BENTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
IN THE COUNTIES OF TAMA, BENTON, AND IOWA, STATE OF IOWA
BENTON REGULAR BOARD MEETING, Monday, March 23, 2020, 6:00 PM
BENTON COMMUNITY CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE BOARD ROOM
304 1ST STREET, VAN HORNE, IOWA 52346
- Call to Order
Board Meeting Opened: 6:00 P.M. Meeting was held both at the Central
Administration office and electronically with a call to order by President Pat Stepanek.
Pres. Stepanek announcement: This meeting is held electronically as per Iowa Code Section 21.8 which permits a governmental body to conduct a meeting by electronic
means. Public access will be provided to the extent reasonably possible. The notice of
the meeting on our school website indicating the “place from which the communication
originates and where/how public access is provided to the conversation”, and meeting
minutes will be kept.
Present: Directors Becker, Ludeking (Electronic), Nolte (Electronic), Stepanek,
Thompson, Upah (Electronic), and Werning (Electronic). A Quorum was declared
present.
Also Present: Dr. Ewell, Doug Embray, and Dr. Bieschke. - Delegations, Communications, Considerations of Additional Items for the Agenda
None. - Action #124 Approval of Agenda
Motion by Becker, second by Ludeking to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Open Forum
No public comment. - Action #125 – Resolution – Pandemic
The Board reviewed and considered the Pandemic Response and Emergency
Suspension of Policy.
a. PANDEMIC RESPONSE AND EMERGENCY SUSPENSION OF POLICY
Motion by Thompson, second by Ludeking to approve the Pandemic Response and
Emergency Suspension of Policy.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Action #126 – 2019-20 Calendar Amended
Motion by Becker, second by Thompson to Approve the recommendation of
Superintendent Ewell from the announcement on March 13, 2020, as per the
President of the United States declaring a national state of emergency, and on March
15, 2020 Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds recommended closure of all public and private
K-12 schools in Iowa until April 13, 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Action #127 – School Calendar
The Board will consider the presented 2020-21 school calendars and act on selecting
one for the 2020-21 school year. The Board discussed 2 calendar drafts
DRAFT #1
DRAFT #2
and reviewed input strategies. The Board requested future work on parental input to
calendar development and process. Discussed whole day value to professional
development and reviewed placement of professional development days to time and
place during school year. No public comments on the calendar.
Hearing for the 2020-21 School Calendar:
No Comments provided.
Motion by Nolte, second by Upah to approve the 2020-2021 school year calendar as
DRAFT#1 – FINAL Version DRAFT #1.
MOTION CARRIED
Ludeking voting “Nay”, all other directors voting “Aye.” - Action #128 – School Resource Office (SRO)
The board will review and consider a partnership (MOU) with the Benton County
Sheriff Department for the spring of 2020 to have a Safety Resource Officer work in
our schools provided by the Benton County Sheriff Department. At an upcoming
Board meeting: A 28E agreement will then be developed (currently in progress) and
approved for a full-time SRO for the 2020-21 school year. Benton Community Schools
will be invoiced from the Benton County Sheriff Department through the 28E
agreement and Benton Community will be responsible for the salary costs of the
SRO. The Benton County Sheriff Department will be responsible for the costs of
training, equipment, and materials for the SRO to do their job.
a. Information: School Resource Officer – New hire with Benton Co. Sheriff
Department. 28E agreement to be approved at a future meeting.
b. April – June 30, 2020 position will be paid by Benton County Sheriff Department.
c. The 28E agreement will run from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2022.
Motion by Becker, second by Nolte to approve securing a Safety Resource Officer
from the Benton County Sheriff Department for the spring of 2020 until June 30, 2020
with the intent to continue with a 28E agreement for the 2020-21 school year.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - COVID-19
The Board will review with Dr. Ewell and the Administration Team Contingency Plan
and detail.
a. School Trips
b. Contingency Plan
No Action – information only. - Action #129 – Graduates – 2019-2020
a. PROSPECTIVE GRADUATES PRESENTED, MAY 24
Motion by Upah, second by Nolte to approve prospective graduates
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Roof – MS/HS
EMC ROOF ASSESSMENT MSHS GYM
SHIVE HATTERY ROOF ASSESSMENT MSHS GYM
No action – information only - Action #130 – Negotiations
The Board will review and consider the Tentative Negotiations Agreement with
Benton Community Education Association.
Approve the Tentative Agreement with BCEA for a 2-year agreement, $475 on the
salary base and supplemental changes as presented.
2-year agreement
$475 on the salary base
Supplemental Salary Changes
a. Add 1% to High School Varsity Head Soccer Coach
b. Add 1% to High School Varsity Head Golf Coach
c. Add 1% to Robotics
d. Add .5% to High School Student Council
e. Add 1% to Middle School Volleyball Head Coach
f. Add 1% to Middle School Volleyball Assistant Coach
g. Add .5% to Middle School 7th Grade Assistant Football Coach
Motion by Becker, second by Thompson to approve the Tentative Negotiations
Agreement with the Benton Community Education Association.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Action #131 April Board Meeting Date Change
Motion by Nolte, second by Upah to move the regular Board Meeting date from April 15
to April 13, 6:00 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Action #132 – Certified Budget Information
a. FY21 PowerPoint Presentation
b. Fiscal 2021 BUDGET —20-21 Budget, Operational Gen Fund Levies
c. PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET FY 21 – Proposed Benton School
Budget Summary
d. FY 2021 BUDGET GUARANTEE RESOLUTION
The Board will consider the following resolution regarding budget guarantee for FY
2020-2021.
“Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Benton Community School District
will levy property tax for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the regular program budget
adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa.
Motion by Thompson, second by Becker to approve the resolution regarding budget
guarantee for FY2020-2021.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
e. Instructional Support Levy Income Surtax Rate – Summary ISL
Action #133 – INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT LEVY (ISL) INCOME SURTAX RATE
(UPDATE)
Recommendation to approve an income tax rate of 4% for ISL for Fiscal year 2021.
According to the Aid and Levy Worksheet, this rate will generate $502,760. The
property tax asking would generate $354,359 (0.49678 per 1,000 assessed
valuation). The ISL state aid would be $35,178. The total levy amount is calculated
at $857,119.
Motion by Nolte, second by Thompson to approve income surtax rate of 4% for
FY’21 Budget.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
f. Action Item #134 – Set Budge Hearing/Board Meeting Date for April 13, 2020.
The Board will consider and act on setting the budget hearing.
Motion by Becker, second by Nolte to hold the Fiscal Year 2021 Benton Community
Budget Hearing at 6:00 P.M. on April 13, 2020 and the regular meeting of the Board
of Education at 6:00 P.M. on April 13, 2020 at the Central Administration Office
Board Room, 304 1st Street, Van Horne, IA 52346.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
g. Action Item#135 – Budget Publication Approval
The Board will consider and act on publishing the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget.
Motion by Becker, second by Thompson to approved Budget Fiscal 21 for
publication.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
h. Action Item 136 – Budget Amendment FY’20 Non-Instructional Program and
other expense – Amendment of Current Budget
Motion to hold the Fiscal Year 2020 Benton Community Budget Amendment
hearing at 6:00 P.M. on April 13, 2020, and the regular meeting of the Board of
Education at 6:00 P.M. on April 13, 2020 at the Central Administration Office Board
Room, 304 1st Street, Van Horne, IA 52346.
Motion to approve by Nolte, second by Upah.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
i. Action Item 137 – Budget Amendment Hearing for Fiscal ’20 Publication
Motion by Thompson, second by Becker to approve Budget Amendment
Hearing for Fiscal ’20 for publication.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Action Item #138 – Positions and Activities
The Board will consider and review the recommendations for the following positions.
Superintendent recommendation: to move to approve the following positions and extracurricular activity as presented:
a. Social Studies – Secondary
d. Hire Secondary social studies teacher.
e. Transfers
I have received and approved the following transfers:
-Alyssa Schumacher – transfer to elementary music/Tech
-Jen Bange – transfer to secondary English/LA
f. BOWLING – NEW SCHOOL Activity & coaching position
Bowling Program information
Motion by Becker, second by Upah to approve positions and activities.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - School Improvement
ISASP PRACTICE TESTS
Math Curriculum
No action taken.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Administration Report
Review only – no action. - Action Item #139 – Audit Firm
The Board will consider the audit firm for the school district.
Audit Proposal June 2021-June 2023
BENTON REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Page 7– March 23, 2020
Motion by Thompson, second by Nolte to approve Hunt and Associates audit firm for 3
year fiscal term.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Action #140 – Business Services
The Board will consider the business services.
a. WARRANTS
PRELIMINARY WARRANTS
b. FINANCIAL REPORTS
GENERAL FUND REPORT
ALL FUNDS REPORT
c. SPRING PAY SCHEDULE – Pay Schedule
Motion by Nolte, second by Thompson to approve the bills and fund reports as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Policy Review
The Board will consider review and revisions of the following policies as
presented. - Policy Review
a. Policy 507.3 Communicable Diseases
b. Policy 507.3E1 – Communicable Diseases Chart
c. Policy 507.3E2 – Iowa Department of Public Health Table of Reportable
Communicable and Infectious Diseases
d. Policy 507.3E3 – Iowa Disease Reporting Card
e. Pandemic policy – New consideration
No action taken. - Action #141 – Consent Agenda
The Board will consider the entire Consent Agenda for approval.
a. PERSONNEL
HIRES AND VOLUNTEERS- RECOMMENDATIONS - Sarah Van Horn – Food Service Substitute, Atkins/Norway Centers
- Brenden Hartwig – Custodian, Norway Center
- Todd Neis – Volunteer Driver Request, MS/HS
- Brad Norton – Volunteer Driver Request, MS/HS
- Karen Brecht – MS/HS Special Ed Associate,MS/HS
RESIGNATIONS - Betty Schultz – Food Service
- Sean Bredl – Teacher, MS/HS Social Studies
- Kate Dirksen – 7th Volleyball, MS/HS
b. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February BoardMinutes Correction to Minutes – List
Position ResignedFrom - Brady Stramer- L2 Baseball Coach
- Jill Mills – Special Ed Associate, Norway
- Deb Miner – Data Team Leader, 5th Grade, Norway
c. MOU’s - Kirkwood Community College – Concurrent taught courses – M OU
- University of Northern Iowa – Pre-Service Clinical Placement – Agreement
- Mt. Mercy Student Teaching Agreement & Field Placement – Agreements
d. OPEN ENROLLMENT - Denial – 5th grade request, 2 siblings
Appropriate special education program not available.
e. FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS - i. Deny Robotics trip due to COVID-19 and Travel restrictions
Motion by Nolte, second by Upah to approve the consent agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE - Action #142 – Closed Session – Iowa Code 21.5(1)(C) – To discuss strategy with
counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent
where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of
the governmental body in that litigation.
Motion made by Becker, second by Thompson.
Roll Call All Directors voting “AYE:.
Recording done by Dr. Ewell on computer.
Closed Session began 8:53 P.M.
Action #143 – Closed Session
Motion made by Becker, second by Thompson to move to open session.
No Action.
Roll Call All Directors voting “AYE:.
Moved to Open Session at 9:51 P.M. - SUPERINTENDENT
a. UPDATES
● ARCHITECTURAL RFP’S – work sessions canceled
March 26 – 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
April 15 – 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
● Current Preschool and Kindergarten enrollment data
3 year olds: now – 46, next year – 48
4 year olds: now – 102, next year – 83
AK & Kdg.: now – 130, next year – 113
Preschool and Kindergarten Registration numbers – current Atkins
● 3’s – 40
● 4’s – 59
● K’s – 75
Preschool and Keystone
● 3’s – 8
● 4’s – 24
● K’s – 38
b. UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES
● Board meetings
i. April 13, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – note date change, electronic board meeting
ii. May 20, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – planned to be an electronic board meeting
iii. Work sessions: – postponed - March 26 – 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- April 15 – 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
SUPERINTENDENT MID-YEAR EVALUATION
CLOSED SESSION – Closed Session – Iowa Code Section 21.5(1_(i) 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.
No action taken. - Action Item #144 – Adjournment
Motion by Thompson, second by Nolte to adjourn meeting at 10:11 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
