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
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on March 13, 2023 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, 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.
Administrative Reports:
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Brad Jones, Elementary Principal, updated the board on middle school student council reading in the kindergarten classroom, PBIS rewards, and student social emotional health assistance.
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Ken Baker, High School Principal, updated the board on teacher professional development, May term, culture & climate, and ISASP data.
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Sec’y Meinders presented to the board information in regards to employee benefit changes for next year and financial reports for the month of February.
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Sup’t Lehmann provided thank yous, information regarding state large group all state festival, snow days and school calendar review, and an upcoming IASB work session.
The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the February 8, 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. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
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Employee Contracts: Patrick Wirth, Custodial/Maintenance; D.J. Wolfram, Sub Bus Driver.
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Employee Contracts for the 2023-24 School Year: Tom Clarey, Head Football Coach; Hayli Hutchinson, Middle School Special Education Teacher; Jason Crail, Middle School Director of Student Supports and Services.
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Employee Resignations: Jason Weiss, Custodian; Levi Nettleton, High School Science (end of 2022-23 school year).
In old business, the board reviewed the proposed resolution to adopt a redistricting plan adjusting director district boundaries and approving existing method of election following the 2020 federal census. After discussion Keila Buffington moved to the resolution as presented. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none.
Sup’t Lehmann reviewed the 2023 legislative priorities.
In new business, board policies were reviewed. Standard review: 407.1, 407.1R1FC, 407.2, 407.3, 407.4, 407.5,407.5R1FC, 407.6; 2nd Reading: 701.5, 701.5R1 Troy Thompson moved to approve the policies as presented David Reese seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Kim Severson moved to approve the fees and nutrition prices for the 2023-24 school year. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. Fees for next year will not be increased. Nutrition prices will increase approximately 8% next year.
Troy Thompson moved to approve Comprehensive Master Agreement with the Forest City Education Association for the 2023-24 and 2023-24 school years and a Memorandum of Understanding in regards to language regarding trimesters to semesters for the 2023-24 school year and beyond. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the employee contracts, wages, sub rates, and hiring bases for the 2023-24 fiscal year with an issue date of March 15, 2023 and a return date of April 5, 2023. Beth Clouse moved to approve the contracts and wages as presented. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Abstained: David Reese. Carried. Teachers will receive a pool raise of $2,200 per teacher which equals a 4.56% increase. Non-certified staff and administrators also receive a 4.56% salary increase. Hiring bases have been increased to an $11.00 minimum hourly wage and if any staff member was to earn an hourly wage below $11 after the 4.56% salary increase will move to $11 or more pending on seniority. Support staff that have been employed a number of years divisible by 5 receives another 2% salary increase.
Troy Thompson moved to approve a renewing lease agreement with Pitney Bowes Inc. for another 60 months as presented for the district’s postage needs. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Keila Buffington moved to approve the annual purchasing agreement with the AEA for Food Bids and Small Wares. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Sec’y Meinders presented information in regards to a proposed flexibility account transfer as allowed per Iowa Code 298A.2 “General Fund – Flexibility Account”. Troy Thompson moved,
Beth Clouse seconded to hold a public hearing on the transfer on April 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Ayes: seven, Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the renewal participation agreement with the Iowa Local Government Risk Pool Commission to pool risks and stabilize gas prices for public entities in conjunction with a Certified Natural Gas Provider. Troy Thompson moved, Keila Buffington seconded to approve the agreement as presented from the management fund for FY2024. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Sec’y Meinders presented the proposed budget and taxes for 2023-2024. Keila Buffington motioned to set the 2023-2024 budget public for April 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office. Kim Severson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Sec’y Meinders presented an amendment for the 2022-2023 previously approved budget. Beth Clouse motioned to set the 2022-2023 budget amendment public hearing for April 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Keila Buffington moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the purchase of a new football/track scoreboard and sound systems for the high school field from Daktronics for a total of $81,953. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
April 10, 2023 meeting topics were discussed. Troy Thompson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Keila Buffintgon seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
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Gary Ludwig, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
