2022-23 BOARD MINUTES

2022-23 BOARD MINUTES

Click on the links below to view school board meeting minutes for the 2022-23 school year.

lmorine@indeek12.org Wed, 05/25/2022 - 13:13

Board Minutes - 2022.07.18

Board Minutes - 2022.07.18

Independence Community School District Board Meeting

Regular Meeting

July 18, 2022

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Vice Chair Kim Hansen at the Administrative Office, Independence, IA on July 18, 2022.  Members Present: Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble and Brad Bleichner. Eric Smith attended virtually. Charlie McCardle was absent.  Superintendent Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, Reed, Reidy, and Burmeister were present along with a newspaper representative and three teachers. Kleman joined the meeting later. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

   APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Trimble moved to approve the agenda.  Bleichner second, motion carried 4-0.

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Bleichner moved to approve the consent items. Trimble second.  Smith requested Policy 505.6 – Graduation Requirements be removed. Hansen requested June 20th minutes reflect that the replacement costs for the district be corrected to $20,000,000.   Bleichner and Trimble agreed to amend the motion to include those changes. Motion carried 4-0.

        A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting on June 20, 2022.

        B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

          

Second Readings:

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

407.1

Licensed Employee Resignation

2.

407.2*

Licensed Employee Contract Release

3.

407.5*

Licensed Employee Suspension

4.

407.6*

Licensed Employee Reduction in Force

5.

408.1*

Licensed Employee Professional Development

6.

408.2*

Licensed Employee Publication or Creation of Materials

7.

408.3

Licensed Employee Tutoring

8.

409.1*

Employee Vacation – Holidays

9.

409.2*

Employee Leave of Absence

10.

409.3* and 409.3E1

Employee Family and Medical Leave and Employee Family and Medical Leave Notice to Employees

11.

410.1*

Substitute Teachers

12.

410.2*

Shared Licensed Employees

13.

410.3*

Student Teachers – Internships

14.

410.4

Truancy Officer

15.

410.5*

Education Aide

16.

410.6*

Summer School Licensed Employees

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

411.1*

Classified Employee Defined

2.

411.2*

Classified Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection

3.

411.3

Classified Employee Letters of Assignment

4.

411.4*

Classified Employee Licensing/Certification

5.

411.5*

Classified Employee Assignment

6.

411.6*

Classified Employee Transfers

7.

411.7*

Classified Employee Evaluation

8.

411.8*

Classified Employee Probationary Status

9.

412.1*

Classified Employee Compensation

10.

412.2*

Classified Employee Wage and Overtime Compensation

11.

412.3

Classified Employee Group Insurance Benefits

12.

412.4*

Classified Employee Tax Shelter Programs

13.

413.1*

Classified Employee Resignation

14.

413.4*

Classified Employee Suspension

15.

413.5*

Classified Employee Dismissal

16.

413.6*

Classified Employee Reduction in Force

17.

415*

Classified Employee Substitutes

18.

200.4*

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

19.

710.1, 710.1E1 (new), 710.1E2 (new), 710.1R1 (new)

School Nutrition Program, School Nutrition Program Notices of Nondiscrimination, Child Nutrition Programs Civil Rights Complaint Form, and School Nutrition Program Civil Rights Complaint Procedure

20.

402.2*

Child Abuse Reporting

21.

501.15*

Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Sending District

22.

501.16*

Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Receiving District

23.

505.6*

Graduation Requirements

24.

507.2*, 507.2E1*, and 507.2E2

Administration of Medication to Students, Authorization-Asthma Airway Constricting or Respiratory Administration Consent Form and Parental Permission for Administering Medication at School

25.

607.2* and 607.2R1

Student Health Services and Student Health Services Administrative Regulations

26.

804.8*

Stock Prescription Medication Supply

27.

804.9 (new) and 804.9R1 (new)

Radon Mitigation and Radon Mitigation Regulation

28.

901.1*

Public Examination of School District Records

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Melissa Attwood

JSH 5.75 hr Cook/Food Service Worker

07/11/2022

Deborah Hammond

East Elem7.25 hr Special Ed Para

07/12/2022

 

 

D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

 

NAME

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Gina Homan

JSH 1.0 FTE Large Group Speech Director

JSH .5 FTE Large Group Speech Director

$1,213

10/03/2022

 

 

E. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Carla Becker

Central Office 6.0 hr Administrative Assistant

$17.50/hr

07/11/2022

Alicia Conner

PK-12 Extended School Year Special Ed Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/18/2022

Alicia Conner

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/18/2022

Rod Conrad

JSH Head Girls Basketball Coach

$5,336

11/07/2022

Heather Grover

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/18/2022

Holly McGraw

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/18/2022

Joe Schmitz

West Elem Full-Time Substitute Teacher

$36,900                (1-year contract)

08/18/2022

Maddie Timmerman

JSH .5 FTE Large Group Speech Director

$1,051

10/03/2022

Rebecca Wearmouth

Bus Garage 4.25 hr Bus Driver

$18.80/hr

08/23/2022

 

 

 

 

TLC:

 

 

 

Mentor Teachers

 

 

 

Bridget Brown

Mentor Teacher – Elem 5th/6th Grade

$2,000

08/17/2022

Jill Eddy

Mentor Teacher – Elem Special Ed

$2,000

08/17/2022

Ricky Nolan

Mentor Teacher – Elem 3rd/4th Grade

$2,000

08/17/2022

 

 

F. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director Bleichner reviewed the bills – Hansen will review in August

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

A. Comments from the Public – John Klotzbach, representing the First Presbyterian Church as they would like to reinstate their “Help Our Teachers” program.  This program would help provide teachers with small items for their classrooms such as Kleenex, crayons, etc.

 

 

 

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – Board comments: There is a group of volunteers for a reading buddy program. Supt. Reiter has a meeting set up with this group and the elementary admin team. Some citizens have concerns about the playground equipment.  Supt Reiter and Chad O’Brien will work on the concerns and repairs. Board members congratulated the softball team on a great season and also the baseball team for making it to the state tournament and winning the first round against West Delaware.  Many thanks to the volunteers that have helped with weeding flower beds at Mustang Way Park and additional volunteers are always needed.   The board would like an update when the JSH schedule is ready and also finish up the technology work in the board room. Superintendent comments: Supt Reiter congratulated the baseball team on their win as he had attended the game but left early to make the meeting.  The team will play again on Wednesday at 5 pm. There has been progress made on the Mustang Plaza and he would like to thank the Mustang Foundation for their support. Hopefully the plaza will be done before the first home football game. The work on the West gymnasium floor is taking longer than expected but the JSH gym is about ready to be opened back up.  Summer school has started. Supt. Reiter stated that the week of July 25th is dead week and there will be no coach contact with students or practices. This dead week is a statewide policy.  

 

 

 

 

 

C. Presentations

     1.  Building Safety – Supt Reiter acknowledges the issues with school safety around the nation and stated that our first concern is about safety of students and staff.  A detailed Emergency Plan is in place and he is working with area agencies to update the plan. Smith asked that the board be notified of their roles in the emergency plan.  A bill was signed by Governor Reynolds to provide funding for school safety but no details have been received on how the funds can be spent or when they would be available.  

 

 

 

     2.  K-12 Computer Science Plan – Erin Burmeister reported that all districts are required to have a Computer Science Plan by July 1, 2022.  The district’s plan is completed but it will continue to evolve as time goes on.

 

7:45 pm.  JSH Principal Kleman joined the meeting at 7:45 pm as he had attended the state baseball game.

 

 

     3.  Scheduling – JSH Principal Ian Kleman gave an executive summary of the changes to block and skinny classes in the CTE area. There is a need by area businesses to have more trade workers in the local workforce. The entry level CTE classes will be skinnies to allow more students to experience the CTE classes.  This will cost the district some money to provide lockers and other supplies for the classes. The higher level CTE classes will remain as blocks and paired with other block classes for the schedule to work.

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

A. District Director Reports

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report – the board would appreciate seeing the open coaching positions on a quarterly basis.

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

     4.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report – there are spots on the trotter trail that had water over them after the rains.

 

 

     5.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

      A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – many items from the punch list that   Smith/Hansen put together after the walk thru had been completed.  HSR should be in the district the last week of July.

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. Consider Approval of the Construction Change Order – Trimble moved to approve the change order.  Bleichner second, motion carried 4-0.

 

  1. Consider Approval of the 2022-2023 Elementary and JSH Student Handbooks.  Smith moved to approve the June 14th version of the 2022-2023 Elementary and JSH Student Handbooks as searchable PDF documents with the following changes:

In the Elementary Handbook:

1. Description of a Homeless Child Policy 501.7 (page 10) will be updated to match ICSD Policy 501.7 by correctly designating the Director of School Improvement as the local homeless child and youth liaison; and 

2. Section Iowa Code 279.66 (page 17) will be removed and replaced with Board Polity 503.1 Student Conduct to conform to Iowa Code 279.66.

3. Health Services (page 20) will be updated to use gender-neutral terms, replacing "she" with "the nurse".

In the Junior/Senior High Handbook,

1. Bullying and Harassment (Board Policy 106.R1) (page 11-12) will be updated to match ICSD Policy 106.R1 Anti-Bullying Harassment Investigation Procedures in the section for Filing a Complaint

2. Dissemination of Student Information (Board Policy 5062.R1) (page 14) will be corrected to materially match ICSD Policy 506.2R1 Use of Directory Information for parental rights of notification.

3. Acceptable Use Policy Information Technology Resources (Board Policy 605.6) (page 22) will be correctly titled Internet-Appropriate Use per ICSD Policy 605.6.

4. Acceptable Use Policy Information Technology Resources (Board Policy 605.6) (page 23), heading 4 "Respect and practice the principles of community" will be updated to use the term "Student Conduct Policy" in place of "school's code of conduct" to align with the adopted school policy terms.

5. Cafeteria Rules (page 24-25) will be corrected to match ICSD Policy 710.4 Meal Charges for the section "Negative Account Balance" and eliminate the section "Meal Charges''.

6. Throughout the handbook, replace all instances of the compound word "cellphone" with the term "cell phone".

7. Child Custody (page 26) will replace "mom and dad" with "parents" to be inclusive of all family structures.

8. Grading Scale/Reporting (page 31-32) will conclude with "Students are encouraged to review report cards immediately upon receipt to ensure that all courses are reported and the GPA is properly calculated.  Any errors in the student record are to be reported to the Counseling Office for correction."

9. Graduation Credit Requirements will link to the correct 2022-2023 Course Guide that is a published searchable PDF.

10. Graduation Participation (page 32) will delete the National Career Readiness Exam from the list of reasons that the school would decline a student's participation in graduation and to match ICSD policy 505.6 Graduation Requirements.

11. Iowa Code 279.66 (page 35) will be deleted, as Board Polity 503.1 Student Conduct is listed earlier in the handbook, conforming to Iowa Code 279.66.

12. Weapons (page 45) will replace "looka-likes" with "look-alikes."

13. On page 53, delete the four lines "parent(s)/guardians shall be informed ... notified orally, if possible."

 

  1. Bleichner second the motion. Trimble requested that a link to the Standard Referenced Grading reference document be added to the handbook. Motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

  1. Consider Approval of the 2022-2023 Coach-Sponsor Activities Handbook. Smith moved to approve the July 12th version of the 2022-2023 Coach-Sponsor Activities Handbooks as a searchable PDF document with the changes: 1. Dissemination of Student Information. (Board Policy 5062.R1) (page 13) will be corrected to materially match ICSD Policy 506.2R1 Use of Directory Information for parental rights of notification.  2. The section “Activities Awards (High School only)” from the 2022-2023 Junior/High Handbook be included.  Bleichner second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

  1.  Consider Approval of the Tri-County Child and Family Development Council, Inc. 2022-2023 Contracted Services Agreement. Trimble moved to approve the Tri-County Child and Family Development Council, Inc. 2022-2023 Contracted Services Agreement. Bleichner second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

  1.  Consider Approval of the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) Resolution of Election.  Trimble moved to approve the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) Resolution of Election.  Bleichner second motion. After board discussions, roll call vote:  Smith – nay, Trimble – aye, Bleichner – aye, Hansen – aye. The resolution passed carried 3-1.

 

 

 

  1. Consider Chartering and Designating Members to the ICSD Board of Education Task Force to Address Grade Inflation.  Smith moved to approve Chartering and Designating Members to the ICSD Board of Education Task Force to Address Grade Inflation.  Trimble second.  Trimble felt the time line was too aggressive.  Task Force members will be designated by the August meeting.  Motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

  1.  IASB Legislative Priorities – Board discussed the 2022 Legislative Priorities. Smith moved to approve the following IASB Legislative Proprieties for the district:  Mental Health, Supplemental State Aid, Local Accountability and Decision Making and Teacher Recruitment and Licensure.  Trimble second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – Bleichner moved to adjourn the meeting.  Trimble second, motion carried 4-0 and the meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.

 

_____________________________                 _________________________

Kim Hansen, Vice Chairman                             Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Wed, 05/25/2022 - 13:16

Board Minutes - 2022.08.15

Board Minutes - 2022.08.15

Independence Community School District Board Meeting

Regular Meeting

August 15, 2022

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chair Eric Smith at the Administrative Office, Independence, IA on August 15, 2022.  Members Present: Eric Smith, Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Charlie McCardle and Brad Bleichner.  Superintendent Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, Admin/Directors: Reed, Reidy, Burmeister, Wendel and Chesmore were present along with other guests and presenters. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Bleichner moved to approve the agenda.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Hansen moved to approve items A, B, C, D and F with amendments to the July 18th minutes to include the full motion to the JSH Handbook changes.   Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.  McCardle moved to approve item E – New Hires.  Trimble second.  Motion carried 4-0, with Hansen abstaining.

A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting on July 18, 2022.

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

Second Readings:

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

411.1*

Classified Employee Defined

2.

411.2*

Classified Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection

3.

411.3

Classified Employee Letters of Assignment

4.

411.4*

Classified Employee Licensing/Certification

5.

411.5*

Classified Employee Assignment

6.

411.6*

Classified Employee Transfers

7.

411.7*

Classified Employee Evaluation

8.

411.8*

Classified Employee Probationary Status

9.

412.1*

Classified Employee Compensation

10.

412.2*

Classified Employee Wage and Overtime Compensation

11.

412.3

Classified Employee Group Insurance Benefits

12.

412.4*

Classified Employee Tax Shelter Programs

13.

413.1*

Classified Employee Resignation

14.

413.4*

Classified Employee Suspension

15.

413.5*

Classified Employee Dismissal

16.

413.6*

Classified Employee Reduction in Force

17.

415*

Classified Employee Substitutes

18.

200.4*

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

19.

710.1, 710.1E1 (new), 710.1E2 (new), 710.1R1 (new)

School Nutrition Program, School Nutrition Program Notices of Nondiscrimination, Child Nutrition Programs Civil Rights Complaint Form, and School Nutrition Program Civil Rights Complaint Procedure

20.

402.2*

Child Abuse Reporting

21.

501.15*

Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Sending District

22.

501.16*

Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Receiving District

23.

507.2*, 507.2E1*, and 507.2E2

Administration of Medication to Students, Authorization-Asthma Airway Constricting or Respiratory Administration Consent Form and Parental Permission for Administering Medication at School

24.

607.2* and 607.2R1

Student Health Services and Student Health Services Administrative Regulations

25.

804.8*

Stock Prescription Medication Supply

26.

804.9 (new) and 804.9R1 (new)

Radon Mitigation and Radon Mitigation Regulation

27.

901.1*

Public Examination of School District Records

 

 

 

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

501.17*

Homeless Children and Youth

2.

505.6*

Graduation Requirements

3.

607.1*

Student Guidance and Counseling Program

 

 

 

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Alyssa Hawkins Holt

JSH Assistant Volleyball Coach

08/05/2022

Josh Weber

JSH Assistant Wrestling Coach

08/05/2022

 

 

 

D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

 

NAME

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Kristi Price

East Elem 7.0 hr Special Ed Para

East Elem 7.0 hr Behavior Interventionist Para

$13.90/hr

08/23/2022

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Jon Carey

JSH Co Head Girls Wrestling Coach

$2,668

10/18/2022

Jon Carey

JSH Co Assistant Girls Wrestling Coach

$1,940

10/18/2022

Kenzie Fischels

JSH Co Head Girls Wrestling Coach

$2,075

10/18/2022

Kenzie Fischels

JSH Co Assistant Girls Wrestling Coach

$1,509

10/18/2022

Greg Gates

JSH Assistant Volleyball Coach

$3,234

08/08/2022

Kim Hansen

JSH Assistant Musical Director

$1,820

01/04/2023

Courtney Hopkins

East Elem 7.0 hr JK Paraprofessional

$13.90/hr

08/23/2022

Lori Rehmert

JSH Assistant Musical Director

$1,820

01/04/2023

 

 

 

 

TLC:

 

 

 

Mentor Teachers

 

 

 

Jennifer Beatty

Mentor Teacher – Elem K & 2nd Grade

$2,000

08/17/2022

Jessica Decker

Mentor Teacher – Elem K & 2nd Grade

$2,000

08/17/2022

Amy Gustafson

Mentor Teacher – JSH Soc St, Math, Sci & Eng/LA

$2,000

08/17/2022

Tia Shaffer

Mentor Teacher – JSH PE, FCS & Special Ed

$2,000

08/17/2022

 

 

 

 

 

F. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director Hansen reviewed the bills – McCardle will review in September

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

A. Comments from the Public – Head Baseball Coach Matt Miller and a couple of the senior ball players presented the trophies to the board from the State Baseball Tournament. Congratulation to the players and coaches for a tremendous season.

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – Board complemented the Boy’s baseball team on a successful season.  Smith had attended the St John’s School Board meeting and attended the Buchanan County Resource Enhancement and Protection Committee meeting hosted by the Buchanan County Conservation Board. Supt Reiter thanked all the companies and organizations that are involved in the Plaza project as it is moving along very nicely. The goal is to have it done by the first home football game.  The new staff orientation is on Wednesday, August 17th, all staff meets on Thursday, August 18th.   Supt Reiter and AD Putz will be attending the WaMaC mediation meeting regarding the placement of Waverly-Shell Rock into an athletic conference.  First day of school is August 23rd . Documentation was handed out to the board members to follow up on some action items from previous board meetings.   

 

 

 

 

 

C. Presentations

 

     1.  Volunteer Reading Program – Jake Bass and Lauren Fink presented on a Volunteer Reading Program through AmeriCorps.

 

     2.  Volunteer/Mentor Program Update – Val Maximovich gave an overview from last year and looking forward to starting the year with the mentors and volunteers..

 

 

     3.  Review Board Goal #4:  Continue in Growing an Exemplary Activities Department – Supt Reiter reviewed statistics on the Activities Department from last year.  The district had a lot of success with all the activities last year. The goal needs some wordsmith to the statement about increasing the number of quality offerings to increasing the student participation in quality offerings.  After some board discussion they feel that the district should encourage hiring coaches that work in the district. Smith indicated the following schedule to review goals:  October – Goal #1- Obtain and Sustain Academic Excellence, January – Goal #3 -Responsibly Manage Fiscal Resources and March – Goal #2 – Strengthen and Improve District Communication.

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

     3.  West Elementary and East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principals

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report – The Cross-Country races will be held back at MHI this year.

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report – Board discussed being involved in the emergency management exercises with the staff and maybe even have a work session for a table top exercise on emergency management.

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report -Director Chesmore is working on setting up ELDT training in house and will reach out to other districts to invite them to the training.

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – Supt Reiter discussed a carpet issue at West and hopefully Larson Construction, HSR and the carpet company can work out a resolution to the issue of the carpet not adhering properly.  Supt. Reiter will call HSR to come finalize the project with just the carpet issue outstanding.

 

 

 

B. Review Grade Inflation Task Force – Kleman, Burmeister, Trimble and Smith will be on the Task Force.

 

 

 

C. Review JSH Scheduling - Supt Reiter and Erin Burmeister talked about the scheduling of skinny and blocks for the CTE area classes.  It is hard for the 9th and 10th graders to have block classes with their other required classes.  Kleman and Burmeister will continue to look at scheduling improvements for next year.  

D.  Playground Repairs – Supt Reiter reported that the slides had been fixed and usable. The West playground is still waiting on parts to make the seats stationary rather than wiggly.  Also discussed cameras for the playground, but waiting for the Plaza to be completed to see what the cameras from that area will cover.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A. Consider Approval of the 2022-2023 Propane Agreement with Consolidated Energy Co. -McCardle moved to approve the 2022-2023 Propane Agreement with Consolidated Energy Co for 22,500 gallons.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

B. Consider Approval of the Agreement for Wellness Programming between Independence Community Schools and Buchanan County Health Center through July 31, 2023 – Bleichner moved to approve the Agreement for Wellness Programming between Independence Community Schools and Buchanan County Health Center through July 31, 2023.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

C. Consider Approval of the Agreement for Sports Injury Coverage between Independence Community Schools and Buchanan County Health Center through July 31, 2023 – Hansen moved to approve the Agreement for Sports Injury Coverage between Independence Community Schools and Buchanan County Health Center through July 31, 2023.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

D. Consider Approval of the 2022-2023 Buchanan County Success Center Handbook – Hansen moved to approve the 2022-2023 Buchanan County Success Center Handbook.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

E. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – September 2022 Laura Morine, Director of Finance/Board Secretary to Attend ASBO International Conference in Portland, Oregon – Trimble moved to approve the Travel Request Form – September 2022 Laura Morine, Director of Finance/Board Secretary to Attend ASBO International Conference in Portland, Oregon.  Hansen second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

F. Discuss IASB Bylaws Amendment – Board discussed the IASB Bylaw Amendment and agree with the changes to the bylaws.  Smith is the delegate for this vote.

 

 

Board recessed from 7:53 pm to 8:02 pm

 

 

G. Closed Session

 

We need a motion to recess to a closed session as provided in Section 21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code;              To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.

Hansen moved to go into a closed session, Trimble second.   Roll call vote:   Smith -aye, Trimble – aye, Bleichner – aye, Hansen – aye, McCardle – aye.  Moved into close session at 8:02 pm. 

 

No official action was taken during closed session and the session ended at 8:32 pm.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT - McCardle moved to adjourn the meeting.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm.

 

 

 

 

__________________________________         _________________________________

Eric B. Smith, Chair                                             Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary                                  

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 08/16/2022 - 09:40

Board Minutes - 2022.09.19

Board Minutes - 2022.09.19

Independence Community School District Board Meeting

Regular Meeting

September 19, 2022

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Chair Eric Smith at the Administrative Office, Independence, IA on September 19, 2022.  Members Present: Eric Smith, Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Charlie McCardle and Brad Bleichner.  Superintendent Reiter, Admin/Directors: Kleman, Hupke, Putz, Reed, Reidy, Burmeister, Wendel, Obrien, and Chesmore were present along with other guests and presenters. Board Secretary Morine was absent.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Hansen moved to approve the agenda. McCardle second, motion

carried 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Bleichner moved to approve the consent items.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

  1. Approval of the minutes of the work session on August 8, 2022 and the regular meeting on

August 15, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

 

 

Second Readings:

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

501.17*

Homeless Children and Youth

2.

505.6*

Graduation Requirements

3.

607.1*

Student Guidance and Counseling Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

100*

Legal Status of the School District

2.

101*

Educational Philosophy of the School District

3.

102*

School District Instructional Organization

4.

103, 103.E1, 103.E2, 103.E3, 103.E4, 103.E5, 103.E6, and 103.R1*

Equal Educational Opportunity, Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination, Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination, Section 504 Student and Parental Rights, Discrimination Complaint Form, Witness Disclosure Form, Disposition of Complaint Form, and Grievance Procedure

5.

104*

The People and Their School District

6.

104.1*

Independence Community Schools Operating Principles for the Administration and Staff

7.

104.2

Independence Community Schools Operating Principles for the Board of Education

8.

105*and 105.R1

Long-Range Needs Assessment and Long-Range Needs Assessment Regulation

9.

106*, 106.E1, 106.E2, 106.E3, and 106.R1*

Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Policy, Complaint Form (Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, and Anti-Harassment), Witness Disclosure Form, Disposition of Complaint Form, and Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures

10.

107

Assistance Animals

11.

108*

Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Melissa Becker

JSH 5.75 hr Cook/Food Service Worker

08/18/2022

Allissa Clauson

JH Girls Basketball Coach

09/13/2022

Kenzie Fischels

JH Girls Track Coach

08/18/2022

Eryca Hingtgen-Bass

JSH Assist Girls Basketball Coach

08/22/2022

Karen Sherrets

East Elem 2.5 hr Dishwasher/Food Service Worker

08/23/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

 

 

NAME

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Rachel Main

JSH 7.0 hr Sp Ed Para

ECC 7.0 hr Sp Ed Para

$13.85/hr

08/23/2022

Jennifer Stull

JSH 7.0 hr Sp Ed Para

West Elem 7.0 hr Sp Ed Para

$13.55/hr

08/23/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Jeremy Carter

East Elem 2.5 hr Dishwasher/Food Service Worker

$13.15/hr

09/06/2022

Michelle Culp

West Elem 7.25 hr Special Ed Para

$14.35/hr

09/26/2022

Hugh DeBerg

JH Boys Basketball Coach

$2,426

11/14/2022

Kara Hoyle

West Elem 7.25 hr Special Ed Para

$13.20/hr

08/23/2022

Rachel Main

ECC .5 hr Crosswalk Para (P.M.)

$13.85/hr

08/25/2022

Megan Rawlins

JH Volleyball Coach

$2,426

08/29/2022

Ann Schnepf

JSH 5.75 hr Cook/Food Service Worker

$13.15/hr

09/12/2022

Shaunna Shepherd

JSH 5.75 hr Cook/Food Service Worker

$15.10/hr

09/06/2022

Pat Szobonya

West Elem 5.5 hr Special Ed Para

$13.20/hr

08/23/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director McCardle reviewed the bills – Smith will review in October

 

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

 

A. Comments from the Public - None

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – McCardle shared how much fun he has had while taking pictures during Homecoming activities.  Smith shared the results of the IASB Special Delegate Assembly was 94% support to change the association’s bylaws to allow membership with any national school board association.  Supt Reiter stated the start of the school year went well. Supt Reiter continues to work in partnership with the city and county on childcare issues.   We are really going to push teacher retention and recruiting during the upcoming legislative session along with increased SSA rate. After the Certified Annual Report (CAR) was filed our General Fund continues to be healthy.  ESSER funds have helped that healthy balance. Best of Luck with the upcoming Homecoming week.

 

 

 

The board meeting recessed at 6:10 pm to address technology issues. The meeting resumed at 6:13 pm.

 

 

 

C. Presentations

 

 

     1.  High School Baseball Outfield – Matt Miller reviewed the updates to the facilities over the last few years and the ongoing issue with drainage in the outfield. Brian Eddy presented options to resolve the drainage in the outfield. Their recommendation is to install turf and have it funded 100% by private donations.  Asking for the board’s approval to proceed before they continue to solicit donations and the project wouldn’t start until it was fully funded.

 

 

     2.  District’s Professional Learning – Erin Burmeister gave an update on the District’s Professional Learning plan that was submitted to the State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

 

 

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – Supt. Reiter said the outstanding issues are: Fire rated doors have arrived and will be installed on Friday. Still working on the carpet adhesion issue.  Smith brought up the water drainage from the West Elementary roof.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Review Grade Inflation Task Force – Smith gave an overview of the data that was available from Powerschool from 2016 to 2022. This task force will continue to meet.

 

 

 

 

 

C. Grading Coalition Update – Burmeister thanked Principal Kleman for his active participation. The communication has been updated and letters out to parents. The Coalition decided to continue with the 4-point scale with the 0.5 increments for this school year.  The “4” needs to be defined in the proficiency scale and provide opportunities to the students to obtain the “4”.   The Coalition also feels like there needs to be more training of staff. The conversion will continue to a letter grade.

 

 

 

 

 

D. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – Supt Reiter provided the list of committee members and looking for a meeting date to talk about setting goals for the district. Hansen moved to appoint Trimble to the board.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.  

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

A. Consider Approval to Convert the Baseball Outfield to Turf with 100% Donated Funds – Hansen moved to approve to Convert the Baseball Outfield to Turf with 100% Donated Funds and Labor.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Consider Approval of Softball Upgrades with 100% Donated Funds and Volunteer Support – McCardle moved approve of Softball Upgrades with 100% Donated Funds and Volunteer Support.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0. 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – November 2022 – Michael Doyle to Fort Worth, TX – McCardle moved to approve the Travel Request Form – November 2022 – Michael Doyle to Fort Worth, TX.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

D. Consider Approval of the Charter Bus Contact for Charter No. 122309 with Tri-State Travel for the High School Marching Band for October 8-9, 2022.   Hansen moved to approve the Charter Bus Contact for Charter No. 122309, in the amount of $5090, with Tri-State Travel for the High School Marching Band for October 8-9, 2022.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

E. Consider Approval of the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with East Buchanan Schools for Robotics for the 2022-2023 School Year – Hansen moved to approve the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with East Buchanan Schools for Robotics for the 2022-2023 School Year.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

F. Consider Approval of the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, and Boys Bowling for 2022-2023.  Hansen moved to approval of the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, and Boys Bowling for 2022-2023.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

G. Consider Approval of the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with Jesup Community School District for Girls Bowling, Girls Wrestling, Boys Soccer, and Girls Soccer for 2022-2023 – Hansen moved the approval of the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with Jesup Community School District for Girls Bowling, Girls Wrestling, Boys Soccer, and Girls Soccer for 2022-2023. Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

H. Consider Approval of the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) Membership for 2022-2023.  McCardle moved to approve the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) Membership for 2022-2023.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

I. Consider Approval of the Allowable Growth for Negative Special Education Balance – Hansen moved to approve the Allowable Growth for Negative Special Education Balance in the amount of $23,722.65.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Discussion of the September 13th PPEL Referendum Vote – The September 13th PPEL Vote lacked 17 votes to pass.  Supt. Reiter outlined options on how to move forward. March 7th is the next available vote before the PPEL Referendum expires.  Supt Reiter believes that even though we asked to increase the PPEL levy by $0.27 that the overall tax rate would not increase. The Board will have a work session the first part of October to explore the PPEL vote and capital needs.    

 

 

 

 

K. Closed Session

 

 

 

We need a motion to recess to a closed session as provided in Section 21.5(1)(k) of the Iowa Code; To discuss information contained in records in the custody of a governmental body that are confidential records pursuant to section 22.7, subsection 50.

McCardle moved to move into closed session. Bleichner second.  Roll call vote:   Smith-aye, Trimble-aye, Bleichner-aye, Hansen-aye, McCardle-aye.  The board recessed at 8:08 pm.  The meeting resumed at 8:15 pm.

 

Moved into closed session at 8:15 pm.  No official action was taken during the closed session and the session ended at 8:55 pm.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – Hansen moved to adjourn the meeting.   McCardle second, motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:56 pm.

 

______________________________                     _________________________

 

 

  

 Eric M. Smith, Chair                                              Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

                                                                                     Minutes created by listening to Facebook

                                                                                     Live as Mrs.Morine was absent from meeting.

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 08/16/2022 - 09:54

Board Minutes - 2022.10.12 PPEL Work Session

Board Minutes - 2022.10.12 PPEL Work Session

Independence Community School District Board Meeting

Work Session Meeting

October 12, 2022

A work session was called to order at 6:45 pm by Chair Eric Smith at the Administrative Office, Independence, IA on October 12, 2022.  Members Present: Eric Smith, Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Charlie McCardle, Brad Bleichner and Superintendent Reiter.

Superintendent Reiter shared with the board:

  • Information on the benefits of a Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL)
  • Long-term facility and grounds projects that would be financed with PPEL and SAVE revenues.

The board discussed the timing of a PPEL vote in 2023.

Work session concluded at 8:35 pm.

 

____________________________________________

Eric B. Smith, Chairman

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:24

Board Minutes - 2022.10.17

Board Minutes - 2022.10.17

 

Independence Community School District Board Meeting

Regular Meeting

October 17, 2022

 

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:07 pm by Chair Eric Smith at the Administrative Office, Independence, IA on October 17, 2022.  Members Present: Eric Smith, Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Charlie McCardle and Brad Bleichner.  Board Secretary Morine, Admin/Directors: Kleman, Hupke, Reidy, Burmeister, Wendel, and Chesmore were present along with other guests and presenters.  Supt Reiter was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Bleichner moved to approve the agenda with the following changes:

3.D - Strike new hire Randy Turner, JSH Asst Baseball Coach as his work commitments had changed and 7.E – Strike Consider Approval of Appointing Kim Hansen to the Independence Community Visioning Committee.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0 with the changes.

 

 

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – McCardle moved to approve the consent items. Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting on September 19, 2022.

 

 

 

 

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

 

Second Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

100*

Legal Status of the School District

2.

101*

Educational Philosophy of the School District

3.

102*

School District Instructional Organization

4.

103, 103.E1, 103.E2, 103.E3, 103.E4, 103.E5, 103.E6, and 103.R1*

Equal Educational Opportunity, Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination, Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination, Section 504 Student and Parental Rights, Discrimination Complaint Form, Witness Disclosure Form, Disposition of Complaint Form, and Grievance Procedure

5.

104*

The People and Their School District

6.

104.1*

Independence Community Schools Operating Principles for the Administration and Staff

7.

104.2

Independence Community Schools Operating Principles for the Board of Education

8.

105*and 105.R1

Long-Range Needs Assessment and Long-Range Needs Assessment Regulation

9.

106*, 106.E1, 106.E2, 106.E3, and 106.R1*

Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Policy, Complaint Form (Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, and Anti-Harassment), Witness Disclosure Form, Disposition of Complaint Form, and Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures

10.

107

Assistance Animals

11.

108*

Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

401.20*

Employee Expression

2.

408.1*

Licensed Employee Professional Development

3.

802.4*, 802.4R1, and 802.4R2

Capital Assets, Capital Assets Regulation, and Capital Assets Management System Definitions

4.

600*

Goals and Objectives of the Education Program

5.

601.1*

School Calendar

6.

601.2*

School Day

7.

602.2*

Curriculum Implementation

8.

602.3*

Curriculum Evaluation

9.

602.4*

Pilot – Experimental – Innovative Projects

10.

603.2*

Special Education

11.

603.3*

Multicultural, and Gender Fair/Non-sexist Education

 

 

 

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Brad Arnold

JSH Assistant Boys Basketball Coach

09/28/2022

Carla Becker

Central Office 6.0 hr Administrative Assistant

09/26/2022

Austin Czerwiec

JSH Assistant Baseball Coach

09/19/2022

Scott Kleve

JSH JH .5 FTE Softball Coach

09/21/2022

Cole Trimble

JSH JH .5 FTE Softball Coach

09/20/2022

 

 

 

 

 

D. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Cliff Baldwin

JSH Assistant Boys Basketball Coach

$2,803

11/14/2022

Greg Gates

JSH JH Girls Basketball Coach

$2,426

11/07/2022

Mark Geertsma         

JSH Assistant Girls Basketball Coach

$3,881

11/07/2022

Todd Reed

JSH JH Softball Coach

$1,752

05/01/2023

Joe Schmitz

JSH JH Girls Basketball Coach

$2,426

11/07/2022

Allison Sorg

JSH JH Girls Basketball Coach

$1,684

11/07/2022

Randy Turner

JSH Assistant Baseball Coach

$3,450

05/01/2023

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director Smith reviewed the bills – Trimble will review in November

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

A. Comments from the Public – n/a

 

 

 

 

B. Comments from the Board – Bleichner indicated that the City of Independence received a grant to look at enhancing the 1st Street West Corridor. The board congratulated the football team on being District Champions, volleyball and marching band are having a successful season. Thanks to all that helped with regular cross country meet and the WAMAC conference cross country meet at MHI along with the MHI staff.  Hansen requested information to be shared with the board regarding the school district’s working relationship with Four Oaks. Smith voiced concerns with images on social media accounts associated with the school district.  Hansen, Smith, Trimble and Supt Reiter have met the requirements for Iowa School Board Association Better Boardsmanship recognition as board development is one of the board’s goals.  Smith, Hansen and Trimble plan on attending the Iowa School Board Convention in November.

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

 

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – On September 30th there was a walk thru of the East/West construction projects. There will be a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the carpet issue. 

 

 

 

B. Grading Coalition Update - Burmeister gave an update on the coalition. Teachers had been prepped prior to parent teacher conferences with talking points and they have been supporting new teachers. Principal Kleman will be working with the Sr. High staff on standard based learning. 

 

 

 

C. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee -Trimble reported it was her first meeting on the committee and they reviewed the history and goals of the committee. The student representatives are adding value to the committee.  A QR code was developed to aid students in reporting incidents.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A. Consider Approval of Contract with Music Theatre International (MTI) for the Spring 2023 Musical - Trimble moved to approve the Contract with Music Theatre International (MTI) for the Spring 2023 Musical. McCardle second, motion carried 4-0. Hansen abstained as she is an Asst. Director of the musical.  Amanda Fisher announced that the 2023 Musical would be Annie and presented a preliminary budget.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Consider Approval of the Quotation from Rick Frendt Theatrical Projections & Design for the Spring 2023 Musical – Trimble moved to approve the Quote from Rick Frendt Theatrical Projections & Design for the Spring 2023 Musical. Bleichner second, motion carried 4-0. Hansen abstained.

 

 

 

 

 

C. Consider Approval of the Operating Agreement between St. John School and Independence Community School District through June 30, 2023 – Trimble moved to approve the Operating Agreement between St. John School and Independence Community School District through June 30, 2023. Hansen second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

D. Consider Approval of the Fixed Asset Inventory Rescan Services Proposal from Asset Services – Hansen moved to approve the Fixed Asset Inventory Rescan Services Proposal from Asset Services. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0. 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Consider Approval of Appointing Kim Hansen to the Independence Community Visioning Committee    Item was stuck since Hansen is a part of the committee as a community member and not a school board representative.

 

 

 

 

 

F. Consider Approval to share the HR Director with the Jesup Community School District (20%) and the Union Community School District (20%) – McCardle moved to approve the Sharing of the HR Director with the Jesup Community School District (20%) and the Union Community School District (20%). Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

G. Approve Canvas of Votes from the September 13, 2022 Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) Vote – Hansen moved to Approve Canvas of Votes from the September 13, 2012 Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) Vote.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.  Board discussed the Voted PPEL and it was the board’s consensus to prepare for the next vote opportunity on March 7, 2023.  

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – Bleichner moved to adjourn the meeting.   McCardle second, motion carried

5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:21pm.

 

 

 

__________________________________         _________________________________

Eric B. Smith, Chairperson                                  Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:23

Board Minutes - 2022.11.21

Board Minutes - 2022.11.21

                                                                         Independence Community School Board Meeting

Regular Meeting

November 21, 2022

The regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Eric Smith at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on November 21, 2022.    Board members present:  Eric Smith, Kim Hansen, Brad Bleichner and Gina Trimble.  Charlie McCardle attended via Zoom. Also attending:  Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, administrators, directors, and guests. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  

                                                                                  

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Bleichner moved to approve the agenda with the addition of adding the SBRC Request for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Instruction Beyond 5 Years to item P.  Hansen second, motion carried 5-0.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Bleichner moved to approve the consent items but strike Policy 603.1 – Basic Instruction Program from First Readings and correct the spelling on a coach’s name. Hansen second, motion carried 5-0. 

 

A. Approval of the minutes of the work session on October 12, 2022 and the regular meeting on October 17, 2022.

 

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

 

Second Readings:

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

401.20*

Employee Expression

2.

408.1*

Licensed Employee Professional Development

3.

802.4*, 802.4R1, and 802.4R2

Capital Assets, Capital Assets Regulation, and Capital Assets Management System Definitions

4.

600*

Goals and Objectives of the Education Program

5.

601.1*

School Calendar

6.

601.2*

School Day

7.

602.2*

Curriculum Implementation

8.

602.3*

Curriculum Evaluation

9.

602.4*

Pilot – Experimental – Innovative Projects

10.

603.2*

Special Education

11.

603.3*

Multicultural, and Gender Fair/Non-sexist Education

 

 

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

 

1.

602.1* and 602.1R1

Curriculum Development and Curriculum Development Regulation

 

2.

603.1*

Basic Instruction Program  STRIKE

 

3.

603.4* and 603.4E1

Health Education and Human Growth and Development Student Excuse From

 

4.

603.5*

Physical Education

 

5.

603.6*

Career Education

 

6.

603.7* and 603.7R1

Teaching About Religion and Teaching About Religion Regulation – Religious Holidays

 

7.

603.8* and 603.8R1

Academic Freedom and Teaching Controversial Issues

 

         

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME- Continuation

8.

603.9*

Global Education

9.

603.10*

Citizenship

10.

603.11*

Summer School Instruction

11.

604.1*

Private Instruction

12.

604.2*

Individualized Instruction

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Jeremy Carter

East Elem 2.5 hr Dishwasher/FS Worker

11/07/2022

Jessica Conklin

JSH Assistant Volleyball Coach

11/15/2022

 

 

D. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Chad Johnson

JSH Head Boys Soccer Coach

$3,369

03/01/2023

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of Financial Reports

 

     1.  Bills – Director Trimble reviewed the bills

     2.  Budget Report

 

     3.  Financial Settlement Statement as of June 30, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

 

A. Comments from the Public – none

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – Director of Finance Morine clarified that buses can be purchase from the SAVE Capital account since it is in the district’s revenue purpose statement.  Board members congratulated the fall sports teams and those individual athletes that had been recognized by the conference. The Fall Play was a success and great fall concerts. Hansen, Smith, Trimble and Supt Reiter all attended the Iowa School Board Convention and thought the sessions were very beneficial.  Hansen, Smith, Trimble and Supt Reiter received individual awards for their professional development achievements. The Independence Community School Board also received a team award since the majority of their board had received the individual awards. Supt Reiter thanked the board members for attending the convention.  The district will be hosting the Independence City Council, Buchanan County Supervisors and two representatives from the school board for their annual meeting. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee will be meeting on November 30th at 5 pm.  Supt Reiter is looking to bring back the District-wide Assembly to recognize students, hopefully a date can be found in December.

 

 

 

 

 

C. Presentations

 

 

     1.  Board Goal #1 Obtain and Sustain Academic Excellence – Burmeister, Kleman and Supt Reiter presented.

 

 

     2.  Annual Progress Report (APR)/Iowa Student Performance Profile – Presentation by Burmeister

 

 

     3.  Four Oaks – Presentation by Ian Kleman and Erin Burmeister – the students in the Four Oaks Qualified Treatment program are classified as foster children per the State of Iowa and it is our responsibility to provide them with an education just like any resident student.  

 

 

     4.  School of the Wild – Presentation by 6th Grade teachers: Amanda Whitaker, Dana Mikel, Jillian Schares, Nicholas Holt, along with Sondra Cabell and Michael Maas from the Buchanan County Conservation.  The 6th grade students spent a week at county parks leaning will all the curriculum areas being covered. 

 

 

     5.  Elementary Playground – Superintendent Reiter indicated that new swings and a new slide for the playground have been ordered.

 

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

 

 

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – new carpet will be laid in the West vocal room over Christmas break to see if the problem was the glue.  The updated to-do list should hopefully be sent before Thanksgiving to the board.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Grading Coalition Update – JSH Principal Kleman and some teachers will be attending a grading conference.

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – Hansen moved to adjourn the regular meeting. Bleichner second, meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.   The board took a 5-minute break before the organizational meeting.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________                  __________________________________

Eric Smith, President                                                                     Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

 

                                Independence Community School Board Meeting

Organizational Meeting

November 21, 2022

 

 

An organizational meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 8:15 pm by Board Secretary Laura Morine at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on November 21, 2022.    Board members present:  Eric Smith, Kim Hansen, Brad Bleichner, and Gina Trimble.  Charlie McCardle attended via ZOOM. Also attending: Supt. Reiter, administrators, directors, and guests.

 

A. Election of a President of the Board - Smith nominated Kim Hansen for President, Trimble second. There were no other nominations. 

 

 

Board Member               Vote

Gina Trimble                    Kim Hansen

Brad Bleichner                 Kim Hansen

Kim Hansen                     Gina Trimble

Charlie McCardle             Kim Hansen

Eric Smith                        Kim Hansen

 

Kim Hansen was elected Board President.  Board Secretary Morine administered the oath of office to President Hansen.  Board Secretary Morine relinquished the meeting to President Hansen.

 

 

 

 

B. Election of a Vice President of the Board – Bleichner nominated Gina Trimble Vice President, McCardle second. There were no other nominations.

 

 

Board Member               Vote

Gina Trimble                    Eric Smith

Brad Bleichner                 Gina Trimble

Kim Hansen                     Gina Trimble

Charlie McCardle             Gina Trimble

Eric Smith                        GinaTrimble

 

Gina Trimble was elected Board Vice President and Board Secretary Morine administered the oath of office to Vice President Trimble. 

 

 

 

 

C. Set Regular Board Meeting Dates, Time and Location for 2022-2023

 

 

Presently, the Board meets on the third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Administration Office Boardroom for regular meetings.  Smith moved to approve the Board Meeting Dates, Times and Locations for 2022-2023 with adjustments to January and April.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

2022-2023 Proposed School Board Meetings: 

December 19, 2022

January 17, 2023 (Tuesday)

February 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

April 12, 2023 (Wednesday)

May 15, 2023

June 19, 2023

July 17, 2023

August 21, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 16, 2023

November 20, 2023

 

 

 

 

D. Roll Call Vote Order for 2022-2023 – Trimble moved to approve the Roll Call vote order.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

Dec/Jan/Feb

Bleichner, Hansen, McCardle, Smith, Trimble

 

 

Mar/Apr

Hansen, McCardle, Smith, Trimble, Bleichner

 

 

May/June

McCardle, Smith, Trimble, Bleichner, Hansen

 

 

July/Aug/Sept

Smith, Trimble, Bleichner, Hansen, McCardle

 

 

Oct/Nov

Trimble, Bleichner, Hansen, McCardle, Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Discussion of Committee Assignments for 2022-2023 – Board discussed the committees and assignments.

 

 

 

 

F. Consider Approval of Committee Assignments for 2022-2023 – Smith moved to approve the Committee Assignments as listed below.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

Committee

 

 1. IASB – Delegate Assembly (represents ICSD 

      at the IASB Delegate Assembly) (President)

 

2.  Mustang Foundation Board of Directors

 

 3.  Calendar Committee                   

 

 4.  School Improvement Advisory Committee -        SIAC

 

 5.  Mentor/Volunteer Advisory Board

 

 6.  Career and Technical Advisory Committee  

 

 7.  Indee Agriculture Education

 

 8.  Traffic Flow Committee

 

 

 9. Auditorium Committee

 

 

10. Buchanan County Conference Board

 

11.  Negotiations Committee

       (Board President & Vice President)

 

12. Benefits Advisory Board

 

Current Member

 

 Smith

 

 

Hansen/McCardle

 

Smith

 

Hansen

 

 

Bleichner 

 

Bleichner

 

McCardle

 

Trimble

 

 

Bleichner/Hansen

 

 

Trimble

 

Smith/Hansen

 

 

Trimble

New Member

  

 Hansen

 

 

 Smith/McCardle

 

  Trimble

 

  Smith

 

 

  Bleichner

 

 McCardle

 

 Bleichner

 

 Rolled into Bldgs & Grounds Committee

 

 Rolled into Bldgs & Grounds Committee

 

 McCardle

 

 Hansen/Trimble

 

 Bleichner

 

 

 

13.  City Council Liaisons

 

 

 

Brandon/Rowley-

Smith

Independence (2) –

Bleichner/McCardle

 

Brandon/Rowley-Smith

Independence (2) –

Bleichner/McCardle

14.  Review Board Meeting Bills

Dec/May/Oct-Smith

Jan/Jun/Nov-Trimble

Feb/July-Bleichner

Mar/Aug-Hansen

Apr/Sept-McCardle

 

Dec/May-Smith

Jan/Jun-Trimble

Feb/Jul/Oct-Bleichner

Mar/Aug-Hansen

Apr/Sept/Nov-McCardle

 

15.  PPEL Levy Committee (2)

 

Smith/Trimble

Trimble/McCardle

16. Resource Enhancement and Protection Committee (REAP) (President)

 

 

 

Hansen

17.  Building and Grounds Committee

 

Smith/Trimble

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

A. Consider Approval of Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. and Lynch Dallas, P.C. as Legal Counsels for the District and Board of Directors – Bleichner moved to approve Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. and Lynch Dallas, P.C. as Legal Counsels for the District and Board of Directors.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Consider Approval of the Official Newspaper of Publication for the District and Board of Directors – Trimble moved to approve the Bulletin Journal as the Official Newspaper of Publication for the District and Board of Directors.  Bleichner second, motion carried 3-1. Smith voting nay and McCardle abstained.

 

 

 

 

 

C. Consider Approval of Resolution Naming Depositories – Trimble moved to approve the Resolution Naming Depositories.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

D. Consider Approval of Resolution to Pay Bills When the Board is Not in Session - Trimble moved to approve the Resolution to Pay Bills When the Board is Not in Session.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

E. Consider Approval of Resolution to Authorize the Use of a Check Protector and Signer and the Proper Control of the Signer – Smith moved to approve the Resolution to Authorize the Use of a Check Protector and Signer and the Proper Control of the Signer.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

F. Consider Approval of Resolution to Issue Payroll – Trimble moved to approve the Resolution to Issue Payroll.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

G. Consider Approval of Student Learning Goals 2022-2023 – Burmeister presented the Student Learning Goals for 2022-2023. Trimble moved to approve the Student Learning Goals 2022-2023 but changing the FAST goal to 65% for Spring of 2023.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

H. Consider Approval of the Independence Community School District Early Graduation Applicants for January 2023 – Smith moved to approve the Independence Community School District Early Graduation Applicants for January 2023.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

I. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – December 2022: Paul Upmeyer to Chicago, IL for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic – Bleichner moved to approve the Travel Request Form – December 2022: Paul Upmeyer to Chicago, IL for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

J. Consider Approval of the Following to an Additional Three-Year Term to the Mustang Foundation Board: Andy Hauber, Gina DeBoer, Bryan Palmer, and Lans Flickinger – Bleichner moved to approve the Following to an Additional Three-Year Term to the Mustang Foundation Board: Andy Hauber, Gina DeBoer, Bryan Palmer, and Lans Flickinger. Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

K. Consider Approval of the Contract Agreement between Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting and the Independence Community School District through May 2023 – Smith moved to approve the Contract Agreement between Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting and the Independence Community School District through May 2023. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

L. Consider Approval of the Affirmative Action Plan 2022-2023 – Trimble moved to approve the Affirmative Action Plan 2022-2023.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

M. Consider Approval of the Iowa Local Government Risk Pool Commission Natural Gas Program Participation Agreement for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 – Smith moved to approve the Iowa Local Government Risk Pool Commission Natural Gas Program Participation Agreement for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

N. Consider Approval of the Application to the School Budget Review Committee for Special Education Administrative Costs Associated with Lied Center Consortium Program for the 2023-2024 School Year – Smith moved to approve the Application to the School Budget Review Committee for Special Education Administrative Costs Associated with Lied Center Consortium Program for the 2023-2024 School Year in the amount of $1,072.11. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

O. Consider Approval of the Application to the School Budget Review Committee for Special Education Administrative Costs Associated with River Hills Consortium Program for the 2023-2024 School Year – Bleichner moved to approve the Application to the School Budget Review Committee for Special Education Administrative Costs Associated with River Hills Consortium Program for the 2023-2024 School Year in the amount of $7,023.26.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

P. Consider Approval of the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) Application Fall 2022 – On-Time Funding Modified Allowable Growth for Increasing Enrollment and Open Enrollment Out not in Fall 2021 and  LEP Instruction Beyond 5 Years  – Smith moved to approve the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) Application Fall 2022 – On-Time Funding Modified Allowable Growth for Increasing Enrollment and Open Enrollment Out not in Fall 2021 in the amount of $113,463.90 and LEP Instruction Beyond 5 Years in the amount of $1,556.73. Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q. Consider Approval of the Stipend for the Shared Human Resources Director – Smith moved to approve the Stipend of $3,500 for the Shared Human Resources Director since this position is shared 60/20/20 (ICSD, Union & Jesup respectively).  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

R. Consider Approval of an Update to the Communication Plan - Smith moved to approve the Update to the Communication Plan. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

President Hansen thanked Eric Smith for serving the last five years as Board President.

ADJOURNMENT – Smith moved to adjourn the meeting.   Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

 

_____________________________________                  __________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                                                     Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:25

Board Minutes - 2022.11.29

Board Minutes - 2022.11.29

 

Independence Community School Board Meeting

Special Meeting

November 29, 2022

A special meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 12:15 p.m. by Chair Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on November 29, 2022.  Board members present:  Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, and Eric Smith. Brad Bleichner and Gina Trimble attended via ZOOM.  Also attending: Supt. Reiter and Board Secretary Morine. The Pledge of Allegiance was not recited since we had members joining via zoom.                                                                        

APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Smith moved to approve the agenda as presented. McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.     

NEW BUSINESS

  1.  Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – November 2022: Ian Kleman and JSH Staff Members to Minneapolis, MN – McCardle moved to approve the Travel Request Form – November 2022: Ian Kleman and JSH Staff Members to Minneapolis, MN.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0.           

 

ADJOURMENT - Smith moved to adjourn the meeting.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 12:17 pm.        

 

 

__________________________________                          _________________________________

Kim Hansen, Chair                                                                 Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary      

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 12/19/2022 - 21:06

Board Minutes - 2022.12.19

Board Minutes - 2022.12.19

                                     Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Regular Meeting

December 19, 2022

 

A regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on December 19, 2022.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Eric Smith and Gina Trimble.  Also attending:  Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, administrators, directors, legislators and guests. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  

   APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Smith moved to approve the agenda, McCardle second, motion carried    4-0

 

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Trimble moved to approve the consent times.  Smith second the motion. Smith asked in Policy 602.1R1 that the passage about a resignation from SIAC be posted like a job be struck from the policy.  Motion carried 4-0 with the change.

 

 

 

A. Approval of the minutes of the regular/annual and organizational meeting on November 21, 2022 and the special meeting on November 29, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

 

 

 

Second Readings:

 

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

602.1* and 602.1R1

Curriculum Development and Curriculum Development Regulation

2.

603.4* and 603.4E1

Health Education and Human Growth and Development Student Excuse Form

3.

603.5*

Physical Education

4.

603.6*

Career Education

5.

603.7* and 603.7R1*

Teaching About Religion and Teaching About Religion Regulation – Religious Holidays

6.

603.8* and 603.8R1*

Academic Freedom and Teaching Controversial Issues

7.

603.9*

Global Education

8.

603.10*

Citizenship

9.

603.11*

Summer School Instruction

10.

604.1*

Private Instruction

11.

604.2*

Individualized Instruction

 

 

 

 

First Reading

 

 

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

603.1*

Basic Instruction Program

2.

206.1*

President

3.

206.2*

Vice President

4.

604.3*

International Study

5.

604.4*

Program for Talented and Gifted Students

6.

604.5*

Program for At-Risk Students

7.

604.6*

Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program

8

604.7*

Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution

9.

604.8*

Concurrent Enrollment Textbook Fee

 

 

 

10.

604.9

Dual Enrollment

11.

604.10

Foreign Students

12.

604.11*

Online Courses

13.

604.12*

Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms

 

 

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Chris Black

JSH JH Boys Basketball Coach

11/18/2022

Richard Morris

Bus Garage 4.0 hr Bus Driver

12/22/2022

Hermione Roman

East Elem 7.0 hr Special Ed Para

12/31/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D. Approval of Leave of Absence/Temporary Fill-In

 

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Tim Nelson

JSH Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – LOA

$1,294

11/28/2022

Hugh DeBerg

JHS Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – Fill-In

$2,587

11/28/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

John Butler

Bus Garage 4.0 hr Bus Driver

$18.80/hr

01/04/2023

Nick Fuller

JSH Assistant Wrestling Coach

$3,234

11/14/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director Hansen reviewed the bills – Trimble will review in January

 

 

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

 

 

A. Comments from the Public – none

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – Smith had attended the SIAC Meeting this past month. Buildings and Grounds committee has scheduled a meeting for January 9th at 5:30 to review facility plan proposals. A Grade Inflation meeting needs to be scheduled.   McCardle has attended the concerts and sporting events, the PPEL Committee Meeting and the City/County/School Joint Meeting.  Trimble attended the Jr/Sr High Concert, Wrestling meet, DEI Committee Meeting and PPEL Committee meeting.  Hansen has attended the concerts, boy’s basketball game and the City/County/School Joint Meeting.   She had received a resignation from Board Member Bleichner effective December 9, 2022.

Public notice was put in the paper regarding the vacancy.  If no petition are received, the Board will appoint his replacement at a special meeting on January 4th  at 6:00 pm. Anyone interested in the vacancy can contact a board member or Supt. Reiter. Hansen has been in contact with Iowa School Board Association to schedule some board professional development to help the onboarding of the new board member.   Supt. Reiter indicated that the Central Rivers AEA appointed Joel Pederson as their Chief Administrator.  Meeting on LED lighting for the auditorium was held. He is working on the Communication Audit with Technology Director Noyes.  Hawkeye Community College is wanting to renew their existing bond levy at the same time as the intended PPEL vote for the district.  Decisions will need to be made on how to proceed with the renewal of our PPEL vote as the district was looking at increasing the levy by 27 cents or just renew the levy.  Trimble indicated that we really need to get the word out about the March PPEL vote and the committee is working on that.

 

 

 

 

C. Presentations

 

 

 

     1.  New Course Proposal – Amber Whitney and Ian Kleman present information about a new Forensic science class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

 

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

 

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

 

 

 

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

 

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – Supt Reiter is trying to pinpoint a date for the carpet replacement over the holiday break at West Elementary. Supt Reiter will send a summary list to the board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – Supt Reiter and Trimble reported that the committee meeting was very productive and appreciate the student’s involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

A. Legislative Discussion with Local Representatives – Senators Craig Johnson and Dan Zumbach were present to give a legislative update.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Consider Approval of Director Brad Bleichner’s Resignation – Smith reluctantly moved to approve the resignation from Director Brad Bleichner.  Trimble regrettably second, motion carried 4-0. Thank you, Mr. Bleichner for your service and we know you will serve the residents of Independence during your tenure as Mayor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Consider Approval of ICSD Students Participating in the Community Visioning Program – Mayor Bleichner, Kim Hansen and Sandy Oberbroeckling from Iowa State presented the request for student involvement in this program.  The board would recommend a good cross section of students from the JSH and West Elementary for this task force. Approximately 7-10 students would be involved from each building. Trimble moved to approve the ICSD Students Participating in the Community Visioning.  Smith second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – January 2023: Nancy Scheel to Kansas City, MO – McCardle moved to approve the Travel Request Form – January 2023: Nancy Scheel to Kansas City, MO.  Trimble second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Consider Approval of the Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA) Application (At Risk Drop Out Prevention) in the Amount of $512,805.00 – Smith moved to approve the Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA) Application (At Risk Drop Out Prevention) in the Amount of $512,805.00.  Trimble second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F. Consider Approval of the Forensics Course – Smith moved to approve the Forensics Course, McCardle second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G. Consider Approval of the Technical Assistance Support Contract with Fusion Forward, LLC – McCardle moved to approve the Technical Assistance Support Contract with Fusion Forward, LLC.  Trimble second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.  Discuss the New Director Districts for the Independence Community School District – Three different maps were discussed regarding the required redistricting due to the 2020 census. The board discussed the pros and cons of each map and consensus was to go with map #2.  Morine will have the firm draw up the resolution.  A public hearing will be held at 5:50 pm on January 17th for the redistricting.

 

 

 

 

Meeting recessed at 8:00 pm for a quick break to excuse the attendees.

 

 

 

 

I. Closed Session – Smith moved to go into closed session as provided in Section 21.5(1)(k) of the Iowa Code; To discuss information contained in records in the custody of a governmental body that are confidential records pursuant to Section 22.7, Subsection 50.  McCardle second.  Roll call vote:   Hansen- aye, McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye.  Motion carried 4-0.    Moved into closed session at 8;08 pm with Board members and Supt Reiter present.

 Exited the closed session at 9:51 pm and no official action was taken during the closed session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – Trimble moved to adjourn the meeting, McCardle second, motion carried 4-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 pm.

 

 

__________________________________                       _______________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                                          Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:26

Board Minutes - 2023.01.04 Special Meeting

Board Minutes - 2023.01.04 Special Meeting

Independence Community School Board Meeting

Special Meeting

January 4, 2023

 

 

A special meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on January 4, 2023.  Board members present:  Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Eric Smith, and Gina Trimble.  Also attending: Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, Mitchell Barnett and John Klotzbach. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

                                               

APPROVAL OF AGENDA - McCardle moved to approve the agenda as presented. Trimble second, motion carried 4-0.     

 

NEW BUSINESS

  1.  Consider Approval of the Appointment of a New Board Member – McCardle moved to Approve the Appointment of Mitchell Barnett as the new Board Member to fill the vacancy.   Smith second the motion. The Board had interaction with Barnett before the vote. Motion carried 4-0.         

 

ADJOURMENT – Trimble moved to adjourn the meeting.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm.          

 

 

 

 

__________________________________                          _________________________________

Kim Hansen, Chair                                                                 Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary                              

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 16:53

Board Minutes - 2023.01.17

Board Minutes - 2023.01.17

 

 

Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Regular Meeting

                                                                        January 17, 2023          

 

 

Public Hearing

A public hearing for the Proposed School Board Boundary Redistricting started at 5:50 pm at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on January 17, 2023.    Board members present:  Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Mitch Barnett and Gina Trimble. Eric Smith joined virtually.  Also attending:  Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, administrators and directors.

 

No public comments were received.  The public hearing ended at 5:55 pm.

 

REGULAR MEETING

A regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on January 17, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Mitch Barnett and Gina Trimble. Eric Smith joined virtually.  Also attending:  Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, administrators and directors.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA -McCardle moved to approve the agenda.  Barnett second, motion carried

5-0.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Trimble moved to approve the consent items 3A-3E. McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

 

      A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting on December 19, 2022 and the special meeting on January 4, 2023.

 

     B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

Second Readings:

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

603.1*

Basic Instruction Program

2.

206.1*

President

3.

206.2*

Vice President

4.

604.3*

International Study

5.

604.4*

Program for Talented and Gifted Students

6.

604.5*

Program for At-Risk Students

7.

604.6*

Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program

8.

604.7*

Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution

9.

604.8*

Concurrent Enrollment Textbook Fee

10.

604.9

Dual Enrollment

11.

604.10

Foreign Students

12.

604.11*

Online Courses

13.

604.12*

Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

605.1* and 605.1R1*

Instructional Materials Selection and Selection of Instructional Materials Regulation

2.

605.2* and 605.2R1*

Instructional and Library Materials Inspection and Display and Instructional and Library Materials Inspection

3.

605.3*, 605.3E1*, 605.3E2*, 605.3E3*, 605.3E4 (new), and 605.3R1 (rewrite)

Objection to Instructional and Library Materials, Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee, Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Request Form, Sample Letter to Individual Challenging Instructional or Library Materials, Request to Prohibit a Student form Checking Out Specific Library Materials, and Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Regulation

4.

605.4*

Technology and Instructional Materials

5.

605.5*

School Library

 

 

 

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Nick Fuller

JSH Assistant Boys Wrestling Coach

01/05/2023

Trish O’Loughlin

JSH Industrial Technology Teacher

End of 2022-2023 School Year

 

 

 

 

 

D. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Garry Anderson

JSH JH Girls Wrestling Coach

$2,426

01/03/2023

Leah Borgerding

JSH Assist Girls Soccer Coach

$2,695

03/13/2023

Alex Farmer

JSH .5 FTE Assistant Boys Wrestling Coach

$1,348

11/14/2022

Nicholas Holt

JSH .5 FTE Assistant Boys Wrestling Coach

$1,456

11/14/2022

Seth Rupprecht

JH Boys Basketball Coach

$1,820

12/19/2022

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director Trimble reviewed the bills. McCardle will review in February.

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

A. Comments from the Public – no public comments.

 

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – McCardle has been attending basketball and wrestling events, making sure he hits the Senior Nights.  Hansen will be attending District Speech Contest.   Hansen and Barnett will be attending the IASB “Day on the Hill” February 14th.  Hansen also had a chart from ISFIS that describes the different funds revenues and expenditures. Barnett had attended a City Council Meeting.  He indicated that there may be some changes to Four Oaks population at MHI and a possible increase to our student body.  Smith indicated the Building & Grounds Committee had met.  He will be attending the IASB meeting “Mastering the Media’ on Feb 7th.  Data on grade inflation has been sent to the AEA to analyze. Supt Reiter indicated we will be scheduling a  tour at MHI this spring. The PPEL vote will be on March 7th.  The Calendar meeting will be next Monday night. Supt Reiter and Director of Finance Morine will be attending budget workshops in the next couple of weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Presentations

 

  1. Executive Summary of Senior Exit Survey Data Class of 2022 – JSH Principal Kleman

 

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

 

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – Supt. Reiter reported the carpet was removed and reinstalled over the holiday break. At this point there have not been any issues with it. There are still a few small items left. Smith asked for an updated punch list.   

 

 

 

B. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – The next meeting will be the middle of February.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A. Consider Approval of the Resolution of the Proposed Redistricting Plan Redrawing Director District Boundaries of the Independence Community School District – McCardle moved to Approve the Resolution of the Proposed Redistricting Plan Redrawing Director District Boundaries of the Independence Community School District.   Trimble second.  Roll call vote:  Barnett – abstained due to the recent appointment, Hansen – aye, McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye.  Motion carried 4 ayes and 1 abstained.

 

 

B. Consider Approval of the Course Registration Guide for 2023-2024 – Trimble moved to Approve the Course Registration Guide for 2023-2024.  Barnett second. The board discussed the course guide and commented that the course guide was much cleaner than previous years and they liked that it was available in January. Trimble amended the motion to change credits to course periods for the seniors. Barnett second, motion carried with the amendment 5-0.

 

C. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – March 2023: Nancy Scheel to Atlanta, GA for the National Conference on Science Education – Barnett moved to Approve the Travel Request Form – March 2023: Nancy Scheel to Atlanta, GA for the National Conference on Science Education.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.  This is a tremendous honor for Ms. Scheel to present at a national conference and the board looks forward to a follow up presentation.

 

 

D.  Consider Approval of the Resolution Ordering Election on the Question of Continuing to Levy a Voter Approved Physical Plant and Equipment Property Tax not to Exceed Sixty-Seven Cents (0.67) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of the Assessed Valuation of the Taxable Property within the School District. Trimble moved to approve the Resolution Ordering Election on the Question of Continuing to Levy a Voter Approved Physical Plant and Equipment Property Tax not to Exceed Sixty-Seven Cents (0.67) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of the Assessed Valuation of the Taxable Property within the School District. McCardle second the motion. During board discussion Trimble indicated the PPEL Committee had met. The gravel road between the JSH and West Elementary has been one of the biggest complaints she has heard. Paving that road in sections over the next few years could be possible with an approved Voter PPEL vote of .67 cents. McCardle said the district also needs to keep up the normal maintenance on all the buildings to current status. During the budget preparation, we will try to decrease the General Fund and/or Management Levy so that there would not be a tax increase this next year to absorb the extra increase to the Voted PPEL rate.   Roll Call Vote:  Barnett – aye, Hansen – aye, McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

E.  Discussion of On-Going District Initiatives – The board discussed the ongoing projects.  Trimble requested that the items that we are waiting on to receive supplies or for warmer weather be moved to a separate list.  Supt Reiter will update and prioritize the list.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – McCardle moved to adjourn the meeting. Barnett second, motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm.

 

 

 

_______________________________________       ______________________________________

Kimberly Hansen, President                                            Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:27

Board Minutes - 2023.01.18 Special Meeting

Board Minutes - 2023.01.18 Special Meeting

 

                             Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Special Meeting

January 18, 2023

 

 

A special meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on January 18, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle and Gina Trimble.  Mitch Barnett and Eric Smith joined virtually.  Also attending:  Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, and guests.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA–McCardle moved to approve the agenda. Trimble second, motion carried

5-0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Consider Approval of Early Retirement Program – Administrative Staff.  Trimble moved to Approve the Early Retirement Program – Administrative Staff.   Barnett second.   Board discussed the Early Retirement Program.  The Superintendent’s contract states that an Early Retirement Program could be used to payout unused vacation days. By using a Health Reimbursement Account distribution, it is tax-free for both the school and superintendent. Board discussed whether to also payout unused sick days.  Trimble amended the Early Retirement agreement on page 1 to say unused vacation days instead of unused available leave and on page 2 to strike unused sick and other paid leave.  The maximum amount would be $29,000 rather than $60,000.  Barnett second the amendment.  Amended motion carried 5-0.

 

Guests left the building.

 

  1. Closed Session

We need a motion to recess to a closed session as provided in Section 21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code; To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. McCardle moved to go into closed session.  Trimble second. Roll call vote:  Barnett – aye, Hansen – aye, McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye.  Motion passed 5-0.  Closed session began at 5:23 pm.    Board exited closed session at 5:33 pm and no official action was taken during the closed session.

 

  1. Superintendent Reiter’s Application for Early Retirement Agreement Effective June 30, 2023 – McCardle moved to approve Superintendent Reiter’s Application for Early Retirement Effective June 30, 2023.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

  1. Consider Approval of Hiring Grundmeyer Leader Services to Conduct the Superintendent Search – McCardle moved to Approve the Hiring of Grundmeyer Leader Services to Conduct the Superintendent Search.  Barnett second, motion carried 5-0

 

ADJOURNMENT – Trimble moved to adjourn, McCardle second. Motion carried 5-0.  Meeting adjourned at 5:52 pm.

 

 

_________________________________                   ____________________________________

Kimberly Hansen, Chair                                             Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 16:54

Board Minutes - 2023.01.26 Worksession

Board Minutes - 2023.01.26 Worksession

                               Independence Community School Board Meeting

 Work Session

January 26, 2023

A work session for the Independence Community School Board started at 7:00 pm at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on January 26, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle and Gina Trimble, Mitch Barnett and Eric Smith.   Also attending:  Board Secretary Morine and Roger Wilcox.   Trent Grundmeyer and Shanlee MCNally joined virtually.

 

The Board met the Grundmeyer Leader Services to being the process of a Superintendent Search. A stakeholder survey can be found on the districts website to identify the desired qualities in our next Superintendent.  

 

Superintendent hiring timeline:

            Jan 27 – Feb 12           Stakeholder survey open

            Jan 27 – Feb 26           Application period

            March 1                       Board review candidate pool

            March 7                       Board screens candidates 

            March 21                     Formal interviews with finalists.

 

Work session ended at 8:45 pm.

 

 

 

___________________________________              ___________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                               Laura Morine, Board Secretary         

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 16:57

Board Minutes - 2023.02.20

Board Minutes - 2023.02.20

                                      Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Regular Meeting

                                                                       February 20, 2023         

PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing for the Proposed 2023-2024 School Calendar started at 5:50 pm at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on February 20, 2023.    Board members present:  Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble and Eric Smith.  Also attending:  Supt. Reiter and Board Secretary Morine. Guests: John Klotzbach, Audrey Hill and Joe Olsen.

No public comments were received.  The public hearing ended at 5:56 pm.

REGULAR MEETING

A regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on February 20, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble and Eric Smith.  Also attending:  Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine.  Guests: John Klotzbach, Audrey Hill and Joe Olsen.    The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Smith moved to approve the agenda, but striking Policy 605.3 from second reading. McCardle second, motion carried 4-0.

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Smith moved to approve the consent items 3A-E with changes to the following minutes:

January 17th Minutes:

  • New Business B. Course Registration guide - amending the sentence "Trimble amended the motion to change credits to course periods for the seniors" with "In particular, the board discussed the minimum attendance requirement for seniors.  Trimble amended the motion to change the senior attendance requirement to be based on course periods instead of credits." 
  • New Business D. PPEL Resolution - remove the extra decimal point in one instance of sixty-seven cents.  Change "...Voter PPEL vote of .67 cents." to "...Voter PPEL vote of 67 cents."

January 26th Minutes:

  • The Board met with Grundmeyer Leader Services to begin (rather than being) the process of a superintendent search.

Trimble second with changes.  Motion carried 4-0.

Supt Reiter thanked the following retirees for their many years of teaching at the Independence School District and wished them the best.  Trish O’Loughlin – 20 years, Lori Bowers – 31 years, Virginia Lake – 18 years.

    A. Approval of the minutes of the public hearing on January 17, 2023, the regular meeting on January   17, 2023, the special meeting on January 18, 2023, and the work session on January 26, 2023.

 

   B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

Second Readings:

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

605.1* and 605.1R1*

Instructional Materials Selection and Selection of Instructional Materials Regulation

2.

605.2* and 605.2R1*

Instructional and Library Materials Inspection and Display and Instructional and Library Materials Inspection

3.

605.3*, 605.3E1*, 605.3E2*, 605.3E3*, 605.3E4 (new), and 605.3R1 (rewrite)

Objection to Instructional and Library Materials, Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee, Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Request Form, Sample Letter to Individual Challenging Instructional or Library Materials, Request to Prohibit a Student form Checking Out Specific Library Materials, and Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Regulation

4.

605.4*

Technology and Instructional Materials

5.

605.5*

School Library

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

605.6, 605.6E1, and 605.6R1*

Internet – Appropriate Use, Elementary Internet Access Form, Secondary Internet Access Form, and Internet – Appropriate Use Regulation

2.

605.7* and 605.7R1*

Use of Information Resources and Use of Information Resources Regulation

3.

606.1*

Shared Students

4.

606.2*

Class Size – Class Grouping

5.

606.3*

Homework

6.

606.4*

School Ceremonies and Observances

7.

906.1* and 906.1E1*

Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment and Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment Exhibit

8.

606.5

Animals in the Classroom

9.

606.6

Student Production of Materials and Services

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Lori Bowers

East Elem Title I Reading Teacher

End of 2022-2023 School Year

Tonya Coonrad

West Elem 7.25 hr Special Ed Para

01/31/2023

Sonya Elzey

JSH Special Ed Teacher

End of 2022-2023 School Year

Virginia Lake

District Teacher Librarian/Media Specialist

End of 2022-2023 School Year

 

 

D. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Heather Linsley

West Elem 7.25 hr Special Ed Para

$13.65/hr

02/13/2023

Julie Magee

Central Office Administrative Assistant

$17.50/hr

02/13/2023

Stephanie McCrea

ECC 4.5 hr Special Ed Para

$15.50/hr

02/13/2023

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director McCardle reviewed the bills – Smith will review in March

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

  1. Comments from the Public - Joe Olsen reported that the Little Free Art House and Mini Gallery of Arts had been reinstalled in front of the Administration Building. LACES is the funding source for the supplies and Allison Anderson has volunteered to oversee keeping the supplies stocked.  Thank you, Joe, LACES and Allison, for promoting art in the community.

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – McCardle had attended many activities and reported it is great to see the facilities being used.  Trimble congratulated the Girls and Boys Wrestling program on their great seasons.  PPEL post cards had been mailed out and you can vote at the courthouse now. Smith reported he had heard concerns about the 9th grade registration being held on a Wednesday after 6 pm.  He had participated in World Read Aloud. The facilities committee had met.  Smith attended the IASB Student Success meeting in Des Moines.  Hansen reminded people to vote on March 7th as the PPEL Levy and District 1 director are on the ballot. Special thanks to Mitch Barnett for filling in the board vacancy for the short period of time. Congratulations to the wrestlers for their success, good luck to the boys basketball team during post season play and to the students attending the WAMAC Individual Speech contest.  Congratulations to our two students that performed at the ALL State Large Group Speech as that is a huge accomplishment.  Hansen encouraged board members to watch the IASB webinars.  Hansen and Supt Reiter attended the Day on the Hill as was able to talk to a few of our legislators.  Trimble mentioned that she has been following legislative issues and is very concerned about their discussions and we all need to have more discussions with our legislators on topics of concerns.   Supt Reiter attended and presented awards at the ALL State Speech contest and was very proud of our students. Congratulations to the wrestlers, boys bowling team that went to state and the one girl that qualified for state bowling.  The Chamber Banquet is coming up and we have multiple staff nominated for Teacher of the Year.

 

 

 

C. Presentations

     1.  Board Goal #3 – District Financial Presentation led by Superintendent Reiter and Director 

          of Finance Laura Morine.  Supt Reiter indicated that all financial indicators have increased over the last few years but we need to continue to monitor and work on all the financial indicators.

 

 

 

REPORTS

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – weekly checks on the West Elementary carpet look good.  East and West Elementary need to identify what rooms need the floor deadbolts.  Smith indicated there were three open item and only one had a target date.

 

 

B. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – the next meeting is scheduled for February 23rd at 5 pm

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

A. Consider Approval of the 2023-2024 Proposed School Calendar – Trimble moved to approve the 2023-2024 Proposed School Calendar.  McCardle second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

B. Consider Approval of the Hawkeye Stages Quote for Two Charter Buses on May 13, 2023 – McCardle Moved to approve the Hawkeye Stages Quote for Two Charter Buses on May 13, 2023 for the band t perform at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference in Des Moines.  Smith second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

C. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – October/November 2023: Michael Haden and FFA Members to Indianapolis, IN for National FFA Convention.  McCardle moved to approve the travel request form October/November 2023: Michael Haden and FFA Members to Indianapolis, IN for National FFA Convention.  Smith second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

D. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – November/December 2023: Michael Haden to Phoenix, AZ for the National Association of Agricultural Educators Convention.  Smith moved to approve the travel request form - November/December 2023: Michael Haden to Phoenix, AZ for the National Association of Agricultural Educators Convention.  Trimble second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

E. Consider Approval of the Proposed Hawkeye Community College (HCC) Courses for the 2023-2024 School Year – Smith moved to approve the proposed Hawkeye Community College (HCC) Courses for the 2023-2024 School Year.  McCardle second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

F. Consider Approval of the Farm Leases (North Parcel and South Parcel) for 2023-2024 – Smith moved to approve the Farm Leases (North Parcel and South Parcel) for 2023-2024. Trimble second, motion carried 4-0.

 

 

G. Consider Approval of the Independence Board Resolution for Budget Guarantee that the Board of Directors of the Independence Community School District will levy property tax for fiscal year 2023-2024 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa – Trimble moved to approve the Independence Board Resolution for Budget Guarantee that the Board of Directors of the Independence Community School District will levy property tax for fiscal year 2023-2024 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa.  McCardle second.   Roll call vote:  Hansen – aye, McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye.   Motion carried 4-0.

 

H. Discussion of the IASB Student Ambassador Program – Smith is involved with the IASB Student Ambassador Program.   His plans are to be intentional in communicating to reporters and legislators that he is not speaking for the Independence Community School Board.   As a member of this program he does not plan to speak on positions that the Independence Community School Board does not support. There is no policy nor recommended best practice for balancing individual board members statements with school board policy.

 

ADJOURNMENT -   Smith moved to adjourn the meeting.  McCardle second, motion carried 4-0.  Meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm.

 

 

___________________________________              ___________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                               Laura Morine, Board Secretary

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:28

Board Minutes - 2023.03.01 - Closed Session Supt Search

Board Minutes - 2023.03.01 - Closed Session Supt Search

                                        Independence Community School Board Meeting

Special Meeting

March 1, 2023

A special meeting for the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 5:00 pm by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on March 1, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble, and Eric Smith.   Also attending:  Board Secretary Morine and Roger Wilcox and Shanlee McNally.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA–McCardle moved to approve the agenda. Trimble second, motion carried

4-0.

OLD BUSINESS

A. Closed Session – Superintendent Search.  Smith moved to go into closed session as provided

as provided in Section 21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code; To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.  McCardle second.  Roll call vote:  Hansen -aye, McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye.  Motion carried 4-0. Closed session began at 5:03 pm. Board exited closed session at 8:10 pm and no official action was taken during the closed session.

 ADJOURNMENT

McCardle moved to adjourn, Smith second.  Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

 

      _________________________________                   ____________________________________

      Kimberly Hansen, Chair                                              Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 17:06

Board Minutes - 2023.03.07 Closed Session Supt Search

Board Minutes - 2023.03.07 Closed Session Supt Search

Independence Community School Board Meeting

Special Meeting

March 7, 2023

A special meeting for the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 5:00 pm by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on March 7, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle and Gina Trimble. Eric Smith joined virtually at 5:09 due to technical difficulties with Zoom.  Also attending:  Board Secretary Morine and Roger Wilcox and Shanlee McNally.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA–Trimble moved to approve the agenda. McCardle second, motion carried

3-0.

OLD BUSINESS

A. Closed Session – Superintendent Search.  Trimble moved to go into closed session as provided

as provided in Section 21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code; To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.   McCardle second.  Roll call vote:  Hansen -aye, McCardle – aye, Trimble – aye.  Motion carried 3-0. Closed session began at 5:02 pm.  Smith joined at 5:09 pm as there were issues with Zoom.  Board exited closed session at 8:49 pm and no official action was taken during the closed session.

ADJOURNMENT

Trimble moved to adjourn, McCardle second.  Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

 

      _________________________________                   ____________________________________

      Kimberly Hansen, Chair                                              Laura Morine, Board Secretary

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 17:08

Board Minutes - 2023.03.20

Board Minutes - 2023.03.20

 

Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Regular Meeting

March 20, 2023

 

A regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on March 20, 2023.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

Members Present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith and Audrey Hill, Supt. Reiter and Board Secretary Morine.

Members Absent: none

Others Present: Ian Kleman, Dewey Hupke, Cheri Reed, Kay Reidy, Erin Burmeister, Justin Putz, Pam Wendel, Kim Chesmore and Chad O’Brien.

Guests: Matt Miller and John Klotzbach

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – McCardle moved to approve the agenda.   Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Smith moved to approve the consent items 3A-D and to revise the February minutes to include that Smith asked for, and gained consent from the Board, to a put a revision to Policy 501.11 Student Release During School on the March board agenda. Trimble second.  The board discussed the Policy 501.11 that was included on the March agenda.  Smith amended the motion to strike the first reading of Policy 501.11 from the agenda.  Trimble second the amendment but asked that the policy come back in the April or May meeting. Hanse asked that the review of Policy 501.11 be completed by June 30. Supt Reiter thanked Janette Hopkins and Kathy Tegler for their many years of service and wished them the very best with their retirement. They both will be missed.  Motion carried 5-0.  

 

A. Approval of the minutes of the public hearing on February 20, 2023, the regular meeting on February 20, 2023, the special meeting on March 1, 2023, and the special meeting on March 7, 2023.

 

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

 

Second Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

605.6, 605.6E1, and 605.6R1*

Internet – Appropriate Use, Elementary Internet Access Form, Secondary Internet Access Form, and Internet – Appropriate Use Regulation

2.

605.7* and 605.7R1*

Use of Information Resources and Use of Information Resources Regulation

3.

606.1*

Shared Students

4.

606.2*

Class Size – Class Grouping

5.

606.3*

Homework

6.

606.4*

School Ceremonies and Observances

7.

906.1* and 906.1E1*

Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment and Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment Exhibit

8.

606.5

Animals in the Classroom

9.

606.6

Student Production of Materials and Services

 

 

 

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

606.8*

School Assembly

2.

606.9

Insufficient Classroom Space

3.

606.10*

Early Release for Seniors

4.

607.1*

Student Guidance and Counseling Program

5.

607.2 and 607.2R1

Student Health Services and Student Health Services Administrative Regulations

6.

607.3*

Musical instrument Display Night

7.

607.4

Class Ring Display

8.

501.11*

Student Release During School Hours

 

 

 

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Madison Corkery

JSH Assist Large Group Speech Coach

03/02/2023

Michelle Culp

West Elem 7.25 hr Special Ed Para

03/07/2023                              

Janette Hopkins

East Elem 8.0 hr Secretary

07/28/2023

Sherry Kilby

Central Office Payroll and Benefits Specialist

03/06/2023

Lori Kurt

ECC/East and West Elementary PK-6 Special Instructional Coach

End of 2022-2023 School Year

Jacob McMartin

JSH P.E. Teacher

End of 2022-2023 School Year

Jacob McMartin

JSH Assistant Football Coach

End of 2022-2023 School Year

Kathy Tegler

East Elem 5.5 hr Special Ed Para

End of 2022-2023 School Year

 

 

 

 

 

D. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Chad Anderson

JSH Industrial Technology/Building Trades Teacher

$55,202*

08/16/2023

Tim Darland

JSH JH Boys Basketball Coach

$2,426

01/03/2023

Jeff Kremer

District Custodial Supervisor/Assistant Maintenance

$13,697.45 (pro-rated)

04/03/2023

*Pending 2023-2024 Negotiations

 

 

 

       E. Approval of Financial Reports - Trimble moved to approve the Financial Reports.  McCardle second. Smith questioned the WCF Financial transaction as the description indicated service.  Morine indicated it was a transfer as WCF Financial offered an increased interest rate. Morine had worked with the banks to negotiate increased interest rate. ISJIT(Iowa School Joint Investment Trust) is offering an interest rate of over 4% and the district wants to keep our funds local. McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

           1. Bills – Director Smith reviewed the bills.  McCardle will review in April.

           2. Budget Reports

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

  1. Comments from the Public – none
  1. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – McCardle welcomed and congratulated Audrey Hill on her election the board.  He indicated that the musical was outstanding. Trimble thanked McCardle for the pictures he takes. She appreciates the many pictures of our students on social media in the elementary classrooms. Hansen would encourage pictures from the high school as well. Hansen congratulated the 7 individual students that qualified for All State Speech in 8 events.  5 of them were performing at All State. She was extremely proud of all the students and adults that helped with the musical.  Hansen wanted to thank the community for voting to pass the PPEL resolution.  Also, congratulations and thanks to Audrey Hill for her successful school board election.  On Monday, March 21st the three Superintendent finalists will be in the district for interviews and Hansen wanted to thank the interview committees for their time and input.  March 30th the board will have a special meeting to approve the Superintendent Contract and have an exempt session to discuss negotiations. IASB is hosting a Summit on School Success and Hansen would encourage all board members to attend.  Hansen also wished Janette Hopkins and Kathy Tegler well in their upcoming retirement. Smith asked that at the next monthly board meeting, the board talk about the JSH restrooms that are locked and an update on maintenance items. Hill indicates she was looking forward to serving on the board. Trimble encouraged the public to reach out to the board on why they voted no on the PPEL resolution so that the board can understand their point of view. Beth Strike will be at the April meeting to help continue the work on the district’s communication plan. The certified budget due date has been extended to May 1st, so the regular board meeting will be moved to the regular date of April 17th. Supt. Reiter reported that the students needed to make up 3 student days and recommends they are added to the end of the school year.  June 1st will be the last student day. The board needs to set a date for the three companies to present their Facility Plan during a work session.  Supt. Reiter will send out a Doodle to find a date. Supt Reiter also thanked the community for their support in renewing and increasing the PPEL resolution by 27 cents.  Preliminary certified budget numbers look like the tax rate would go down 5 cents from the previous year even with the 27 cent PPEL increase. Congratulation to the elementary archery team for making it to Nationals in Kentucky.

     C. Presentations

          1.  District Technology Plan – Steve Noyes indicated the Board Room technology had been updated and also reviewed the district technology plan.  Smith requested a closed session in the future to discuss technology security. 

          2.  Portrait of a Graduate – Erin Burmeister updated the board on the Portrait of a Graduate.  The state had added an additional step so the committee needs to continue their work on the Adopt and Measure steps of the program before asking for board approval. 

REPORTS

     A. Building Administrator Reports

          1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal – Trimble thanked Principal Kleman for subbing in the Physics class.   Smith appreciated Kleman’s analytics of the CTE classes and the recommendation to go back to block scheduling for those classes.  Hansen appreciates the Peer to Peer Advisory Committee.

          2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

          3.  West Elementary Principal

          4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

     B. District Director Reports

          1.  Activities Director Report

          2.  Director of School Improvement Report

          3.  Director of Technology Report

          4.  Director of Food Service Report

          5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

          6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

OLD BUSINESS

  1. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – Supt Reiter reported more work had been done and that the carpet seems to be okay.   Smith asked about Emergency signage at Qest and asked that a date of April 30th be set for final inspection to close out the project.
  2. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – next meeting is March 28th and then hopefully another meeting to be set before the end of the school year.

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Approve Canvas of Votes from the March 7, 2023 Independence Community School Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) Vote - McCardle moved to approve the Canvas of Votes from the March 7, 2023 Independence Community School Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) Vote.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.
  1. Approve Canvas of Votes from the March 7, 2023 Independence Community School Fill Vacancy District 1 – Smith move to approve the Canvas of Votes from the March 7, 2023 Independence Community School Fill Vacancy District 1.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0. Hill was sworn in before the meeting so she could participate as board member for the full meeting.
  1. Consider Approval of the AEA Purchasing Agreement for 2023-2024 – Trimble moved to approve the AEA Purchasing Agreement for 2023-2024.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form – June 2023: Matt Miller and Independence Baseball to Omaha, NE for College World Series – Trimble moved Approve of the Travel Request Form – June 2023: Matt Miller and Independence Baseball to Omaha, NE for College World Series. The Baseball club will cover the expenses for this trip that are in excess of the tournament play.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT – McCardle moved to adjourn the meeting. Smith second, motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:36 pm.

 

____________________________________            ______________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                                Laura Morine, Board Secretary

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:28

Board Minutes - 2023.03.21 Supt Selection

Board Minutes - 2023.03.21 Supt Selection

                 Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Special Meeting

March 21, 2023

A special meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on March 21, 2023. 

Members Present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith and Audrey Hill, and Board Secretary Morine.  Guests:  Roger Wilcox and Shanlee McNally with Grundmeyer Leader Search.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Smith moved to approve the agenda. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

A.     Closed Session – Superintendent Final Interviews – Summary – McCardle move to go into closed session as provided in Section 21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code; To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.  Trimble second.   Roll call vote:

Hansen – aye, McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye, Hill – aye.  Motion carried 5-0 and Entered into closed session at 6:35 pm.

Closed session ended at 8:19 pm.   The board will offer the preferred candidate a contract with the terms discussed during the closed session for the superintendent search.   A press release will be available on Friday, March 24th to announce the new superintendent.

ADJOURNMENT – Trimble moved to adjourn the meeting. Smith second.  Motion carried 5-0.  Meeting adjourned 8:20 pm.

 

___________________________________            ______________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                                Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 17:13

Board Minutes - 2023.03.28 - Special Meeting Supt Hire

Board Minutes - 2023.03.28 - Special Meeting Supt Hire

                                  Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Special Meeting

March 28, 2023

A special meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:37 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on March 28, 2023.   Board pictures were taken before the meeting.

Members Present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith and Audrey Hill, Supt. Reiter and Board Secretary Morine. 

                                                                                  

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – McCardle moved to approve the agenda.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

B. Consider Approval of Superintendent Contract - Smith moved to approve the three year probationary Superintendent contract to Cynthia Phillips for $170,000.   Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT – Smith moved to adjourn, McCardle second. Motion carried 5-0 and meeting adjourned at 6:45

EXEMPT SESSION

Negotiations Strategy Session – The exempt session started immediately after the adjournment. Supt. Reiter reviewed the financials of the district and the board discussed negation strategies.  

Exempt session ended at 8:09 pm.

 

___________________________________            ______________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                                Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 17:14

Board Minutes - 2023.03.30 - ITA EXCHANGE

Board Minutes - 2023.03.30 - ITA EXCHANGE

Independence Community School Board

Special Meeting

March 30, 2023

                                                                              

Public meetings were held at the Administration Office,1207 1st St West, Independence, IA, starting at 4:00 pm on March 30, 2023.  Attending:   Sue Henry, ITA Chief Negotiator; Paul Upmeyer, Kelci Jahnel, Director of Finance Morine, and Board President Hansen. Vice President Gina Trimble joined via Zoom.  Supt Reiter was out of the district.

FIRST MEETING:

Sue Henry from the Independence Teacher’s Association (ITA) presented an opening statement. The ITA believes that public money is for public schools only.  The ITA then presented their initial proposal to the Independence Community School Board for the 2023-24.  

The ITA’s initial proposal stated:

  • An interest in continuing to develop a compensation system which attracts and retains quality employees and recognized the ever-changing school environment while staying within district budget constraints.
  • An interest in continuing to develop a compensation system which advances the salaries for the sponsors and coaches for extra and co-curricular activities in order to attract and retain employees.
  • An interest in participating in training for Interest Based Problem Solving (IBIS) designed to address mutual needs and concerns while fostering and maintaining respectful communications among the parties.
  • An interest in protecting and preserving teaching and planning time within the school day to better serve students.

SECOND MEETING: (held immediately following the first)

Board President Hansen presented the district’s opening statement.

Board initial proposal to the Independence Teacher’s Association (ITA):

  • An interest in continuing to development of a salary compensation model that attracts and retains the finest educators and professionals while staying within today’s budgetary constraints. 
  • An interest in continuing to develop a compensation model that is fair and appropriately compensates sponsors and coaches for extra and co-curricular activities.
  • An interest in participating in the “Interest Based Problem Solving” (IBPS) process to address mutual concerns among both parties. We believe that by working together and gaining a shared experience, we can continue to build trust and maintain a respectful working relationship.

The committee set the next meeting date for April 12th at 5:00 pm.  Meeting ended at 5:20 pm. Full disclosure of all the initial proposal documents may be reviewed at the Administration Office.

 

_____________________________                    ___________________________________

Kim Hansen                                                     Laura Morine

Board Chair                                                     Director of Finance/Board Secretary

lmorine@indeek12.org Tue, 04/04/2023 - 17:16

Board Minutes - 2023.04.11 Special Meeting

Board Minutes - 2023.04.11 Special Meeting

Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Special Meeting

April 11, 2023

 

A special meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:08 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on April 11, 2023.   

Members Present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith and Audrey Hill, Supt. Reiter and Board Secretary Morine. 

                                                                                  

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Trimble moved to approve the agenda.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

A.  Budget Review – Supt. Reiter and Director of Finance Morine reviewed the budget with the board, prior to April 17th public hearing. The tax rate will go down to $13.34 from last year’s rate of  $13.39. year.

ADJOURNMENT – Smith moved to adjourn, Hill second. Motion carried 5-0 and meeting adjourned at 6:26.

EXEMPT SESSION

Negotiations Strategy Session – The exempt session started immediately after the adjournment.  The board discussed negotiation strategies.  

Exempt session ended at 8:26 pm.

 

___________________________________            ______________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                                Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Fri, 06/09/2023 - 08:09

Board Minutes - 2023.04.17

Board Minutes - 2023.04.17

  Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

April 17, 2023

 

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held at the Administrative Office, Independence, IA on April 17, 2023 at 5:50 pm for amending the 2022-2023 Certified Budget and the proposed 2023-2024 Certified Budget.  Members Present: Kim Hansen, Audrey Hill, Eric Smith and Gina Trimble. Charlie McCardle joined via Zoom. Superintendent Russell Reiter, Board Secretary Laura Morine, administrators, the press and guests were present.

Supt Reiter again thanked the community for passing the PPEL vote.  Even with the increase of 27 cents to the PPEL vote the overall property tax rate will be 5 cents lower next year.  Public Hearing ended at 5:55 pm.  

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on April 17, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith and Audrey Hill.  Charlie McCardle joined via Zoom.  Also present: Superintendent Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, administration, board members, the press and guests.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

 

 

 

 

2.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Hill moved to approve the agenda.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Smith moved to approve consent items 3A-E.  Hill second.  Smith mentioned language change in second reading of Policy # 606.9 - Insufficient Classroom Space. Recommended to modify Policy #701.05R – Fiscal Management and Financial Metrics first reading to change goals of UAB range to 8-12% and Solvency Ratio to 10%.   Hansen thanked Christie Litterer for her support and love for our students and wished her well in her retirement. Motion carried 4-0, with Trimble abstaining since her spouse was on the hire list.  

 

 

 

 

  1. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting on March 20, 2023, the special meeting on March 21, 2023, the special meeting on March 28, 2023, the public meetings on March 30, 2023, and the special meeting on April 11, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

 

 

Second Readings:

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

606.8*

School Assembly

2.

606.9

Insufficient Classroom Space

3.

606.10*

Early Release for Seniors

4.

607.1*

Student Guidance and Counseling Program

5.

607.2 and 607.2R1

Student Health Services and Student Health Services Administrative Regulations

6.

607.3*

Musical Instrument Display Night

7.

607.4

Class Ring Display

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Readings:

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

219.2*

Board of Directors’ Member Development and Training

2.

701.05 and 701.05R1 (New Policy)

Fiscal Management and Financial Metrics

3.

705.1* and 705.1R1, and 705.1R2*

Purchasing – Bidding, Suspension and Debarment of Vendors and Contractors Procedure, and Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contracts

4.

804.9 and 804.9R1*

Radon Mitigation and Radon Mitigation Regulation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Approval of Resignations

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Emma Boots

JSH 8.0 hr Daytime Custodian

04/06/2023

Lydia Butters

JSH Assistant Softball Coach

03/20/2023

Madison Corkery

JSH English/Language Arts Teacher

End of 2022-2023 School Year

Christie Litterer

East Elem Professional School Counselor

05/31/2023

Alexis Whealy

JSH Student Success Coordinator/Instructor

End of 2022-2023 School Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

 

 

NAME

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Heather Grover

West Elem Instructional Coach

East/West Elem .5 FTE Extended Learning Program (ELP) Teacher/ .5 FTE Computer Science Teacher

$53,107*

08/17/2023

Brian Jesse

JSH Science Teacher

District Teacher Librarian/ Media Specialist

$70,426*

08/17/2023

*Pending 2023-2024 Negotiations

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Hugh DeBerg

JSH JH Girls Track Coach

$2,426

04/03/2023

Alexander Farmer

JSH Physical Education Teacher

$43,671*

08/16/2023

Dianna Kosobucki

JSH Professional School Counselor

$48,421*

08/07/2023

Noa Marting

West Elementary Special Education Teacher

$43,671*

08/16/2023

Spencer Pink

JSH Student Success Coordinator/Instructor

$45,885*

08/16/2023

Justin Putz

JSH JH Boys Track Coach

$2,223

04/03/2023

Chris Shannon

JSH Assistant Baseball Coach

$3,557

05/01/2023

Shawn Thill

Central Office Payroll and Benefit Specialist

$13,678.16 pro-rated

03/29/2023

Cole Trimble

JSH .5 FTE Assistant Softball Coach

$1,563

05/01/2023

Leah Wroten

JSH Assistant Girls Basketball Coach

$2,803*

11/13/2023

*Pending 2023-2024 Negotiations

 

 

 

 

 

 

F. Approval of Financial Reports – Trimble moved to approve the financial reports. Smith

second the motion.  Smith acquired about the Ahlers & Cooney invoice.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director McCardle reviewed the bills – Smith will review in May

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

4.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

 

A.  Comments from the Public - Lloyd Davis talked about Mustang Pride, Charlie Morris talked in support of our boys’ basketball program, Dave Martin talked about the boys’ basketball programs accomplishments, and Emily Calahan talked in favor of the boys’ basketball program and staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – Trimble wanted to thank the community members, staff and students for their time and efforts during the Superintendent interview process.  Congratulations to Cynthia Phillips as she will start July 1 as our Superintendent.  Trimble had attended the DEI committee meeting, budget meeting and two negotiations sessions with certified staff.  She had attended the year end speech activities as well as the Cheerleading banquet and tennis meets. She thanked all those involved in the successful prom.  Smith shared a proud parent moment as he attended a college level event for his daughter. She supported her teammates as well as her competitors.  He wanted to thank the coaches and sponsors his daughter had during her time at Independence schools. Smith thanked the community member that passed on pictures to him on the doors being propped open. Smith asked to be on the next agenda about the restrooms in the JSH.  Hill thanked everyone for making her feel welcomed to the board.  Hill was very impressed with the process that was used to hire the new superintendent as it was an improvement from when she had been last involved.  Hill thanked Cheri Reed for the Educational Acronym Alphabet Soup list.  Hansen thanked Immanuel Lutheran Church for sponsoring the Post Prom Breakfast.  Hansen, Hill and Smith will be attending the IASB Summit for Student Success next week.  There is a noon webinar on May 15th that she encourages board members to watch.  The Building Trades will have an open house on April 30th.  Be sure to check Facebook as Precision Plumbing Heating and Air is donating for each like and share of the Facebook post. Hansen has been attending the negotiations meetings.  Supt Reiter also mentioned the Building Trades Home Open House on April 30th.  Congratulations to the Jazz Band as they competed at the State Jazz Band Competition and placed 4th out of 15 bands.  June 1st will be the students last day of school.  There is a tour scheduled for MHI this week and next week the board will meet for Facility Planning. Supt Reiter asked that if staff sees any doors propped open that they should be letting the administration know and follow the chain of command.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Presentations

 

 

     1.  District Communication Plan – Beth Strike from the Central Rivers AEA and Supt Reiter reviewed the District Communication Audit.

 

 

     2.  Updated Curriculum and Recommendations for Purchase of Materials – Erin Burmeister reviewed the current curriculums used in each area and talked about what our curriculum needs may be coming up.

 

 

 

 

 

5.

REPORTS

 

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal 

 

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

 

 

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – Supt. Reiter provided an update on the project and working on getting an inspection date set.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – Supt. Reiter indicated the committee had met and there were good conversations and appreciated the student’s involvement on the committee.  The next meeting date is May 8th.

 

 

 

 

7.

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

A. Consider Approval of the Amended 2022-2023 Certified Budget – Trimble moved to approve the Amended 2022-2023 Certified Budget.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Consider Approval of the Proposed 2023-2024 Certified Budget – Hill moved to approve the Proposed 2023-2034 Certified Budget.   Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.  Trimble again thanked the community for their support in passing the PPEL levy.  The tax rate for FY23-24 will be $13.34, down from $13.39.

 

 

 

 

 

C. Consider Approval of the Independence Community School District Graduate Candidates                for May 2023 – Smith moved to approve the Independence Community School District Graduate Candidates for May 2023.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.  BCSC graduation is May 17th and High School graduation is May 21st.

 

 

 

 

8.

ADJOURNMENT – Smith moved to adjourn the meeting.  Trimble second, motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.

 

________________________________                   ____________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                               Laura Morine, Board Secretary

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:29

Board Minutes - 2023.04.20 - Special Meeting

Board Minutes - 2023.04.20 - Special Meeting lmorine@indeek12.org Fri, 06/09/2023 - 08:12

Board Minutes - 2023.04.21 - Special Meeting IESP opening

Board Minutes - 2023.04.21 - Special Meeting IESP opening

Independence Community School Board

Public Meetings for Negotiations

April 21, 2023

The Public meetings were held on April 21, 2023 at the Administration Office starting at 2:00 pm.

Present: Supt. Russ Reiter, Director of Finance Laura Morine, Board Member Kim Hansen and Gina Trimble.  IESP Negotiation Team: Lisa Preuss, Michaela Schuler, Peg Bantz, Andria Anderson, Deana Miller, and Shelly Staker (ISEA rep). Two support staff were also in attendance.

Supt. Reiter welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the support staff for their dedication and hard work.     

FIRST MEETING:

Lisa Preuss from the Independence Educational Support Personnel Association (IESP) presented their initial proposal stating that they were interested in negotiating an increase in wage to assist in attracting and retaining quality staff.  They also have an interest in working on a longevity system. 

SECOND MEETING: (held immediately following the first)

Supt. Reiter presented the Board’s opening statement with the following points:

  • The Board of Education has a tremendous responsibility to educate all of our students and support our staff to ensure they are successful.  Having an opportunity to discuss important issues and understanding we have similar goals, allows us to work together with a shared vision.
  • The Board would like to convey their appreciation to the IESP for the interest-based problem-solving proposal and their participation in the progress.   Our goal is to attract and retain the best individuals to support our students and school district.

Full disclosure of both proposals may be reviewed at the Administration Office.

The open meeting ended at 2:13 pm and those not on the negotiating team left.  The negotiating teams from both sides then began negotiating.

 

__________________________________                        ___________________________________

Kim Hansen                                                                  Laura Morine

Board President                                                             Director of Finance/Board Secretary

lmorine@indeek12.org Fri, 06/09/2023 - 08:14

Board Minutes - 2023.04.24 Work Session

Board Minutes - 2023.04.24 Work Session

Independence Community School Board Meeting

 Work Session- Facility Planning

April 24, 2023

A work session for the Independence Community School Board started at 6:00 pm at Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on April 24, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle and Gina Trimble, Audrey Hill and Eric Smith.   Other Present: Supt. Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, JSH Principal Kleman, Buildings & Grounds Director O’Brien, and Doug Larson.

The following companies each presented their Facility Planning proposals to the board.  

 INVISION planning/architecture/interiors

 Emergent Architecture 

 Denovo Construction Solutions

The board discussed the proposals but no official action was taken during the work session.

The work session ended at 8:35 pm.

 

__________________________________                   _________________________________

Kim Hansen, Board President                                       Laura Morine, Board Secretary

lmorine@indeek12.org Fri, 06/09/2023 - 08:15

Board Minutes - 2023.05.02 Special Meeting

Board Minutes - 2023.05.02 Special Meeting

ndependence Community School Board Meeting

 Special Meeting

May 2, 2023

A special meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on May 2, 2023.   

Members Present: Kim Hansen, Charlie McCardle, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith and Supt. Reiter.  Audrey Hill and Board Secretary Morine were absent.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – McCardle moved to approve the agenda. Smith second, motion approved 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Consider Approval of the Amendment of the Independence Educational Support Personnel (IESP) Contract for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 – Trimble moved to approve the Amendment of the Independence Educational Support Personnel (IESP) Contract for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.  An increase of $1.10 for existing staff and $.90 on base for a package increase of 7.01% on salary.  McCardle second, motion carried 4-0. 
  1. Consider Approval of the Amendment of the Independence Teachers’ Association (ITA) Contract for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 – Trimble moved to approve the Amendment of the Independence Teachers’ Association (ITA) Contract for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 with a package increase of 4.05% on salary.  McCardle second, motion carried 4-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the Classified Non-Union, District Exempt Non-Union, Certified Non-Union, and Administrative/Director Contracts for 2023-2024. McCardle moved to approve the Classified Non-Union, District Exempt Non-Union, Certified Non-Union, and Administrative/Director Contracts for 2023-2024.  Trimble second.  Board discussed the motion and Smith moved to postpone Classified Non-Union, District Exempt Non-Union, Certified Non-Union, and Administrative/Director Contracts for 2023-2024.  McCardle second, motion postponed 4-0.

ADJOURNMENT – Trimble moved to adjourn the meeting, Smith second.   Motion carried 4-0 and meeting adjourned at 5:47 pm.

 

________________________________________   

Kim Hansen, President                                              

 

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Fri, 06/09/2023 - 08:18

Board Minutes - 2023.05.15

Board Minutes - 2023.05.15

Independence Community School Board Meeting

  Regular Meeting

May 15, 2023

The regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on May 15, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith, Audrey Hill and Charlie McCardle. Also present: Superintendent Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, administration, directors and guests.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

FRIENDS OF EDUCATION

  1. Iowa School Board Recognition Month – Supt Reiter thanked the Board of Education for the

dedication and time as board members. Certificates were presented.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Smith moved to approve the agenda with striking Policy #705.1 as the

URL is not valid.  Hill second, motion carried 5-0.

                                                           

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Smith moved to approve items A, B, C, D and F.  Motion died due to a lack of a second.   Trimble moved to items A, B, C, D, E and F.   McCardle second.   Motion carried 4-1.  Smith voted nay as he wasn’t ready to vote yet.

 

 

 

A. Approval of the minutes of the public hearing and regular meeting on April 17, 2023, the work session on April 20, 2023, the public meetings on April 21, 2023, the work session on April 24, 2023, and the special session on May 2, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

 

 

 

 

Second Readings:

 

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

219.2*

Board of Directors’ Member Development and Training

2.

701.05 and 701.05R1 (New Policy)

Fiscal Management and Financial Metrics

3.

705.1* and 705.1R1, and 705.1R2*

Purchasing – Bidding, Suspension and Debarment of Vendors and Contractors Procedure, and Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contracts

4.

804.9 and 804.9R1*

Radon Mitigation and Radon Mitigation Regulation

 

 

 

                 First Readings:

 

 

 

 

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

200.5 (new)

Board Member Media Engagement

2.

211.5*

Meeting Notice

3.

401.6 and 401.6R1*

Employee Records and Employee Records Regulation

4.

401.16 change to 705.6

Credit Cards

5.

407.2*

Licensed Employee Contract Release

6.

501.2*

Nonresident Students

7.

604.7*

Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institute

8.

701.4*

Transfer of Funds

9.

708*

Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records

 

 

 

         C. Approval of Resignations

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Scott Eddy

JSH JH Football Coach

04/26/2023

Skye Ludovissy

East Elem 7.0 hr Special Ed Para

06/01/2023

Amy Peyton

East Elem .5 hr Crosswalk Para (a.m.)

06/01/2023

Luke Pranger

JSH Science Teacher

06/07/2023

Tia Shaffer

JSH Family Consumer Science (FCS) Teacher

06/07/2023

Tia Shaffer

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Sponsor

06/07/2023

 

 

 

 

D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

 

 

 

NAME

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Danielle Miller

West Elem Special Ed Teacher

JSH Special Ed Teacher

$71,342

08/17/2023

Kristi Price

East Elem 7.0 hr Behavior Int Para

East Elem 8.0 hr Head Secretary

$17.15/hr

07/01/2023

Maddie Timmerman

West Elem 4th Grade Teacher

East Elem 2nd Grade Teacher

$45,747

08/17/2023

 

        E.  Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Michelle Brackin

East Elem 8.0 hr Custodian (Days)

$15.40/hr

04/28/2023

Sarah Davis

West Elem Special Ed Teacher

$63,779

08/16/2023

Breanna Elam

East Elem Professional School Counselor

$51,278

08/14/2023

Carter Harris

JSH Science Teacher             

$44,437

08/16/2023

Dianna Kosobucki

JSH .5 FTE Assistant Softball Coach

$1,348

05/01/2023

Susan Phillips

JSH Family Consumer Science (FCS) Teacher

$45,767

08/16/2023

Susan Phillips

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Sponsor .5 FTE

$868

08/16/2023

Mikala Roberts

JSH Eng/Lang Arts Teacher

$44,437

08/16/2023

Hunter Shannon

 

JSH Assistant Baseball Coach

$2,911

05/01/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TLC:

 

 

 

Instructional Coaches

 

 

 

Hannah Burns

JSH Math and Science

$8,500

07/01/2023

Joel Dinger

JSH Eng/Lang Arts and Social Studies

$8,500

07/01/2023

Jill Eddy

East/West Elem Special Ed

$8,500

07/01/2023

Rachel Hurley

JSH Grades 7-12 Special Ed

$8,500

07/01/2023

Erin Rosburg

JSH Standards Referenced Grading

$8,500

07/01/2023

Robin Van Raden

West Elem 3-6

$8,500

07/01/2023

 

 

Curriculum Leaders

 

 

 

LouAnn Bresson

ECC Preschool

$4,500

07/01/2023

Brittany Holt

East Elem Kindergarten, Literacy

$4,500

07/01/2023

Kelly Kress

East Elem Kindergarten Math

$4,500

07/01/2023

Brandi Davis

East Elem 1st Grade, Literacy

$4,500

07/01/2023

Kelly Mitchell

East Elem 1st Grade, Math

$4,500

07/01/2023

Briana Lamphere

East Elem 2nd Grade, Math

$4,500

07/01/2023

Lyndzi Eschen

West Elem 3rd Grade

$4,500

07/01/2023

Racheal Ohrt

West Elem 4th Grade

$4,500

07/01/2023

Ricky Nolan

West Elem 5th Grade

$4,500

07/01/2023

Sara Thome

West Elem 6th Grade

$4,500

07/01/2023

Wade Stahr

JSH CTE (Career Technical Education)

$4,500

07/01/2023

Sue Henry

JSH English

$4,500

07/01/2023

Garry Anderson

JSH Science

$4,500

07/01/2023

Matt Miller

JSH Social Studies

$4,500

07/01/2023

Kerry Pasker

District-Wide Interventions/Title I

$4,500

07/01/2023

Kelci Jahnel

District-Wide Lead Mentor Teacher

$4,500

07/01/2023

 

 

 

 

F. Approval of Financial Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Bills – Director Smith reviewed the bills – Trimble will review in June

 

 

 

     2.  Budget Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

 

 

    A. Comments from the Public.  The following talked in favor of retaining the full-time substitute and the ISS para position at the Jr/Sr High: Andria Anderson, Theresa Mueller, Michael Thomas, Jr., Michaela Schuler, Brandi Fox, Trisha Baez, Lisa Preuss, Brook Carey and Madison Corkery.

 

 

        B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – The board members had a busy month attending concerts, athletics events, committee meetings and IASB events. Congratulations to the spring sports on their success. Congratulations to the two students selected for the All Iowa Honor 8th Grade Band and the High School Concert Band for their excellent Band Master’s performance. Supt. Reiter wanted to thank those involved with the 3rd grade Bike Safety Program. Our district hosted the District Track meet and it was very well organized and it couldn’t have happened without all the extra help that was received. Thank you to all who helped.  A special thanks to the Dollars for Scholars program that awarded over $100,000 in scholarship to our seniors. This is graduation weekend and it kicks off with the Buchanan County Success Center graduation on Friday night and High School Graduation on Sunday. Preschool graduation will be on Monday.  Congratulations to all the graduates! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Presentations

     1.  Elementary Math Presentation – Erin Rosburg and Erin Burmeister presented on the recent math scores and they were excited to report tremendous growth in the math scores with the new math curriculum.  Burmeister indicated that this wasn’t possible without the hard work of our teachers and staff.  These scores are to be celebrated.

 

 

REPORTS

 

 

 

A. Building Administrator Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

 

 

 

     2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

 

 

 

     3.  West Elementary Principal

 

 

 

     4.   East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. District Director Reports

 

 

 

     1.  Activities Director Report

 

 

 

     2.  Director of School Improvement Report

 

 

 

     3.  Director of Technology Report

 

 

 

     4.  Director of Food Service Report

 

 

 

     5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

 

 

 

     6.  Director of Transportation Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

 

 

A. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project - Trimble and Smith did a walk through with Supt Reiter.  Supt Reiter has a few items that he will keep an eye on.  Smith asked that we close out this agenda item.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Review the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee - the DEI committee had their 4th and final meeting for this fiscal year.  The committee continues to have good conversations and great student involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

A. Consider Renewal of the Letter of Continuation of the Iowa Department of Human Services Buchanan County Juvenile Court School Coach Contract #JUV-18-LS-1-001 Fifth Amendment from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.   Trimble moved to approve the Letter of Continuation of the Iowa Department of Human Services Buchanan County Juvenile Court School Coach Contract #JUV-18-LS-1-001 Fifth Amendment from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. McCardle second.  Motion carried 5-0.  The contact information will be updated to reflect the new superintendent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Consider Approval of the Charter Bus Contact for Charter No. 34157 with Hawkeye Stages for the High School Marching Band for October 7-8, 2023.  Smith moved to approve the Charter Bus Contact for Charter No. 34157 with Hawkeye Stages for the High School Marching Band for October 7-8, 2023.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Consider Approval of the Milk Bid from Prairie Farms for 2023-2024. McCardle moved to approve the Milk Bid from Prairie Farms for 2023-2024.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D. Consider Approval of the Bread Bid from Pan-O-Gold for 2023-2024. Smith moved to approve the Bread Bid from Pan-O-Gold for 2023-2024.  Trimble second motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Consider Approval of the Registration and Food Service Rates for 2023-2024.  Smith moved to approve the Registration and Food Service Rates for 2023-2024.  Hill second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F. Consider Approval of the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with Cedar Falls Community Schools for Men’s and Women’s Swimming for 2023-2024.  Trimble moved to approve the Cooperative Sharing Agreement with Cedar Falls Community Schools for Men’s and Women’s Swimming for 2023-2024.  Hill second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G. Consider Approval of the Catastrophic Student Accident Insurance Plan for 2023-2024. Smith moved to approve the Catastrophic Student Accident Insurance Plan for 2023-2024.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H. Consider Approval of the Agreement for Food Service Operations between Kidsville and Independence Community School District for 2023-2024. McCardle moved to approve the Agreement for Food Service Operations between Kidsville and Independence Community School District for 2023-2024. Smith second motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I. Consider Approval of the Lease Agreement with Moser Preschool and Daycare through                     July 31, 2024.  Hill moved to approve the Lease Agreement with Moser Preschool and Daycare through July 31, 2024.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Consider Approval of the Statewide 4-Year Old Voluntary Preschool Contracts with Independence Community School District and Kidsville, Moser Preschool, St. John Catholic School, and Wee Care Preschool for 2023-2024. Smith moved to approve the Statewide 4-Year Old Voluntary Preschool Contracts with Independence Community School District and Kidsville, Moser Preschool, St. John Catholic School, and Wee Care Preschool for 2023-2024.  Hill second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K. Consider Approval of the Recommendation from the Facility Planning Committee. Smith moved to approve the proposal from Invision for facility planning only and not for any future plans.  Hill second.  After some discussion of each of the firms, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L. Discussion of Junior-Senior High School Restrooms – Smith wanted to discuss progress on the Jr/Sr High maintenance and accessibility. Smith reported there was a lot of progress made.

The Board took a recess break at 7:45 pm to allow people to leave the room. McCardle moved to go into exempt session. Smith second, motion carried 5-0 and the exempt session resumed at 7:57 pm to discuss negotiations strategies.     The exempt session ended at 8:55 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M. Consider Approval of the Classified Non-Union, District Exempt Non-Union, Certified Non-Union, and Administrative/Director Contracts for 2023-2024.  McCardle moved to approve the Classified Non-Union, District Exempt Non-Union, Certified Non-Union, and Administrative/Director Contracts for 2023-2024.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – Trimble moved to adjourn.  Smith second, motion carried 5-0 and meeting was adjourned at 8:56 pm.

 

_____________________________________     __________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                               Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

 

 
lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:29

Board Minutes - 2023.06.19

Board Minutes - 2023.06.19


Independence Community School District

  Regular Meeting

June 19, 2023

The board held a reception for retiring Superintendent Reiter at 5:30 pm in the Administration Office.

The regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Kim Hansen at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on June 19, 2023.  Board members present: Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Eric Smith, Audrey Hill and Charlie McCardle. Also present: Superintendent Reiter, Board Secretary Morine, administration, and guests. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Smith moved to approve the agenda. McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS – Trimble moved to approve all the consent items, 3A-3F. Smith second, motion carried 5-0.

     A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting on May 15, 2023.

     B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

Second Readings:

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

200.5 (new)

Board Member Media Engagement

2.

211.5*

Meeting Notice

3.

401.6 and 401.6R1*

Employee Records and Employee Records Regulation

4.

401.16 change to 705.6

Credit Cards

5.

407.2*

Licensed Employee Contract Release

6.

501.2*

Nonresident Students

7.

604.7*

Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institute

8.

701.4*

Transfer of Funds

9.

708*

Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records

 

 

     C. Approval of Resignations

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Jon Carey

JSH .5 FTE Head Girls Wrestling Coach

05/30/2023

Jon Carey

JSH.5 FTE Assistant Girls Wrestling Coach

05/30/2023

Timothy Dryml

Bus Garage 4.25 hr Bus Driver

06/01/2023

Cindy Hammers

Bus Garage 8.0 hr Bus Driver

05/31/2023

Andrea Lynn

Central Office 8.0 hr Accounts Payable

06/20/2023

Danielle Oaks

West Elem 5th Grade Teacher

06/07/2023

Justin Putz

JSH JH Boys Track Coach

05/24/2023

Megan Rawlins

JSH At-Risk/Health Teacher

06/07/2023

Megan Rawlins

JSH JH Volleyball Coach

06/07/2023

Seth Rupprecht

JSH JH Boys Basketball Coach

05/23/2023

Nancy Scheel

JSH Special Ed Teacher

06/07/2023

Matt Shannon

JSH .65 FTE Computer Applications Teacher

06/07/2023

Peter Trimble

JSH Color Guard Sponsor

05/30/2023

Rebecca Wearmouth

Bus Garage 4.25 hr Bus Driver

06/01/2023

 

 

    D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

NAME

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Carrie Cusher

JSH 8.0 hr Activities Secretary

Central Office 8.0 hr Accounts Payable

$20.00/hr

06/08/2023

Kenzie Fischels

JSH .5 Head Girls Wrestling Coach/.5 Assist Girls Wrestling Coach

JSH Head Girls Wrestling Coach

$4,428

10/30/2023

Michaela Schuler

JSH 7.5 hr In School Suspension Monitor Para

JSH 8.0 hr At-Risk Para

$15.80/hr

08/22/2023

 

          E. Approval of New Hires (pending acceptable background checks)

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Cindi Barenz

Elementary Summer School Para

$16.70/hr

07/31/2023

Alicia Conner

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/31/2023

Heather Grover

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/31/2023

Holly McGraw

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/31/2023

Matthew Mosher

JSH 8.0 hr Daytime Custodian

$16.20/hr

06/26/2023

Teri Neil

MHI Special Ed Teacher

$66,759

08/16/2023

Hayley Patterson

Elementary Summer School Para

$13.50/hr

07/31/2023

Hayley Patterson

East Elem 7.25 hr Behavior Interventionist Para

$14.35/hr

08/23/2023

Lisa Preuss

JSH Summer School Para

$19.17/hr

06/12/2023

Erin Rosburg

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/31/2023

Kaylee Storr

West Elem 5th Grade Teacher

$53,242

08/16/2023

Maddie Timmerman

Elementary Summer School Teacher

$30.00/hr

07/31/2023

 

 

 

 

TLC:

 

 

 

Curriculum Leaders

 

 

 

Kate Grover

East Elem 2nd Grade

$4,500

07/01/2023

Michael Doyle

JSH Math

$4,500

07/01/2023

 

          F. Approval of Financial Reports

          1.  Bills – Director Trimble reviewed the bills – Hill will review in July

          2.  Budget Report

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

  1. Comments from the Public – none

    B. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – Trimble stated that this was Superintendent Reiter’s last board meeting. Trimble wanted to publicly thank him for years of service, she appreciated his strengths in finances and facilities and he has brought our district to a much better position. Hill participated in events this last month and thoroughly enjoyed greeting the graduates at commencement.  McCardle also attended many events over the month. He wanted to thank the Mustang Foundation for their significant donation for the weight room. We have great number of students taking advantage of the weight room and it is exciting that our students are getting bigger, faster and stronger because of the weight room equipment and programs. Also thanked Supt. Reiter for his service. Smith stated he appreciated Supt. Reiter for his leadership during the COVID Return to Learn. Our test scores are relatively strong compared to other districts.     

Supt. Reiter continues to work with the companies and timeline to replace the carpet at West Elementary due the glue issues. The facilities committee will meet on Wednesday at 5:30 pm. The road is completed south of West Elementary but needs some dirt work done. 

    C. Presentations

         1.  Volunteer/Mentor Program Update - Val Maximovich presented her annual update and was proud to announce they had just finished celebrating the 30th year of the mentoring program. She continues to build and foster the relationships between the students and community.

REPORTS

     A. Building Administrator Reports

          1.  Junior-Senior High School Principal

          2.  Junior-Senior High School Assistant Principal

          3.  West Elementary and East Elementary/Early Childhood Center Principals

     B. District Director Reports

          1.  Activities Director Report

          2.  Director of School Improvement Report

          3.  Director of Technology Report

          4.  Director of Food Service Report

          5.  Director of Buildings & Grounds Report

          6.  Director of Transportation Report

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Consider Approval of the Travel Request Form - June 2023: Wrestling Team Camp in Platteville, WI – Trimble moved to approve the Travel Request Form - June 2023: Wrestling Team Camp in Platteville, WI.  Hill second. Only two vans would be needed. Motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the Client Coverage Acknowledgment and Compensation Disclosure Statement from Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.- McCardle moved to approve the Client Coverage Acknowledgment and Compensation Disclosure Statement from Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. Smith second, motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the Joint Education Service Agreement between Hawkeye Community College and Independence Community Schools for the 2023-2024 Academic Year - Smith moved to approve the Joint Education Service Agreement between Hawkeye Community College and Independence Community Schools for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the EMC Annual Insurance Proposal - Smith moved to approve the EMC Annual Insurance proposal.  Hill second. Rusty Donnelly was present to review the insurance renewal proposal. Smith and Hill agreed to amend the motion to include the Wind/Hail Deductible Buy Down Coverage for West Elementary and the JSH. Hill second. Motion carried  5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the Buildings & Grounds Manager Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District (80/20%) Along with a $2,000 Stipend for 2023-2024 - McCardle moved to approve the Buildings & Grounds Manager Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District (80/20%) Along with a $2,000 Stipend for 2023-2024.  Hill second. After discussion, McCardle and Hill agreed to amend the motion to be a $2500 stipend. Motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the School Social Worker Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District (60/40%) for 2023-2024 - Trimble moved to approve the School Social Worker Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District (60/40%) for 2023-2024. Smith second, motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the HR Director Shared Services Agreement with the Jesup Community School District (20%) and the Union Community School District (20%) Along with Two $2,000 Stipends for 2023-2024 - Smith moved to approve the HR Director Shared Services Agreement with the Jesup Community School District (20%) and the Union Community School District (20%) Along with Two $2,500 Stipends for 2023-2024. Hill second, motion carried 5-0. The board requests job descriptions from each of the districts for the shared positions.
  1. Consider Approval of the PowerSchool Access Agreement with Grant Wood Area Education Agency for 2023-2024 - Trimble moved to approve the PowerSchool Access Agreement with Grant Wood Area Education Agency for 2023-2024. McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the Operating Agreement between St. John School and Independence Community School District through June 30, 2024 - Smith moved to approve the Operating Agreement between St. John School and Independence Community School District through June 30, 2024. Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the Board Resolution to Transfer Funds of up to $10,000.00 for Protective Athletic Equipment - McCardle moved to approve the Resolution to Transfer Funds of up to $10,000.00 for Protective Athletic Equipment. Trimble second. Roll call vote:  McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye, Hill – aye, Hansen – aye. Motion carried 5-0.
  1. Consider Approval of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Independence Teachers’ Association for the Addition of the Silver Cord Position to Appendix D of the Master Contract - Trimble moved to approve the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Independence Teachers’ Association for the Addition of the Silver Cord Position to Appendix D of the Master Contract. Hill second, motion carried 5-0.

President Hansen thanked Supt. Reiter for his 37 years in education, his dedication to our students, teachers, staff, and community.  Along with all the programs he brought to the district, she thanked him for being visible and active in the community.   

ADJOURNMENT - Trimble moved to adjourn the meeting. Smith second. Motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.

 

________________________________________    ______________________________________

Kim Hansen, President                                                Laura J. Morine, Board Secretary

 

 

lmorine@indeek12.org Mon, 10/17/2022 - 09:30