CENTRAL SPRINGS SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES - October 21, 2024.
The Regular Board meeting for the Central Springs Community School Board was held in the Manly Campus School Library in Manly on October 21, 2024. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Jean Schilling. Other Board members present were Ashley Kohler, Josh Berman, Joe Rowe, and Sean Arthur. Also present were Superintendent Darwin Lehmann, Interim Board Secretary Steven Rollefson, Middle School Principal Rob Hoffman, High School Principal Ken Estes, School Business Official Sara Meinders.
Motion was made by Sean Arthur and seconded by Ashley Kohler to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Public comments. On the District Developed Delivery System. There were no public comments.
Board President report – Jean Schilling reported on Senior Citizen Dinner on November 15th, thank you note for Dick & Vera Hynes, upcoming IASB convention, and congratulation to Darwin Lehmann on being Superintendent of the Year.
Administrative written report - Rob Hoffman Middle School Principal reported the continued focus on social and emotional wellbeing in the homerooms through the Character Strong Curriculum. We are working on a social committee for staff in which beginning plans for social opportunities for staff members during and after school hours in order to continue building a positive culture. Nurse Kathie assembled an Emergency Response Team of staff volunteers who would be the first called to a medical emergency in the buildings. Roles and procedures were defined, and each member was provided a binder with protocols and emergency health plans. An in-house meeting with Floyd County Emergency Management, local law enforcement, and RRMR school district was held to review the necessity for clear communication and procedures in the event of emergencies. We continue to provide students with lists of missing work in homerooms and during study halls in order to help them stay on top of their work. Upcoming Events include End of 1st Quarter on October 18, Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 28 & 29, Senior Citizen Meal on November 15, and Veteran’s Day Assembly on November 11 (Manly Campus 6-12, Nora Springs Campus K-5). Parent/Teacher conferences will be scheduled with homeroom teachers. They will share 2024 ISASP results, 1st quarter grades, citizenship scores and elaborate on student performance. Winter athletics will begin on November 11. There are 6 boys, and 2 girls signed up for wrestling and 20 girls and 13 boys interested in basketball.
Administrative report - Ken Estes High School Principal reported the first quarter ends on Monday, October 21 and Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, October 28 from 1:00 to 6:00 and on Tuesday, October 29 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Our Professional Development will focus on Pete Hall’s Reflection Cycle to identify perspective Problems of Practice to then use in their efforts in creating solutions of identified problems. FFA had six teams participate in the District FFA Soils Contest at Fort Dodge. We had one gold team, two silver teams and three
bronze teams. FFA fruit sales will run through November 6th with orders delivered the week of December 9th. Thirteen FFA members will attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 22 to 26th. The Student Council is in the process of deciding between hosting a formal dance or more relaxed sweatpants dance this winter. In November the kitchen staff will host a Senior Citizen Thanksgiving meal. The National Honor Society conducted their annual election of officers: President: Bavin Ryner, Vice-President: Jordis Waitek, Secretary: Zari McDonough, Treasurer: Abby Pippert. High School Band just wrapped up the fall Pep Band season and will Kick off Concert Band and well as Winter Pep Band. Chorus has been working hard on the production of Disney’s Camp Rock. eSpots standings and statistics can be viewed at the following links, Central Springs LeagueOS and eSports Rosters.
Administrative report – Brooke Brunsvold Elementary Principal reported on Fast Data scores and the need to have improvement. Reading plans and interventions with progress reports every six weeks. K – 8 literacy, Win Time, and students to NIACC on Friday.
Superintendent’s Report - Superintendent Lehmann provided an update with facility projects, Certified Enrollment, Free & Reduced Rate, Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy Guidance from the DE, At-risk Dropout report from IASB, WCDA request, Equipment Breakdown Update, Facilities Access for Adults, Youth Sports & District Responsibilities, High School Activities at Nora Srpings, Middle School Split Season, Donation by Dick and Very Hynes (Manly Entry).
Consent Agenda motion was made by Ashley Kohler seconded by Josh Berman to approve the minutes from the September 16, 2024, regular board meeting. The board also approved the employee resignations from Alexandria Schiff, HS Daycare Helper, Angela Holt, MS Volleyball Coach, Josh Bass, MS Football Coach, and Missy Schmidt, MS Volleyball Coach. The Board also approved four early graduation requests. Motion carried unanimously.
In Old Business the discussion of the VPPEL continued with Superintendent Lehmann providing a list of potential projects from the directors and principals.
In New Business: The Behne family would like to request that the Board consider the district pick-up/drop off their children by pulling into their drive on Balsam Avenue. The request was evaluated by Coy, Sergeant Deunow and Sup’t Lehmann with it being determined that this location is not any more dangerous than other locations. After discussion, Josh Berman moved to approve the request. Ashley Kohler seconded the motion. Ayes: Ashley Kohler, Josh Berman, Sean Arthur w/exception. Nayes: Joe Rowe, Jean Schilling. Carried.
Superintendent Lehmann reviewed the following Board Policies. After discussion a motion was made by Ashley Kohler and second by Joe Rowe to approve the standard review of Board Policies 507.1, 507.2, 507.3, 507.4, 507.5. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Lehmann reviewed the Board Policies and Primers. After discussion a motion was made by Ashley Kohler and seconded by Sean Arthur to approve the standard review of Policy Primer Review of 502.10, 601.1, 700. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Lehmann reviewed the English Language Learner Plan that needs to be approved by the Board. After discussion Josh Berman moved to approve the plan. Sean Arthur seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Lehmann reviewed the MOU with NIACC for College and Career Transition Counselor. The position would be in our district two days per week and working with Amy Fessler and Ken Estes focused on concurrent enrollment, college and career planning, and building our apprenticeship/work-based programs. After discussion Joe Rowe moved to approve the plan. Sean Arthur seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Sara reviewed the Transportation report with Board members. After discussion Sean Arthur moved to approve the plan. Joe Rowe seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Lehmann reviewed the sharing agreements with the Forest City Community School District that they do not plan to share the School Business Official and Superintendent position for the 2025-2026 school year.
Superintendent Lehmann reviewed the English Language Learner Contract with the AEA. The contract is a cost of ($86 per hour) and is an effective solution for the district as well as providing the appropriate support for our EEL students. After discussion Joe Rowe moved to approve the plan. Josh Berman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Sara reviewed the Financial Health Report and Certified Annual Report with the Board. After discussion Sean Arthur moved to approve the plan. Ashley Kohler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Schilling reviewed the use of a search firm in the process of finding a new Superintendent. After discussion Ashley Kohler moved to approve Trent Grundmeyer of Grundmeyer Leader Services for the search. Josh Berman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Sara reviewed the financial statements that were presented. After discussion Josh Berman moved to approve the plan. Joe Rowe seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Board bills were presented in the amount of: General - $245248.66, Management - $5,000.00, SAVE - $254607.56, PPEL - $2919.64, Expendable Trust, $0, Activity - $22,627.11, & Nutrition - $41,090.87. Motion was made by Sean Arthur and seconded by Ashley Kohler. Ayes: Ashley Kohler, Sean Arther, and Joe Rowe. Josh Berman and Jean Schilling abstained.
Suggestions for the November 18, 2024, Board Meeting include Youth Sports, Superintendent search, Nora Springs activities.
Motion was made by Sean Arthur and seconded by Josh Berman to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
President Schilling adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Our next board meeting will be held on November 18, 2024, in the Middle School Library in Nora Springs beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Jean Schilling, Board President Steven Rollefson, Interim Board Secretary
