The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on May 9, 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: David Reese, Eric Kingland, Gary Ludwig, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson. Absent: Beth Clouse. Keila Buffington moved to approve the agenda. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Administrative Reports:
Assistant principal and activities director Chad Moore updated the board on the future for girls wrestling. Beth Clouse entered the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Elementary principal Brad Jones presented on the elementary concerts, Waldorf football players and “High-Five Fridays”, creating memories in the elementary, parent nights, and assessments.
High school principal Ken Baker presented graduation plans, assessments, and the alternative school.
Sup’t Lehmann provided an update on the year end schedule(s) and the upcoming retirement tea.
Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the following consent agenda items: minutes of the April 11, 2022 regular meeting and April 18, 2022 work session, employee contracts, employee contract adjustments, employee resignations, and donations. After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Employee Contracts:
Jeff Clemens and DJ Wolfram, full-time custodial staff with sub bus driving
2022-23 Contracts: Lourdes Valdez, paraprofessional; Hannah Vaughn, 0.5 Asst Drama; Courtney Rogne, 6th grade teacher
Teacher Leadership Compensation, end of year payments
Summer School contracts and wages
Employee Contract Adjustments: Cassandra Schulze, transfer from paraprofessional to elementary secretary/assistant; Jason Weiss, decrease in custodial days to 180 per year; Heather Kluver, transfer from assistant business manager to print center technician; Laurie Wencl, wage adjustment
Employee Resignations:
At the End of the 2021-22 School Year: Aleysha Brandt, elementary special education teacher; Justin Uhlenhopp, middle school science and softball (after 2022 season)
In old business, Supt. Lehmann reviewed the 2022 legislative priorities.
Under new business, a reading of renewing board policies 303.1, 303.2, 303.3, 303.4, 303.5, 303.6, 303.7, 303.8, 303.9 were read. A second reading of new policy 409.2R3FC was presented Troy Thompson moved to approve the policies as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
A multi-year memorandum of understanding with iJAG was presented for the 2022-23 school year. Eric Kingland moved, Troy Thompson seconded to approve the memorandum as presented. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the continuation of the following sharing agreements for the 2022-23 school year: Superintendent to Central Springs, 50%; Business Manager to North Iowa, 20%; Human Resources from North Iowa, 20%; Media Specialist to Northwood, 12 days; Communications Director to Central Springs, as needed.
The Specialty Underwriter (SU Insurance) equipment breakdown insurance renewal for the 2022-23 school year was presented with the addition of the optional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) coverage. Troy Thompson moved, David Reese seconded to approve the renewal for one year as presented. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
The annual open enrollment transportation agreements between neighboring districts was presented. Keila Buffington moved, Kim Severson to approve the miles per district noting no changes from the previous year. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Eric Kingland moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve Bruce Kluver and Steve Olson to the Forest City Community School District Hall of Fame as recommended by the Hall of Fame Committee. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Eric Kingland moved, David Reese seconded the continuation of IXL services for a three year contract with IXL to begin July 2022. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
President Ludwig reviewed the list of Forest City High School graduates. After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve the list of graduates for the Class of 2022 contingent upon meeting the graduation requirements established by the Board of Education. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the 28E.3 agreement for the North Iowa Therapeutic Instructional Consortium and Four Oaks for the 2022-23 school year. Beth Clouse moved, Troy Thompson seconded to approve the renewal for as presented but noting the Forest City School District will be the fiscal agent instead of Garner-Hayfield as listed. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Troy Thompson moved, Eric Kingland seconded to waive the last day of school (May 31st) for all students as the instructional hours requirements as required by the Iowa Department of Education will have been met making the official last day May 27, 2022. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. May 31st will be a contract day for all staff previously contracted to work on this day.
Sup’t Lehmann and Sec’y Meinders (on behalf of the entire Forest City Community School Community) expressed a thank you to all school board members for their service to the district in honor of May being School Board Recognition month.
After reviewing the monthly financial statements. Keila Buffington moved to approve the statements as presented. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
After reviewing the monthly bills, Troy Thompson moved to approve the following for payment as presented. Eric Kingland seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
David Reese moved, Kim Severson seconded to enter into closed session to evaluate the superintendent and board secretary pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. The time was 7:15 p.m. At 9:14 p.m., President Ludwig declared the closed session was to end and return to regular session.
Kim Severson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Gary Ludwig, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
