ACSD Board of Directors approves bowling as extracurricular activity

by Brianne Eilers

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly board meeting Monday night, May 16. During the Secretary’s Report, retiring Board Secretary Janice Rea welcomed Jaime Curtin as the new Board Secretary/Business Manager. Rea also noted that the district is in “a good financial position because the Board looks out for students and staff.” The Board also thanked Rea for her years of service to the ACSD.

During the Superintendent’s Report, ACSD Superintendent Dave Herold noted that the State legislative session is over and that the use of Smarter Balance and the Early Literacy Initiative are still unclear. Herold further noted that Smarter Balance may be a line item vetoed by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. Herold also provided Board members with a photocopy from an upcoming Iowa History Journal that will feature a section on Waukon.

Herold then discussed high school student enrollment for college courses via Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). In the last school year, students have taken 2,310.5 credits and saved themselves and their parents $1,180,665.50 in tuition. Two of the 2016 graduating seniors received their NICC diplomas the Thursday before they graduated from Waukon High School.

East and West Elementary Principal Joe Griffith noted that the Spell-a-thon is complete and he thanked the community for supporting the students. Griffith explained that the money raised goes towards things like field trips for students. He also noted that the fourth graders at East will be holding their State’s Parade this Tuesday, with the students from West Elementary coming to watch. The band will also play.

Jennifer Garin, Middle School Principal, gave her report via Griffith, as she was working at the boy’s junior track meet being hosted by Waukon that evening. Garin noted that the boys and girls track teams had great seasons.

Waterville Elementary School Principal Julie Askelson noted that staff and students have been active with many field trips to locations like Lake Meyer, Gibbs Dairy, NICC and the Iowa Dairy Star, and other places. She also said that the Waterville teachers had coordinated with the East and West Elementary staffs so that all the students in the district have the same experiences. Waterville will also have a reading carnival, and eighth grade Waterville Elementary alumni have been invited to participate.

Activities Director Brian Hilsabeck said that Waukon High School hosted the Northeast Iowa Conference Track Meet May 5, as well as other meets this season, and they received compliments on the facilities. He also noted that the district will be purchasing an orange topper to cover the tops of the fences on the baseball and softball fields, and the shot put area will be moved this summer. The Athletic Booster Club purchased underlayment to go under the wrestling mats in the wrestling room as well.

Dr. Mike Hardy informed the Board that the district is hoping to have an open house this weekend for the Construction class home (see photo and caption on adjacent page). He also pointed out that at this year’s graduation ceremony, the school handed out 22 orange chords, 26 honor chords and that 30 members of the senior class belonged to the

National Honor Society.
In other departmental reports, Curriculum Director Gretchen DeVore updated the Board on early results from the universal screening for reading. She said there has been “great success” throughout ACSD and that they are going to begin work on the report to follow up, but are waiting to see what the State will require for formatting.

Bill Hennessy, Building and Grounds Director noted that summer projects are underway. Shawn Gordon, Technology Director, informed the Board that they are working on transitioning the district to PowerSchool. Food Service Director Julie Magner said that the kitchen inspections have all been completed and the State inspector noted that the ACSD kitchens were “very clean”.

Transportation Director Randy Nordheim told the Board that the substitute bus drivers for the district have been very accommodating and helpful during this busy field trip time. Since May 1, the bus barn has provided transportation for 34 trips to 15 different locations.

Moving to Communications, Superintendent Herold recognized the School Board members for their service and dedication to the district. During the visitors’ portion of the meeting, Tracy Byrnes, first grade teacher at West Elementary, also thanked the Board members for their service to the District. Kristi Hager introduced herself to the Board and those present and explained that she is visiting area school boards to introduce herself as a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives prior to the upcoming Primary

Election in June.
Under Old Business, the Board approved the second reading of a number of Board Policies. The Board also approved the first reading of a number of Board Policies later in the meeting.

Moving on to New Business, the Board approved several personnel matters. Staff for the 21st Century After School Program was approved. The recommendation to approve salary increases for 21st Century Staff and to amend Deb Kubitz’s 2015-2016 contract to end in May instead of June was also approved. Brent Beyer was approved as a volunteer track coach. The recommendation to transfer Jessica Strittmater from building associate to West Elementary Secretary was approved.

Involuntary transfers for Michelle Finnegan from Middle School Special Education to High School Special Education and for Brooke Welsh from Kindergarten to Middle School Special Education teacher were approved. Teacher Leaders for 2016-2017 were approved, as was a $500 stipend for those leaders. The Board also approved a $1.00 per hour pay increase for the cooks for the Summer Feeding Program.

In other matters, the Board approved the Staff Policies and Administrative Rules Handbook for 2016-2017. Janice Rea talked to Board members regarding a letter from Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank requesting to have funds deposited in their bank. Rea suggested the Board look at the matter again after the beginning of the new fiscal year, July 1. She noted that they have deposited money with Kerndt Brothers in the past.

The Board approved the Fields of Faith event for Wednesday, October 12 of this year. The Board also approved the 2016-2017 fundraising calendar.

The Board discussed adding bowling as an extracurricular activity for the school district. Hilsabeck explained that they had a sign-up in the school and there were nine boys and nine girls who expressed interest. “Bowling is a life-long sport and an option for students who are not involved in other activities,” he noted. The season would run from November 1 to February 1. The students would do some traveling to locations such as Sumner, Fredericksburg and Decorah. There would be an opportunity to have up to 12 meets, but Hilsabeck noted they would probably start with 10. Practice would be held twice a week, with meets held Fridays. The district has a contract ready to go with Arrowhead Lanes. The Board approved adding bowling as an extracurricular option beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.

Jaime Curtin took her oath of office and the Board accepted it, and she will begin her duties as Board Secretary/Business Manager June 1. The Board also approved Curtin to sign all official documents on behalf of the Board effective June 1, 2016, including checking and savings accounts.

A bid from Winona Controls for $23,000 was accepted for a ventilation system in the wresting room. Building and Grounds Director Hennessy noted that there is “a serious moisture issue” in that area. He mentioned the underlayment purchased by the Booster club to replace some damaged equipment.

The Board also accepted a bid from Moss Roofing for replacement of the roof over the kitchen area, in the amount of $6,479. Hennessy said they have worked with Moss Roofing on other projects and been satisfied with the quality of their work. Out of state field trips for the 21st Century summer program to various locations including Upper Iowa Resort and Rental, Forestville, MN, Rendezvous Days in Prairie Du Chien, WI, and Wisconsin Dells were approved.