ACSD Board of Directors discusses Waterville Elementary School and make-up day considerations, approves personnel matters and addresses Superintendent search during recent special sessions

by Brianne Eilers

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met Tuesday morning, February 6 for a special board meeting. Board member Patty Nordheim was absent.

Waterville Mayor Dave Monserud was present to discuss with the board members the future of the Waterville Elementary School building following its closing at the end of this current school year. The City of Waterville has the first option to purchase the building.

“We don't anticipate hanging on to that facility," board member Tom Baxter said. “We know it's a big undertaking to take over."

Monserud explained that the City of Waterville does not have the resources to maintain the building. He has been through the building a few times, and while he felt that the newer part of the building was in “pretty good shape,” Monserud also noted that the heating system in the old part of the school needs some work.

He also said that he had been approached by members of the Waterville Parents for Progress group, who asked the City to consider purchasing the vacant lot behind the Waterville Elementary School to turn into a city park. Monserud also noted that there is playground equipment that was purchased and owned through a grant to the Waterville Parents for Progress group. He pointed out that some of the kids living in Waterville may not be able to access the summer and afterschool programs in Waukon, and if the City would make a park, that would give the kids a place to play and have activities in Waterville.

There was also discussion on the memorabilia in the school. While the City may not have the resources to maintain the building, Monserud said they are looking into the preservation of memorabilia from the school. Options would include an historical display either in a repurposed part of the old fire station in Waterville or an addition to the library. He explained that three years ago, the Waterville All-School Reunion Committee had come up with a five-year plan for preservation of the school memorabilia should the need ever arise.

The cost for the addition to the library would be around $14,000, with the City matching 25 percent. Monserud noted that they have written a grant to the Allamakee County Community Foundation and there was also a fundraising campaign, noting that through the fundraising, they raised a pretty significant amount. Monserud said they would like part of the display to represent an old classroom with appropriate furniture, as well as having trophies from Waterville on display. He also informed the board that they would like to possibly get a library table and an old teacher desk from Waterville Elementary.

Monserud also mentioned that there could be a possibility of having a display in Waterville and also a small historical tribute display at one of the buildings in Waukon. Board member Scott Melcher noted that at Kee High School in Lansing, they do have a display regarding the now defunct St. George High School. “We would like to have something, as it’s part of the school district," noted board president Al Rissman.

There was also some discussion on the history of the basketball legacy at Waterville and Monserud said he has been trying to catalog the trophies, plaques and other items on display at Waterville so they have some kind of record of what there is when it comes time to move the items. He also noted that some of the items are pretty fragile and might be in need of repair, due to age of the items.

There was also some discussion on incorporating area history into the display at Waterville, in addition to having library-sponsored programs with children’s activities to help them understand the history of the area and school. There are also some concerns with items disappearing from the school, which is part of the reason for cataloging the items. Monserud also noted that through his involvement with this project, he has also discovered that there are quite a few “private collections" out there regarding the Waterville school.

Under personnel matters during the special session, the board approved the following voluntary transfers: Carlyn Lechtenberg to sixth-12th grade Art Teacher; Sheri Adam to Title I at East Elementary; Lauren Kerian to Third Grade Teacher; Andy Sires to Fifth Grade Teacher; and Thea Thies to Elementary Special Education Teacher at East Elementary. The board approved the hiring of Andrew Eberling as the Transportation Director, replacing the retiring Randy Nordheim, beginning July 1 of this year. The board accepted the resignation of Elizabeth Hanson from her High School Secretary position and also approved the transfer of Rachel Burrichter from her Waterville Secretary position to High School Secretary.

There was some discussion regarding make-up days for the 2017-2018 school year. At the time of the meeting, there had been five make-up days. Students could end the year May 22, but teachers have to make up all the days missed. With the school district switching to hours, it is required to have 1,080 hours for the school year. The board discussed making up at least four of the five missed days, but would make a final determination after they have gotten through the “winter season."

It was suggested that they could possibly make a motion and finalize the decision at the April meeting. The board members did note that they understand that many families try to take vacations after the school year is out, so they would try to make a determination as soon as possible to give parents a firm end of the school year date. Prior to adjournment, the board discussed superintendent interview committee members. Board members were presented a list of names, and were asked to choose eight names from the list for committees.

A special closed session was also held Monday morning, February 12 for the ACSD Board of Directors. Board members evaluated the applications for the superintendent position.