Eastern Allamakee Community School District Board approves several items in anticipation of next school year

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors met in regular session Monday, April 17. Board President Bobbie Goetzinger called the meeting to order with fellow board members Tony Becker, Melanie Mauss and Arla Wagner all present. Board member Kelli Mudderman was absent. Also present at the meeting were EACSD Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier, Kee High School and Middle School Principal Dr. Sarah Murray, New Albin Elementary School Principal Donna Thomas, Board Secretary Michele Martin and Technology Coordinator Dave Ellefson.

The board held a public hearing on the 2023-2024 school budget that was opened and closed with no comment. The board then approved the agenda, followed by approval of the April consent items, minutes of the March meeting, bills for April, Secretary’s Financial Report for March, and the Student Activity and Food Service March Reports.

Technology Coordinator Dave Ellefson informed the board that the school district’s firewall security network would be moved from Keystone to in-house for the next school year. He also explained the associated costs associated with the move.

In personnel matters, the board approved the resignations of English teacher Donna Hogan and teacher aides Jennifer Davis and Danielle Weber. The board also approved Tyson Cota as a volunteer coach for the Kee baseball program.

Approval was given to an overnight trip for the Kee softball team scheduled for June 23-24 in Gilbertville. The Lady Hawks will be participating in the Don Bosco Tournament.

Dr. Crozier reviewed several updates within the district that need to be completed with funds from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and sales tax. Those include the water main break and ramp driveway at Kee High School, a new door at New Albin Elementary School, LED lights at the Kee Connect building and the firewall-technology protection previously mentioned by Ellefson. The long-term items that need to be addressed within the district include an HVAC plan, roofing, doors and flooring at New Albin Elementary, transportation, and opportunities made available by the Iowa Governor’s vulnerability study.

In financial matters, the board approved the budget for 2023-2024, and increased activity bus route pay by $1.50, raising that rate to $17.20. A total of 24 graduation candidates were also approved for this 2022-2023 school year.

Further business included approval of contractual matters and agreements. The fiscal year (FY 2024) operational sharing contracts, the 28E agreements and the Fiscal Year 2024 teacher contracts were all approved, as well as the Fiscal Year 2023 budget being set for May 15.

Dr. Crozier further explained that the operational sharing contracts are agreements with other districts where resources are shared, including grounds and transportation with the Allamakee Community School District, and business management with the MFL/MarMac School District. Dr. Crozier also said the district is working on additional sharing arrangements to make up for a new administrative approach upon his retirement as a shared superintendent with the MFL/MarMac School District.

The 28E agreements are agreements with Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) for services where resources are also shared, as well as with regents schools and community colleges.

In her administrative reported, Dr. Murray noted that the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) testing was scheduled to take place Wednesday through Friday of this past week. The Senior Class Trip is scheduled to take place April 28 through May 4. Senior Awards Night is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26. Next school year computer applications will be offered to eighth grade students. EACSD will also be certifying all staff in CPR.

Dr. Crozier reported that the last day of school for students is Wednesday, May 24 and the teachers’ last day will be Thursday, May 25. The next board meeting for May will be held in the Board Room at Kee High School in Lansing Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.

Principal Thomas explained the bags made for Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports went to Mayo Clinic for patients, and she noted that they have had positive feedback about patients receiving the bags. New Albin Elementary School will have a clean-up day prior to the end of the school year. This fall New Albin Elementary will participate in the CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) Program. Repairs were made to surveillance cameras.  The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress and Conditions of Learning testing are both complete at New Albin Elementary.