday, March 16, Kindergarten Roundup
Monday, March 19, Board of Education, 7:00 p.m., RSAC



Superintendent Perdue reviewed agenda items for the upcoming March 19 Board meeting, including a school spotlight on Hoover.



10. Adjournment.



Motion by Director Wahlstrand to adjourn the meeting at 9:39 p.m.