Regular Meeting

                                                                                                      September 9, 2024

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met at the Elementary School Building at 5:15 p.m. for a tour highlighting recent construction projects. They then transitioned to the High School and Middle School Buildings.

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on September 9, 2024 at 6:32 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

 

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Rick Wiley, Andrew Fedders, and Kim Severson.  Rick Wiley moved to approve the agenda.  Beth Clouse seconded the motion Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

 

Administrative Reports:

• High School Principal Ken Baker provided the board with updates on new schedules, facility improvements and needs, Homecoming week plans, and PLT activities.

• Elementary School Principal Brad Jones shared information about Hi-5 Fridays, elementary interior improvements, ISASP scores, and future curriculum needs.

• Director of Teaching & Learning, Zach Dillavou, provided the board with an update on the INVEST initiative, mentor and mentee program, paraeducator training, and student involvement.

• Sec’y Meinders presented the monthly financial reports along with a review of the recent financial audit and updated enrollment numbers.

• Sup’t Lehmann provided information on and updated with the NCC, the IASB guide, and shared correspondence from the IHSAA regarding commemorating our district for no coach/athlete ejections during the 2023-24 school year.

 

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the August 12, 2024 regular meeting and the August 30, 2024 special meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and contract adjustments, employee resignations, donations, sick leave bank requests, employee lane changes, FCEA Seniority List for 2024-25,  financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Kim Severson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Cody Hennigar seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

• Open Enrollment (Out): Kayson Dirksen, Ella Buffington, Kiley Burnett, Jase Burnett, Janymar Cabrera, Johndariel Cabrera, Jaitana Cabrera, Johnny Finch 

• Open Enrollment (In): Robert Stone, Ethan Hidalgo, Riley Hidalgo, Neo Ramirez, Faith Minica

• Employee Contracts: Samantha Knutson, Day Custodian; Madison Carver, MS Para; Melissa Phillips, Vocal Music accompanist

• Employee Contract Adjustments: TLC Payments; Mallory Hartwig - Shared ELL with GHV; Keith Walker, supplemental contract

• Employee Resignations: Anna Blair, Communications Director; Janelle Koch, Business Teacher & Volleyball Coach (end of 2024-25 school year); Makenzi Hansen, Para; Boyd Eser, Custodian

 

In new business, board policies 506.2, 506.2R1, 506.2E1, 506.3, 506.4 with policies 501.9R1, 603.12 being given a second reading.  Rick Wiley moved  to approve the policies as presented, David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the annual audit agreement with Trustpoint Certified Public Accountants (formerly known as Schnurr & Company LLP) defining their audit services for the fiscal year. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Beth Clouse moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve a communications and marketing agreement with KLH Communications and Consulting. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

David Reese moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve the Off-Campus Work Study Agreements with Waldorf University as presented. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Andrew Fedders moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve an amendment to the previously approved sharing agreement with Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District as presented. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Beth Clouse moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to approve a North Iowa Cooperative Sharing Agreement between North Iowa Community School District and Forest City Community School District for Bowling. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

The Board reviewed the previously assigned committee seats held by each board member and re-aligned to accommodate new member Andrew Fedders and replacing former member Shelby Korth.   Rick Wiley moved, Andrew Fedders seconded to approve the updated committee list.  Beth Clouse will fill the open position on the Certified Negotiations Committee and Andrew Fedders will fill the open position on the calendar committee . Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

October 14, 2024 meeting topics were discussed. Rick Wiley motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. David Reese seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.  

 

 _______________________                           _____________________________              Troy Thompson, President                         Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

 

Regular Meeting

                                                                                                  October 14, 2024

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on October 14, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

 

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Troy Thompson, Rick Wiley, Andrew Fedders, and Kim Severson.  Rick Wiley moved to approve the agenda with moving items 6.b. “Print Center Copier Lease” and 6.j. “ Sharing Agreements with Central Springs” to follow the administrative reports due to visitors at the meeting for those discussion items.  David Reese seconded the motion Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried. Absent: Beth Clouse.

 

Administrative Reports:

• Middle School Principal Sarah Leichsenring provided the board with updates on Tribe Time and Character Strong lessons.

• Director of Teaching & Learning, Zach Dillavou along with Instructional Coach Mallory Hartwig provided the board with an update on the literacy curriculum, vision for the program, and the district's personalized ready plan for HS2618 implementation.

Beth Clouse entered the meeting. The time was 7:03 p.m.

• Sec’y Meinders presented the monthly financial reports.

• Sup’t Lehmann provided information on certified enrollment, chronic absenteeism, facilities projects, strategic planning process, youth team facility use, and district Needs assessment.

 

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve an updated print center color copier lease with Access Systems for a five (5) year color printer/copier for $1,012.12 per month. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Open discussion was accepted amongst board members in regard to the continuance of the sharing agreements with the Central Springs Community District.  David Reese moved, Andrew Fedders seconded to notify the Central Springs Community School District Board of Education that the District will not be renewing the sharing of the Superintendent and the School Business Official for the 2025-2026 school year. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.  Jean Schilling, a guest at the meeting from Central Springs Community School District and Central Springs Board President expressed her thanks to the Board for their years of collaboration with the Central Springs District.

 

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the September 9, 2024, regular meeting and the September 25, 2024, special meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and contract adjustments, employee resignations, donations, sick leave bank requests, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Rick Wiley moved to approve all consent agenda items. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

• Open Enrollment (Out): Thomas Akkermann, Averie Gansen, Emma Graves, Urijah Graves

• Open Enrollment (In): Kenzie Lunsford, Lexi Maas, Madison Maas

• Employee Contracts: Becca Saarie, MS Para; Lisa Marks, HS Para; Alexus Hamilton, MS Para;  Sherri Lunning, Wrestling Cheer Sponsor; Hannah Anderson, Freshman Girls Basketball Coach; Karla Faber, Communications Director; Jennifer Jordahl, Elem Para;  Marissa Norby, Freshman Softball; Allyson Wilson, Assistant Softball; Keith Walker, Assistant Wrestling; Jason Blaser, Basketball Practice Coach; Randy Broesder, Sub Driver; Lexie Breitsprecher, Elem Para; Jessica Otiz, HS Para

• Employee Contract Adjustments: Tiegan Huntley, hours reduction; Mike Johnson, Co-Softball to Head Softball Coach

• Employee Resignations: Paraprofessionals - Tara Ross, Amanda Johnson, Felicia Hansen; Lisa Marks

 

There was no old business. In new business, board policies 507.1, 507.3, 507.4, 507.5, 502.10, and 601.1.  David Reese moved  to approve the policies as presented, Cody Hennigar seconded the motion. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve an updated print center color copier lease with Access Systems for a five (5) year color printer/copier for $1,012.12 per month. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Rick Wiley moved, Kim Severson seconded to hold a public hearing for a flexibility account transfer on November 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the investment of district funds as presented with MBT Bank as presented. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Sec’y Meinders presented the recently submitted Annual Transportation Report (ATR) as submitted to the Iowa Department of Education for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

 

Sec’y Meinders presented the 2023-24 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. Andrew Fedders moved to approve the SBRC request of $377,212.58 in allowable growth as presented. David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

 

Sec’y Meinders presented the district’s 2023-24 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 report as presented. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

 

David Reese moved, Rick Wiley seconded to authorize the district’s administration to submit a request to the SBRC for $14,755.62 related to Limited English Proficient (LEP) Allowable Costs for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

 

Sup’t Lehmann presented a resolution to transfer $30,000 in funds from the General Fund to the Activity Fund. Kim Severson moved to approve the proposed resolution, Andrew Fedders seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

November 11, 2024 meeting topics were discussed. Dave Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Cody Hennigar seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.  

 

 _______________________                           _____________________________              Troy Thompson, President                         Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

 

Regular Meeting

                                                                                                            November 11, 2024

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on November 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Rick Wiley, Andrew Fedders, and Kim Severson.  Beth Clouse moved to approve the agenda with movement of items 6.d. regarding the Academic Banquet and 6.b. regarding the athletic conference to the beginning of the meeting prior to administrative reports to honor the time of visitors present at the meeting.  Rick Wiley seconded the motion with the proposed changes. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Members from the Forest City Education Foundation Board of Directors presented a request to change the academic banquet criteria. Presenters included Director Liz Taylor, and Board Members Heather Duenow, Scott Meinders and Ray Beebe.  Following their presentation and open discussion, Kim Severson moved to table a decision on any changes to the academic banquet eligibility requirements. Andrew Fedders seconded.  Ayes: six.  Nays: Rick Wiley. Carried and decision was tabled.

President Troy Thompson took a moment to publicly acknowledge the accomplishment of Superintendent Lehmann being announced Superintendent of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI). 

Sup’t Lehmann led discussion in regards to the open invitation from the North Central Conference (NCC) to join their conference effective with the 2026-2027 school year.  Activities Directors Chad Moore and Jeff Jerome answered questions.  David Reese moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to accept the invitation pending that Garner Hayfield - Ventura and Eagle Grove boards of education also approve moving to the NCC also for the 2026-2027 school year. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

Administrative Reports:

• Elementary School Principal Brad Jones presented on the recent costume parade, PBIS celebrations, conferences and book fair, Veterans Day, and PBIS majors.
• High School Principal Ken Baker presented about the junior class visiting the NIACC Hanson Center and recent conferences.
• Director of Teaching & Learning, Zach Dillavou presented on developing conversations regarding a portrait of a Forest City learner and artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
• Sec’y Meinders presented the monthly financial reports.
• Sup’t Lehmann provided information on the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC), Veterans Day, Iowa Association of School Boards upcoming convention, and facility projects.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the October 14, 2024, regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and contract adjustments, employee resignations, donations, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Kim Severson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Rick Wiley seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

• Open Enrollment (In): Jaxon Smith and Taven Schuver
• Employee Contracts: Tristan Brandsoy, P.E. Assistant; Beth Snyder, Accompanist; Lulu Valadez, Tuition Reimbursement; Hope Steinberger, Freshman Girls Basketball Coach
• Employee Contract Adjustments: Patti Strukel, Asst Girls Basketball Coach; Hannah Anderson, Sophomore Girls Basketball Coach
• Employee Resignations: Paraprofessionals - Jeanne Dick and Madison Carver
• Donations: Boyd Gaming (PBIS); Feed the Farmers; FFA Alumni

There was no old business. In new business, board policies 507.6, 507.7, 507.8, 507.8R1, 507.9, 507.9R1, 508.1, 508.2, 501.9, 501.9R1, 407.1R1FC, and 413.1R1FC. Rick Wiley moved  to approve the policies as presented with an exception to policy 501.9R1 to be edited to read, “in excess of two consecutive days” versus the presented version “of two or more consecutive days” in SECTION II of the policy.  Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

Andrew Fedders moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve an addendum to the Contract for Educational Services for Concurrent Enrollment Career Link Programs and Courses for 2024-2025 with the North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) as presented. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann and Sec’y Meinders presented an update on the annual Certified Enrollment for the Department of Education certified on October 15, 2025 showing a decrease in enrollment compared to the previous year of 36.9 student weightings.

Kim Severson moved, Rick Wiley seconded to drop the agenda item to enter into closed session to evaluate the superintendent pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). due to lack of time.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried.

December 9, 2024 meeting topics were discussed. David Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Rick Wiley seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. 

 

 

 

 _______________________                                             _____________________________             

Troy Thompson, President                                                 Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

 

Board policies 600, 601.1, 601.2, 602.1, 602.2, 602.3 were reviewed. Rick Wiley moved to approve the policies as presented. David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Beth Clouse moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the sale of district materials and equipment to I-35 Auctions for a total of $6,309.29. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to authorize the district’s administration to submit a request to the SBRC for a modified supplemental amount of $161,396 for open enrolled students who were not included in the district’s previous year certified enrollment count. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Andrew Fedders seconded to authorize the district’s administration to submit a request to the SBRC for $7,356 for English Language Learning Program for students who have exceeded five years of weighting that are included on the Fall 2023 certified enrollment headcount. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann reviewed with the Board the plans and specifications for site improvements at the high school which were recently presented by ISG at a special board meeting on December 2, 2024. Kim Severson moved, seconded by David Reese to approve the plans as submitted with an estimated cost of $1,350,000 and with letting of the bids due on January 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to the district office with the school board acting on submitted bids at the January 13, 2025 meeting to begin at 6:30 p.m. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Andrew Fedders seconded to approve $398,656 for modified supplemental amount which requires a local match of $132,885 for the 2025-26 At Risk and Dropout Prevention program. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

January 13, 2025 meeting topics were discussed. David Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Rick Wiley seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Under Iowa Code 20.17(3) the board entered into an exempt session to discuss negotiations, strategy meeting of public employees or employee organizations, mediation and the deliberative process of arbitration.

                                                                                                                                               

Troy Thompson, President                                              Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

Regular Meeting

                                                                                                      July 17, 2024

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on July 17, 2024 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 Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese,Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Rick Wiley, Troy Thompson, Shelby Korth, and Kim Severson. Kim Severson moved to approve the agenda. Beth Clouse seconded the motion Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried. Kim Severson acted as pro tem board secretary as Secretary Meinders was unable to attend.

Administrative Reports:

• Sup’t Lehmann provided information facility updates, the back to school schedule for staff and the Lake Mills wrestling cooperative.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the June 10, 2024 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and contract adjustments, employee resignations, donations, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Beth Clouse moved to approve all consent agenda items. Shelby Korth seconded the motion.  Ayes: six.  Nays: none.  Carried. David Reese abstained. 

• Employee Contracts: Hannah Boekelman, Paraprofessional; Jessica Breuklander, Paraprofessional; Dawn Millard, Paraprofessional; Tara Ross, Paraprofessional; Kelli Welp, Middle School Volleyball Coach; Michelle Harpestad, Food Production Worker.
• Employee Contract Adjustments: Dyslexia Iowa reading research training additional pay; teacher quality professional development additional pay; Ryan Faught, extended contract.
• Employee Resignations: Jason Crail, History Club Advisor; Clay Caylor, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach; Patti Strukel, Co-Head/Co-Asst Softball Coach.

In new business, board policies were reviewed:406.4, 409.1, 412.1, 600, 605.4, 606.1, 606.6, 707.5, 710.1, 711.3, 711.4, 711.5, 804.1, 804.2, 200.4, 206.3, 401.6, 402.3, 501.14, 501.15, 603.1, 607.2, 710.1, 803.2, 501.12, 708. David Reese moved to approve the policies as presented, Rick Wiley seconded the motion. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

Rick Wiley moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve a resolution to temporarily transfer $300,000 from the General Fund to the Management fund via the interfund loan process. Ayes: seven.  Nays: none. Carried. 

David Reese moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to approve the lease agreement as fiscal agent of the North Iowa Therapeutic Instruction Consortium with Four Oaks Family and Childrens’ Services for the  2024-25 school year.  Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried. Kim Severson abstained.

Rick Wiley moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the Consortium Agreement for the North Iowa Therapeutic Instructional Consortium purchasing four (4) seats for the 2024-25 school year.  Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Beth Clouse moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve the a second amendment to the agreement with Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services as the Fiscal Agent for the North Iowa Therapeutic Instrucional Consortium to increase the payment for services.  Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Shelby Korth seconded to approve a proposal submitted by ISG in the amount of $196,860 for an athletic complex entry upgrade for architectural services.  The estimated cost of the project is $1,220,000.  Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Shelby Korth moved, David Reese seconded to approve a proposal submitted by ISG in the amount of $129,750 for high school choir room and locker room renovations for architectural services.  The estimated cost of the project is $758,000.  Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded 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 2024-25 school year. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, David Reese seconded to approve Ahlers & Cooney as the District’s legal counsel for 2024-25.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann asked that the depository banks be set as Manufacturer’s Bank and Trust with a

depository limit of $16,000,000. Beth Clouse moved to approve depositories as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Cody Hennigar moved, Rick Wiley seconded for the withdrawal of a management fund certificate of deposit (CD) with a balance of $203,992 and withdrawing $25,000 from the activity fund CD, both which mature in July of 2024.  All remaining certificates and funds maturing in July are to be reinvested in CD’s at MBT for an additional 12 months to maximize interest income. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.

Rick Wiley moved, Beth Clouse  seconded to approve the Summit-Tribune as the Board’s official publication for the 2024-2025 school year.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

David Reese moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the updated and renewing lease agreement with the Forest City YMCA for daycare use.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Rick Wiley moved, Shelby Korth seconded to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the North Iowa Community Action Organization’s Head Start Program for the 2024-25 school year.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.

August 12, 2024 meeting topics were discussed. 

Rick Wiley motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.  

 

 _______________________                                        _____________________________             

Troy Thompson, President                                            Kim Severson, Board Secretary Pro Tem

 

Regular Meeting

                                                                                                      August 12, 2024

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on August 12, 2024 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 Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson and Kim Severson. Absent: Rick Wiley.  Beth Clouse moved to approve the agenda. Cody Hennigar seconded the motion Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried.

 

Administrative Reports:

• Elementary Principal Brad Jones, Middle School Principal Sarah Leichsenring and High School Principal Ken Baker provided the board with updates that have been completed in their buildings over the summer. Each administrator acknowledged the hard work by our custodial staff and is thankful for the facility improvements. They also discussed the recent School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) Conference and upcoming professional development goals for staff with the new school year.
• Director of Teaching & Learning, Zach Dillavou, provided the board with the theme for this year's professional development goals, which is INVEST, and explained the meaning behind the theme.
• Sec’y Meinders presented the monthly financial reports.
• Sup’t Lehmann provided information on facilities, summer food program, and reviewed the beginning of the year schedules.

 

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the July 17, 2024 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts, employee unpaid leave request, financial statements, and bills for payment.  After discussion, Kim Severson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried. 

• Employee Contracts: Amanda Johnson, Paraprofessional; Charles Crail, Paraprofessional; Sara Vogt, Paraprofessional; Sydney Hudspeth, Middle School History Club Advisor; Tammy Larson, Paraprofessional; and MaCoy Yeakel, 9/10 Football Coach.
• Employee Unpaid Leave Request: Tammy Egesdal

In new business, board policies were reviewed:506.1, 506.1 R1, 506.1E1, 506.1E2, 506.1E3, 506.1E4, 506.1E5, 506.1E6, 506.1E7, 506.1E8, 505.2, 501.3, 501.9, 501.9 E1 (rescinded), 501.10 (rescinded), 501.10R1 (rescinded), 502.6, 801.3, & 905.3, and 705.4. For Board Policy 905.3, David Reese moved, Beth Clouse seconded to strike Option 1 from IASB recommendations and proceed with Option 2 as presented. Ayes: four.  Nays: none. Kim Severson abstained from voting. Carried.  David Reese moved  to approve the remaining policies as presented, Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

Beth Clouse moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the John V. Hanson Center Maintenance Agreement with North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve a Girls Wrestling Cooperative Sharing Agreement with Lake Mills Community School District.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Cody Hennigar moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the changes made to the Employee Handbook and Business Procedures as presented. Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Beth Clouse moved, David Reese seconded to approve the 2024-25 Concurrent Enrollment Contract with North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Kim Severson moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to approve the 2024-25 Entrepreneurship Academy  with North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

David Reese moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve a new services agreement with the Central Rivers Area Education Agency for technology services during the 2024-25 school year as presented. Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

The Elementary, Middle School, and High School Handbooks were presented with changes for the 2024-25 school year.  David Reese moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to approve the handbooks as presented. Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. 

 

Beth Clouse moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to approve the resignation of Shelby Korth, Board Member representing District 1 as submitted on August 3, 2024.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. The Board will be seeking to appoint a new board member to the District 1 position before the August 31, 2024 deadline.

 

September 9, 2024 meeting topics were discussed. Kim Severson motioned to enter into closed session to evaluate the board secretary pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried. The time was 8:20 p.m.  At 8:26 p.m, Kim Severson motioned, seconded by Cody Hennigar, to return to regular session.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none. Carried.

 

David Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.  

 

 

 

 _______________________                                        _____________________________              Troy Thompson, President                                              Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a special meeting on August 29, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa. 

 

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese,  Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, and Kim Severson. Absent: Cody Hennigar and Rick Wiley.  David Reese attended the meeting via phone as it was inconvenient to do so otherwise.  Per request, discussion item 3.b. “Public Comment” was added to the agenda.  Beth Clouse moved to approve the agenda as corrected. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: four.  Nays: none.  Carried.

Members discussed the appointment of a new board member to the open District 1 position. Secretary Meinders acknowledged that public notice was published on 8/13/24 in the Forest City Summit notifying patrons of the School Board opening eligible electors had 14 days to submit a petition requiring the vacancy be filled by special election.  No petitions were received. Two eligible candidates had submitted their interest in the open position, Brittany Frerichs and Andrew Fedders. Beth Clouse moved, Kim Severson seconded to appoint Andrew Fedders to the District 1 vacant school board seat.  Ayes: four. Carried.  

Rob Hillesland, patron, addressed the board regarding a cashless gate system for school events.

Kim Severson motioned to adjourn the public hearings. Beth Clouse seconded the motion.  Ayes: four.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 12:26 p.m.

Special Meeting

                                                                                                            December 2, 2024

 

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a special meeting on December 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by Secretary Sara Meinders. Members present: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Rick Wiley, Andrew Fedders, and Kim Severson.  Kim Severson moved to approve the agenda as presented.  Rick Wiley seconded the motion.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried.  Troy Thompson entered the meeting at 12:01 p.m.  Beth Clouse entered the meeting at 12:04 p.m. and attended electronically as it was inconvenient to do so otherwise.

Erik Pingel with ISG presented to the board an overview of three potential facility projects: High School Site Improvements, Locker Room Renovations, and Choir Area.  Pingel explained each project in detail with updated estimates and schedules for bidding and completion.

David Reese motioned to approve the quote submitted by C.H. McGuiness to purchase a new hot water boiler system for the amount of $27,780.00.  Rick Wiley seconded the motion.  Ayes: 7. Carried.

David Reese motioned to adjourn the special meeting. Cody Hennigar seconded the motion.  Ayes: seven.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

 

 _______________________                                             _____________________________             

Troy Thompson, President                                                 Sara Meinders, Board Secretary

 

Work Session September 25, 2024

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a work session on September 25, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese,  Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, and Kim Severson. Absent: Andrew Fedders and Rick Wiley.  David Reese moved to approve the agenda, Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried. Activities Director Chad Moore and Assistant Activities Director Jeff Jerome shared information with the board in regards to an invitation from the North Central Conference (NCC).  Moore and Jerome shared that the goal is to explore and consider possible realignment scenarios that would benefit the district and our students. Open discussion was encouraged and entertained. Kim Severson motioned to adjourn, Cody Hennigar seconded the motion.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried.

The meeting adjourned at 1:19 p.m.

Troy Thompson, President

Sara Meinders, Board Secretary