Public Hearing
April 11, 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 the 2022-23 Annual Budget and the 2021-22 Budget Amendment. There were no written nor oral comments. After discussion, President Ludwig declared the hearing closed at 6:31 p.m.
Regular Meeting
April 11, 2022
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on April 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: David Reese, Beth Clouse, Gary Ludwig, Troy Thompson, Keila Buffington, and Kim Severson. Absent: Eric Kingland. Keila Buffington moved to approve the agenda. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Chad Moore, Asst High School Principal and Activities Director, presented on some potential changes to the Top of Iowa Conference which would go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year.
Sup’t Lehmann shared the results of the annual academic banquet, Dexter Baker obituary, Student Exchange Visitor Program, Iowa High School Speech Association letter, thank you card from Sandy Wagner, Radon Testing Results, American Farmers Grow (Bayer Fund) donation of $10,000 (Adam Helm and Adam Lackore), approximately $57,000 Computer Science grants have been received, and Hall of Fame plans.
Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the following consent agenda items: minutes of the March 14, 2022 public hearing and regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts, employee contract adjustments, employee resignations, donations, and employee sick leave bank requests. After discussion, Troy Thompson moved to approve all consent agenda items. David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Employee Contracts:
Christopher Wellendorf, Assistant Food Service Director (June start)
Steve Staudt, Assistant Golf (2022 season, one year non-renewable contract)
2022-23 Contract: Caleb Hovenga, High School Special Education Teacher and Endorsement Agreement; Griffin Meadors, MS/HS Instrumental Music Instructor, HS Band Advisor, and Summer 2022 Band; Ryan Frederich, MS/HS E-Sports Coach; and Hannah Vaughan, Assistant Drama
Employee Contract Adjustments: Merriya Ruiter, .5 to 1 Yearbook Advisor for 2022-23 and Dawn Rutt, Shared Summer Band 2022 to Assistant Summer Band 2022
Employee Resignations:
At the End of the 2021-22 School Year: Cory Schmitt, MS/HS Instrumental Music Instructor, HS Band Advisor, and Summer 2022 Band
In old business, Supt. Lehmann reviewed the 2022 legislative priorities.
David Reese moved, Troy Thopmpson seconded to approve the 2022-2023 Annual Budget as published. Ayes: six. Nays: None. Carried. The 2022-23 budget is set at $24,821,598 in total spending with a proposed property tax rate of 11.03151 per $1,000 taxable valuation, a decrease of 0.07539 from the current year total levy rate of 11.10690.
Keila Buffington moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve an amendment to the 2021-2022 Annual Budget as published. Ayes: six. Nays: None. Carried. The 2021-2022 budget amendment increased instructional spending by $95,000 and non instructional spending by $40,000 for a total increase to spending of $135,000 for overall total expenditures of $18,964,280.
Under new business, a reading of renewing board policies 300, 301.1, 302.1, 302.2, 302.3,302.4, 302.5, 302.6, 302.7, and 302.8 were read. A new reading of policy 209.2 was presented and new policy 409.2R3FC was presented. Keila Buffington moved to approve the policies as presented. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Aye: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the District Developed Service Delivery Plan for approval. Troy Thompson moved to approve the contracts and wages as presented. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented a memorandum of understanding with the Forest City Education Association. Beth Clouse motioned to approve the agreement as presented. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
After reviewing the monthly financial statements. Keila Buffington moved to approve the statements as presented. David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
After reviewing the monthly bills, Troy Thompson moved to approve the following for payment as presented. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried. The regular meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
