Work Session

April 4, 2023 at 6:15 p.m.

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a work session on April 4, 2023 at 6:15 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Eric Kingland, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson. Absent: None.

Keila Buffington moved to approve the agenda. Troy Thompson seconded the motion Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Iowa Associations of School Board representative, Siobhan Schneider, presented to the board and facilitated discussions in regard to board governance.

Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Eric Kingland seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. 

   _________________________                                 ___________________________________          

   Gary Ludwig, President                                            Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

he Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on July 11, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson.  Absent: Eric Kingland

Keila Buffington moved to approve the agenda. Troy Thompson seconded the motion with the addition of item 6.h. “Online Auction Consignment Agreement with JRT Sales, LLC and K-Bid”.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.  In Secretary Sara Meinders absence, Kim Severson acted as the temporary secretary.

Administrative Reports:

●         Zach Dillavou, Middle School Principal, presented on professional development plans for 2022-23, writing focus, and ACHIEVE training.

●        Sup’t Lehmann shared an update on summer cleaning and maintenance, RSAI legislative summary, and safety funding.

Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the following consent agenda items: minutes of the June 13, 2022 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts, donations, financial statements, and bills.  After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.

●     Employee Contracts:

○        Jeri Edel, 2021-22 Algebra I online course; Parker Eaton, MS Science Teacher; Breanne Johnson, Paraprofessional

There was no old business discussed.

Under new business, second readings of board policies 710.1E1, 710.1E2, 710.R1, 802.4FC were read. Proposed changes to policies 203, 402.2, 501.3, 505.5, 501.14, 501.15, 804.7, 804.7R1, 901 were also read. Troy Thompson moved to approve the policies as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented a list of 2023 Legislative Priorities as established by the Iowa Association of School Boards. Keila Buffington moved, David Reese seconded to accept the following priorities most important to the Forest City CSD Board of Education: 1) Supplemental State Aid (Resolution #20); 2) Add Voucher Policy; 3) Teacher Recruitment & Licensure (Resolution #16); 4) Mental Health (Resolution #8).

Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to purchase a 2023 IC CD 77 passenger school bus from Hoglund Bus Company for $118,899 with anticipated delivery date by August 1, 2022.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Troy Thompson seconded to adjust the following fees for the 2022-23 school year:

·$17.00 Middle School Yearbooks, due to increased print cost

·$4.15 adult lunch meal price, due to the Iowa Department of Education requiring that adult lunch meal prices need to be at minimum $4.1275. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Beth Clouse moved, Keila Buffington seconded to approve a continuing memorandum of understanding with North Iowa Community Action Organization to operate the Head Start program for the 2022-2023 school year.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented the building professional development plans for 2022-23.   Troy Thompson moved, David Reese seconded to approve as presented. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented a new copier lease agreement with Access Systems for seven new units district wide to replace out of date units.  Troy Thompson moved, Keila Buffington seconded to approve the five-year lease agreement as presented to Access Systems for $944.98 per month. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented an agreement with JRT Sales, LLC & K-BID to sell obsolete district equipment via their online auction consignment. Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve as presented. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Keila Buffington motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. David Reese seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. 

   _________________________                                     ___________________________________         

   Gary Ludwig, President                                                        Kim Severson, Temporary Board Secretary

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on August 8, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Eric Kingland, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson and Kim Severson.  Absent: Keila Buffington

Troy Thompson moved to approve the agenda. Eric Kingland seconded the motion Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.  Keila Buffington entered the meeting at 6:32 p.m.

Administrative Reports:

●        Brad Jones, Elementary School Principal, presented on new staff, playground usage and facility updates.

●       Zach Dillavou, Middle School Principal, presented on back to school planning, new staff, and facility updates.

●       Ken Baker, High School Principal, presented on new faculty, facility updates, and student enrollment with Waldorf and NIACC.

●       Sec’y Meinders shared the financials for the month of July along with a summary of the district office responsibilities for the month.

●       Sup’t Lehmann reviewed student open enrollment procedures, government census review, IASB Convention, storm damage, fall sports, and upcoming Hall of Fame luncheon.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the July 11, 2022 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts, donations, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Keila Buffington moved to approve all consent agenda items. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried. Troy Thompson abstained.

●     Employee Contract Adjustments: Ryan Faught, Summer FFA/Ag Instructor

●     Employee Resignations: Cynthia Nelson, ELL Assistant; Breanne Johnson, Paraprofessional

There was no old business discussed.

Under new business, second readings of board policies 804.7 and 804.7R1 were read. Scheduled review and proposed changes to policies 400, 401.1, 401.2, 401.2, 401.4, 401.5, 401.5R1 and 401 were also read. Kim Severson moved to approve the policies as presented. David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

A resolution to transfer $55,000 in funds from the General Fund to the Activity Fund was presented. David Reese moved to approve the proposed resolution, Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

An Early Retirement Plan for the licensed staff of the Forest City Community School District specifying eligibility as being a licensed staff member for the past 10 consecutive years and having reached the age of fifty-five at the time of retirement and having previously indicated their intent to retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Troy Thompson moved to approve the Early Retirement Plan as presented.  Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. 

Glenda Keough and Chris Wellendorf from the Nutrition Department presented on the success of the summer meals program and plans for the 2022-23 school year.

Sec. Meinders asked that the depository banks be set as Manufacturer’s Bank and Trust with a depository limit of $14,000,000. After discussion, Keila Buffington moved to approve depositories as presented. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

A service agreement with Schnurr & Company, LLP for audit scope and objectives for the upcoming 2022 financial review and audit was presented.  After discussion Troy Thompson moved to approve the service agreement as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve a bill of sale with the Winnebago Historical Society to purchase unused portable bleachers from the District.   Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Keila Buffington moved, Eric Kingland seconded to approve the Summit-Tribune as the Board’s official publication for the 2022-2023 school year.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Eric Kingland moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve to approve Tom Montgomery as Level I Investigator, Ross Eiden as the Level I alternate investigator, and Level II investigator as Steve Hepperly for the 2022-23 school year. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Eric Kingland moved, Troy Thompson seconded to approve Ahlers & Cooney as the District’s legal counsel.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Keila Buffington moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve a bill of sale with the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District to purchase unused middle school football helmets from the District.  Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Keila Buffington seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:37p.m. 

   _________________________                                 ___________________________________         

   Gary Ludwig, President                                             Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on September 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Eric Kingland, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson.

Keila Buffington moved to approve the agenda. Beth Clouse seconded the motion Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

Administrative Reports:

•  Brad Jones, Elementary School Principal, presented on Spring ISASP Results, Fall SAEBRS assessment, math curriculum review, intervention blocks, and PBIS updates.

• Ken Baker, High School Principal, presented on professional development activities, transition to semesters, special education student transition success, and apprenticeships.

• Sec’y Meinders shared the financials for the month of August along with a summary of the district office responsibilities for the month, Para educator certification update, and the exit review for the recently completed financial audit.

• Sup’t Lehmann reviewed ffa test plot updates, student open enrollment procedures, online auction results, automated past due and lunch messaging from school messenger, board packet overview, girls wrestling program update, IHSAA Letter, IASB Convention, thank you cards, RSAI membership, IASB membership, and school permit request.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the August 8, 2022 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and resignations, donations, early graduation request, employee lane changes, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Keila Buffington seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

• Employee Contracts:

  • Lydia Thompson, ELL Assistant; Natalie Dirks, Elementary Paraprofessional; Patti Strukel, Assistant Girls Basketball; Steve Staudt, Assistant Golf

• Employee Contract Adjustments:

  • Sherri Lunning, increase in hourly wage; Mary Espelien, increase in hours; Lulu Valadez, increase in hourly wage and hours; Tammy Krieger, decrease in hours; Scott Bjelland, decrease in hours; Rhonda Eser, increase in hourly wage; Courtney Rogne, adjust from MA to MA+30

• Employee Resignations:

  • Amy Meinecke, Paraprofessional

• Employee Lane Changes:

  • Michael Bohl, BA+15 to MA; Jason Crail, BA to BA+15; Jaralyn Pickar, BA to MA; Renee Sorensen, BA to BA+30; Joshua Sparrgrove, BA+15 to MA; Alexa Sundermann, BA to BA+15; Thomas Treloar, BA to BA+15; Keith Walker, MA to MA+30.

There was no old business discussed.

Under new business, scheduled review and proposed changes to policies 401.7, 401.8, 401.8R1FC, 401.9, 401.10, 401.11, 401.12, 401.12R1, 401.13, 401.13R1, 401.14 read. Troy Thompson moved to approve the policies as presented. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

A resolution to consider continued participation in the Instructional Support was presented. Keila Buffington moved to approve the proposed resolution; Kim Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

The 2022-23 Forest City Education Association Seniority List was presented for annual review and approval. Beth Clouse moved to approve the list as presented; Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented to the board the District’s Return to Learn Plan.  Troy Thompson moved to approve the plan as presented, Eric Kingland seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

A resolution to create an agency fund was presented. Kim Buffington moved to approve the proposed resolution; Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented an updated list for available Level 2 Investigators as approved by the Iowa Area Education Agencies.  Keila Buffington moved to approve the updated list of investigators for the 2022-23 school year; Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented a strategic staffing plan for the 2023-24 school year and beyond to improve in the areas of student achievement and recruitment/retention of teachers. 

Eric Kingland moved to approve the strategic staffing plan as presented; Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: five (David Reese, Eric Kingland, Gary Ludwig, Keila Buffington, Kim Severson). Nays: two (Beth Clouse and Troy Thompson). Carried.

Board and Superintendent goals were reviewed focusing on curriculum (student achievement), staffing (retain and recruit), and financial areas for the school district. Troy Thompson moved to approve the board and superintendent goals as presented; David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

October meeting topics were discussed.  A work session will be held prior to the regular meeting at 5:45 pm in the middle school computer science room.

Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Kim Severson seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.  

   Gary Ludwig, President                       Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

Public Hearing

October 10, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

A public hearing of the Forest City Community School Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Gary Ludwig at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa. Members present: David Reese, Beth Clouse, Gary Ludwig, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson.  Absent: Eric Kingland. The President announced that this is the time, place and date to hold a public hearing on its Resolution to Consider Continued Participation in the Instructional Support Program. There were no written nor oral comments. After discussion, President Ludwig declared the hearing closed at 6:31 p.m.

Regular Meeting

                                                                                                       October 10, 2022

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on October 10, 2022 at 6:31 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson. Absent: Eric Kingland.

Troy Thompson moved to approve the agenda with the addition of item 6.k. Update to Job Description 2.50 Dean of Students to Director of Student Support and Technology Integration and removing employee contracts for Director of Student Support and Technology Integration and contract for Executive Director of Teaching and Learning from 4.0 Consent Agenda to item 5.a. Old Business.   Beth Clouse seconded the motion Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Administrative Reports:

• Zach Dillavou, Middle School Principal, presented on professional development goals and plans, and student presentations.
• Sec’y Meinders shared the financials for the month of September along with a summary of income surtax in the current year budget and the upcoming process of redistricting of director districts as required due to the 2020 census.
• Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the upcoming IASB Convention, Certified Enrollment update, and mascot petition.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the September 12, 2022 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and resignations, donations, sick leave bank requests, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.

• Employee Contracts:  Kimberly Redenius, Bus Route Driver; Julie Sherwood, Bus Driver and Maintenance; Levi Nettleton, Archery
• Employee Resignations: Tom Clarey, Archery; Micahel Bohl, Archery

In old business, Kim Severson moved, Keila Buffington seconded to approve new employment contracts for Mike Van Oort as Director of Student Support and Technology Integration for the remainder of 2022-23 school year and Zachary Dillavou as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for the 2023-24 school year.  Ayes: five. Nays: Beth Clouse. Carried.

Under new business, scheduled review and proposed changes to policies 402.1, 402.2, 402.3, 402.4, 402.6 was read with policies 502.10 being revised and 502.10R1FC being rescinded.  Troy Thompson moved to approve the policies as presented. David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Forest City Education Association (FCEA) and the Forest City Board of Education was presented in regards to an adjustment to compensation for unused personal days.  Troy Thompson moved to approve the MOU as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented a cooperative sharing agreement for girl’s wrestling.  Troy Thompson moved to approve the sharing agreement as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Sec’y Meinders presented an investment plan for additional funds on hand to maximize interest income for the remaining 2022-23 fiscal year and beyond.  Keila Buffington moved to approve the investment plan as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried. 

Sec’y Meinders presented the recently submitted Annual Transportation Report (ATR) as submitted to the Iowa Department of Education for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Sec’y Meinders presented the 2021-22 Special Education Supplement (SES) as submitted to the

Iowa Department of Education along with a request to the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) for allowable growth due to the negative special education balance. Beth Clouse moved to approve the SBRC request of $791,022.08 in allowable growth as presented. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Sec’y Meinders presented the district’s 2021-22 Annual Financial Health Report along with a summary of the recently submitted Certified Annual Report (CAR) to the Iowa Department of Education. Kim Severson moved to approve the financial health analysis as presented. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

A resolution to consider continued participation in the Instructional Support was presented. Keila Buffington moved to approve the proposed resolution; David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann presented an action plan for the district to switch from trimesters to semesters for the 2023-24 school year to better align with educational requirements and educational partners.  Keila Buffington moved to approve the transition to semesters next school year; Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Marcia Tweeten, citizen, who had requested time to address the board in regards to a concern with administration and strategic hiring plan but was unable to attend the meeting.  Jason Blaser, Forest City Education Association President, requested to speak on the agenda topic and was allowed to address the board.

Troy Thompson moved, Keila Buffington seconded to approve the change in title to job description 2.50 from Dean of Students to Director of Student Support and Technology Integration. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

November meeting topics were discussed.  A work session will be held prior to the regular meeting at 5:45 p.m. in the middle school computer science room.

Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. 

The Forest City CSD Board of Education will go into an exempt session to discuss planning steps for the negotiation process with the Forest City Education Association according to Iowa Code 20.17(3).

   _________________________                                 ___________________________________         

   Gary Ludwig, President                                             Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met at the Middle School Computer Science Classroom for a tour and demonstration of the Esports program as directed by Instructor Ryan Friederich.

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on September 14, 2022 at 6:31 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Eric Kingland, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, and Kim Severson. Absent: Keila Buffington.  Kim Severson attended the meeting electronically as it was inconvenient to do so otherwise.

Troy Thompson moved to approve the agenda. Beth Clouse seconded the motion Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

Administrative Reports:

• High School Principal, Ken Baker, introduced FFA Advisor Ryan Faught along with ten (10) members of the Forest City FFA Chapter. Members presented to the board about their FFA Chapter and the many events and activities they are involved in.

• High School Principal, Ken Baker, introduced high school special education teacher Ryan Smith and Tracker. Tracker is a therapy dog that has been recently certified by Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) to provide services to our students.

• High School Principal, Ken Baker, presented on professional development, school report card, and new signage in the high school entryway.

• Elementary Principal, Brad Jones, presented on fall celebrations, Veterans Day program, preschool support, high five Fridays, guiding coalition decisions, and school report card.

• Sec’y Meinders shared the financials for the month of October along with an update to the monthly SAVE deposit from the Iowa Department of Revenue, updates from the District Office, document imaging, and upcoming tasks. 

• Sup’t Lehmann reviewed recurring payments now available to parents, thank you from Central Spring CSD, Community Partnership Awards Program, social media initiatives, and recognition of the Iowa School Performance Profile.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the October 10, 2022 public hearing and regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and resignations, donations, sick leave bank requests, early graduation requests, requests for resignation and early retirement at the end of the 2022-23 school year, student discipline agreement, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Eric Kingland seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

• Employee Contracts:  Jason Crail, Middle School History Club & Middle School Concessions; Breanne Johnson, Elementary Paraprofessional

• Employee Resignations: Laurie Wencl, Paraprofessional (end of school year)

• Request(s) for Resignation and Early Retirement at the end of the 2022-23 School Year: Teresa Pietsch, K-12 Media; Lori Rollefson, 1st Grade Teacher; Kristeen Johnson, Elementary Reading Specialist; Debra Kleveland, Title I Teacher; Murray Anderson, High School Social Studies; Dan Rosacker, Middle School Guidance; Gail McCarthy, Middle School Special Education

There was no old business discussed.

Under new business, scheduled review and proposed changes to policies 403.1, 403.2, 403.3, 403.3R1, 403.3E1, 403.4 read with policies 401.14, 402.2, 408.1, 601.2, 602.1, 602.2, 602.3,605.1, 605.1R1, 605.2, 605.3, 605.3R1, 605.3E1, 605.3E2, 605.3E3, 605.3E4, 605.4, 605.5, 606.3R1FC, 606.3R2FC, 606.3R3FC, 606.3E1FC, 606.3E2FC, 802.4, being revised and/or added.  Beth Clouse moved to approve the policies as presented. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the continued sharing social worker agreement with Osage Community School District for the 2022-23 school year. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to authorize the district’s administration to submit a request to the SBRC for a modified supplemental amount of $47,931.89 for the costs in excess of weightings and other resources for providing additional instruction to limited English proficient students beyond regular instruction.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Eric Kingland seconded to authorize the district’s administration to submit a request to the SBRC for a modified supplemental amount of $164,052.90 for open enrolled students who were not included in the district’s previous year certified enrollment count. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Eric Kingland seconded to authorize the district’s administration to submit a request to the SBRC for $4,670.19 related to the ELL program for students who have exceeded five years of weighting that are included on the Fall 2022 certified enrollment headcount. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Sec’y Meinders presented draft maps as provided to the District by Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting.  Since the variance between the current largest director district and the current smallest director district is more than 10%, redistricting is required and must be approved by the board between November 15, 2022 and May 15, 2023. The draft maps discussed.  

December meeting topics were discussed. 

Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Eric Kingland seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.  

The Forest City CSD Board of Education will go into an exempt session to discuss planning steps for the negotiation process with the Forest City Education Association according to Iowa Code 20.17(3).

   _________________________                                 ___________________________________          

   Gary Ludwig, President                       Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on January 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Beth Clouse, Eric Kingland, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson. Absent: None.

Troy Thompson moved to approve the agenda. Eric Kingland seconded the motion Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Administrative Reports:

●        Elementary Principal, Brad Jones, presented on student activities, physical education class, winter FAST testing, January professional development, 100^th day of school plans, and an upcoming field trip to the Boman Fine Arts Center for all grades.                          

●        High School Principal, Ken Baker, presented on professional development, transitioning from trimesters to semester for 23-24, and midterms  

●       Sup’t Lehmann provided an update on facilities and snow days.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the December 12, 2022 regular meeting and annual meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts, employee resignations, donations, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Keila Buffington seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

●     Employee Contracts:  Kristy Pedelty, Elementary Paraprofessional;

●     Employee Contract Adjustments: Lydia Thompson, increase in hours;

●     Employee Resignations: David Larson, custodian; Bev Brackey, Deb Swanson, and Heather Welch, Paraprofessionals at the end of the 22-23 school year.

In old business, Jodi Flory of Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting presented virtually to the Board on the district’s requirement to redistrict based upon population changes as determined in the 2020 census.  After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve map #1 as presented.  Motion died due to lack of a second.

Sec’y Meinders left the meeting. Member Kim Severson took over as temporary Board Secretary. The time was 6:36 p.m. Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the 2023 legislative priorities.

In new business, board policies were reviewed.  Standard review: 405.1, 405.2, 405.3, 405.4, 405.5, 405.6, 405.7, 405.8, 405.9; Modifications: 803.1. (Disposition of Obsolete Equipment), 605.2 (Instructional and Library Materials Inspection), Stock and use of prescription medication for acute respiratory distress and opioid antagonists 507.2, 507.2E1, 607.2, 804.5

507.9R1FC - Wellness Regulation; New: 401.1FC, 401.1RFC (FBI’s National Criminal History Record Information or CHRI). Keila Buffington moved to approve the policies as presented. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to accept changes made to the Job Description, “Director of Student Supports and Services (Middle School).   Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

February meeting topics were discussed along with the reminder that the February meeting will be held on February 8, 2023 instead of the regularly scheduled day at 6:30 p.m.

Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Kim Severson seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. 

The Forest City CSD Board of Education entered into closed session to evaluate the superintendent pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i).

   _________________________                                 ___________________________________         

   Gary Ludwig, President                                             Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

                                                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                                    Kim Severson,  Temporary Board Secretary

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on February 8, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Gary Ludwig. Members present: Gary Ludwig, David Reese, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson. Absent: Eric Kingland.  Gary Ludwig and Kim Severson attended electronically as it was inconvenient to do so otherwise.  The meeting was turned over to Vice President Keila Buffington to be run by President Ludwig due to his attendance electronically.

Troy Thompson moved to approve the agenda. Beth Clouse seconded the motion Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Administrative Reports:

●       Middle School Principal, Zach Dillavou, presented to the board about Jazz Up January, staff turnover and interviews along with the new hires recently acquired.  Mr. Dillavou introduced computer science instructor Ryan Friederich, who presented to the board information on artificial intelligent tools and how they can be used in the classroom. 

●        Secretary Meinders presented to the board the budget calendar for setting the 2023-24 budget, the district’s taxable valuations, and financial reports for the month of January.

●       Sup’t Lehmann provided monthly analytics from our website, baseball and softball scoreboards purchases, IASB work session, flex account transfer proposal, and request for mascot review.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the January 9, 2023 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts, employee resignations, donations, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried.

●     Employee Contracts:  Lucas Rayhons, Middle School Science Teacher for 2023-24; Parker Eaton, High School Social Studies Teacher for 2023-24;

●     Employee Resignations: Paul Jensen, Varsity Boys Assistant Basketball Coach (end of season); Ken Steil, Bus Driver; Tara Millard, FFA Assistant (end of 2022-23); Chad Moore, Head Football Coach; Bev Lindsay, Food Service (end of 2022-23).

In old business, the board reviewed new redistricting options as provided by Jodi Flory, geospatial engineer.  After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve map number two (2) as presented.  Gary Ludwig seconded the motion.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the 2023 legislative priorities.

In new business, board policies were reviewed.  Standard review: 406.1, 406.2, 406.3, 406.4, 406.5, 406.6; 2nd Reading: 401.1FC, 401.1RFC; IASB Quarterly Review: 216.2, 607.1, NEW 701.5, NEW 701.5R1, 705.1, 705.1R2, 804.7R1 Troy Thompson moved to approve the policies as presented. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: six.  Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the negotiated agreement with the Forest City Education Association (FCEA). After discussion, Beth Clouse moved to approve the agreement as presented. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the Worth County Development Authority (WCDA) budget for 2023-2024 as presented.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Beth Clouse moved, David Reese seconded to approve a student exclusion agreement.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Gary Ludwig seconded to approve a bid submitted by Midwest Tennis + Track to recondition the two track surfaces for a total amount of $178,167.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve a bid submitted by Mid-West Roofing Company for a total amount of $184,920 to replace sections 4-4d of the high school roof.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Gary Ludwig moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve bids submitted by FLR Sanders, Inc. to remove, furnish, and install a new gymnasium floor in the middle school gymnasium for a total amount of $116,770 and REW Services Corporation for the removal of asbestos containing materials in the middle school gymnasium which includes the stage flooring for an amount of $41,721.   Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

Troy Thompson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve a bids submitted Hart-Hammer, Inc. to replace two (2) HVAC units at the high school for a total amount of $217,300 along with Johnson Controls for $35,950 to install new RTUs VAV controls and Johnson Controls for $38,580 to upgrade the server and user interface. CR Holland Crane services will also be utilized for the project at $335/hour, with operator, port-to-port.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

David Reese moved, Troy Thompson seconded to approve a bid submitted by Hoglund Bus Company for a total amount of $263,698 to purchase two (2) 77 passenger school busses to be delivered on or before 12/1/2023.  Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Sec’y Meinders presented the financial audit report for fiscal year 2022 as prepared by district auditor Schnurr and Company, LLP.  David Reese moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the report as presented.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.

March 13, 2023 meeting topics were discussed.

Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. David Reese seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. 

   _________________________                                 ___________________________________         

   Keila Buffington, Vice President                                           Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

A public hearing of the Forest City Community School Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Gary Ludwig at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa. Members present: David Reese, Beth Clouse, Gary Ludwig, Troy Thompson, Eric Kingland, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson.  Absent: None. The President announced that this is the time, place and date to hold a public hearing on the notice of consideration of proposed action to adopt a redistricting plan adjusting director district boundaries and approving existing methods of election following the 2020 federal census. After discussion, President Ludwig declared the hearing closed at 6:31 p.m.

Regular Meeting

                                                                                                      March 13, 2023