The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on June 12, 2023 at 5:45 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, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson and Eric Kingland. Absent: David Reese, Keila Buffington and Kim Severson. Troy Thompson moved to approve the agenda. Beth Clouse seconded the motion Ayes: four. Nays: none. Carried. Keila Buffington entered the meeting at 5:46 p.m.
Administrative Reports:
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Sec’y Meinders presented to the board information in regards to end of the fiscal year preparations, staff benefits and the financial reports for the month of April.
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Sup’t Lehmann provided information on the commencement program, FCEA retirement tea, senior awards night, thank you cards, ISFIS guide, Rural School Advocates of Iowa guide and new legislative law allowing five e-learning days.
The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the May 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. Keila Buffington seconded the motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
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Employee Contracts: Riley Walton, vocal music accompanist; Michael Pettengill, assistant varsity cross country coach; Annika Andrews, assistant speech coach
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Employee Resignations: Anna Stene, literary magazine advisor
There was no old business to discuss.
In new business, board policies were reviewed: 410.1, 410.2, 410.4, 505.5, 505.1, 505.6EFC, 505.6RFC, 603.6, 200.4. Troy Thompson moved to approve the policies as presented and selected option 3 for Board Policy 505.5. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Sec’y Meinders distributed information to all members in regards to the November 2023 school board elections. For the 2023 election, Forest City Community School has all seven seats up for reelection due to the combination of term limits and redistricting requirements:
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Director District #1 (three seats) - one seat currently held by Keila Buffington’s term limit which will be a four year term and two seats due to redistricting which will both be a two year term;
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Director District #2 – Currently held by David Reese who moved from District 3 to District 2, two year term;
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Director District #3 – Currently held by Beth Clouse/Eric Kingland from District 1 to District 3, two year term;
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Director District #4 – Currently held by Kim Severson due to term limit, four year term;
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Director District #5 – Currently held by Gary Ludwig (Term Limit) and Troy Thompson (District 2 to District 5), four year term.
Sec’y Meinders explained to those living in District #1 that it will be necessary to indicate on all nomination petition forms and the affidavit of candidacy that interested parties must identify they are running for either the two-year term or the four-year term. If not noted, the affidavit and petitions for election will be rejected. Nominations for open seats can be filed with Sara Meinders, School Board Secretary, beginning on Monday, August 28, 2023 until Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. School board elections will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Keila Buffington moved to approve sale of three (3) school buses to K-Bid Auctions for a total of $4,531.50. Troy Thompson seconded the motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Keila Buffington moved, Eric Kingland seconded in favor of a renewed contract with Athletico for an athletic trainer on site in the 2023-24 school year but moving from 25 hours per week to 40 hours per week for $15,000 per year. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Ass’t Principal and Act’y Director, Chad Moore, presented a new agreement for student athletes involved in two or more activities in the same season. Beth Clouse moved, Keila Buffington seconded to approve the dual participation agreement. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Troy Thompson moved, Eric Kingland seconded to approve the NIACC Educational Services and Entrepreneurial Academy contracts for 2023-24. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Ass’t Principal and Activities Director, Chad Moore, proposed a Forest City Athletic Hall of Fame be established. After discussion, Troy Thompson moved, Eric Kingland seconded to approve as presented. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the renewal of open enrollment transportation agreements for the 2023-24 school year at two miles with the following school districts: Lake Mills, North Iowa, Algona, West Hancock, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, and Central Springs. One mile is requested with the Clear Lake school district. Eric Kingland moved to approve the agreements as presented. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
A new FFA Farm lease was presented between the City of Forest City, Heritage Park and the Forest City FFA Chapter. Beth Clouse moved, Eric Kingland seconded to approve as presented. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Sec’y Meinders shared with the board an updated Employee Manual for 2023-24. Troy Thompson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve as presented. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Andy Brandel of ISG and Stephen Katz of CEG presented information on a potential future solar field.
July 10, 2023 meeting topics were discussed.
Keila Buffington moved, Troy Thompson seconded to go into closed session to evaluate the Superintendent and School Board Secretary pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(i). Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried. The time was 8:06 p.m. At 8:16 p.m., President Ludwig announced the closed session was complete and returned to regular session.
Eric Kingland motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
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Gary Ludwig, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
