BENTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
IN THE COUNTIES OF BENTON, IOWA, AND TAMA, STATE OF IOWA
BENTON WORK SESSION/REGULAR BOARD MEETING,
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022, 5:00 PM
DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM
WORK SESSION – 5:00 P.M. – 6:44 P.M.
Present: Directors Becker, Thompson, Werning, Phillips, Upah and Nolte.
Also Present: Anna Upah, Dr. Bieschke, Dr. Ewell, Shawn Pfiffner, and Rob Arnold
President Becker stated: “We will now hold the hearings for the FY’23 Certified Budget and FY’22 Budget Amendment. Documents were shared online and here at the budget hearing to show data for both. If anyone would like to speak to either of the budget hearings, we will begin with the FY’23 Certified Budget hearing and follow-up with the FY’22 Budget Amendment.
5:00 Work Session
Facilities Master Plan Discussion
o Review and develop norms
o Each Board member spoke for 5 minutes individually sharing the following.
1. What is your vision for our students and district facilities?
2. What do you value and why?
3. What do you think we should be doing next and why?
o Problem solving process
Sample options for facilities/capital improvements were provided by Dr. Ewell – aligned with FSAC report from last fall.
Data requested: Student Enrollment by Building, Preschool enrollment
The Board will use a strategic planning and prioritization process with Tammi Drawbaugh from Iowa Association of School Boards, on the following work session dates to help the board make decisions in regards to next steps:
APRIL 20 – 5:00 – 7:00
MAY 4 – 5:00 – 7:00
May 13 – 1:00 – 3:00
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
1. Call to Order Regular Meeting: 6:44 p.m.
Present: Directors Becker, Ludeking, Nolte, Phillips, Thompson, Upah and Werning.
A Quorum was declared present.
Also Present: Dr. Ewell, Dr. Bieschke, Rob Arnold, Ryan Junge, Shawn Pfiffner, Anna Upah and Jason West.
2. Delegations, Communications, Considerations of Additional Items for the Agenda
None
3. Open Forum
No speakers at this time.
4. Action Item #112 – Approval of Agenda
Motion by Thompson, second by Upah to approve agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
5. School Improvement Report
6. FY23 Certified Budget – Action Item #113
FY23 Certified Budget information: Benton CSD FY’23 Budget presented at a property tax rate of $9.61 for FY’23 comprised of local additional tax to include General Fund Levy (Property Tax 7.71), Instructional Support Levy w/4% Income Surtax (Property Tax .54) subtotal $8.25, Management Levy 1.03, and PPEL .33 for a total Tax of $9.61 for FY’23
Budget Publication information. FY22 Tax Rate was $10.44.
Motion by Nolte, second by Phillips to approve the FY23 Certified Budget, setting tax rate $9.61.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
7. FY’22 Budget Amendment – Action Item #114
Budget Amendment for Fiscal year 2022 for publication (instruction: teacher retention payments, an increase of $325,000, total support services – inflation of costs of products and services, and increase of $500,000, other expenditures – district infrastructure repairs, an increase of $500,000.
It is necessary to amend our 2021-2022 budget for increased expenditures. Instruction expenditures have been increased due to ESSER/COVID positions and the Governor’s 1 time $1,000 retention payment for full-time, 100% in the classroom teachers. Total support services need to be amended due to inflation and the costs of services to the district. Total other expenditures would benefit from an increased amended figure in order to provide assurances that we could address any required maintenance/improvement project planning that may need to take place in the district.
Budget Amendment = $1,325,000
Motion by Thompson, second by Werning to approve the FY’22 budget amendment for increased costs for the Governor’s 1 time certified teachers (as per the required definition by the Governor’s Office) Covid Retention Payments, inflation increases for costs of services, and maintenance/improvement projects with total budget amendment costs of $1,325,000.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
8. Administration
9. Anticipated 2021-2022 Graduates – Action Item #115
Motion by Ludeking, second by Upah to approve the 2021-2022 graduates.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
10. Facilities Master Plan – Action Item #116
a) Deferred maintenance Items
a) Possible items to pursue the bidding process
A. Track Resurfacing
B. MS/HS Gym Lights
Motion by Nolte, second by Upah to approve to proceed with bidding process for track resurfacing.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
11. Apprenticeships and Pathways
Dr. Ewell completed a grant application with 16 other area schools for the Governor’s “Associate to Teacher” apprenticeship. If we receive the grant, up to 4 of our associates (we have 4 interested currently) will be able to begin a career toward earning their teaching degree/Bachelor’s degree, while continuing to work for us. The grant will pay part of their daily wage for the apprenticeship and college courses.
Prior Grant completed: Benton CSD joined the GWAEA and Kirkwood partnership for a grant with an Apprenticeship pathway for CNA/Nursing Academy programs.
No motion recommendation.
12. Approval of FY’21 Audit – Action Item #117
c. Federal Single Audit – Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC)
Motion by Nolte, second by Ludeking to approve the FY’21 Audit as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
13. Voted PPEL – for September 13, 2022
Not discussed
14. Registration Fees – Action Item #118
| Board discussed costs and revenue for fees. Full Fee / Reduced Fee | |
| 2022-2023 | |
| Elementary/Intermediate | |
| Book/Technology | $65 / $39 |
| Activity Ticket | $40 / $40 |
| *6th Band Instrument Rental | * $120 / $72 |
| * will be determined at the May Board Mtg. for approval | |
| Middle School | |
| Book/Technology | $75 / $45 |
| P.E. Towel Fee | $5 / $3 |
| Activity Ticket | $40 / $40 |
| *Band Instrument Rental | * $120 / $72 |
| * will be determined at the May Board Mtg. for approval |
| High School | |
| Book/Technology | $75 / $45 |
| P.E. Towel Fee | $5 / $3 |
| Activity Ticket | $40 / $40 |
| 9th Grade Class Dues | $15 / $9 |
| 10th Grade Class Dues | $15 / $9 |
| 11th Grade Class Dues | $15 / $9 |
| 12th Grade Class Dues (does not include cap/gown) | $35 / $21 |
| *Band Instrument Rental | * $120 / $72 |
| * will be determined at the May Board Mtg. for approval | |
| 3 Year Old Pre-School | |
| Monthly Tuition | $140.00 |
| Drivers Ed | $425.00 |
| *Food Service: Lunch Money | *May board meeting |
| ADULT meal prices, yet to receive from the state |
Motion by Thompson, second by Upah to approve the 2022-2023 Registration Fee amounts with several (Band instrument rental, lunch prices) to be determined at the May Board meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
15. Business Services – Action Item #119
April warrants considerably less this month as expected. Included on the warrant list out of Fund 33 (Sales Tax) is our last payment to “First on site” (formerly perfection) for derecho damages in the amount of $29,675.20. We have a year warranty on all projects they completed along with extended warranties from individual companies (example would be the new roof work). Fund 36 (PPEL) warrants include some significant work needed on boilers at MS/HS, Atkins and Norway totaling $19,947.
a. WARRANTS
i. WARRANTS
b. FINANCIAL REPORTS
ii. ALL FUNDS REPORT
Motion by Werning, second by Phillips to approve warrants and reports as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
16. Consent Agenda – Action Item #120
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Consent Agenda includes common topics. The hiring season is moving slowly but we do have several hires to bring forward as well as a few transfers.
A. HIRES
a. Erika Hass – Data Team Leader, Norway Center
b. Bryan Telgenhoff – Teacher, assigned to HS Social Studies
c. Samantha Happel – Data Team Leader, Keystone Center
d. Garrett Albers – Assistant Golf Coach – Spring 2022
e. Kim Straka – Food Service FY 2023
B. Kindergarten position – Atkins Elementary, would be 4 sections of students (not incl AK)
C. RESIGNATIONS
a. Jodi Metz – Special Ed. Associate
b. Denise Stein – 5th Grade Teacher – Norway
c. Shayla Andresen – Sign Language Interpreter
D. VOLUNTEERS
E. Matt Buscher – Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach
F. MEETING MINUTES –
a. AMENDED – February 23, 2022
G. TRANSFERS
a. Kayla Hahn from Interventionist at Atkins to Teacher Leader Instructional Coach at Atkins
b. Robyn Cherveny from Kindergarten at Atkins to 2nd grade
c. Christy Deutsch from Instructional Coach at Atkins to Interventionist
H. CONTRACTS
a. Mercer Health
b. Wellmark WageWorks
c. Stalker Sports Floors
d. Nutrien
e. Constellation Energy – Quote as of last month, we won’t receive until April 13th due to market pricing of natural gas
f. Buena Vista – Student Teaching contract
Motion by Phillips, second by Upah to approve the consent agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
17. BCEA NEGOTIATIONS SETTLEMENT– Action Item #121
BCEA (Certified Teachers) ratified the negotiated settlement agreement:
Wage Increase = 3.2%
(increase to base salary = $425)
Total Costing for Wage = $221,097
Motion by Thompson, second by Phillips to approve the Benton Community Education Association negotiated settlement with the Benton Community Schools to be a 3.2% wage increase, specific supplemental salary schedule increases as presented, and the contract to extend to 2025.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
18. Policy Review – Action Item #122
a. Policy 505.6 – Early Graduation
b. Policy 202.3 – Term of Office
c. Policy 210.11 – Rules of Order
d. Policy 210.11R1 – Rules of Order Regulations
e. Policy 215 – Board of Directors’ Records
f. Policy 216.3 – Board Directors’ Member Development and Training
g. Policy 217.2 – Board of Directors and District Personnel
h. Policy 217.3 – Board of Directors and Adjoining District-School Board
i. Policy 217.4 – Board of Directors and Area Education Agency
j. Policy 217.5 – Board of Directors and Elected Officials
k. Policy 218 – Gifts to Board of Directors
l. Policy 507.3 – Communicable Diseases – Students
m. 220-R – HIV/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Policy Statement – DELETE (covered in Policy 507.3)
Motion by Werning, second by Phillips to approve warrants, policy revisions, and financial reports as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
19. Superintendent
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
a. BOARD GOALS UPDATE
b. SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATION – NEW ISSL STANDARDS
Growth model, discussions, 1 on 1 sessions
Review
Superintendent IPDP plan
c. DRAFT topics for May – School Board Member month!
a. Graduation – May 22, 2022, 2:00 p.m.
b. Summer deferred maintenance
c. Voted PPEL discussion
d. Next Mayors Meeting – April 27, noon – at Norway Intermediate building.
20. Exempt Session: IOWA CODE 21.9 – Action Item #123
a. A meeting of a Board to discuss strategy in matters relating to employment conditions of employees who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. I.C. 21.9
Board moved into closed session at 9:12 p.m.
21. Closed Session – Action Item #124
At 10:03 motion was made by Thompson, second by Upah to move out of closed session, and to approve the Superintendent salary and contract for FY’23.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
Board moved out of closed session at 10:04 p.m.
22. Action Item #125 – Support Staff and Administration FY’23 Wage and Salary
Motion by Phillips and second by Thompson to approve the support staff and administration wage and salary increases (3.2%) as presented in the Exempt and Closed Session.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
23. Adjournment – Action Item #126
Motion by Upah, second by Nolte to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
1
TO: BENTON COMMUNITY BOARD OF EDUCATION
FROM: DR. PAMELA EWELL, SUPERINTENDENT
RE: SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION TO
FOLLOW
TIME: 12:00 noon – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022
PLACE: Central Office –Board Room
304 1st Street
Van Horne, IA 52346
WORK SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER – 5:00 p.m.
Directors: Becker, Ludeking, Nolte, Phillips, Thompson, Upah and Werning were present.
A Quorum was declared present.
Also Present: Dr. Ewell, Dr. Bieschke, Tami Drawbaugh (IASB) and Anna Selk.
2. Action Item #127: Delegations, Communications, Considerations of Additional Items for the Agenda
Two items were added to the agenda:
Resignation of Stacey Rector – HS Science
Driver’s Ed Contract for Larry Carlson
Motion by Thompson, second by Upah to approve the additions.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
3. Action Item #128 – Approval of Agenda
Motion by Nolte, second by Phillips to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE 2
Benton Board Special Board Meeting
Page 2 – April 20, 2022
4. Action Item #129 – Hires/Resignations
Hires
1. Kelsey Madsen – Music (assigned to 4-6th Music at Norway)
2. Judy Boerm – Science, Secondary (assigned to 7th – 8th grade Science)
3. Cynda Mehlert – Elementary Teacher (assigned to AK, Atkins)
4. Tammy Franck – Elementary Teacher (assigned to Kindergarten, Atkins)
Resignations:
i. Stacey Rector – HS Science
Motion by Nolte, second by Thompson to approve the motion to hire new employees and accept resignation of Stacey Rector.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
5. Action Item #130 – Contracts
A. Kroll – Fixed Asset Consulting Agreement
B. Larry Carlson – Driver’s Ed Contract
Motion by Werning, second by Phillips to approve the contracts as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
6. Action Item #131 – Adjournment
Motion by Thompson, second by Upah to adjourn the special meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
Special Board Meeting adjourned at 5:14 p.m. 3
Work Session – Following
1. Facilities Master Plan Discussion
a. Tammi Drawbaugh facilitating work session.
i. Review and develop norms
ii. Use “Norm” when necessary.
b. Resources and data
ii. Enrollment and trends, by building
iii. Example – Phase 1 capital improvements, Phase 2
iv. Costs per pupil / by building
2. Action Item #131- Adjournment
Motion by Thompson, second by Upah to adjourn the work session.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
Work session adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Jim Magdefrau 