News : VS school board discusses testing, Dept. of Education site visits

The board met in regular session on Monday, January 09, 2012. They started with a walk-through of the Tilford building.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Sue Gates. All the board members were present as were all administrators.

There were no public comments.

Under Administrator Reports, Sheila Wendel provided an overview of the Department of Education site visit that will be conducted in April. Matt Kingsbury shared information about the upcoming Iowa Assessment testing (formerly known as the ITED’s). Jim Murray also discussed the upcoming assessments plus an update on the professional development activities the elementary teachers have been doing. Shelly Petersen shared the MS students will be completing a three-week unit with skating in PE as funded through the student body and the recent magazine sales.

Under the Superintendent’s Report, Mrs. Hainstock reported that Donna Hiepler and Jeremy Michael filed open enrollment papers on behalf of their daughter, Allison, to attend CPU as a kindergarten student next fall. The board took time to review the Eastern Iowa Compact and an update about the windstorm repairs and financing. She anticipates the legislature will be considering legislation around education, commercial property tax and mental health services during the upcoming session. The board set the February meeting for Monday the 13th at 4:00 with the intention that board members will spend some time in the buildings prior to the board meeting.

Under General Business of the Board, the board reviewed the agenda, minutes, claims, financials, and personnel items (including resignations, transfers, contract amendments/modifications, recommendations for hire and substitute teacher list). Nate Edwards submitted his resignation as assistant varsity baseball coach and Cal Rickels submitted his resignation as the head freshman football coach. Dave McGraw submitted his resignation as custodian at Tilford. John Frazier was hired as a 7th grade assistant basketball coach and Daniel Charlier was hired as assistant varsity baseball coach. Jennifer Lala, Allyson Hess, Cody Hook and Amber Pattee have submitted their information to be substitutes.

The board discussed the 2012-2013 calendar. Surveys are available on-line for parent, student and community input. The committee will have a recommendation to the board at the February meeting.

The board reviewed and approved goals. They include: Maintain financial solvency; Expand opportunities for students; Support innovation and improvement for our students’ learning; and Support better teaching and instruction through coaching and mentoring.

The board conducted their second and final reading on several board policies that will be part of the DE site visit.

Business Manager Barkdoll and Superintendent Hainstock reviewed the 2011-2012 budget with the board.

Superintendent Hainstock outlined her recommendation for allocating Ed Jobs funds and the board approved the recommendation that will include carrying some funds over until FY13.

The board discussed parameters for the establishment of the 2012-2013 budget. Barkdoll and Hainstock will bring the board several options for their consideration as a part of the budgeting process.

The board approved the Budget Guarantee which will allow the district to generate about $165,000 in additional resources to buffer the budget impact of declining enrollment over the last few years.

The board adjourned at 8:45 PM.