Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting Board of Directors The Missouri Valley Community School District Monday, September 20, 2010 Call of Order President Brenda Dooley called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, September 20, 2010, at the District Office Board Room, 109 East Michigan Street, Missouri Valley, Iowa. Roll Call Present: Brenda Dooley, Michele Wilson, Dan Zaiser, Kelley Ruffcorn, and Roy Haynes Absent: None Also Present: Superintendent Tom Micek, Secretary Robyn Wohlers, Deidre Drees, Bill Huggett, Kristie Kruckman, and Mark Mahoney, Missouri Valley Times-News reporter Approve Agenda Director Wilson approved the agenda as published, and Director Ruffcorn seconded it. All Ayes; motion carried. Recognition of Visitors/Gifts/Services None Approval of Minutes Director Ruffcorn motioned to approve the Minutes of the regular Board meeting on August 16, 2010, as published. Director Zaiser seconded the motion, passing unanimously. Financial Reports The monthly financial reports for the General Operating, Management, PPEL, Capital Projects, Debt Service, Child Nutrition, Agency, Trust, and Activity Funds for the month of August, 2010, were presented for the Board s review. Board Bills Additional bills brought before the Board totaled $101,849.48. Director Zaiser made a motion to pay the bills submitted in the Board packet, plus additional pages of bills totaling $101,849.48. Director Wilson seconded the motion. All Ayes; motion carried. The bills totaled $416,466.40 as follows: $259,373.00 General Operating Fund; $225.00 Management Fund; $2,491.50 Physical Plant and Equipment; $94,283.74 Capital Projects/1% Sales Tax Fund; $0.00 Debt Service Fund; $42,970.39 School Nutrition Fund; $846.39 School Store Enterprise Fund; $14,001.57 -- Student Activity Fund; $0.00 Trust Fund; and $2,274.81 Agency Fund. Policy Revisions with Waiver of Second Reading Dr. Micek explained that three policies required changes to reflect the recent revision in the Iowa school board election law. Therefore, Director Wilson motioned to approve revisions to the following policies, waiving the second reading to become effective immediately: 1) #207.1, President
2) #207.2, Vice-President 3) #209.1, Annual Meeting Director Ruffcorn made the second to that motion, which passed unanimously. A fourth policy, #406.4, Salary Licensed Employee Continued Education Credit, was reviewed without changes. Election of Officers and Administration of Oath of Office to New Officers Supt. Tom Micek lead the meeting for the annual election of Board officers, opening the floor for nominations for Board President. Director Zaiser nominated Brenda Dooley, with second by Director Wilson. All Ayes; motion carried. Dr. Micek administered the Oath of Office to President Dooley, who then resumed leadership of the meeting. The floor was opened for nominations for Vice President. Dan Zaiser was nominated by Director Wilson, seconded by Director Ruffcorn. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed. President Dooley called for a vote to elect Dan Zaiser as Vice-President. Motion passed by unanimous vote. President Dooley administered the Oath of Office to the re-elected Board Vice-President, Dan Zaiser. President Dooley opened the floor for nominations for Board Secretary-Treasurer. Director Ruffcorn nominated Robyn Wohlers, with second by Director Wilson. All Ayes; motion carried. Brenda Dooley administered the Oath of Office to Robyn Wohlers, Board Secretary-Treasurer. BOARD GOVERNANCE Appointment of Board of Education Committee Members for 2010-2011 Board members were appointed for the 2010-2011 school year as indicated. Director Ruffcorn made the motion to accept the appointments; seconded by Director Zaiser. All Ayes; motion carried. 1) Negotiations Brenda Dooley and Dan Zaiser 2) School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) Michele Wilson and Kelley Ruffcorn 3) IASB/LAN (Iowa Assn. of School Boards/Legislative Action Network Delegate) Brenda Dooley Determination of 2010-2011 Regular Board Monthly Meeting Schedule In accordance with Board policy #209.2, Director Wilson motioned to approve the Board s meeting schedule of regular meetings in accordance with Exhibit VII-B. Meetings will be held at the Missouri Valley Community School District Board Room at 109 East Michigan Street, Missouri Valley, Iowa, beginning at 6:00 P.M., and will be held on the third Monday of each month with the exception of December 13, 2010, and April 11, 2011. Second was made by Director Zaiser. All Ayes; motion carried. Approval of Board Rules for 2010-2011 Director Ruffcorn motioned to approve the rules in the Missouri Valley Community School District Board of Education Meetings 2010-2011 brochure as exhibited (Exhibit VII-C) with the change to four-year terms. Director Wilson made a second to the motion. All Ayes; motion carried.
Approval to erase/destroy old Board meeting tapes A motion was made by Director Zaiser to destroy Board meeting tapes as listed in the packet materials per Exhibit VII-D. (Open session meetings held from October 8, 2008 through August 17, 2009, and closed sessions held from October 8, 2008, through June 15, 2009.) Second was made by Director Ruffcorn. All Ayes; motion carried. Approved 2010-2011 Financial Depositories Director Wilson made a motion to approve the Resolution for 2010-2011 Bank Depositories per Exhibit VII-E. Director Ruffcorn made the second. All Ayes; motion carried. RESOLUTION WHEREAS Chapter 12C of the Code of Iowa requires the Board of Directors of the Missouri Valley School District (the Board ) to approve banks in which public funds may be deposited and to establish a maximum amount which may be kept on deposit in such banks; and WHEREAS it is deemed necessary and advisable to authorize and approve agreements with the banks and to establish the authorized maximum amount to be deposited in the banks. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Board as follows: That the financial institutions listed herein are hereby designated as approved depositories authorized to accept deposits up to a maximum total deposit amount of $6,000,000 without further approval of this Board: FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Midstates Bank Peoples National Bank/American National Bank Iowa Schools Joint Investment Trust (ISJIT) LOCATION Missouri Valley/Mondamin/Council Bluffs/Avoca offices Missouri Valley/Council Bluffs/Omaha offices through Iowa Association of School Boards, Des Moines BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER that the following officers of this Board are hereby authorized and directed to execute, attest and deliver any and all documents and do any and all things deemed necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this resolution: Name Title Brenda Dooley Board President Robyn Wohlers Board Secretary/Treasurer BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers named herein are hereby authorized to invest funds in accordance with Iowa Code 12B.10, and to execute, attest and deliver any and all documents and do any and all things deemed necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers named herein are hereby authorized to select investments in accordance with Iowa law under Iowa Code Section 12B.10(5f). BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following officers of this Board and/or named designees are hereby authorized and directed to sign all payroll and accounts payable checks/warrants issued by the Missouri Valley Community School District to carry out the intent and purposes of this resolution. Checks/warrants may include one stamped signature, but require at least one live signature. Name Brenda Dooley Robyn Wohlers Daniel Zaiser, alternate Dr. Thomas Micek, designee Deidre Drees, designee A.T.A. accounts Title Board President Board Secretary/Treasurer Board Vice-President Superintendent of Schools H.S./M.S. Principal Dated this 20th day of September, 2010. /s/brenda Dooley, Board President Attest: /s/robyn Wohlers, Board Secretary-Board Treasurer
Approved 2010-2011 Fundraising Requests Principal Drees noted a reduction in the number of fundraisers this year, with more service-oriented resale fundraisers rather than catalog ordering. Director Wilson motioned to approve the 2010-2011 fundraising requests per Exhibit VII-F and any additional fundraisers which may arise and are approved by the Superintendent of Schools, until such time as a new annual authorization is approved. Director Zaiser made the second. All Ayes; motion carried. Revision to Middle School Academic Eligibility Policy Passed Principal Kruckman explained a proposed revision to the Middle School Academic Eligibility policy that would enable students to regain eligibility and return to extracurricular activities more quickly. She said the Middle School teachers felt this will encourage students to work to become eligible. The majority of ineligible students are simply not turning in assignments. The policy is based upon a pass or fail premise, in accordance with a state guideline. Director Zaiser felt that Middle School students should achieve a C average for eligibility, and Director Haynes questioned the high school academic policy, as well, also inquiring if the Board could set the grade standard higher for eligibility purposes. Director Wilson asked that this item be placed on a future agenda for consideration. Director Wilson motioned to approve the revision of the Middle School Academic Eligibility Policy, per Exhibit VII-G. Director Ruffcorn seconded that motion. Roll call vote as follows: AYES: Dooley, Ruffcorn, Wilson NAYS: Haynes, Zaiser The motion was passed with a 3-2 vote. 2010-2011 West Central Community Action Agreement for Head Start Meals Approved Director Zaiser motioned to approve the 2010-2011 West Central Community Action agreement for Head Start meals at the Missouri Valley site for 9/1/10-8/31/11, per Exhibit VII-H. Director Ruffcorn seconded it. All Ayes; motion passed. Approved Cooperative Agreement with West Harrison CSD for Wrestling Dr. Micek stated that the West Harrison Community School District Board of Directors had submitted a request for their high school wrestlers to participate with the Missouri Valley wrestling program for the 2010-2011 season. This agreement would be in effect for one year, then could be renewed by both districts. He explained that the student athletes were favorable with the idea, and staff and A.D. encourage it. The combined squad would move the program to 2A in wrestling. The West Harrison wrestling coach will transport the students, and will serve as an assistant high school wrestling coach. This will provide a better JV schedule and will fill out all the weight classes. Lettering for the eligible West Harrison athletes would be from the West Harrison CSD. Decisions regarding uniform singlets will be at the discretion of the coaches and A.D. With no further discussion, Director Ruffcorn motioned to approve the cooperative agreement with West Harrison Community School District for Wrestling (during the 2010-2011 season.) Director Zaiser seconded that motion. All Ayes; motion carried. Education Jobs Fund Program Plan Approved Supt. Micek announced that the Missouri Valley CSD would receive one-time federal funding for staff working at the building level beginning in October, with the allocation
of $187,548. The District plans to underwrite staff salaries that are not teaching and not special education salaries, reported as retaining staff. Director Wilson motioned to approve the proposed plan for the Education Jobs Fund Program. Second was made by Director Ruffcorn. All Ayes; motion carried. Approval of Proposal from Ray Martin Co. With the completion of the second phase of the high school HVAC project, it had been determined that problems exist because of the first phase, primarily the existing glycol loop has an unacceptable concentration of 19%. Ray Martin Co. proposed to drain down 700 gallons of diluted glycol and refill with 700 gallons of 100% concentration Dowfrost Propylene glycol for a bid price of $19,637.25. Two site visits at 30 days and 180 days for evaluation of the loop were included in the proposal, which would determine whether or not there is a leak existing in one of the 120 wells in the well field. The current low glycol concentration could potentially damage heat pumps if allowed to remain static. Following discussion, Director Zaiser motioned to approve the proposal with Ray Martin Co. per Exhibit VII-K. Director Wilson made the second. All Ayes; motion carried. Missouri Valley Early Childhood Learning Center 2010-2011 Fees Revised Director Ruffcorn motioned to approve the revision to Early Childhood Learning Center fees per Exhibit VII-L. Director Zaiser made the second. All Ayes; motion carried. HUMAN RESOURCES Approved Letters of Assignment Dr. Micek asked the Board to consider salary adjustments to the Food Services staff to make them more equitable with surrounding districts, noting that most of those staff members do not have insurance coverage through the District. He noted that this increase in wages would become effective September 27, 2010. Director Wilson motioned to approve administrative recommendation to issue Letters of Assignment to Geri Birks, Elementary Volunteer Coordinator; Jackie Marcum, Middle School Student Council Sponsor; and revisions for Food Service Employees per Exhibit VIII-A-3. Director Zaiser made the second, and the motion carried unanimously. Superintendent s Resignation Accepted Dr. Tom Micek, Superintendent of Schools at Missouri Valley since July, 2002, submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2011. He noted that as of that date, he will have completed forty consecutive years of working in elementary and secondary schools in Iowa and Nebraska. He stated that he had enjoyed his experiences in Missouri Valley, and expressed his appreciation for the support and confidence of the Board of Education. President Dooley declared that the District and the Board would miss his leadership, and affirmed that there had been good progress made to the school district under his tenure as superintendent. She thanked Dr. Micek for the early notice so that the Board can begin planning for the superintendent search process. She also stated that the Board would continue to stay focused on the 2010-2011 school year.
Therefore, Director Ruffcorn made a motion to accept the resignation of Dr. Thomas Micek, Superintendent of Schools, effective June 30, 2011, with Board regrets. Director Zaiser made the second. All Ayes; motion passed. Superintendent Search Planning Process Noting the importance of the decision to hire a new superintendent, President Dooley felt that utilizing a professional search firm or consultant would be advantageous to the Board for recruitment purposes. She stated that Request for Proposal letters would be mailed out to four area search firms by the Board Secretary, and the Board would then select the firm following an interview at an upcoming Board meeting. After discussion, Director Wilson motioned to approve the superintendent search planning process per Exhibit VIII-C, (authorizing the Board Secretary to prepare and send out Requests for Proposal.) Director Zaiser made the second. All Ayes; motion carried. Family Medical Leave Guidelines for the MVCSD Approved Dr. Micek proposed guidelines in administering the Family Medical Leave Act for eligible employees of the Missouri Valley CSD, effective as of August 16, 2010 Director Ruffcorn motioned to approve the Family Medical Leave Guidelines per Exhibit VIII-D. Director Zaiser seconded it. All Ayes; motion passed. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Elementary School Principal Bill Huggett expressed his appreciation for flowers sent to his father s funeral. He announced that K-5 staff would have a Cognitively Guided Instruction training day on Monday, Nov. 1, when students in grades K-5 would not have classes. Many activities, Picture Day, reading and math assessments, the PTO kick-off, ITBS, and parentteacher conferences the end of October were noted. In response to Board inquiry, he noted that the combined classroom with Courtney Dickinson and Jenny Olson was working out very well. He extended a standing invitation for the Board members to visit the Elementary to observe the learning in progress. Middle School and High School Principals Deidre Drees announced that mid-terms had been mailed, and she praised Kristie Kruckman for her leadership as new assistant principal. Homecoming Week had been a huge success and the students were very positive all week. The School Store had been a very successful venture so far, and practice was underway for a fall play comedy. Principal Kruckman reported that the Middle School students had participated in a reduced version of Homecoming and did very well. Mixing the staff members during AIW training has improved idea sharing. She and Mrs. Drees swap offices one day every two weeks in order to be visible to both staff and students. There will be more focus on parent communication this year, including for positive items. Director Wilson asked about the 1:00 dismissal on selected Wednesdays and how that was working out. Ms. Kruckman said the Middle School students were more rambunctious because of the much shorter periods, and were still getting used to the
new schedule. However, the result for the teachers professional development was the ability to become much more focused and getting more accomplished without rushing. Superintendent of Schools In his monthly report to the Board, Supt. Micek shared some information on the Iowa Core standards and alignment of the MVCSD curriculum with these requirements. He reminded Board members of the annual Iowa Association of School Boards Convention to be held on Nov. 18 in Des Moines. Certified enrollment will be certified Oct. 15 via the Electronic Access System for Iowa Education Records (EASIER.) The Missouri Valley School District will receive 40.0 in supplemental weighting for operational sharing for this budget year of $235,320 and 8.49 for dual enrollment courses of $49,947. This money will help with the financial situation of the General Fund. He concluded with listing numerous upcoming athletic events. Adjournment The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 18, 2010, tentatively beginning at 6:00 P.M. Director Wilson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Director Ruffcorn seconded it. All Ayes; motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 P.M. /s/robyn Wohlers, Board Secretary-Treasurer