March 21, 2022
North Mahaska Board of Education met in regular session on March 21, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library in New Sharon, Iowa. Those members present: Michelle Sampson, Keith Foster, Todd Vanderwilt, and Brett Morris. Also present: Angela Livezey, Amber Goemaat, Tim Veiseth, Polly Ehret, Sherrill Strobel, Renee Ferguson, Trent Kain, Dustin Brooks, and Sarah McGriff.
Keith Foster called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR PUBLISHED BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FY2022 BUDGET
No public comment was made. Public hearing was closed at 6:00pm.
A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Vanderwilt 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
Polly Ehret presented the Iowa Instructional Framework during public forum.
Sherrill Strobel thanked Brett Morris for bringing up the handicap parking situation and that she has seen progress. She also asked for clarification on dogs being on campus.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION -DCI GROUP
The following update was provided by Trent Kain of DCI.
The commissioning agent is working through the HVAC system to sign off on it and is finding problems which are being addressed. The heating phase is complete and they are now waiting on warmer weather in order to test the A/C in warmer weather. The signage for the fitness center is being followed up on. It was to be here several weeks ago, but an update has not been provided by the supplier.
Mr. Foster asked about leaking in the agriculture room from the A/C. Mr. Kain informed the board that he will look at this directly after leaving the meeting.
Mr. Morris asked if all heating issues were now resolved. Mrs. Livezey explained that due to the low voltage that happened during the two power outages, there are still items being addressed as to why these items were so affected by the outages. Mr. Kain explained that they are able to still test the heat further even when it is warmer out and DCI can be contacted directly in the fall should there still be an issue when it is cooler out.
OLD BUSINESS
UPDATE ON ROOFING OPTIONS
Dustin Brooks, Vice President of Triton, attended the board meeting to present their roofing product, Tritoflex, and answer board questions. Tritoflex is a liquid-applied roofing membrane which then is covered with a reflective top coat. Mr. Vanderwilt asked how they prepare the roof in order to apply the product. Mr. Brooks explained that a pressure wash would remove all material necessary for the material to adhere. In addition, the surface will not rust on the outside of the metal where the material is applied, and to prevent interior rust from any other condensation under the roofing the architects will ensure there is adequate ventilation and insulation in place ahead of time. Mr. Brooks also explained that the material is easy to maintain. There is a 20 year initial warranty for the top coat and then the top coat would just need to be reapplied at the end of the warranty. The reapplication is much less costly than the initial application of the total barrier and top coat. Mrs. Livezey asked if standing snow would be a problem with the Tritoflex. Mr. Brooks explained that the Triotoflex would not allow standing snow through because it is a flexible material and it will move with the weight. In addition, the material is grippy so that the snow will not slide as easily to prevent ice damming and damage to the roof. Mr. Vanderwilt asked how many companies apply the product. Mr. Brooks explained that only certified roofers are allowed to apply the product. There are two in Cedar Rapids, one in Des Moines, and a few in Northwest Iowa and Omaha. Mr. Vanderwilt also asked who to contact if there is a warranty issue. Mr. Brooks stressed that both the manufacturer and the roofer should be contacted. Mr. Foster asked how much the material shrinks. Mr. Brooks explained that the material is applied with about 40% water and that water evaporates in the first 24-48 hours and that the material must be applied between April and October because it must be about freezing for four days following application. He also explained that Triton has a winter material that can be applied should there be a fix that needs to happen in colder weather. He also explained that the material is a class A fire rated material. There is also a 2 inch hail warranty and 165mph wind gust warranty. Mr. Vanderwilt asked how much weight this adds to the roof. Mr. Brooks answered that it will add 3-4oz per square foot. Mrs. Livezey asked how long this would take to install and Mr. Brooks answered that it would take roughly one to three months to install the entire roof and that there are no delays on supply. In addition, if there is rain while the product is being applied it will not affect what has been installed, there is no odor to the product, and the overspray is not a concern either.
NEW BUSINESS
APPROVE BOARD POLICIES FOR BONDS (704.6, 712.1, 713.1)
A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to approve board policies 704.6, 712.1, and 713.1. Motion carried.
AMEND FY22 BUDGET
A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve the budget amendment for fiscal year 2022. Motion carried.
BUDGET OVERVIEW FOR FY23
An overview of the FY23 certified budget was presented by Sarah McGriff . Mrs. Livezey also gave an overview of the financial health of the district and presented the key financial indicators from the Iowa Association of School Boards.
APPROVE CONTINUATION OF SHARING AGREEMENT W/ EBF FOR TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR
A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve continuing the sharing agreement with Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for transportation. Motion carried.
APPROVE CONTINUATION OF SHARING AGREEMENT W/ EBF FOR PLANT OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to approve continuing the sharing agreement with Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for plant operations and maintenance. Motion carried.
APPROVE CONTINUATION OF SHARING AGREEMENT W/ MONTEZUMA FOR HUMAN RESOURCES
A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve continuing the sharing agreement with Montezuma for human resources. Motion carried.
APPROVE CONTINUATION OF SHARING AGREEMENT W/ LS FOR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve continuing the sharing agreement with Lynnville-Sully for guidance counselor. Motion carried.
APPROVE CONTINUATION OF SHARING AGREEMENT W/ GPAEA FOR SOCIAL WORKER
A motion was made by Sampson and seconded by Vanderwilt to approve continuing the sharing agreement with GPAEA for the licensed social worker. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION FOR RETENTION PAY FOR IDENTIFIED CERTIFIED STAFF
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the North Mahaska Community School District recognizes that many school districts across the state are experiencing staffing shortages during the 2021-2022 school year due in large part to the pandemic and its residual effects, and that staffing shortages have also impacted the operations of the North Mahaska Community School District; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the North Mahaska Community School District anticipates that said staffing issues will continue into the 2022-23 school year and will make hiring and retention for next year increasingly challenging; and
WHEREAS, the Governor recently acknowledged these staffing issues by authorizing a one-time retention incentive of $1,000 to certain qualifying teachers; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the North Mahaska Community School District believes maintaining adequate staffing levels of all certified positions, and not just teachers, is essential to its educational mission and that when positions go unfilled it is a detriment to all students as well as other personnel; and
WHEREAS, the North Mahaska Community School District believes that, in light of staffing shortages and the coinciding impact upon District operations, it is appropriate to provide a retention incentive to identified certified staff, other than the Superintendent, who have not otherwise been identified to receive the $1,000 retention incentive bonus by the Governor in order to promote retained employment with the District for the 2022-23 school year; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTH MAHASKA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT:
-
The Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent to facilitate a one-time retention incentive payment in the amount of $1,000.00 to identified certified staff, other than the Superintendent, who have not previously been identified as qualifying for the $1,000 Governor bonus.
-
In the event any certified employee receiving such retention incentive hereby authorized by the Board is terminated or resigns from the District prior to June 30, 2022, the employee shall be obligated to return the entire payment to the District in full.
A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to pass the resolution. Motion carried. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of March, 2022.
ATTEST:
Sarah J. McGriff Keith Foster
Board Secretary Board Vice President
APPROVE FY23 LOCAL GOVERNMENT RISK POOL AGREEMENT
A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve continuing the local government risk pool agreement for natural gas for FY23. Motion carried.
REVIEW SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The board reviewed the school improvement advisory committee recommendations and will continue to consider these recommendations in future decision making.
APPROVE G.O. BOND 2022 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE, APPROVING ELECTRONIC BIDDING PROCEDURES, AND APPROVING OFFICIAL STATEMENT
A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to approve the G.O. bond 2022 resolution per Ahlers and Cooney directing the advertisement for sale, approving electronic bidding procedures, and approving the official statement. Motion carried.
APPROVE FFA LAND LAB FUND PROCEEDS TRANSFER TO GENERAL FUND
A motion was made by Morris and seconded by Sampson to approve the transfer of $11,618.51 from the FFA Land Lab to the General Fund. Motion carried.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP
Instead of taking a day of instructional time from kindergarten students for kindergarten round up, it will be included in the GAP program this year.
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Preschool registration is open. Registration packets are available for pick up. Open house for preschool will be held in the fall along with the K-6 open house.
GAP PROGRAM
The GAP Program for incoming kindergarten students will be held May 23-May 26, 8:30- 11:30am and May 31 - June 3, 8:30-11:30am
MAP SCREENING DATA
MAP testing was completed but make-up testing was not completed due to computer issues and delays due to state basketball. However, the majority of students were tested. Mrs. Goemaat shared the final data with the board for winter MAP testing.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - MARCH 15, 2022
Mrs. Livezey shared the PD agenda from March 15.
GRADUATION RATES
Mrs. Livezey shared the graduation and dropout rates for NM as published by the Iowa Department of Education.
OPAA REPORT - FEBRUARY 2022
A written report is being provided to the board by OPAA Nutrition Management on March 22.
APRIL MEETING DATE - APRIL 11, 2022
Mrs. Livezey reminded the board that the April meeting date has been moved to April 11, 2022.
IHCC BOARD APPRECIATION DINNER - APRIL 26, 2022
Mrs. Livezey shared an invitation for the IHCC Board Appreciation Dinner with the board.
APRIL MEETING DATE
The April meeting has been scheduled for April 11, 2022.
COMMENTS
Mrs. Sampson asked about the checklist that OPAA goes through for cleaning the kitchen. Mrs. Livezey will follow up on this.
Mr. Vanderwilt noted that the quote that was received for the automatic gates was higher than expected and Mrs. Livezey responded that we will follow up with other providers.
Mrs. Sampson asked if OPAA still offers cash a la carte items, and Mrs. Livezey confirmed that they do.
THANK YOU
Mike Mitchell for his leadership with boosters
ADJOURN
A motion was made by Vanderwilt and seconded by Morris to adjourn the meeting at 8:10p.m. Motion carried.
Sarah McGriff
Board Secretary
Keith Foster
Vice President
