Belle Plaine, Iowa

February 20, 2025

The regular board meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine. 

Members Present: Val Coffman, Tylar Gallagher, Andy Neuhaus, Alicia Jacobi

Members Absent: Rima Johnson

Administration Present: Chad Straight, Ryan Devereux, Heather Coover

Superintendent Secretary Present: Kris Baburek 

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 Gallagher 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 the minutes of the January 8, 2025 regular meeting minutes and the January 22, 2025 special meeting minutes.
2. Approval of bills, payroll and financial statements
3.  Personnel/Business Items:
4.  Acceptance of Resignations-Todd Bohlen, secondary 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

There were no comunications

OLD BUSINESS

Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects- Discussion took on current projects and potential projects.  

BUSINESS ITEMS

1. Approval of the Employment of Personnel – There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Jacobi to approve Amber Porter as elementary special education teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.  All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

2. Discussion on 2025-2026 Budget and Staff (Class Numbers at Elementary) – The 2025-2026 draft budget was presented to the board and reviewed by Superintendent Straight.  Discussion also took place regarding the class sizes at the elementary level and the number of teachers per grade level and how the district could move forward.  Comments from teachers, Clara Kienitz and Brock Flack as well as comments from parent, Michelle Friedman were heard.  After further discussion, the board agreed to bring the topic back to the board table in March. There was no action taken on this item.

3.  Discussion on 4-day Week – The Belle Plaine CSD is considering moving to a 4-day school week for the 2025-2026 year.  Research and discussion including public forums and SIAC meetings with parents have taken place.  The superintendent, board president and five teachers made a visit to WACO school district to research how the 4-day week has worked for them for the past eleven years.  Discussion took place regarding what day would work best for the district to have off, Monday or Friday.  Several teachers commented on their feelings about the 4-day school week that included possible benefits as well as possible concerns about making a transition.  Survey results were shared with the board and those in attendance with 84% of certified staff in favor of moving to the 4-day week with 16.3% against; 69% of those in favor would prefer Fridays as the day off and 30% for Monday.   A follow-up survey will be sent to the parents in the community.  No action was taken on this item.

  4.  Action/Discussion on Budget Guarantee Resolution for the 2025-2026 School Year – There was motion by Jacobi, second by Gallagher to approve the following resolution:  BUDGET GUARANTEE RESOLUTION:  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Belle Plaine Community School District, will levy property tax for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under Section 257.14, Code of Iowa.  On roll call vote, Gallagher, “aye;” Jacobi, “aye;” Neuhaus, “aye;” Coffman, “aye.” Motion carried.

  5. Discussion on Legislative Forum – Discussion took place regarding the recent legislative forum that board members attended in February in Brooklyn with other local school district representatives and state representatives.  No action was taken on this item. 

6.  Discussion on Zoom Meeting with Architects and Possible Bond Issue – A meeting was held with OPN Architects regarding some of the facility improvements that had been previously discussed:  Air conditioning in the gym, Weight room, 2^nd gym at the high school location, a cafeteria at Longfellow.  No action was taken on this item.

7.  Action/Discussion on Architect OPEN Proposal – A proposal from OPN Architects was reviewed by the board. After discussion, there was motion by Jacobi, second by Neuhaus to accept the architect’s proposal.  All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

8.  Discussion on Progress Monitoring Board Priorities – Discussion took place on the current priorities the board has and continued monitoring and progress of those priorities.

There was motion by Neuhaus second by Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

Valerie Coffman, Board President Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary