BENTON COMMUNITY BOARD OF EDUCATION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
6:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
PLACE: Central Office – Board room
304 1st Street
Van Horne, Iowa 52346
REGULAR MEETING
Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
1) Call to Order
Present: Directors Roy Becker, Theresa Ludeking via Zoom, Matt Nolte via Zoom, Cynthia Phillips via Zoom, Theresa Thompson, Emily Upah via Zoom, and Brenda Werning via Zoom.
A quorum was declared present.
Also Present – Dr. Ewell and Dr. Bieschke. And via Zoom, Rob Arnold, Anna Selk, Jeff Furler, Larry Carlson, Emily O’Connell, Kim Fisher, Kayla Hahn, Phillip Eastman, Jason West, Brianna White, Shawn Pfiffner, Jenna Fenske, Bri White, Ryan Junge and Maggie Hartzler.
2) Delegations, Communications, Considerations of Additional Items for the Agenda
None
3) Action Item #136 – Approval of Agenda
Motion by Thompson, second by Nolte to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
4) Open Forum
No items discussed.
5) School Improvement
a) Benton Community Teacher Leadership Team – Instructional Coaches
b) Tanager Place – contracted services presentation regarding our in-school therapist, BHIS worker, and Student Engagement Specialist
6) Action Item 137 – High School Course Book
Mr. Arnold reviewed course changes for the upcoming school year. Dr. Ewell concurred and requested the Board to consider these revisions.
Benton MS/HS 2022 – 2023 Course Changes
Name Change:
FROM: Intro to ACE
TO: INTRODUCTION to Material Processing
9-10-11-12 0.5 credit unit (1 semester)
Prerequisite: Instructor Recommendation
(Descriptions remain the same)
See Updated Industrial Tech Programming Diagram attached here.
0792 Swapping TITLES to Foundations of Sciences:
FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE I: EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
9-10. 1.5 credit unit (1 quarter)
This one-quarter course teaches students introductory concepts in Physics and Earth and Space science. The class content will focus on the study of stars and the universe, the solar system, the history of the Earth, and weather and climate.
0793 FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE II: Intro to Chemistry and Physics
9-10 1.5 credit unit (1 quarter)
This one-quarter course teaches students the skills to be successful science students. This course lays the foundation for the skills needed to be successful in higher-order thinking in science content areas. An atmosphere is created with a focus on using scientific measurement tools, metric system conversions, and data collection techniques, and scientific inquiry. These skills are then applied to introductory Biology and Chemistry concepts.
Business and Technology:
Computer Apps 2 will be removed and replaced with:
0242 Entrepreneurship
11-12 1.5 credit unit (1 quarter)
This course is meant to teach students what it takes to own and operate their own business. This will give them a chance to interact with the community and gain real-world business experience.
NAME CHANGE
0000 PLTW Computer Science
0241 Computer Science
9-12 .5 credit unit (1 quarter)
Course Description: In this entry level computer science course, students will learn to program apps using a graphical, block based programming language. After learning fundamentals of programming, students may transition to text based programming like the Python language. Students will use a variety of tools and computational thinking concepts as they build confidence and gain experience in the field of computer science.
Motion by Upah, second by Werning to approve the high school course changes as presented.
MOTION CARRIED – ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
7) Action Item 138 – BOARD DIRECTOR MAP
The Board again reviewed the updated District Director map for the 2023-2024 school year as per Iowa Code and changes from the 2020 census.
Motion by Nolte, second by Thompson to approve setting the adoption for the new District Director Map for 2023-2024 for February 15, 2023 as per requirements of the Iowa Code and 2020 census.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
8) Action Item 139 – Facility Capital Improvements and Master Plan
An update was provided regarding contracted services with Shive-Hattery for the architectural and engineering work for Facilities Improvements and Bond Referendum. Superintendent Ewell recommended an additional $4,000 to continue the work as we have surpassed the amount of the original contract.
Motion by Phillips, second by Nolte to approve the Shive-Hattery contract amendment from a “not to exceed” $49,000.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
9) Action Item 140 – Early Retirement
Dr. Ewell and Dr. Bieschke presented the early retirement applications submitted by certified and support staff as of Jan. 6, 2023. The following certified and classified staff qualified for and applied for the early retirement plan for the year ending 2022-2023:
● Barbara Mattison, 6th Grade Teacher, Norway Intermediate
● Mary Wilhelmi, Special Ed. Associate, Atkins
ACCEPTANCE OF RETIREES APPLICATIONS AND RESIGNATIONS
The Board Secretary handed the applications to the Board President who stated that he has officially accepted the applications.
Motion by Upah, second by Thompson to approve the applications and resignations as presented.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
10) Flex Fund Account
Dr. Ewell discussed the use of the General Fund Flexibility Account allowed in Iowa Code. The Board discussed options for using the Flex Account. No action.
11) Administration Report
No Action
12) Superintendent Retirement and Replacement
Discussion and update only.
i. Nov. 17 – Dec. 30 Application period
ii. Jan. 5 Board reviews candidate pool
iii. January 19 Board screens candidates
iv. January 31 Formal interviews with finalists
13) Action Item 141 – Business Services
The past month generated positive balances as warrants were considerably low. Anticipate higher bill lists next month for some annual billings that will occur such as open enrollment billing and continued increases in costs due to inflation.
Motion by Werning, second by Thompson to approve the warrants and reports as presented.
1. WARRANTS
4. FINANCIAL REPORTS
1. GENERAL FUND
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
14) Action Item 142 – At-Risk/Dropout MSA Application
At-risk Drop out a restrictive fund to serve and intervene with our (K-12) students who are at-risk for succeeding in school as well as at-risk of dropping out. The total budget and allowance from the state for at-risk dropout is $286,128.
Motion by Thompson, second by Nolte to approve the At-risk drop out amount of $286,128 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
15) Action Item 143 – Early Graduation Requests
As recommended by Mr. Arnold, and per completion of all requirements, the following students are requesting early graduation. Board discussed and considered the following:
Early Graduation Requests – 2022-2023
Keane Campbell
Adrianna Pisch
Oscar Schadt
Samantha Wright
Motion by Nolte, second by Phillips to approve the early graduations requests as presented.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
16) Action Item 144 – Policy Review
The following policies have been reviewed and are ready for Board consideration. Motion by Nolte, second by Thompson to approve the updated and revised policies as presented.
● Policy 602.1 – Curriculum Development
● Policy 602.2 – Curriculum Implementation
● Policy 602.3 – Curriculum Evaluation
● Policy 507.2 – Administration of Medication
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
17) Action Item 145 – Consent Agenda
*ALL HIRES ARE CONTINGENT ON BACKGROUND CHECK, PROPER LICENSING, AND RELEASE FROM CURRENT CONTRACT IF APPLICABLE
Motion by Upah, second by Phillips to approve the consent agenda as presented.
i. HIRES
1. Candice Benesh – 4-year-old Special Ed Preschool Assoc. – Keystone
2. Danielle Fisher – Special Ed Associate – Atkins
3. Sally Meyne (Pending Background Check) – Food Service – Norway
4. Shawnda Wagner (Pending Background Check) – Substitute Associate – Norway
ii. Resignations
1. Ashley Jones – 8th Grade Volleyball Coach
iii. Volunteers
1. Drew Lange – Volunteer 8th grade Boys Basketball Coach
2. Shawn Nutt – Volunteer – Girls Wrestling
3. Anthony Draman – Volunteer – Girls Wrestling
4. Paige Adams – Student Teacher – FFA Volunteer
iv. MEETING MINUTES –
x. CONTRACTS
1. HACAP (Headstart) Contract – was approved in August. The full contract is now available.
A. Attachments
Iowa CNP Application
Preschool Menu
Lunch Transactions
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
18) Superintendent Report
Updates and information from Benton County, Tama County & Iowa County Auditor’s offices for Benton Community School District bond vote on March 7, 2023
1. Benton County
a. Contact – Gina Edler Benton County Deputy Auditor, 111 E. 4th Street, Vinton, IA 52349, (319) 472-2365
c. Polling Locations and time (as per Gina Edler). Precincts will be as follows: Van Horne Community Center, Newhall City Hall, St Michael’s Parish Center, Atkins City Hall/Library, Keystone City Hall, Blairstown City Hall/Community Center. Voters CANNOT vote anywhere, registered voters will must vote at their normal precincts.
Van Horne Community Center
508 1st Ave, Van Horne, IA
Newhall City Hall
11 2nd Ave, Newhall, IA
St. Michael’s Parish Center
512 Evergreen St, Norway, IA
Atkins City Hall/Library
480 3rd Ave, Atkins, IA
Keystone City Hall
208 1st St, Keystone, IA
Blairstown City Hall/Community Center
305 Locust St, Blairstown, IA
d. Publication for the Vote: official newspapers for 2023; Vinton Eagle, Cedar Valley Times and The Gazette
2. Iowa County
a. Contact – Sara Fricke & Brandy Enochson, Iowa County Auditor’s Office, 970 Court Avenue, Marengo, IA 52301, Phone: 319-642-3923
b. Polling locations: waiting on information from Sara Fricke and Brandy Enochson
c. Absentee Ballot information from Sara Fricke: Iowa County residents can print out an absentee ballot request via the Secretary of State website and mail it into our office or they can call our office and request that we mail them an absentee request form for them to fill out and send it to our office. We will mail Absentee ballots starting on February 15th, 2023.
d. News Release – Jan. 23 (newspapers to be announced)
e. Waiting on additional information for Iowa County
3. Tama County
a. Contact information – Karen Rohrs, Tama County Elections Administrator/Assistant to the Auditor, 104 W. State St., Toledo, IA 52342, Phone: (641)-484-2740 ext. 3
b. Polling locations and time
c. 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
d. Elberon Community Building in Tama County.
e. The address for the Elberon Community Building is 106 Main St. in Elberon.
f. Absentee Ballot information (do not yet have info from Tama County)
g. Publication for Vote – Tama-Toledo News Chronicle
h. Other communication from Tama Co. –
– per Iowa Code the absentee ballot deadline will be on 2/20/22 at 5:00 pm. Karen Rohrs
Absentee Ballots
Information regarding absentee ballots from Benton Co. Auditor’s Office – Notice
ABSENTEE VOTING IN THE AUDITOR’S OFFICE: Absentee ballots will be available on, Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the Benton County Auditor’s Office and may be voted in the office until 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 6, 2023.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS BY MAIL: A ballot may be mailed to you upon your request. Requests can be in writing (you must include your name, address, date of birth, driver’s license or Voter ID pin number, date of election or type of election, signature and date of signature) or on an official absentee ballot request form. Requests must be received by the auditor’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 20th, 2023. Official forms may be obtained by contacting the auditor’s office or by clicking our Benton County Election website: https://elections.bentoncountyia.gov/vote/absentee/
HLV Legislative School Board and superintendent meeting and panel
Jan. 26, 6:00 p.m.
Regular Board meeting dates
Feb. 15, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.
Mar 22, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.
Apr 12, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.
o Certify 2023-2024 Budget
May 17, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.
Jun 21, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.
BOND REFERENDUM UPDATES
School Bond – Facility Improvements
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS/PRESENTATIONS/Q & A
Jan. 23 – 1:00 – 2:30 – At Central Office, 304 1st St., Van Horne
Jan. 23 – 6:30 p.m. – At Atkins Elementary, 217 4th Ave, Atkins
Feb. 6 – 6:30 p.m. – Blairstown Community Center, 305 Locust, Blairstown
Feb. 8 – 6:30 p.m. – Elberon – Elberon Community Center, 106 Main St., Elberon
Feb. 8 – 6:30 p.m. – Watkins – St. Pat’s Church, 109 2nd Ave. – Watkins
Feb. 13 – 6:30 p.m. – Newhall – Main Park Pavilion, 206 3rd Ave., Newhall
a. Posters and handouts available at the following school events:
FEB. 6 – 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. – Preschool and Kindergarten Registration
FEB. 11 – Touch of Class Event, Poster Session
FEB. 20 – 2:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Parent/Teacher Conferences
19. Action Item 146 – Closed Session
21.5(1)(j) – To discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the governmental body would receive for that property.
Motion by Nolte, second by Phillips to go into closed session.
Roll call vote to go into closed session: Directors: Roy Becker Yes, Theresa Ludeking not in attendance during closed session, Matt Nolte Yes, Cynthia Phillips Yes, Theresa Thompson Recused from Closed Session, Emily Upah Yes, and Brenda Werning Yes.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
Action Item 147
Motion by Nolte, second by Upah to come out of closed session.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE
THOSE OPPOSED THE SAME SIGN
MOTION CARRIED……NOT CARRIED
Roll call vote to come out of closed session: Directors: Roy Becker Yes, Theresa Ludeking not in attendance during closed session, Matt Nolte Yes, Cynthia Phillips Yes, Theresa Thompson Recused from Closed Session, Emily Upah Yes, and Brenda Werning Yes.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
No action taken – discussion only.
20. Action Item 148 – Adjournment
Motion by Phillips, second by Upah to adjourn at 8:24 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
Meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Jim Magdefrau 