Belle Plaine, Iowa

October 9, 2024

A regular meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine.

Members Present: Val Coffman, Rima Johnson, Tylar Gallagher, Andy Neuhaus

Members Absent: Alicia Jacobi

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 6:31 p.m.

AGENDA

Motion Neuhaus, second Gallagher to approve the agenda with the exception of removing business item #5, and the addition of the addendum regarding action/discussion on adding sponsors for vocational programs (FCCLA, FBLA and Skills, USA). All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

DELEGATIONS

There were no delegations.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Neuhaus, 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 September 11, 2024 meeting and September 23, 2024 special meeting.
2. Approval of bills, payroll, financial statements.
3. Personnel/Business Items:
4. Acceptance of Resignations-Lindsay Ginther, teacher associate.

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

There were no communications

OLD BUSINESS

Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects-

Discussion took place on current district needs for the buildings. Discussion took regarding an open house for the sale of the student construction project house set to take place on November 3, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

BUSINESS ITEMS

1. Approval of the Employment of Personnel-There was motion by Gallagher, second by Johnson to approve the following personnel: Kevin Jones, Steve Beck and Candace Jones for STEM Volunteers; Nyomi Campbell for Cheer Volunteer; Julie Mantz and Jon DeGraff for Junior High Girls Basketball coaches; Michelle Oliver for NHS Sponsor. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

1a. Addendum Item: Action/Discussion on Adding Sponsors for Vocational Programs (FCCLA, FBLA and Skills, USA). After discussion, there was motion by Gallagher, second by Neuhaus to add vocational sponsorship positions to the salary schedule at 1% of the base salary. The positions were FBLA-Future Business Leaders of America; Skills, USA; FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America). All voted, “aye”. Motion carried. There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve Shawn Erger as the Skills, USA sponsor; Michelle Oliver as the FBLA Sponsor and Leah Mast as the FCCLA sponsor for the 2024-2025 school year. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

2. Action/Discussion on Early Graduation Requests-There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the student requests for early graduation from the following students pending all academic requirements have been met: Evan Grieder, Adysen Start, Nick Mentley, Daymien Graf, Ethan Zesch, Brandon Hall; Landen Terrell, Keagan Engelbart. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

3. Action/Discussion on IASB Convention – Discussion took place regarding board attendance at the upcoming IASB Annual Convention in November. The board will be letting Stacey know whether they would like to attend.

4. Action/Discussion on Snow Removal Quotes-Discussion took place regarding the snow removal quote from H & L Repair. No other bid was received for snow removal. There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to approve the quote for the 2024-2025 year. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

5. Action/Discussion on Intercom System at Jr/Sr HS- This item was removed from the agenda.

6. Action/Discussion on Softball Complex Changes– Discussion took place regarding quotes for dirt work at the proposed softball complex in the amount of $52,000. Further discussion took place regarding plans to meet with the committee and discuss moving forward with donations for the field. No action was taken on this item.

7. Action/Discussion on Members of Reconsideration Committee-Superintendent Straight informed the board that the current committee was still in place, and it was not a requisite for districts to establish new committees annually, so the district will continue with the same committee going forward. No action was taken on this item.

8. Discussion on Progress Monitoring Board Priorities-Discussion took place regarding the established board priorities and progress/changes that have taken place during the course of the current year in the areas of academic excellence, culture, athletic and extracurricular facilities, accessible facilities, safety and security.

There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary