EACSD Board approves recommendation to end virtual learning Wednesdays with start of third trimester
by Susan Cantine-Maxson
The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) was held at Kee High School in Lansing Monday, January 18. The meeting was called to order by Board President Heather Schulte, with all board members present.
The board authorized the district’s administration to submit a request to the State School Budget Review Committee in the amount of $93,048 for Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA) for the purpose of the 2021-2022 Dropout Prevention/At Risk Program.
The board also approved the one-time transfer of Senior Class Trip fundraising funds due to the cancellation of the class trip for 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds that were raised through fruit sales and concession stand sales will be transferred to the next oldest sibling of each Class of 2020 student as a one-time event, given the unprecedented situation that played out last spring. It was further approved that all future fund-raised money toward a senior class trip will be non-transferable to siblings, regardless of circumstance.
The district’s 2020-2021 Early Retirement Plan was approved by the board. The early separation plan is a plan for teachers over age 55 to retire early with a financial incentive of $1,350 per year worked. The plan was proposed as a cost-saving measure due to the fact that, typically, the person hired to fill the vacated position is done so at a lower salary, thus saving money for the district.
The board reviewed and adopted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Extension through March 31, 2021. Family First extension means that staff will continue to have leave related to COVID-19, and will not have to use their regular sick-leave bank. The leave was sunset by the federal government as of December 31, 2020, but local boards may continue to offer it.
In contract matters, the board accepted the resignation of Jeremy Mezera as custodian and approved a contract for Luke Steiber as custodian. A contract adjustment for Donna Thomas was also approved involving additional days worked as an administrator.
The board also set a public hearing for its next regular monthly meeting date of February 15 at 7 p.m. to receive input on the proposed 2021-2022 school calendar.
Under Administrative Reports, Kee High School and Lansing Middle School Principal Dr. Sarah Updegraff said seniors started selling fruit online to fund this year’s senior class trip, which will be taking place to either St. Louis, MO or the Black Hills. She noted that a group of students has started the Community Partnership with a goal to improve community relations through various community activities. The Multi-Occupation Curriculum (MOC) class will begin in the third trimester, offering a class that will allow students to gain work experience with local businesses.
New Albin Elementary Principal Donna Thomas said Pre-Kindergarten Round-Up will be held February 22 this year. She advised that Mrs. Jessica Kurth’s third grade class has a student teacher. The elementary PE classes are enjoying sledding, and FAST testing has almost been completed.
EACSD Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier recommended to the board that the school district should continue with Virtual Learning Wednesday through the end of the second trimester. The district will return to five-days-a-week in-school learning beginning with the third trimester the week of February 22. After discussion, the board agreed with his recommendation.
Dr. Crozier also presented a rough draft of changes to be made to the 100-, 200- and 300-level policies. These policies will be put on an agenda for future meetings to be reviewed and voted on.
