July 18, 2022

 

North Mahaska Board of Education met in regular session on July 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary conference room in New Sharon, Iowa. Those members present: Keith Foster, Brett Morris, and Todd Vanderwilt. Also present: Sherrill Strobel, Polly Ehret, Shayla Schilling, Nancy Hargis, Trent Kain, Andrew Vanbeek, Sally Obernolte, Dave Zahradnik, Brandon Scholte, Amber Goemaat, Angela Livezey, and Sarah McGriff.

 

Keith Foster called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

 

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

PUBLIC FORUM

Sherrill Strobel asked for clarification on what a service animal is.

 

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

No written communication.

 

UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION - DCI GROUP

Trent Kain (DCI), Andrew Vanbeek (Midwest Engineering Associates), Sally Obernolte (Neumann Monson), Dave Zahradnik (Neumann Monson), and Brandon Scholte (DCI) were present to provide an update.

 

Exterior signage is installed, HVAC units have all been started, commissioning is in process and is ongoing. Lighting control issues are still happening in the fitness center and wrestling room. Techs will be here on August 2-3.

 

Mrs. Livezey asked about humidity in the building and how to rectify the issue. Mr. Vanbeek explained that one of the solutions he suggested was raising the set points on the boilers. Mrs. Livezey asked for continued monitoring of this before the district signs off on the commissioning.

 

Mr. Kain explained that the preschool flooring was fixed, but the entire floor was not replaced. If the flooring comes up at all, then the company will come back and replace all of the flooring.

 

TEENSERVE

Mr. Morris provided an update on TeenServe. 331 youth and adults participated. He thanked the board for their support, the custodians for their presence and help, and any faculty that stepped in and helped.

 

OLD BUSINESS

ROOF UPDATE - SCOTT PALMBERG VIA ZOOM

Mr. Palmberg presented the roof options for the elementary school gymnasium again and provided further information on the warranties for the roofs. He noted that there is a possibility that materials could be obtained by this year, but that most likely the project will go to bid in January with an install late spring/early summer 2023. The brickwork and the ventilation system can be completed this year as invited proposals.

 

NEW BUSINESS

APPROVE SCHOOL LUNCH & BREAKFAST FEES FOR STUDENTS

Delayed until reimbursement rates are available.

 

APPROVE ADULT LUNCH FEE

A motion was made by and seconded by to approve the adult lunch fee at

 

APPROVE ANNUAL WAGE REPORT

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the annual wage report. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE OPTION FOR ELEMENTARY GYM ROOF REPAIR

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to move forward with the ventilation system repairs and brick repairs immediately, and table the roof replacement option decision until the next meeting.

 

APPROVE POWER SCHOOL AGREEMENT FOR 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to approve the FY23 PowerSchool Agreement. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE SUPPORT STAFF HANDBOOK

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the FY23 Support Staff Handbook. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE SALE OF DISTRICT EQUIPMENT ON GOVDEALS

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to sell district equipment on GovDeals. Motion carried.

 

BOARD POLICY REVIEW

The board completed a second reading of the Wellness Policy and policy 708.

 

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the second reading of the Wellness Policy. Motion carried.

 

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to approve the second reading of policy 708. Motion carried.

 

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the first reading of policies 402.2, 501.14, 501.15, 504.5, 504.5R1, 505.5, 507.2, 507.2E1, 607.2, 704.6, 804.5, 804.7, 804.7R1, 901, and the 700 series.

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

No principal’s report in summer months.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

UPDATE ON OPERATIONAL SHARING OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Mrs. Livezey will meet with the city again this month to seek approval for a shared school resource officer with the City of New Sharon. She shared details of the position with the board and expectations should this be approved.

 

BOOK STUDY

Mrs. Livezey shared the feedback from the PLC summer book study led by Stacie Johannes.

 

OPAA REPORT

The June OPAA Report was presented to the board.

 

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

The District is in need of three bus drivers for the 2022-2023 school year. The board discussed advertisement of the positions and various options to help attract candidates. Mrs. Goemaat suggested an informational meeting regarding the bus driver position and what is required to become a driver. Mr. Morris suggested advertising the bus routes as only an AM or only a PM route - Mrs. Livezey will change the advertising this week.

 

CONFERENCE PRESENTATION

Mrs. Livezey, Mr. Veiseth, and Mrs. Goemaat will be presenting at Keep the Love Going conference on August 12.

 

SERVICE ANIMALS

Mrs. Livezey presented information regarding service animals as there is a staff member with a service animal in training.

 

LEAVE REQUEST

Mrs. Livezey had a staff member ask for extended leave. She updated the board that the request is being denied due to lack of resources to cover an extended leave position.

 

COMMENTS

No board comments.

 

THANK YOU

John Livezey -using his fork lift regularly for unloading deliveries

Adults who volunteered for TeenServe:

• Brett & Acacia
• Jon and Tami Goemaat
• Kiah
• Kelli Mitchell
• Marcy Wanders
• Gail Morris
• Jac Muson
• Noah Jedlicka
• MacKenzie Hicklin
• Nancy Hargis
• Pam Smith
• Ron & Kathi Thompson

 

ADJOURN

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to adjourn the meeting at 8:00p.m. Motion carried.

 

Sarah McGriff

Board Secretary

 

Keith Foster

Vice President

 

August 15, 2022

 

North Mahaska Board of Education met in regular session on August 15, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High Library in New Sharon, Iowa. Those members present:Brett Morris, Michelle Sampson, Dirk Wilkin (via Zoom), and Todd Vanderwilt. Also present: Sherrill Strobel, Nancy Hargis, Tracy Swanson, Emily Pattison, Amber Goemaat, Scott Palmberg (Zoom), Lynn Price (Zoom), Angela Livezey, and Sarah McGriff.

 

Dirk Wilkin called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Sampson to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

 

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

PUBLIC FORUM

Sherrill Strobel expressed her desire for a paper activities schedule and school calendar that has school events listed.

 

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

No written communication.
 

OPPA UPDATE - TRACY SWANSON, & EMILY PATTISON

Emily Pattison is the new regional director for OPAA overseeing North Mahaska. Tracy reviewed the three action plans that are in place for OPAA this year. She shared the cleaning charts, menu, and information regarding new employees. There will be five menu options in the elementary - 2 hot options, salad, pb&j, and a cold to-go option. In the high school there will be 6-7 menu options - 2 options, salad, cold to-go option, pizza bar, and a student favorite. The sodium levels will remain the same as last year and whole grains have changed from 50% last year to 85% this year.

 

OLD BUSINESS

ROOF UPDATE - SCOTT PALMBERG VIA ZOOM

More detail was given regarding the option of total roof replacement including material lead time and project timeline for summer install in 2023. Lynn Price from DrySpace joined the conversation and explained that from the perspective of a contractor, they would focus on keeping the building watertight everyday and sequencing would consist of stripping the roof down to the decing and then installing thermal board and vapor barrier (night tie in to keep everything watertight). From there, the layers of insulation would be installed and then underlayment of the metal panels. Total duration of the project is roughly 3.5-4 weeks beginning in June when students are dismissed for the summer. Mr. Price also noted that materials placed in September of 2022 are scheduled to arrive in quarter 1 or quarter 2 of 2023, so the project should be sent to bid as soon as possible. Mr. Palmberg believes they could have bid documents ready by mid to late September. Mr. Price explained that the sheeting boards have the longer lead times at this point and if the project was bid this fall, the materials should be ready for a June install.

 

NEW BUSINESS

APPROVE SCHOOL LUNCH & BREAKFAST FEES FOR STUDENTS

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the school lunch at $2.15 for student breakfast and $3.20 for student lunch, and $2.50 for adult breakfast and $4.15 for adult lunch fees for 2022-2023. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE CONTRACT TO DIGITIZE EMPLOYEE FILES AND ORIENTATION MATERIALS

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to approve the contracts to digitize employee files. Motion carried.

 

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve the contract to digitize orientation materials. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE OPTION FOR ROOF REPAIR RESTORATION OF THE ELEMENTARY GYM

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the option 3, for full replacement of the elementary gym roof. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE EXPENDITURE FOR CAFETERIA FURNITURE

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Sampson to approve the expenditure for the cafeteria furniture. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE BOND INVESTMENT SUBJECT TO ROOF RESTORATION PROJECT SCHEDULE

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve bond reinvestment subject to the roof restoration project schedule from the architects. Motion carried.

 

BOARD POLICY REVIEW

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Morris to approve the second reading of policies 402.2, 501.14, 501.15, 504.5, 504.5R1, 505.5, 507.2, 507.2E1, 607.2, 704.6, 804.5, 804.7, 804.7R1, 901, and the 700 series. Motion carried.

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

No principal’s report during summer months, but Mrs. Livezey shared communication that was sent to parents regarding the second grade maternity leave.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

UPDATE ON OPERATIONAL SHARING OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

The City of New Sharon denied our request for operational sharing based on limited staff availability, but this may be incorporated in the future once staff is hired. Law enforcement will continue to do child watch and will walk the perimeter of the building when they are in the area. Mrs. Livezey also shared that a vulnerability assessment will be conducted on the school once the governor’s office has issued information on the safety funding.

 

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

The District is still seeking drivers for the school year.

 

UPDATE ON FACILITIES

• JR./SR. HIGH PARKING LOT - Mrs. Livezey is working with Garden and Associates for insight on repair of the north side of the Jr./Sr. high school parking lot.
• WALKWAY REPAIRS - They are also discussing handicap accessibility to outdoor fields via outdoor walkways and repair of existing walkways.

 

PRESENTATION AT PLEASE PASS THE LOVE CONFERENCE

Mrs. Livezey, Mrs. Goemaat, Mr. Veiseth, and Mrs. DeBoef presented at the Please Pass the Love Conference regarding the positive things happening at North Mahaska through mental health support and programs.

 

COMMENTS

Mrs. Livezey informed the board that she applied for a competitive grant for a social worker to provide SEL guidance.

 

Mr. Vanderwilt asked if a committee should be formed to represent bus drivers and address concerns around the position and what can be offered and fixed to attract and retain people. Mrs. Livezey thought that was a very positive idea and that may be a good next step. The board will work on a committee meeting on September 19 prior to the board meeting.

 

Mrs. Livezey explained that the paper flier calendars were not printed because activities change so frequently and activities were not printed for the same reason on the school calendar. The activities will be printed in the Warhawk Megaphone this year, but Mrs. Livezey is advocating that these dates be added next year to the calendar and the fliers be printed while always guiding the public back to the website for the up to date calendar.

 

Mr. Morris expressed concern about the AED being moved to the concession stand. Mrs. Sampson asked if the AED could be taken by the trainers out to practice by the trainers. Mrs. Livezey suggested working with the school nurse to discuss access and the decisions of where the AEDs are placed.

 

Mr. Morris asked if GPAs are correct. Mrs. Goemaat explained that there is an issue in PowerSchool and there are some inconsistencies that are being addressed and worked through right now.

 

Mr. Wilkin asked about the current state of the gates. Mrs. Livezey explained that the north gate is closed at night but the south gate stays open because of the fitness center.

 

THANK YOU

Brandon Bandstra for repainting the goal posts and doing sandblasting around the school.

 

Miranda Johnson and FFA advisory for the achievements of the FFA this year.

 

ADJOURN

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded byVanderwilt to adjourn the meeting at 7:57p.m. Motion carried.

 

Sarah McGriff

Board Secretary

 

Dirk Wilkin

Vice President

 

September 19, 2022

 

The North Mahaska Transportation Committee met prior to the regular board meeting on September 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. to brainstorm ways to retain and recruit bus drivers for the district and discuss any issues to address. Those board members present: Brett Morris and Todd Vanderwilt. Also present: Angela Livezey, Amber Goemaat, Jeff Walston, and Sarah McGriff.

 

North Mahaska Board of Education met in regular session on September 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High Library in New Sharon, Iowa. Those members present: Brett Morris, Michelle Sampson, Dirk Wilkin (via Zoom), and Todd Vanderwilt. Also present: Sherrill Strobel, Stacie Johannes, Lisa Ossian, Tracy Swanson, Polly Ehret, Amber Goemaat, Scott Palmberg (Zoom), Angela Livezey, and Sarah McGriff.

 

Keith Foster called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the agenda with the addition of approving the E-Rate service agreement and considering an employee’s request for leave of absence. Motion carried.

 

A motion was made by Wilkin and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

PUBLIC FORUM

Lisa Ossian, candidate for Iowa House District 88, introduced herself to the board as an advocate for public schools and teachers.

 

Sherrill Strobel asked if there could be a trash can by the north entrance and asked if there is any data collecting in student enrollment and whether open campus is affecting this at all.

 

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Mrs. Livezey shared that there was a communication to administration from IHSAA stating that NM was one of 207 schools (56.7%) who had no student-athletes or coaches ejected during the 2021-2022 school year.
 

CONSTRUCTION - HVAC

Mrs. Livezey shared an update with the board and there is no additional information at this time.

 

ACADEMIC FOCUS - PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES -INSTRUCTIONAL COACH

Stacie Johannes shared an update on the professional development that is being provided to all NM teachers around Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) . PLCs are groups of teachers with a shared mission, shared goals, and collective commitments, working interdependently to increase student learning. In her presentation, Mrs. Johannes included a quote from a book (PLC at Work and Your Small School): "By getting insanely clear about student learning outcomes, it will be possible to shift to a rising trajectory in a few years." Mrs. Johannes shared the district's current reading and math data as well as goals the staff set for increasing student achievement.

 

OLD BUSINESS

ROOF UPDATE

Bid opening for the masonry repairs occurred on September 15 at 2:00pm.  We had three companies who were invited to bid, and we received all three bids.

 

NEW BUSINESS

APPROVE EARLY GRADUATION REQUEST

Tabled.

 

ANNUAL REVIEW OF CLASSROOM SPACE BOARD POLICY 606.1

The board reviewed board policy 606.1. Mrs. Livezey shared that there are three class sections in 6th grade and there will be three in 2nd grade when the teacher returns from leave. Mrs. Goemaat explained that junior high classes run between 18.25-18.5 students and high school classes run between 18-19 students, choir is 85 students, and the largest PE class is 37 students. The current 6th grade class is three sections and many of the courses they are moving into in 7th grade are already at three sections. This is an issue that will need to be addressed for next year in order to accommodate all students.

 

UPDATE ON BOND INVESTMENT 

Ms. McGriff provided an update that last month’s investment growth was 1.843% in ISJIT. Scott Palmberg will provide her with a long term calendar for the funds by the next board meeting to consider other possible investment options.

 

REQUEST FOR ALLOWABLE GROWTH -SPECIAL EDUCATION DEFICIT

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve the allowable growth request amount of $188,059.89. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER ROUTE PAY

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Sampson to approve substitute driver pay in the amount of $49.42/route. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE REGULAR ROUTE DRIVER PAY FOR CURRENT BUS DRIVERS

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve regular route bus driver pay. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFER REQUEST FOR STUDENT ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Sampson to approve the open enrollment transfer request for student athletic eligibility. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE BID FOR ELEMENTARY GYMNASIUM MASONRY REPAIRS

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Sampson to approve the elementary masonry repair bid from MTS. Motion carried.

 

BOARD POLICY REVIEW

A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Sampson to approve the first reading of the following policies:

105 (NEW)

800 SERIES

900 SERIES

 

CONSIDER EMPLOYEE’S REQUEST FOR EXTENDED LEAVE

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve Jess Jones’ request for extended leave through the first semester. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE E-RATE SERVICE AGREEMENT

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the E-Rate service agreement. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE POTENTIAL SCHOOL TRIPS

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve the list of potential school trips. Motion carried.

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

FULL VALUE CONTRACT

Mrs. Livezey, Mrs. Goemaat, and Mr. Veiseth shared the full value contract that was built with the entire staff that includes staff commitments for the entire year.

 

GOOD CONDUCT POLICY

Mrs. Goemaat shared the good conduct policy with the board.

 

POWERSCHOOL UPDATE

PowerSchool has caused some issues at the beginning of the year as they switch to PowerSchool express. Mrs. Goemaat shared that they have worked through most glitches and are in a better place at this time. She also shared the difficulties that would come with switching providers from PowerSchool and that it would put much more stress on the system at this time. She suggested staying with PowerSchool for the time being as they sort out their changes.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

SCHOOL SAFETY PRESENTATION & RETURN TO LEARN PLAN

Mrs. Livezey shared the school safety presentation and the return to learn plan.

 

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

Mrs. Livezey shared that transportation is still piecing together routes and has some potential drivers in training. We anticipate a full-time route driver to start at the beginning of October. We still need to find one part-time route driver at a minimum. Ryan Groom, Randy Moffit, Mike Mitchell, Dwane McClure, and Wendy Sampson have been driving a majority of the activities.

 

SEL GRANT

Mrs. Livezey wrote a grant for dollars to support our students and staff in the area of social emotional learning. The Conditions for Learning Survey data shows students can benefit from work around emotional safety. The initial information received indicates the grant award is $51,000. The district is excited to have these additional funds to support students and staff. Grant funds must be spent on coaching of staff to improve students’ emotional safety and professional development for the mental health team. 

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN OVERVIEW 2022-2023

Mrs. Livezey shared the PD plan overview for the school year.

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Mrs. Livezey shared today’s PD agenda.

 

IASB CONFERENCE - NOVEMBER

Mrs. Livezey asked any board members who are interested in attending the conference to let her know.

 

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS - HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY

Mrs. Livzey is working with Gardner and Associates for ideas to improve the parking lot and handicap accessibility to our outdoor facilities.

 

COMMENTS

Mr. Morris thanked Angela for her work on the SEL grant.

 

Mrs. Sampson received feedback that students and parents are excited about the new guidance counselor Ms. Moore.

 

Mr. Vanderwilt appreciated the transportation meeting prior to the board meeting and the efforts to improve the transportation program.

 

Mrs. Livezey asked for a work session prior to the meeting in October.

 

THANK YOU

Dale Schwechel for his donation for scholarships and the WIN wall.

 

First State Bank for feeding the NM community before the football game.

 

Ms. Moore for all of her hard work at the beginning of the year with student scheduling.

 

ADJOURN

A motion was made by and seconded by to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried.

 

Sarah McGriff

Board Secretary

 

Dirk Wilkin

Vice President