Unapproved CENTRAL SPRINGS SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES – January 15, 2024
The public hearing for the 2024-2025 school calendar was opened at 6:00 p.m. by President Jean Schilling. The proposed calendar has a start date of August 23, 2024 and an ending date of May 23, 2025. There being no public comments the hearing was closed at 6:01 p.m.
The Regular Board meeting for the Central Springs Community School Board was held in the Middle School Library in Nora Springs on January 15, 2024. The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by President Jean Schilling. Other Board members present were Joe Rowe, Josh Berman, Ashley Kohler, and Sean Arthur. Also present were Superintendent Lehmann, Rob Hoffman, Brooke Brunsvold, and Bill Shafer.
Motion was made by Rowe, seconded by Arthur to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
There were no Public Comments.
In Administrative Reports, President Schilling shared that she has heard general public statements concerning safety, security, and mental health, and wants to thank our admin and their resources as they handle situations that arise, and is reminded of the saying ‘if you see something harmful, do something helpful’, Principal Hoffman reported that the middle school is working on building climate using Character Strong, focusing on emotions, just completed an exercise Thanks for Being a Buddy which collected almost 1300 positive interaction notes, and then gave an informative overview of the safety plans, their development and training that is in place at Central Springs, Principal Brunsvold informed the Board that preschool registration will be opening soon in the next 2 to 3 weeks, teachers are attempting to do mid-year testing between snow days, and elementary is planning a Bingo for Books activity for students and parents, Superintendent Lehmann voiced appreciation for the admin’s help this past weekend as well as the resources who were involved including the AEA and local law enforcement, he shared information about the IASB Day on the Hill, RSAI, update on other legislative items, and facilities and transportation spreadsheets.
For the Consent Agenda motion was made by Kohler, seconded by Rowe to approve the minutes from the December 18, 2023 board meeting, and to acknowledge a $250 donation from Manly Development for elementary PE equipment. Motion carried unanimously.
In Old Business, the Board Committee structures were discussed. Board member assignments are as follows: Certified Negotiation Committee – Berman & Schilling, Calendar Committee – Kohler & Arthur, SIAC Committee – Berman & Rowe, IASB Delegate Assembly – Schilling, County Committee – Rowe (Worth), Kohler (Floyd), Communications – Kohler & Schilling, Facilities and Transportation – Rowe & Berman.
In New Business motion was made by Rowe, seconded by Arthur to approve the standard policy review of Board Policies 502.1, 502.2, 502.3, 502.3R1, 502.4, 502.5, 502.6, and the review of Board Policy 705.4R1. Aye votes: Rowe, Berman, Arthur, Schilling, Nay vote: Kohler. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Kohler, seconded by Arthur to approve the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Arthur, seconded by Rowe to accept the quote from Hoglund Bus Company in the amount of $64,495 for school bus cameras, paid in large part by a donation from WCDA. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Arthur, seconded by Berman to accept the quote from Harty Mechanical in the amount of $52,129 for Phase III of the Nora Springs HVAC Controls Project. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion was held concerning the voted PPEL. Motion was made by Rowe, seconded by Arthur to move forward with a voted PPEL on the September ballot. Motion carried unanimously.
Financial statements were presented. A few Forecast Five reports generated by Sara Meinders were shared that showed revenues and expenditures both monthly and year to date. The Board agreed they would like to continue to see these reports. Motion was made by Kohler, seconded by Rowe to approve the statements as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Board bills were presented in the amounts of: General - $351,720.64, Management - $1,458.00, SAVE - $9,900.23, PPEL - $4,838.49, Trust - $1,000.00, Activity - $40,433.21, Nutrition - $20,239.24. Motion was made by Kohler, seconded by Arthur to approve the bills as presented. Roll call vote: Rowe – aye, Kohler – aye, Arthur – aye, Schilling – aye, Berman abstained. Motion carried.
Suggestions for the February 19, 2024 Board meeting include a look at sub teacher costs. Motion was made by Kohler, seconded by Berman to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
The Board went into an exempt session under Iowa Code 20.17(3) to discuss negotiations, strategy meetings of public employees or employee organizations, mediation and the deliberative process of arbitration.
The Board came out of closed session at 9:30 p.m.
Our next board meeting will be held February 19, 2024 in the High School library in Manly beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
_________________________________ ______________________________ Jean Schilling, Board President Gwen Mellmann, Board Secretary
