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 20^th 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:

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 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 25^th 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.

2. Consider Approval of the 2022-2023 Elementary and JSH Student Handbooks.  Smith moved to approve the June 14^th 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."

3. 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.

4. Consider Approval of the 2022-2023 Coach-Sponsor Activities Handbook. Smith moved to approve the July 12^th 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.

5.  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.

6.  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.

7. 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.

8.  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

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 18^th 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:

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 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 17^th, all staff meets on Thursday, August 18^th.   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 23^rd . 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 9^th and 10^th 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                                  

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:

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 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 13^th PPEL Vote lacked 17 votes to pass.  Supt. Reiter outlined options on how to move forward. March 7^th 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.

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:

First Readings:

C. Approval of Resignations

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

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 1^st 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 30^th 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

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:

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

C. Approval of Resignations

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

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 30^th 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 6^th Grade teachers: Amanda Whitaker, Dana Mikel, Jillian Schares, Nicholas Holt, along with Sondra Cabell and Michael Maas from the Buchanan County Conservation.  The 6^th 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 1^st 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.

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.

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.