Board Minutes - 2022.06.20

Independence Community School District Board Meeting

Regular Meeting

June 20, 2022

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Vice Chair Kim Hansen at the Administrative Office, Independence, IA on June 20, 2022.  Members Present: Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Charlie McCardle and Brad Bleichner. Eric Smith attended virtually.  Superintendent Russell Reiter, Board Secretary Laura Morine and administrators/directors were present. 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 – Trimble moved to approve the consent items.  McCardle second, motion carried 5-0.

1. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting on May 16, 2022, the special meeting on            May 18, 2022, the special meeting on May 31, 2022, and the special meeting on June 15, 2022.
2. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

       Second Readings:

First Readings:

C. Approval of Resignations

D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

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

F. Approval of Financial Reports

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

     2.  Budget Report

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

1. Comments from the Public - none

2. Comments from Board/Superintendent – Board members each had an opportunity for comments.   In consensus, they want to thank and wish Julie Johnson a happy retirement and well as John Howard.  Board also thanked everyone involved with the graduation programs.  Mr. Ian Kleman introduced himself and he is excited to start his new position as the Jr/Sr High Principal in July. Welcome, Mr. Kleman! Hansen had comments regarding the Diversity committee including parents, live streaming the graduation ceremony in the future and concerns about the JSH schedule. Trimble would like to see regular updates from the Diversity committee. Supt. Reiter reported that we are looking into utilizing the pCard program as a new credit card platform.  The district’s tax rate was verified by the Iowa Department of Management and it went down a penny from $14.40 to $14.39 based on finalized numbers. The Mustang Foundation will be launching their donation drive for the Leinbaugh Field Entry Plaza honoring Coach Lyle Leinbaugh and Sergeant Jim Smith. Supt. Reiter distributed a monthly calendar based on the board’s goals. The board asked that the calendar include other items such as handbooks and manuals.  The Auditorium Committee met and the district will move forward on the sound project by purchasing new sound board equipment and accessories.

C. Presentations

     1.  Girls Wrestling Program – Justin Putz presented a proposal to the board to start a girl’s wrestling program in the district starting in FY22-23. IGHSAU has officially sanctioned the sport starting in 2022-2023. There will be 14 weight classes and continue the state tournament in Coralville. The district has had girl wrestlers and they have been very successful. The district would be responsible for paying the coaching staff (head coach and an assistant), transportation and coverage for any teacher coaches that may be hired.

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

OLD BUSINESS

1. Review East/West Elementary Construction Project – Superintendent Reiter reported there should be a final punch list meeting on June 27^th with the project stakeholders.  The brickwork and canopy on the west entrance of West Elementary has seen progress towards completion.  Work on the West gymnasium floor has begun.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Consider Approval of Girls Wrestling Program – Trimble moved to approve the Girls Wrestling Program starting in FY2023.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0.

2. Consider Approval of the EMC Annual Insurance Proposal – McCardle moved to approve the EMC Annual Insurance Proposal. Bleichner second.  Rusty Donnelly with Smith D&L Insurance reviewed the proposal with the board. The annual premium came in at $319,164, a 20.17% increase over last year. EMC has experienced some losses due to weather and sexual abuse cases in other districts.  We also had a $20,000,000 increase in the replacement cost value on the buildings due to the cost of materials and labor. The district could increase some deductibles for cost saving opportunities:  Property Coverage: change deductible from $5,000 to $10,000, savings of $7419; Public Officials & Employee Practices Liability: change deductible from $2500 to $5000, savings of $955; Auto Coverage: change deductible from $2000 to $3000, saving $3,471.   McCardle amended his motion to accept the cost saving options on the Property Coverage and Public Officials & Employee Practices Liability.  Bleichner second.  Board approved annual premiums of $310,790, a 17.02% increase.  Motion carried 5-0.

3. Consider Approval of the Registration and Meal Rates for 2022-2023 – Trimble moved to approve the Registration and Meal Rates for FY22-23. McCardle second.  Motion carried 5-0.

4. Consider Approval of the Food Service Director Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for 2022-2023 – Bleichner moved to approve the Food Service Director Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for 2022-2023.  Trimble second, motion carried 5-0.  This is an 80/20 agreement with no operational sharing dollars.  Last year it was a 70/30 arrangement.

5. Consider Approval of the Buildings & Grounds Manager Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for 2022-2023 – Trimble moved to approve the Buildings & Grounds Manager Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for 2022-2023.  Bleichner second, motion carried.  This is an 80/20 agreement with operational sharing dollars equaling 4 students.

6. Consider Approval of the School Social Worker Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for 2022-2023 – McCardle moved to approve the School Social Worker Shared Services Agreement with East Buchanan Community School District for 2022-2023.  Trimble second, motion carried.  This is a 60/40 agreement with operational sharing dollars equaling 2 students.

7. Consider Approval of the Transportation Director Shared Services Agreement with Dunkerton Community School District for 2022-2023.  Trimble moved to approve the Transportation Director Shared Services Agreement with Dunkerton Community School District for 2022-2023.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0. This is an 80/20 agreement with operational sharing dollars equaling 4 students.

8. Consider Approval of the PowerSchool Access Agreement with Grant Wood Area Education Agency for 2022-2023 – Bleichner moved to approve the PowerSchool Access Agreement with Grant Wood Area Education Agency for 2022-2023. McCardle 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 – Trimble moved to approve the Board Resolution to Transfer Funds of up to $10,000.00 for Protective Athletic Equipment.  McCardle second.  Roll call vote:  McCardle – aye, Smith – aye, Trimble – aye, Bleichner – aye, Hansen – aye.  Motion carried 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT – McCardle moved to adjourn the meeting.  Bleichner second, motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

__________________________________                 ________________________________

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