Board Minutes - 2021.11.15

November 15, 2021

The North Mahaska Board of Education met in regular session on November 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library in New Sharon, Iowa. Those members present: Dirk Wilkin, Arvin DeBoef, Michelle Sampson, Keith Foster, and Margaret Ratcliff. Also present: Todd Vander Wilt, Brett Morris, Angela Livezey, Amber Goemaat, Trent Kain, Sherrill Strobel, Renee Ferguson, Amy McGriff, Tim Veiseth, and Sarah McGriff.

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

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

A motion was made by DeBoef and seconded by Ratcliff to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS

PUBLIC FORUM

No public forum.

 

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

There was written communication from Lisa Watts with positive feedback regarding instructional coaches.

 

UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION -DCI GROUP

Trent Kain gave an update on the construction project. The punch list is still being wrapped up. The mat hoist has been installed in the gym, and the copper came in for the mechanical systems. There are controls issues that are still being addressed. Because of fresh air intake requirements due to COVID, the AC units are having to be recalibrated and should be complete soon. There are some roof leaks from where the units were installed which DCI is having the roofing company fix at their own expense; the school is not responsible for the repairs costs.

 

COMMUNICATION FROM EMC AGENT -AMY MCGRIFF

Mrs. McGriff brought information from the EMC underwriter regarding the possibility of North Mahaska opening the fitness center to the public. Items that the underwriter suggested the school implement included set hours of operation - not 24/7 access, doctors notes or waivers clearing participants for use of the facility, age limits - no children under 14 years of age are allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, having a custodian checking in on regular basis, checking the sexual offender list, using the security camera system for facial ID, including a statement regarding the security camera recording in initial paperwork, and having signs in the facility informing of the security cameras.

Mrs. Livezey asked for a sample waiver, which Mrs. McGriff will follow up with EMC about to see if they can share one.

Mr. Wilkin asked that this be put in place by the December board meeting. Ms. McGriff and Mrs. Livezey will follow up with other Districts who have a community fitness center and will work on a plan to present to the board.

 

OLD BUSINESS

No old business at this time.

 

ADJOURN

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by DeBoef to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

 

ANNUAL SCHOOL BOARD & ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Board Secretary, as President Pro-Tem presided over the meeting until a new Board President was elected.

Sarah McGriff called the meeting to order at 6:27pm

 

BOARD ELECTION RESULTS

Mrs. Livezey reviewed the election results, with each candidate receiving 22 votes and there being no write-ins. Brett Morris was elected as Director District 5 Board Member and Todd Vander Wilt was elected as Director District 4 Board Member.

 

SWEARING IN OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Ms. McGriff administered the oath of office to Mr. Morris and Mr. VanderWilt.

 

REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

Ms. McGriff accepted nominations for board president. A nomination was made by VanderWilt and seconded by Foster to nominate Dirk Wilkin as board president. A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Foster for nominations to cease. A vote was taken to elect as board president. Ayes: Sampson, Foster, Vander Wilt, Morris, Wilkin  Nays: _____ The motion carried by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays.

 

ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT

Mr. Wilkin accepted nominations for vice president. A nomination was made by VanderWilt and seconded by Foster to nominate Keith Foster as vice president. A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vander Wilt for nominations to cease. A vote was taken to elect Keith Foster as board president. Ayes: Sampson, Foster, Vander Wilt, Morris, Wilkin  Nays: _____ The motion carried by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays.

 

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES

IASB DELEGATE AND LEGISLATIVE NETWORK - Dirk Wilkin and Michelle Sampson

COUNTY CONFERENCE COMMITTEE - Brett Morris

NEGOTIATIONS TEAM MEMBER - Michelle Sampson and Keith Foster

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER - Dirk Wilkin

NORTH MAHASKA EDUCATION FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE - Todd Vander Wilt

DAY CARE / PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE - Michelle Sampson and Todd Vander Wilt

FFA ADVISORY COMMITTEE  - Keith Foster            

 

NEW BUSINESS

APPROVE EARLY RETIREMENT PLAN AND OPEN EARLY RETIREMENT

Mrs. Livezey presented an updated early retirement plan for both certified and non-certified staff and suggested that the board open early retirement. Though the District has historically had the philosophy that early retirement is only opened when the school is in a tight financial spot. Their hope moving forward is that early retirement will be able to be opened in more consecutive years as a way to retain and attract highly qualified staff members, but recognizes that this must be voted on each year.

A motion was made by Vander Wilt and second by Foster to approve the certified staff early retirement plan. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sampson and second by Morris to approve the non-certified staff early retirement plan. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Foster to open early retirement for certified and non-certified staff for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE SBRC APPLICATION

Increased Enrollment - The district’s administration is authorized to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount of $83,949 due to an increase of certified enrollment from the prior year. Ayes: Morris, Vander Wilt, Foster, Sampson, Wilkin  Nays: ________The motion carried by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays.

Open Enrollment Out Not on Prior Year’s Headcount - The district’s administration is authorized to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount of $10,572 for open enrolled out students who were not included in the district’s previous year certified enrollment count. Ayes: Morris, Vander Wilt, Foster, Sampson, Wilkin  Nays: ________The motion carried by a vote of 5 Ayes to 0 Nays.

 

APPROVE INCREASE IN SUB PAY

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Morris to approve an increase in sub pay to $140 per day and $70 for a half day (under 4 hours). Motion carried.

 

APPROVE COPIER LEASE CONTRACT

A motion was made by Foster and seconded by Vander Wilt to approve a five year copier lease agreement with Premier Printing. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE ADULT LUNCH PRICE INCREASE TO $3.95 PER STATE GUIDELINES

A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vander Wilt to increase the adult lunch price to $3.95 per state guidelines. Motion carried.

 

APPROVE REVISED CONTRACT FOR RD KEEP

A motion was made by Foster and seconded by Sampson to approve a revised independent contractor contract with RD Keep as District communications support. Motion carried.

                                          

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

MAP SCREENING DATA FOR GRADE 7-12

Mrs. Goemaat shared the secondary MAP screening data for the fall semester. She noted that 11th grade (49:23). She also reviewed projected proficiency for if students were to take their ACT or ISASP in the spring. Mrs. Goemaat also explained that reading scores were lower this fall compared to last year and this will be a focus moving forward.

 

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES

Mrs. Goemaat shared that 87% of fall student athletes received excellence in academic achievement from their respective athletic state associations. The students had a 3.58 cumulative GPA for all fall sports. (1:05.27) Lexi Van Utrecht was also NM’s first volleyball player to receive academic outstanding achievement from the state association.

 

WINTER PROGRAMS

The elementary winter program is on December 9 at 1:30pm and 6:30pm and the jr/sr high winter program is on December 16 at 6:30pm.

 

FIRE / TORNADO DRILLS

Mrs. Livezey explained that the District is required to hold two fire and two tornado drills each semester.  During the most recent tornado drill, the District brought in emergency management to observe and provide feedback on the traffic patterns and flow to our new safe room. The feedback was positive and helpful, and Mrs. Livezey noted that we will continue to partner with outside agencies as needed to strengthen and improve practice. 

               

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

ALL WEATHER TRACK UPDATE

Mrs. Livezey gave an update that Fisher Tracks is saying the fix to lane 7 & 8 as well as the pebbling is to adhere the structural spray. They will not agree to any warranty fix. The District is obtaining a quote from Midwest Track for the pricing on the structural spray.  Fisher Track’s quote for structural spray has increased from $78,000 to $82,000. 

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 15, 2021

Mrs. Livezey shared a copy of the PD agenda from earlier in the day.

 

LEGISLATIVE DINNER -IN BROOKLYN ON JANUARY 27TH @ 6:00pm

An invitation to the legislative dinner was shared with the board. Mrs. Livezey explained that she was able to meet with Dave Dotton and representative Dustin Hite to stress the importance of sustaining or increasing the SSA amount, noting that opportunities like this are what the legislative dinner provides.

 

IHSAA REPORT

The Iowa High School Athletic Association has distributed a report to schools on the benefits of participating in athletics. This was shared at the board table. Benefits included reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescent athletes, as well as positive physical health impacts.

 

NORTH PARKING LOT -TRAFFIC FLOW -IMPLEMENTATION OF EMC RECOMMENDATIONS

The implementation of the traffic flow pattern recommended by EMC Insurance has been completed.  

 

TIMELINE FOR BOND -ROOFING PROJECT

The District has been consulting with Piper Sandler regarding obtaining the bonds for the next portion of the building project. Mrs. Livezey explained that the District is looking to obtain the bonds before inflation causes rates to increase. Once bonds are obtained, the District would have 6 months to spend 5% and then 3 years to spend the rest of the bond money.  Phase II of the building project is the new roof on the elementary and jr./sr. high.  The total bond would be $2.8 Million (per original bond language). 

Mr. Morris asked about the architects’ opinions on a membrane roof versus a steel roof for warranty purposes. Mrs. Livezey will follow up with the architects on this tomorrow when they are on-site.

 

COMMENTS

Mr. Foster expressed his concerns about having the fitness center open without security/staff personnel in there when it is open to the community.

Mr. Wilkin expressed his thanks to Mr. Morris and Mr. Vander Wilt for joining the board and encouraged them to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Mr. Wilkin made a comment about calling parents in the future about why they choose to open enroll into the District and out of the District so that we can continue to make improvements and grow.

 

THANK YOU

Terry Hudson - For his service and commitment to the students and the archery team as he steps down from his coaching role.

Ryan Groom - For improving presentation around the school with vinyl, signs, and keeping events tidy.

 

ADJOURN

A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Foster to adjourn the meeting at 7:59p.m. Motion carried.

 

Sarah McGriff
Board Secretary

 

Dirk Wilkin
Board President