APRIL 20, 2016, REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES
The Stanton School District Board of Directors met at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in the High School Library for a regular session. President Brian Bates called the meeting to order with Directors Mark Lindgren, Jeff Sorensen, Paul Vanderholm, and Tom Weis present. Additional attendees were Superintendent Chris Herrick, K-12 Principal Kevin Blunt, Business Manager Shirley Maxwell, and Board Secretary Tammy Boyer. There were around 40 guests present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Director Lindgren made a motion to approve the agenda with a second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
ROD GOODEMOTE-HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A discussion on the Human Growth and Development Program started with school nurse, Tamra Ruff, presenting the overview of the current program. Rod and Trica Goodemote presented an alternative curriculum with several other guests speaking.
After much discussion Director Sorensen made a motion to survey the parents and community, appoint a committee, and study the Human Growth and Development Program. Director Weis seconded this motion and it carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Director Lindgren made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 16, 2016, meeting with a second by Director Vanderholm. The motion carried unanimously.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Director Weis made a motion to approve the financial reports with second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS
Director Weis made a motion to approve the bills with a second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
FACILITY UPDATE
Superintendent Herrick reported that the architect had sent his findings on placement of an elevator but no cost yet on this project. The board discussed getting bonds against sales tax revenue but because of the school’s enrollment would need a certificate of need from the Department of Education. President Bates shared quotes on black topping or pouring concrete the back parking lot and road. President Bates also looked into converting the rest of the school to natural gas. Kevin Thorco of Thorco Technologies will be in the building tomorrow to look at other security options.
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE
Superintendent Herrick reported that the legislators set the supplemental state aid at 2.25%.
2016-2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR REVISION
Director Vanderholm made a motion to approve the 2016-2017 School Calendar Revision of ending the 1st semester before Christmas Break and moving the Spring Break up one week to match Red Oak School and Southwestern Community College schedule with a second by Director Lindgren. The motion carried unanimously.
PRINCIPAL UPDATE
Principal Blunt reported that the PTSO provided a meal for the staff during Parent/Teacher conferences and also paid $2.00 per student K-5th to attend “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the Wilson Center. The Booster Club Athletic Banquet went very well. Thank you to both groups for their contributions to the school. The Conference Junior High Science Fair was today with 20 students participating in this. Regional/District track will be held In Griswold on May 12th.
GOOD NEWS
The 5th Hour Journalism Class took the initiative to implement a weekly newsletter. The newsletter focuses on the activities of the week, a spotlight student or staff member, week’s menu, fun facts, and a riddle. The students look forward to each issue.
Thanks to Sheila Mainquist for organizing the K-5th grade trip to the Wilson Preforming Arts Center.
Thank you to Jody Druivenga on her countless hours of work ordering, organizing, and being in charge of the elementary trash bag fundraiser.
Thank you to Maurine Allen, Barb Allen, Karol Johnson, Tamra Ruff, Ramona Wright, Donna Shum, and Vicki Engstrand for their work with Kindergarten Round Up. Also thank you to Sheila Haidsaik and the Villisca Lions Club for providing vision screenings.
Thank you to John Mainquist, Sheila Mainquist, Lacey Stephens, Barb Allen, and Katie Elwood for being in charge of Recess for Life which will be held on Friday, April 22nd.
Congratulations to Elly McDonald and Kelsey Lancaster who were the winners of the 4th grade STEM Skimmer Challenge.
PERSONNEL
SUPPORT STAFF CONTRACTS-2016-2017
Director Vanderholm made a motion to approve a 3.2% raise on salaries for support staff with the exceptions of Custodian Stuart Peterson who will receive $12.25 per hour and Board Secretary Boyer who will receive 5 vacations days plus a 1.3% raise on salary. Director Lindgren seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
AFMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTS-2016-2017
Director Lindgren made a motion to approve a 3.2% raise on salary and a 1st year of a 2 year contract for Principal Blunt with a second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
RESIGNATIONS REQUEST
Director Lindgren made a motion to accept the retirement of Rhoda Hartstack, paraprofessional, at the end of the 2015-2016 school year with many thanks for her years of service to the district. Director Vanderholm seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Director Weis made a motion to accept the resignation of Amber Volquartsen, pep club sponsor, at the end of the 2015-2016 school year with a second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
Director Vanderholm made a motion to accept the retirement of Jo Peterson, cook’s helper, at the end of the 2015-2016 school year with many thanks for her years of service to the district. Director Weis seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
K-12 MUSIC POSITION
Director Vanderholm made a motion to approve Kelsie Schmidt as K-12 Music Teacher at BA Step 0 with a second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
3rd GRADE POSITION
Director Lindgren made a motion to approve Kenzie Huntley as 3rd Grade Teacher at BA Step 0 with a second by Director Weis. The motion carried unanimously.
KINDERGARTEN POSITION
Director Vanderholm made a motion to approve Carol Barnes as Kindergarten Teacher at MA Step 5 with a second by Director Lindgren. The motion carried unanimously.
RATIFICATION OF 2016-2017 MASTER CONTRACT
Director Weis made a motion to approve the 2016-2017 master contract with a second by Director Lindgren. This master contract includes a 3.2% salary/benefit package. The motion carried unanimously.
FCS SHARING WITH SOUTH PAGE
Director Weis made a motion to approve a sharing agreement with South Page for FCS pending working out the details, with a second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
DRIVER EDUCATION TEACHERS
Director Weis made a motion to approve Tracy King and Kelsie Bruce as the 2016 Drivers Education Teachers at $225 per student with a second by Director Lindgren. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE OPTIONS/QUOTES
Director Vanderholm made a motion to accept the quote from CDW for $10,908.06 for computer upgrades with a second by Director Sorensen. The motion carried unanimously.
TIMBERLINE BILLING SERVICES CONTRACT-2016-2017
Director Lindgren made a motion to approve the contract with Timberline Billing Services for 2016-2017 with a second by Director Weis. The motion carried unanimously.
SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGREEMENTS-2016-2017
Director Weis made a motion to approve the educational service contracts with Southwestern Community College with a second by Director Lindgren. Ayes: Bates, Lindgren, Vanderholm, and Weis Abstain: Sorensen The motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
President Bates adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM. The next regular meeting for the board is set for May 11, 2016 at 5:30 PM in the Board Room.