Board Minutes - 2024.05.20 Public Hearing/Reg Meeting

 

Independence Community School Board Meeting

Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

May 20, 2024             

A reception for departing staff members and recognizing school board members was held at 5:30 pm at the Administrative Office.

PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing for the Independence Community School District Property on the Proposed Conveyance of an Interest in Real Property, and the Notice of the Proposed Action had been Published Pursuant of the Provisions of Section 297.22(1) of the Code of Iowa, at 6:00 pm at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on May 20, 2024. Board members present: Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Charlie McCardle, and Audrey Hill. Mitch Barnett joined via Zoom.  Also attending Supt. Phillips and Board Secretary Morine, Principals: Kleman, Hupke, Reidy, Directors: Burmeister, Putz, and Noyes. Also, staff and community members.  There were no public comments and the public hearing ended at 6:02 pm. 

REGULAR MEETING

The regular meeting of the Independence Community School Board was called to order by President Kim Hansen at 6:02 pm at the Administration Office, 1207 1st St West, Independence, Iowa on May 20, 2024. Board members present: Kim Hansen, Gina Trimble, Charlie McCardle, and Audrey Hill. Mitch Barnett joined via Zoom.  Also attending Supt. Phillips and Board Secretary Morine, Principals: Kleman, Hupke, Reidy, Directors: Burmeister, Putz, and Noyes. Also, staff and community members. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

FRIENDS OF EDUCATION

A. Iowa School Board Recognition Month

Thank you to the current Board of Directors for their time, resources and energy in helping make our district the best it can be. 

B. Recognition of Departing Independence Community School District Staff

Best of luck to all our departing staff members and thank them for their service to the Independence

Community School District. 

       Jack Goedken – 33 years, Brenda Hearn – 35 years, Christine Juhl – 10 years, Kaitlyn Craft – 1 year, Bridget Krempges – 5 years, Kathy Meyer – 37 years, Laura Morine – 7 years, Dewey Hupke – 10 years, Val Maximovich – 17 years, Paul Upmeyer – 6 years, and Tom Zimmerly – 12 years.

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

CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON CONSENT ITEMS - Motion by Hill, second by McCardle to approve the consent items.  Motion carried 5-0. 

A. Approval of the minutes of the public hearing and regular meeting on April 15, 2024 and the special meeting on May 7, 2024.

B. Approval of Board Policies (*changes noted)

         Second Readings:

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

502.05* and R1

Student Expression and Student Publications and Student Expression and Student Publications Code

2.

502.06

Student Complaints and Grievances

3.

502.07

Student Lockers

4.

502.08

Weapons

5.

502.10, E1, and R1

Search and Seizure, Search and Seizure Checklist, and Search and Seizure Regulation

6.

502.11

Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies

7.

503.03, E1, and R1

Fines – Fees – Charges, Fee Waiver Application, and Student Fee Waiver and Reduction Procedures

8.

504.01

Student Government

9.

504.02

Student Organizations

10.

504.04

Student Social Events

11.

504.05

Student Performances

12.

504.08

Student Activity Program

 

       First Readings:

 

POLICY #

POLICY NAME

1.

405.02*

Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection

2.

411.02*

Classified Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection

3.

507.08 and R1*

Student Special Health Services and Special Health Services Regulation

4.

704.01*

Local – State – Federal – Miscellaneous Revenue

5.

706.02*

Payroll Deductions

6.

706.03* and R1*

Reduction in Employee Pay and Reduction in Employee Pay Regulation

7.

707.01*

Presentation and Publication of Financial Information

8.

707.02 Delete Policy;

Incorporated into Policy

707.01

Secretary/Treasurer’s Annual Report

9.

707.03 Delete Policy;

Incorporated into Policy 707.01

Publication of Financial Reports

10.

707.04*

Audit

 

C. Approval of Resignations

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

DATE

Jamie Even

JSH JH Volleyball Coach

05/16/2024

Rachel Main

East Elem .5 hrs/day Crossing Guard Para p.m.

05/31/2024

Matt Miller

JSH Head Baseball Coach

07/31/2024

 

D. Approval of Transfers/Reassignments

NAME

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Emily Caylor

West Elem 3rd Grade Teacher

East Elem Kindergarten Teacher

$47,476

08/20/2024

Lisa Colton

JSH 7.5 hr Kitchen Manager

JSH 8.0 hr Kitchen Manager

$18.35/hr*

08/26/2024

Jami Crawford

East Elem 2nd Grade Teacher

East Elem 1st Grade Teacher

$46,708

08/20/2024

Mary Glovik

West Elem 6.0 hr Night Custodian

West Elem 8.0 hr Night Custodian

$18.15/hr + $700 Night Stipend

07/01/2024

Nicholas Holt

West Elem 6th Grade Teacher

West Elementary 4th Grade Teacher

$46,708

08/20/2024

Stephanie McCrea

East Elem 5.5 hr Sp Ed Para

East Elem 7.0 hr Sp Ed Para

$17.65/hr

08/26/2024

Kaylee Storr

West Elem 5th Grade Teacher

West Elem 3rd Grade Teacher

$55,040

08/20/2024

Robin Van Raden

West Elem Instructional Coach

East Elem 2nd Grade Teacher

$78,189

08/20/2024

*Pending 2024-2025 Increase

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

 

NAME

ASSIGNMENT

SALARY

DATE

Megan Clark

JSH JH Special Ed Teacher

$56,999

08/19/2024

TLC:

 

 

 

Instructional Coaches

 

 

 

Jill Eddy

PK - 6

$7,500

07/01/2024

Kelci Jahnel

PK - 6

$7,500

07/01/2024

Hannah Burns

JSH Math and Science

$7,500

07/01/2024

Joel Dinger

JSH Eng/Lang Arts and Social Studies

$7,500

07/01/2024

Rachel Hurley

JSH Grades 7-12 Special Ed

$7,500

07/01/2024

Erin Rosburg

JSH Standards Referenced Grading

$7,500

07/01/2024

 

 

 

 

F. Approval of Financial Reports

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

     2.  Budget Report

G. Approval of Contractor’s Application for Payment #1 (Bid Form #2) and Payment #2 (Bid Form #1) - Independence CSD – 2024 Baseball Field Improvements

H. Donations

     1. Mentoring Donation from the Kendall Heppe Mentoring Benefit

     2. Mentoring Donation from Fraternal Order of Eagles

ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

A. Comments from the Public. - none

B. Presentations

     1.  Yearbook Preview – Ashley Foreman reported the Yearbook will look much different this year including links to some videos.  May 31st is the last day to order the 23-24 yearbook.  The Yearbook has a presence on Facebook:  Independence Mustangs Publications and Instagram: Indeepublications.

     2.  Mentoring Program Update – Val Maximovich reported that the mentoring program just completed its 30th year. This program has grown and made a positive impact on our students and community.  Thank you, Val, for your dedication to the Mentoring and Volunteer program.

C. Comments from the Board/Superintendent – The board members had been very busy attending year-end events. Congratulations to the Class of 2024. Also, congratulations to the students representing the district in post season activities.  Superintendent Phillips thanked all the staff members for their hard work and dedication to make Mustang events happen, especially at year end. May 31st is the last day of school and it will have a one-hour early dismissal.  The Wellness Committee will host a year-end Wellness Walk on June 4th.  Staff will be bussed to the Buchanan County Health Center and get their first card, then walk to Teachers Park while stopping at local businesses for additional cards. Lunch will be held at Teachers Park.

REPORTS

A. Building Administrator Reports

     1.  Junior-Senior High School

     2.  West Elementary

     3.  East Elementary/Early Childhood Center

B. District Director Reports

     1.  Activities Director Report*- Justin Putz reported that he is working on revamping the evaluation tool for evaluating HS coaches/sponsors in the FY24-25 school year.

Due to technical difficulties, a short recess was taken from 7:03 pm to 7:07 pm.

     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

A. Consider Approval of the Resolution WHEREAS, pursuant to notice published as required by law, the Board of Directors of the Independence Community School District on the 20th day of May, 2024 held a hearing on the proposal to convey an easement interest in real property and the extent of objections received from residents or property owners as to said proposed transaction has been fully considered; and, accordingly the following action is now considered to be in the best interests of the District and residents thereof:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE INDEPENDENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Section 1. That an access easement across the real property described herein shall be conveyed by the District to Chad W. Moser and Candy J. Moser for good and valuable consideration.  Conveyance by the District shall be by easement agreement.

Section 2. The Board President and Secretary are authorized to sign all conveyance documents for the real property described herein.

Section 3. The Board President, Secretary, Superintendent, and administrative officers of the District are authorized to take all actions necessary to complete the above-described transaction, including execution of ancillary documents.

Section 4. The real property is described as an access easement interest across the North 132 feet of the West 25 feet of the property legally described as: Commencing at a point Thirty-three (33) feet South of the Northeast corner of the West Fractional Half (1/2) of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of Section Four (4), Township Eighty-eight (88) North, Range Nine (9) West of the 5th P.M. in Buchanan County, Iowa, running thence West to the West line of said West Fractional Half (1/2) of the Northwest Quarter (1/4), thence South Sixty (60) rods, thence East to the East line of said West Fractional Half (1/2) of the Northwest Quarter (1/4), thence North to the place of beginning.

McCardle moved to approve the above resolution. Second by Hill.  Roll call vote:  Hill – aye, McCardle – aye, Trimble – aye, Barnett – aye, Hansen – aye.  Resolution passed 5-0.

B. Consider Approval of the Charter Bus Contact for Charter No. 35336 with Hawkeye Stages for the High School Marching Band for October 12-13, 2024 – McCardle moved, Trimble second to approve the Charter Bus Contact for Charter No. 35336 with Hawkeye Stages for the High School Marching Band for October 12-13, 2024. Motion carried 5-0.

C. Consider Approval of the Purchase and Subscription Services Agreement with Raptor Technologies Effective 05/01/2024 for an Initial Term of 36 Months – Hill moved, Trimble second to approve the Purchase and Subscription Services Agreement with Raptor Technologies Effective 05/01/2024 for an Initial Term of 36 Months. Motion carried 5-0.

D. Consider Approval of the Hawkeye Community College Concurrent Art/Graphic Design Classes – Trimble moved, Hill second to approve the Hawkeye Community College Concurrent Art/Graphic Design Classes.  Motion carried 5-0.

E. Consider Approval of the Milk Bid from Prairie Farms for 2024-2025 – McCardle moved, Hill second to approve the Milk Bid from Prairie Farms for 2024-2025.  Motion carried 5-0.

F. Consider Approval of the Bread Bid from Pan-O-Gold for 2024-2025 – McCardle moved, Trimble second to approve the Bread Bid from Pan-O-Gold for 2024-2025.  Motion carried 5-0.

G. Consider Approval of the Registration and Food Service Rates for 2024-2025 – Hill moved, McCardle second to approve the Registration and Food Service Rates for 2024-2025.  Motion carried 5-0.

H. Consider Approval of the Catastrophic Student Accident Insurance Plan for 2024-2025 – Trimble moved, Hill second to approve the Catastrophic Student Accident Insurance Plan for 2024-2025.  Motion carried 5-0.

I. Consider Approval of the Agreement for Food Service Operations between Kidsville and Independence Community School District for 2024-2025 – McCardle moved, Hill second to approve the Agreement for Food Service Operations between Kidsville and Independence Community School District for 2024-2025.  Motion carried 5-0.

J. Consider Approval of the Lease Agreement with Moser Preschool and Daycare through July 31, 2025 – Trimble moved, McCardle second to approve the Lease Agreement with Moser Preschool and Daycare through July 31, 2025.  Motion carried 5-0.

K. Consider Approval of the Statewide 4-Year Old Voluntary Preschool Contracts with Independence Community School District and Kidsville, Moser Preschool, and St. John Catholic School for 2024-2025 – McCardle moved, Trimble second to approve the Statewide 4-Year Old Voluntary Preschool Contracts with Independence Community School District and Kidsville, Moser Preschool, and St. John Catholic School for 2024-2025.  Motion carried 5-0.

L. Consider Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Independence Community School District and the Independence Teachers Association for Appendix C – Supplementary Salary Chart Through June 30, 2026 – Trimble moved, Hill second to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Independence Community School District and the Independence Teachers Association for Appendix C – Supplementary Salary Chart Through June 30, 2026.  Motion carried 5-0.

M. Consider Approval of the Bureau of Justice Stop School Violence McGrath Response System District Memorandum of Understanding – Barnett moved, Hill second to approve the Bureau of Justice Stop School Violence McGrath Response System District Memorandum of Understanding.  Motion carried 5-0.

N. Consider Approval of the Care Coordination Agreement for Pathways Behavioral Services, Inc. Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHS) – McCardle moved, Trimble second to approve the Care Coordination Agreement for Pathways Behavioral Services, Inc. Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHS).  Motion carried 5-0.

Recess was taken from 7:58 pm to 8:10 pm.

EXEMPT SESSION - Negotiations Strategy Session

The board entered an exempt session at 8:10 pm to discuss negotiation. There were no official business transactions.  The exempt session ended at 9:22 pm.

O. Consider Approval of the Classified Non-Union, District Exempt Non-Union, Certified Non-Union, Administrative/Director Contracts, and Hourly and Substitute Wage Schedule for 2024-2025 – No action was taken as more information was requested. 

ADJOURNMENT – McCardle moved, Trimble second to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 9:24 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

______________________________________      _____________________________________

Kim Hansen, Board President                                  Laura Morine, Board Secretary