Belle Plaine, Iowa
November 13, 2024
A regular meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, November 13, 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, Alicia Jacobi
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 6:31 p.m.
AGENDA
Motion Jacobi, second Neuhaus to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
DELEGATIONS
Students and teachers representing the Drama Club spoke to the board regarding practicing time conflicts in the gymnasium.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Johnson, 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 October 9, 2024 meeting
2. Approval of bills, payroll, financial statements.
3. Personnel/Business Items:
a. Acceptance of Resignations-there were no resignations
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
Condolences were sent to the family of Regina Barth-Wroten, preschool teacher and Kenny Brown, former maintenance director and bus driver for the Belle Plane CSD.
OLD BUSINESS
Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects – Discussion took place on the roof repair at the high school for the wrestling room, and advertising the school’s house for sale on Zillow, and MLS. Another possible open house may take place in the near future. Discussion also took place regarding the softball field complex. This project is being put on hold.
BUSINESS ITEMS
- Approval of the Employment of Personnel-There was motion by Neuhuas, second by Gallagher to approve the following personnel: Jennifer Jones-elementary associate; Anita Meinert-volunteer accompanist; JH Girls’ Track Coach-Justin Baumert; STEM Volunteers- Stephen Moore, Kevin Jones, Eric Koeppen. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Kirkwood Partnership Agreement-Benton County: There was motion by Jacobi, second by Gallagher to approve the agreement with Kirkwood Community College for the K-12 Partnership Program, Kirkwood Community College and Workplace Learning Connection. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Intercom System-
Three bids were received from Tri-City and Basepoint companies for replacing the intercom system at the Jr/Sr high school. After reviewing the quotes, the board was in agreement to have Superintendent Straight ask the companies for greater clarity on each quote and to bring them back to discuss and review again at the December meeting. No action was taken on this item. - Action/Discussion on SIAC Meeting, Recommendations and Goals-Superintendent Straight informed the board that a SIAC meeting was held on November 4. Discussion at the SIAC meeting included parent input about the 4-day week being considered. More information regarding the 4-day week will be gathered and possible schedule scenarios will be discussed further in open session forum for community input. The principals also discussed the current APR Goals at the elementary and secondary levels for the 2024-2025 year with the SIAC Committee. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion on Special Ed Deficit and Spending Authority- Superintendent Straight recommended the board approve the allowable growth request in the amount of $188,838.09 for the negative special education balance from FY24. There was motion by Johnson, second by Neuhaus to approve the allowable growth request for the Belle Plaine CSD in the amount of $188,838.09. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Disaggregated Data by Grade, Ethnicity, Sex, etc.– The board reviewed the disaggregated data presented. This data includes information active students in the Belle Plaine Community School District by each grade. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion on APR Goals and Progress Report-Principal Coover and Principal Devereux reviewed the APR Goals from 2023-2024 and the progress shown. The new APR Goals were also presented for the 2024-2025 year. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion on Early Retirement-Discussion took place regarding options for offering an early retirement plan for the 2024-2025 year and going forward. Superintendent Straight discussed possible offerings to incentify teachers to stay longer. Superintendent Straight will research options and bring further information to the board at the next meeting. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion on District Service Delivery Plan Committee-Superintendent Straight recommended the board approve the following committee members for the district’s special education delivery plan for the 2024-2025 school year:
Darrin Strike, GWAEA Region Administrator; Natalie Reed, GWAEA Special Education Consultant; Michelle Jennings, GWAEA School Social Worker; Caitlyn Thornburg, GWAEA SLP; Ryan Devereux, secondary principal; Heather Coover, elementary principal; Holly Vido, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher; Kiana Scott, Elementary Special Education Teacher; Holly Gates, General Education Teacher; Jenna Arey, parent; Julie Mantz, high school special education teacher; Jon DeGraff, JH special education teacher. There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the committee and committee members. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. - Action/Discussion on Security Camera System Options-Superintendent Straight provided information to the board regarding vape detection sensors or other additional options to pair with the security camera system. After discussion, there was motion by Johnson, second by Gallagher to approve Superintendent Straight to order the vape sensors for the security camera system. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Review of Long Range Needs Assessment Policy 103-
Superintendent Straight informed the board that the Long Range Needs Assessment Policy for the district is needed to be reviewed annually. After reviewing the policy and brief discussion, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the review of the Long Range Needs Assessment Policy 103. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. - Discussion on Progress Monitoring Board Priorities-
The board reviewed and discussed the district’s progress on the established board priorities listing. No action was taken on this item. There was motion by Galalgher, second by Neuhaus to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary
Belle Plaine, Iowa
December 11, 2024
The Organizational meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine.
Members Present: Val Coffman, Rima Johnson, Tylar Gallagher (arrived late at 6:42), Andy Neuhaus, Alicia Jacobi
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 6:31 p.m.
AGENDA
Motion Jacobi, second Neuhaus to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 13, 2024 MEETING
There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2024 meeting. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT OF CURRENT SCHOOL BOARD
There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Jacobi to adjourn the current school board. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Organization of the New Board of Education-meeting turned over to Board secretary, Kolars
CALL TO ORDER: Board Secretary, Kolars called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL and DECLARATION OF QUORUM: Board members present: Val Coffman, Rima Johnson, Alicia Jacobi, Andy Neuhaus, Tylar Gallagher arrived late.
ELECTION of PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF OATH
There was motion by Jacobi, second by Neuhaus to nominate Valerie Coffman as board president. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT of BOARD OF EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
There was motion by Johnson, second by Neuhaus to nominate Alicia Jacobi as board vice president. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
The oaths of office were delivered to both the board president and board vice president by Board Secretary, Kolars.
The meeting was turned over to board president, Coffman.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There was motion by Jacobi, second by Johnson to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Jacobi, second by Neuhaus to approve the consent agenda items. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. The consent agenda items that were approved are listed below:
1. Approval of Bills, payroll and Financial Statements
2. Personnel/Business Items:
a. Acceptance of Resignations-there were no resignations
b. Nondiscrimination Notice-this is also posted on the website.
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
Condolences were sent to Kris Baburek and family after the passing of her mother.
OLD BUSINESS
Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects-
Discussion took on current projects and potential projects.
BUSINESS ITEMS
- Approval of the Employment of Personnel-Discussion took place regarding the recommendation for co-coach positions for the high school softball team. After a lengthy discussion and several questions regarding the process taken to come to the recommendation of co-coaching for the high school softball team, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to make the coaching positions for the high school softball team as head coach and assistant coach as separate contracts for the softball team. Jacobi, Gallagher and Neuhaus voted, “aye.”; Johnson and Coffman voted, “nay.” Motion carried. Following the first motion, for separation of the co-coaching contracts, there was motion by Neuhuas, second by Gallagher to approve Morgan Goslin for head softball coach, Brady Jacobi as wrestling coach volunteer, April Kressley at a 65% wrestling cheer sponsor, and Leah Mast at 35% wrestling cheer sponsor. Gallagher, Neuhaus, Jacobi voted, “aye.” Johnson and Coffman voted, “nay.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Setting Date, Time, and Place of Regular Board Meetings and Identify Office Publication for Meeting Notice-There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to keep the same regular meeting dates and times for the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for the board meetings. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Appointment of Firm to Provide Legal Representation for the School District for the Upcoming Year-
There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to continue to use the current school lawyer, Brett Nitzschke with Ahlers and Cooney Law Firm for the school district’s legal representation for the upcoming year. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. - Discussion of 4-Day School Week- Discussion took place on potential calendar scenarios for a 4 day school week as potential pros/cons for the district and community for a 4-day school week. Parents and community members attending the meeting asked questions as to whether more information would be available regarding busing, day care, Monday off versus Friday off, and academics. Superintendent Straight explained there will be a staff/faculty meeting on December 19th at 1:30 p.m. to discuss more information and to get a gauge on how teachers/staff would feel about making a move to the 4-day week. No action was taken on this item.
- Focus on Education: Elementary Choir- Clara Kienitz, elementary music teacher was present at the meeting to discuss her music program for grades PK-6.
- Discussion of IASB Convention.– The board reviewed the IASB Convention activities and shared information on the sessions attended. The board also met informally for a dinner with Tri-County board members during this time. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion on Open Enrollment Out Not on Prior Count SBRC Application-There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the SBRC application in the amount of $33,450 for open enrollment out not on the prior year count. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Intercom Quotes-Discussion took place regarding quotes received for Tri-City and Basepoint for a new intercom system. After discussion and review, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to approve Tri-City for the intercom system quote in the amount of $49,292.75. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Attendance at Legislative Forum in Brooklyn-A legislative forum will take place in Brooklyn, Iowa at the Manatt’s center on January 30th, 2025 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a legislative forum to follow. Board members will let Board Secretary Kolars know by January 10, 2024 if they are able to attend. No action was taken on this item.
- Action/Discussion Appointing a Board Member to Serve on the County Conference Board. There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to appoint Tylar Gallagher to serve as representative on the County Conference Board. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
- Action/Discussion on Early Retirement Options-
Superintendent Straight provided information to the board regarding three early retirement scenarios for their consideration. Discussion took place on what the board thought would be appropriate for monetary offerings for those certified staff members that were eligible to participate in the early retirement offering. After discussion, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the second option discussed with amounts discussed beginning at a $10,000 offering. The final draft will be presented to certified staff. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. - Discussion on Progress Monitoring Board Priorities-
The board reviewed and discussed the district’s progress on the established board priorities listing. No action was taken on this item. There was motion by Gallagher, second by Neuhaus to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary
Belle Plaine, Iowa
December 19, 2024
A special meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in the media center of the Jr/Sr High School, 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 1:30 p.m.
AGENDA
Motion Neuhaus, second Johnson to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
DELEGATIONS
There were no delegations.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Discussion on Possible 4-Day Schedule with Staff –Information was presented to all staff members regarding a possible 4-day schedule for the 25-26 school year. Discussion took place that included questions on contract days, academic trends, day care situations, teacher work days, sports days/potential conflicts and community/parent input. The discussion was an initial meeting to gather input from all staff to see if the 4-day schedule was something the board would move forward with in presenting it to the community in the form of a public forum where parents and community members, as well as staff members could provide input and ask questions. No action was taken.
There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 2:48 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary
Jim Magdefrau 