Belle Plaine, Iowa
August 14, 2024
A regular meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine.
Members Present: Val Coffman, Alicia Jacobi, Rima Johnson, Tylar Gallagher, Andy Neuhaus
Members Absent: None
Administration Present: Chad Straight, Ryan Devereux, Heather Coover
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 Neuhaus, second Johnsonto approve the agenda with the exception of moving the addendum regarding Action/Discussion on Resolution to Convey and Interest in Real Property to Erger Construction, L.L.C. for Good and Valuable Consideration to Business Item #3 on the agenda, and to delete Business Item #17 and table Business Item #18 regarding quotes on a new intercom system at the high school. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
DELEGATIONS
There were no delegations.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Jacobi, second by Gallagher 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 July 10, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes.
2. Approval of bills, payroll, financial statements.
3. Personnel/Business Items:
a. Acceptance of Resignations-Linda Rempe, Art teacher.
PRINCIPAL REPORTS-Secondary Principal, Ryan Devereux and Elementary Principal, Heather Coover gave their respective reports to the board.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Superintendent Straight gave his report to the board.
COMMUNICATIONS
Val Coffman mentioned to the board that the Big Boy Locomotive will be coming through town on September 5, 2024 from 12:15 – 12:30. Discussion took place on whether the students had an opportunity to see the locomotive.
OLD BUSINESS
Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects-
Discussion took place on current district needs for the buildings over the summer months. No action was taken on this item.
BUSINESS ITEMS
- Approval of the Employment of Personnel-There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Jacobi to approve the following personnel: Justin Baumert, junior high football coach; Chris Meinert, Vocal/Choir instructor. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- PTO Presentation-Emma Peebles and other PTO representatives were at the meeting to present information to the board regarding the new “Plainsmen PTO” activities and goals for further activities for the upcoming school year. No action was taken on this item.
3a. Board Addendum-Action/Discussion on Resolution to Convey an Interest in Real Property to Erger Construction, L.L.C. for Good and Valuable Consideration-
There was Motion by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to introduce and cause the following resolution to be read:
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Belle Plaine Community School District has received a proposal to convey an interest in real property to Erger Construction, L.L.C. for good and valuable consideration. The property is locally known as 1509 9th Avenue, Belle Plaine, IA, and is legally described as follows:
The North 60 feet of Lot Three (3) and Lot Four (4), Block Three (3), Subdivision “B” of the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4) of Section Twenty (20), Township Eighty-two (82) North, Range Twelve (12), West of the 5th P.M., Belle Plaine, Benton County, Iowa.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate pursuant to Iowa Code Section 297.22 to publish a Notice of the proposed conveyance and of the hearing and to receive and consider objections and petitions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Belle Plaine Community School District:
That this Board shall set a public hearing on the conveyance of the above described property for September 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Longfellow Elementary School located at 707 7th St., Belle Plaine, IA.
That the Secretary is authorized and directed to prepare, publish, and distribute the Notice of Hearing.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 14th day of August, 2024.
BELLE PLAINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Valerie Coffman
Valerie Coffman, Board President
On roll call vote: Gallagher, “aye;” Jacobi, “aye;” Neuhaus, “aye;” Johnson, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on First Reading of Board Policies 200.04, 206.03-04, 401.06, 402.03, 405.02, 411.02, 501.03, 501.09-501.09R1, 501.12, 501.14, 501.15, 502.06, 505.02, 507.08-507.08 R, 603.02, 603.12, 607.02, 701.03, 704.01, 704.06-704.06R, 706.01-02, 707.01, 707.04, 707.06, 708, 710.01, 801.03, 803.02, 905.03-Discussion took place regarding the above mentioned policies for the first reading. After discussion, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to approve the first reading of those policies with changes as discussed. Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Teacher Handbook- After review and discussion, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the teacher handbook for the 2024-2025 school year with the changes as discussed. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Branding Images-
Brief discussion took place on the branding items currently being placed in the district buildings. No action was taken at this time.
- Action/Discussion on the SIAC Committee and Members for the 2024-2025 Year– The SIAC Committee list was reviewed and there was motion by Jacobi, second by Neuhaus to approve the SIAC listing that including the following people: Students-Ty Alcott, Kyla Shaull; Staff-Julie Mantz, John Daniels, Matthew Mengler, Gina Miller, Beth Parrott; Administration-Chad Straight, Ryan Devereux, Heather Coover; Community Members-Charlotte Grieder, Greg Johnson, Kris Hudson, Jessica Stamp, Jamie Duffy Viall, Morgan Mitchell, Pat McLeod, Emily DeRyke, Janelle Jack, Lauren Jacobi, Jennifer Mehlert, Michelle Friedman, James Hoover, April Kressley. Guidance Counselor, Lisa Daily and two more students will be added to the list. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Milk Prices-There was motion by Johnson, second by Neuhas to approve the increase of milk prices for the 2024-2025 to $0.50 per carton. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on School Depositories and Maximum Deposit Amounts-There was motion by Johnson, second by Neuhaus to approve the following depositories and maximum deposit amounts for the 2024-2025 year: ISJIT-$150,000; MidwestOne Bank-$6,500,000; Chelsea Bank-$5,500,000; UMB (Bonds)-$5,000,000. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Equity Coordinator-There was motion by Jacobi, second by Gallagher to approve Ryan Devereux as the district’s Equity Coordinator. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Title IX Coordinator-There was motion by Gallagher, second by Neuhas to approve Chad Straight as the Title IX Coordinator for the district. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Level I Investigator, Alternate Investigator and Homeless Liaison, and 504 Coordinator- There was motion by Jacobi, second by Johnson to approve Ryan Devereux as the Level I Investigator, and homeless liaison and Heather Coover as the Alternative Investigator and 504 coordinator. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Professional Development Plan for 2024-2025-The principals reviewed the 2024-2025 professional development plan for the 2024-2025 year. After discussion, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the PD plan at both the elementary and secondary levels for the 2024-2025 school year. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Fence Project at the Elementary-Quotes were received from D&N Fence, and Lifetime fence for new fencing at the elementary fields. After review, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to select the quote from D&N Fence in the amount of $13,397. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. The quotes may be reviewed upon request in the business office.
- Action/Discussion on Softball Complex Changes-Discussion took place regarding the proposed softball complex at the Jr/Sr high school fields. After further discussion, the board was in agreement to move forward with obtaining quotes for dirt work, concrete, etc. so a budget and timeline can be established. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion on IASB Legislative Items-There was motion by Gallagher, second by Neuhaus to approve the following legislative items to submit to the IASB:
Increase State Aid; Equitable distribution of State Aid; Create more incentives for teacher recruitment; increase funding for homeschool dual enrollment programs. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. - Action/Discussion on Sale of House- Discussion took place regarding the current stage of the final steps of construction for the district’s house project. It was agreed that the house be listed by next month pending the finishing of the landscaping, and siding. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion on Old JH Lot-This item was removed from the agenda.
- Action/Discussion on Intercom System at HS-This item was tabled for a future meeting when the agenda was approved.
- Action/Discussion on Infrastructure Priorities-Discussion took place regarding the district’s infrastructure priorities. They were categorized as follows: Upgrade the Athletic and Extracurricular Facilities; Maintenance and Upkeep of the Facilities; Safety/security and Accessible Facilities. No action was taken on this item. There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary
Belle Plaine, Iowa
August 20, 2024
A special meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine.
Members Present: Alicia Jacobi, Rima Johnson, Tylar Gallagher
Members Absent: Val Coffman, Andy Neuhaus
Administration Present: Chad Straight
Visitors Present: Interested Patrons
Press Representative: None
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Alicia Jacobi at 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
Motion Gallagher, second Johnson to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
DELEGATIONS
There were no delegations.
BUSINESS ITEMS
- Approval of the Employment of Personnel-There was motion by Gallagher, second by Johnson to approve the employment of Greg Walton as Art Teacher on a per semester basis as needed during the 2024-2025 school year. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. There was motion by Johnson, second by Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary
Jim Magdefrau 