BENTON COMMUNITY BOARD OF EDUCATION
DR. PAMELA EWELL, SUPERINTENDENT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JUNE 21, 2023
6:00 p.m. – ISL Hearing/Regular Meeting
PLACE: Central Office – Board room, 304 1st Street, Van Horne, Iowa 52346
6:00 p.m. – Hearing – Instructional Support Levy for 2025-2029
Hearing conducted. No public comment.
6:01 Regular Meeting
1) Call to Order
Directors Present: Roy Becker, Emily Kaiser, Theresa Ludeking, Matt Nolte, Cynthia Phillips, Theresa Thompson, and Brenda Werning.
A quorum was declared present.
Also Present: Dr. Ewell, Dr. Bieschke, Ryan Junge, Rob Arnold, Anna Selk, Phillip Eastman, Tyler Brandt, Dawn Morris, Melisa Venneman, Shawn Pfiffner, Melody Spence, Carlene Silhanek and Jacque Jones.
2) Delegations, Communications, Considerations of Additional Items for the Agenda
Table Quit-Claim Deed Agenda Item #17 pending additional information.
3) Action Item #215 – Approval of the Agenda
Motion by Kaiser, second by Thompson to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
4) Action Item #216 – Instruction Support Levy Extension
Board consideration to renew the Instructional Support Levy (ISL) for a 5 year period. The ISL levy is currently funded by property taxes and a 4% income surtax. The income surtax can be determined each year in the budget process. The Board approved the “consideration to participate” at the May meeting, the hearing on the proposed resolution and the Resolution to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program was held without public comment. The entire Resolution was read and is attached below. Publication
Motion by Phillips, second by Werning to approve the Resolution for the Instructional Support Levy Program.
RESOLUTION FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED:
1. The Board of Directors determines that it is consistent with the five year finance plan to fund the ongoing programs and services of the School District and it is in the best interest of the School District to continue participation in an Instructional Support Program as provided in Sections 257.18 through 257.21, Code of Iowa, and to provide additional funding therefor for a period of five (5) years commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
2. The additional funding for the Instructional Support Program for a budget year will be determined annually and will not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total regular program district cost for the budget year and moneys received under Section 257.14, Code of Iowa, as a budget adjustment for the budget year.
3. Moneys received by the District for the Instructional Support Program may be used for the purposes of: building budget allocations, textbook budget allocations, technology expenditures, Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and Iowa Core Curriculum, and any other general fund purpose approved by the Board.
4. The Instructional Support Program will be funded by instructional support state aid and an instructional support property tax in an amount (after taking into consideration instructional support school aid) not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the total regular program district cost for the budget year and moneys received under Section 257.14, Code of Iowa, as a budget adjustment in the budget year, to be levied annually upon the taxable property within the School District commencing with the levy for collection in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
5. Unless, within twenty-eight days following the adoption of this Resolution, the Secretary of the Board receives a petition containing the signatures of eligible electors equal in number to not less than one hundred or thirty percent of the number of voters at the last preceding regular school election, whichever is greater, asking that an election be called to approve or disapprove this action of the Board adopting the Instructional Support Program, this action of the Board is final and the Secretary is authorized and directed to certify a copy of this Resolution to the Department of Management.
In the event a petition containing the required number of signatures is filed with the Secretary of the Board within twenty-eight days of the adoption of this Resolution, the President shall call a meeting of the Board to consider rescission of this Resolution, or to direct the county commissioner of elections to submit the following question to the qualified electors of the School District at a special election.
If the Board determines to submit the question to the electors, the proposition to be submitted shall be as follows:
Shall the Board of Directors of the Benton Community School District, in the Counties of Benton, Tama and Iowa, State of Iowa, be authorized for a period of five (5) years to levy annually, as determined by the Board, an instructional support property tax in an amount (after taking into consideration instructional support state aid) not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the total of regular program district cost for the budget year and moneys received under Section 257.14, Code of Iowa, as a budget adjustment in the budget year, to be levied upon the taxable property within the School District, commencing with the levy for collection in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to be used for the purposes of: building budget allocations, textbook budget allocations, technology expenditures, Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and Iowa Core Curriculum, and any other general fund purpose approved by the Board?
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
5) Recognition and Appreciation – Deputy Brandt, School Resource Office
6) Open Form – No comments
7) EMC Insurance – Report Only – Carlene Silhanek
- 1. Insurance Overview
- 2. Commercial Experience Report
- 3. Insurance Billing
8) School Improvement Report – Food Service Program
Mrs. Morris provided a review and summary of our Food Service and meal program for the 22-23 school year.
FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM – DAWN MORRIS
ALL ADMINISTRATION – SUMMARY OF FY’23 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
9) Action Item #217 – Milk and Bread Recommendations/Bids
Mrs. Morris reviewed the milk and dairy bids for FY24.
Bread – no bids submitted. Martin Brothers will be used for bread order.
Motion by Ludeking, second by Nolte to approve Anderson Erickson for the 2023-2024 Food Service Milk products and Martin Brothers for bread products.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
10) Action Item #218 – Meal Prices – FY24
Mrs. Morris had reviewed meal prices for the 2023-2024 school year earlier in her presentation.
Motion by Phillips, second by Thompson to approve the meal prices for the FY’24 School Year
School Nutrition Prices for 2023-2024
Please note the USDA sets the adult meal price minimum.
| Grade Level | Type | 2023-2024 Prices |
| K-6 | Breakfast | $1.85 |
| 7-12 | Breakfast | $2.05 |
| Adult | Breakfast | $2.55 |
| K-6 | Lunch | $2.85 |
| 7-12 | Lunch | $3.05 |
| Adult | Lunch | $4.85 |
| Second A la carte | Lunch Milk | $3.60 $.40 |
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
11) Matt Gillaspie – Update – No action
12) Administration Report
13) Action Item #219 – School Registration Fees – FY24
A $5.00 increase was discussed and considered for most line item school registration items. Activity Passes, Student Class Dues and Band Instrument rental – no increase.
P.E. towels – it was recommended to discontinue charging $5.00 for use of school towels for physical education classes. The school will continue to provide towels for students in P.E. but teachers will no longer collect the fee.
The $5.00 towel fee will continue to be collected by coaches for athletics
| SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEES 2023-2024 | 2023-2024 |
| Elementary/Intermediate | |
| Regular Fee | |
| Book/Technology | $70.00 |
| Activity Ticket | $40.00 |
| 6th Band Instrument Rental | $120.00 |
| Middle School | |
| Book/Technology | $80.00 |
| P.E. Towel Fee | ——— |
| Activity Ticket | $40.00 |
| Band Instrument Rental | $120.00 |
| Towel Fee – athletics | $5.00 |
| High School | |
| Towel Fee – athletics | $5.00 |
| Book/Technology | $80.00 |
| P.E. Towel Fee | ——— |
| Activity Ticket | $40.00 |
| 9th Grade Class Dues | $15.00 |
| 10th Grade Class Dues | $15.00 |
| 11th Grade Class Dues | $15.00 |
| 12th Grade Class Dues (does not include cap/gown) | $35.00 |
| Band Instrument Rental | $120.00 |
| 3 Year Old Pre-School | |
| Monthly Tuition | $145.00 |
| Drivers Ed | $425.00 |
| ACTIVITY PASSES – ANNUAL | |
| Adult Activity Pass – All Season | $85.00 |
| 10 punch pass | $50.00 |
| Boosters | $0.00 |
| Senior Citizens (65+) | $0.00 |
| Senior Citizen – non district rate (65+) | $50.00 |
| If donated $250 or more, rec’v Adult Pass | $0.00 |
Motion by Phillips, second by Kaiser to approve the 2023-2024 Registration fees as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
14) Action Item #220 – Teacher Substitute Pay
Superintendent Ewell discussed shortages and the need to increase substitute teacher pay. We would be more aligned with other WAMAC schools. Recommendation to increase substitute pay to $136.00/day.
Motion by Phillips, second by Thompson to increase substitute teacher pay to $136 a day.
MOTION CARRIED, ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
15) Action Item #221 – Business Services
June 30 is the fiscal year close and work is being done to finalize the year and prepare for FY ‘24. Purchase orders are currently being received from buildings with orders to be submitted after July 1st. Auditors completed the spring audit and will continue the process of the district audit in September. The Certified Annual Report, sometimes referred to as the “CAR” will be started soon for FY’23 and due September 15 regarding financial data for the district.
a) WARRANTS
d) FINANCIAL REPORTS
e) TSS Special Payment of $395.22 (taxes and FICA will be deducted) – JUNE payroll
1. TSS and Teacher Retention
2. TSS funds for teacher endorsements to teach required subject areas
f) District Maintenance Phone Expense of $50
g) FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT – SEEKING COMPETITIVE QUOTES AND BIDS
1. BLEACHERS AT SOFTBALL FIELD
2. HVAC
3. CONCRETE
4. CARPET
h) FY 24 DISTRICT INSURANCE
Carlene Silhanek updated coverage and costs. Dr. Bieschke and Dr. Ewell recommended additional liability coverage and Cyber security coverage.
Motion by Phillips, second by Werning to approve the financial warrants, TSS special teacher retention program, district maintenance phone expense, and special one-time TSS payment for teaching staff only, securing bids for new equipment, and insurance billing for FY24.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
16) Action Item #222 – Board Director – 4 – Cynthia Phillips
Cynthia Phillips will begin her superintendent career for Independence CSD beginning July 1. Her term as board director will be re-appointed due to her resignation. The Board will be appointing a new Board Director to finish her Board seat until Nov. Board Elections.
Motion by Thompson, second by Kaiser to accept the resignation of District Director #4, Cynthia Phillips.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
17) Quit-Claim Deed – Tabled till Next Meeting
18) Action Item 223 – Flex Account – Transfer
a) The board has the authority in the current year to transfer and expend up to $359,396.92 from the SWVPP FY22 balance.
Motion by Thompson, second by Kaiser to transfer $359,000 carryover from fiscal year 2022 from the categorical fund of the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program to the Flex Account Fund.
MOTION CARRIED
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
19) Action Item #225 – Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda includes common topics.
*ALL HIRES ARE CONTINGENT ON BACKGROUND CHECK, PROPER LICENSING, AND RELEASE FROM THE CURRENT CONTRACT IF APPLICABLE
1. HIRES
1) Adam Bauder – Teacher, assigned to PE, HS & Norway
2) Adam Bauder – 9th grade Football coach and Assist. Var
3) Adam Bauder – Assistant HS Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
4) Adam Bauder – Head Boys Varsity Track Coach
5) Anna Zittergruen – Teacher, assigned to 8th gr. Social Studies, MS/HS
6) Kelly Welsh, Teacher, assigned to 2nd grade, Keystone Elementary
7) Erin VanSickle – Teacher, assigned to 1st grade, Keystone Elementary
8) Kory Winsor, Co-Ed. Asst. Track Coach
9) Jamie Telgenhoff, Spanish Club Sponsor
10) New Teacher Leaders: Dawn Arnold, Bryan Telgenhoff, Heather Mayrose, Sara Tjelmeland, Alison Nichols, and Anne Epping
11) Dianna (Lindy) Duncalf, Food Service, Atkins
12) Abrianna Hardy, Food Service, MS/HS
13) Jeff Furler, 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach
14) Macee Nelson, Associate/Para – Special Education, assigned to Atkins Elementary
15) Ashley Mellecker, custodian
16) Cameron Eggert – Seasonal Maintenance
17) Candi Benesh – Assistant Webpage Coordinator
2. TRANSFERS – Superintendent approved
(1) Chris Frimml, from 1st grade to Library/Media/TAG position, assigned to MS/HS and serves district-wide
(2) Jeff Furler, from Instructional Coach to 8th grade Science
(3) Kayla Wink, from Spec Ed Para/Associate to Preschool Associate, Atkins
(4) Payt Bergert, from Asst. 8th Grade Football Coach to Asst. 7th Grade Football Coach
3. RESIGNATIONS
(1) Karen Brecht, Education Associate, MS/HS
(2) Paul Bierschenk, Bus Driver
(3) Cynthia Phillips – District Director 4
(4) Randy Geiger – Food Service
(5) Dave Kruse – Bus Driver
(6) Allison Bys – MS Science
(7) Kody DeNeve – Bus Driver
(8) Michelle Holst – Food Service
(9) Kory Winsor, Head Boys Varsity Track Coach
18) Jeff Furler, Teacher Leadership Instructional Coach
19) Theresa Mitchell, Special Education Nurse, Keystone
4. DISMISSAL/RELEASE FROM POSITION
(1) Jacob Lacy – custodian
5. MEETING MINUTES
6. CONTRACTS
(1) Endorsement assistance (reimbursement) – Chris Frimml, Library/Media Teacher
(2) Endorsement assistance (reimbursement) – Jeff Furler, 8th grade science
(3) University of Dubuque Teacher Education Contract
(4) Terpstra Hoke & Associates Auditor Agreement
(5) Mercer Statement of Work Agreement
(6) Koch Office Group Service Agreement, Leaf Lease Agreement
7. OPEN ENROLLMENT
(1) DENIAL
(a) 2 students from Cedar Rapids CSD
(i) Limited-to-no space to serve IEP in our special education programs
Motion by Kaiser, second by Werning to approve the consent agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
20) Action Item #226 – Policy Review
Motion by Thompson, second by Kaiser to approve the policy revision and review as presented.
a. Policy 209.7 – Approval of Administrative Regulations
b. Policy 209.8 – Board Policy
c. Policy 301.1 – Administrative Management
d. Policy 302.3 – Superintendent Salary and Other Compensation
e. Policy 302.4 – Superintendent Duties
f. Policy 302.5 – Superintendent Evaluation
g. Policy 303.2 – Administrator Qualifications, Recruitment, and Appointments
h. Policy 302.8 – Superintendent Consulting Outside Employment
i. Policy 303.3 – Assistants to the Principals Positions, Qualifications, Appointments
j. Policy 303.7 – Administrative Professional Development
k. Policy 303.8 – Administrator Civic Activities
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
21) Superintendent Report
a) Dr. Ewell’s last board meeting – 14 years as Superintendent, 20 years as an administrator
b) July Board meeting – 6:00 p.m.
1. July 19, 2023
– Dr. James Bieschke begins as new Superintendent
22) Action Item #227 – Adjournment
Motion by Phillips, second by Kaiser to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING AYE
Meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
Jim Magdefrau 