Belle Plaine, Iowa

March 15, 2021

A regular meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room of the Longfellow Elementary.

Members Present: Val Coffman, Ben Reineke, Stephen Beck, Rima Johnson, Alicia Jacobi

Members Absent: None

Administration Present: Chad Straight, Heather Coover, Ryan Devereux

Board Secretary Present: Stacey Kolars

Visitors Present: Interested Patrons

Press Representative: None

The meeting was called to order by President Coffman at 6:30 p.m.

AGENDA

Motion Reineke, second Johnson to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

DELEGATIONS

There were no delegations.

CONSENT AGENDA

The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Jacobi, second by Johnson to approve the consent agenda items. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. The consent agenda items that were approved are listed below:

1. Approval of the minutes of the February 9, 2022 regular meeting.
2. Approval of bills, payroll, financial statements.
3. Personnel/Business Items:
4. Acceptance of the resignations: Allison Molokken, teacher associate; Nancine O’Brien, custodian; Emily Wardenburg, elementary teacher.

PRINCIPAL REPORTS

Elementary Principal, Heather Coover and Secondary Principal, Ryan Devereux gave their respective reports to the board.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Superintendent Straight gave his report to the board

COMMUNICATIONS

Flowers and Condolences were sent to the family of Henry B. Tippie.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects – Discussion took place regarding the current projects that have been completed to date and project priorities for future dates. Fund balances were reviewed. No action was taken on this item.

2. Action/Discussion on Branding – Discussion took place regarding questions from the representative from the branding company being used to update the district’s mascot. No action was taken on this item.

NEW BUSINESS ITEMS

1. Approval of Teacher Retention Payments – Superintendent Straight recommended the board approve the Governor’s teacher retention payment to all eligible teachers. The guidance counselor is not covered under the rules/guidelines of eligibility, so Superintendent Straight recommended the board approve a payment in same amount for the counselor, as well. There was motion by Jacobi, second by Johnson to approve the Teacher Retention Payment for teachers, as well as for the guidance counselor. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

2. Approval of the Employment of Personnel – There was motion by Reineke, second by Jacobi to approve the following personnel: Courtney Markham, teacher associate; Angel Brecth, first grade teacher; Melisa Kriegel, Prep-K teacher; Isaac Schedenhelm, elementary P.E. teacher. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

3. Discussion Regarding the 2022-2023 School Budget – Discussion took place regarding a few changes that were made to the budget. Since the last meeting, the Governor approve State Aid at 2.5%. No action was taken on this item.

4. Action/Discussion on Setting Date and Time for FY23 Budget Public Hearing – There was motion by Beck, second by Reineke to set April 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing for the FY23 school district budget. All voted “aye.” Motion carried.

5. Action/Discussion on Setting Date and Time for FY22 Budget Amendment Hearing – Motion Johnson, second Jacobi to set April 13, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing for the FY22 school district budget amendment. All voted “aye.” Motion carried.

6. Action/Discussion on Setting the Date and Time for the 22-23 School Calendar Public Hearing – There was motion by Johnson, second by Reineke to set the public hearing for the 22-23 school calendar for April 13, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

7. Action/Discussion on Old Junior High Demolition Bids – Three bids were received for the demolition of the old junior high building for a complete tear down. Two of those companies also submitted a bid for a partial tear down, as well. The bids were as follows: Brian Miller Excavating-Complete tear down-$99,184, no bid for partial tear down-additional amount of $4,416 for top soil; Hatch Grading and Contracting-Complete tear down-$137,200-partial tear down-$162,200; Kupka Excavating-Complete tear down-$169,500-partial tear down-$154,500. After discussion, there was motion by Beck, second by Johnson to select the lowest bid from Brian Miller Excavating with the additional amount of $4,416 for top soil. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

8. Action/Discussion on Retention Pay for Teachers Not Covered under Governor’s Proposal – This item had been previously discussed under Item #1, and the payment for the counselor was approved.

9. Discussion Regarding School Calendar – Discussion took place regarding the 2022-2023 school calendar.

There was motion by Johnson, second by Jacobi to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

An exempt session was held for negotiations.

Val Coffman, Board President

Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary