EACSD Board of Directors accepts retirement resignation of Principal Mary Hogan at end of current school year

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) was held Monday, March 16. The board approved the agenda as presented and proceeded on to the public hearing on the 2020-2021 budget.

There were no public comments on the proposed budget. EACSD Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier highlighted some of the specifics about the proposed budget. Later in the meeting the budget was unanimously approved.

The board approved the Resolution entitled “Approve Resolution Authorizing the Redemption of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2012, Dated April 1, 2012 and Levying a Tax for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 for the Redemption of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2012, Dated April 1, 2012”. In addition, the board received and filed the Fiscal Year 2019 Audit Report.

In additional new business, Technology Director Dave Ellefson addressed the board on the purchase of networking switches and access points using the category 2, internal connections, E-rate monies. The district receives a 70% discount using the E-rate funds. He also requested the purchase of 30 new iPads for replacement at New Albin Elementary School. The board approved spending up to $35,000 for the internal connection equipment and 30 iPads.

In further new business, Dr. Crozier discussed with the board sharing a wrestling program with the Allamakee Community School District. EACSD students’ participation would not change the wrestling classification for Waukon High School, which competes in Class 2A. The board directed the Superintendent to go ahead and work on the details of an athletic cooperative sharing agreement between the two school districts.

The board tabled a contract for Quinn Brennan for junior high girls track coach, but did approve a spring 2020 Driver’s Education contract for Jane Remmen. Additional discussion centered on the future of driver’s education in the district, examining the options and choices involved in offering driver’s education after this school year. The district no longer has an instructor on staff certified with a Driver’s Education endorsement, with Remmen having retired from the district staff several years ago and now filling in the remainder of the driver’s education contract previously awarded to former New Albin Elementary School Principal Chad Steckel prior to his resignation earlier this school year.

In additional personnel matters, the board approved an early retirement plan for administration for the 2019-2020 school year. This plan  provides the district’s administration with the option and opportunity for early retirement from their employment with the district. An employee is eligible for this plan if they have completed at least 12 continuous years of service with EACSD, and if they are at least 58 years of age on or before June 30, 2020. The employee shall receive an early retirement contribution of up to $650 per month to continue single or family health insurance coverage until Medicare eligible.

Kee Middle School and High School Principal Mary Hogan was approved for an early retirement package. She will retire at the completion of the 2019-2020 school year. The board thanked Principal Hogan for her years of service to the district.

In her report, Principal Hogan advised that with no school scheduled until mid-April, State assessment testing is canceled for this school year. She also said a decision on the Senior Trip would have to be made soon due to refund deadlines.

Dr. Crozier informed the board of the many areas of immediate concern with the closing of school for four weeks, including Grab’n Go lunches for students, mandated no use of school buildings to include the old middle school and fitness center; possible online learning; and options for the staff. With things still changing, he said there are no solid answers to a host of questions right now. He advised that the Department of Education is holding webinars for superintendents for details and guidelines.

In addition to his school closure update, Dr. Crozier reported to the board that the freezer compressor at the high school needs replacing. The meeting then adjourned with the next regular board meeting scheduled for April 20 at 7 p.m. at Kee High School.