ACSD Board hears variety of updates, including status of virtual learning, missed school days

by Brianne Eilers

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, January 18, a day later than its usual Monday meeting day due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observance. Under the consent agenda, the following personnel matters were approved: Joe Egan, Pam Jones and Joseph Howard as substitute bus drivers and Andrea Nolan as an elementary paraprofessional. The board also accepted the resignation of Kasie Criswell from an elementary paraprofessional position and Jon Snitker from the eight/ninth grade softball coach position.

The following Sunday requests were approved: sixth grade basketball for Sundays in February and March and a high school band trip to La Crosse, WI. The following agreements were also approved: William Penn University Student Teacher Agreement and Retiree HRA and Special Pay Plan Amendments.

During the Communications time, Math Professional Learning Community (PLC) members Blaine Snitker, Melissa Ward and Jason LaPage gave a presentation regarding the math curriculum for middle and high school students. They explained the methods used to teach and to track student achievement and gave a few examples of curriculum.

ACSD Superintendent Jay Mathis reported that he and Buildings and Grounds Director Bill Hennessy would be meeting with Vic Amoroso regarding use of ESSER funds. He also reported that HVAC systems have been performing well with the cold weather and the extra radiant panels at East are helping keep those classrooms comfortable.

Mathis also reported that with having three early-out or late-start days and three days of no school so far this school year, the district has 28 “reserve hours” left that have been built into the current school year calendar. The district must have 1,080 hours to complete the school year. He explained that they can’t count virtual learning days toward the 1,080 hours, but the virtual days help provide continuity for students.

The buses have been running well in the cold without fuel gelling problems. He also noted that there is currently no mandate for employees to have a COVID vaccination.

Waukon High School Principal Jennifer Garin reported the construction of the house project is moving along. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students will participate in the District Leadership Conference at the end of January. Garin is working on the Secondary Career and Technical Education Report Application (SCTERA), which includes all CTE programs, courses and students in courses for the high school. They are also working on the 2022-2023 course handbook.

February 28, there will be a suicide prevention training for staff and students, as well as the community. Ryan Nesbit will be the speaker and the event is also associated with Alive and Running Iowa. The event for the community and family members of students will be held at 6 p.m. Garin reported that Waukon High School hosted the Northeast Iowa Conference Music Honors Festival Monday, January 17.

Waukon High School Assistant Principal/Activities Director Brian Hilsabeck submitted a report and thanked the custodial staff for its work keeping the facilities looking good. He also thanked the bus drivers and Transportation Director Andrew Eberling for being flexible during the winter months.

Hilsabeck noted that starting in 2022-2023 the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) are requiring varsity basketball contests to use shot clocks. Hilsabeck noted that he is acquiring quotes to update equipment to meet this requirement.

Waukon Middle School Principal Luke Steege thanked staff in his report for their work and dedication during this school year. He also noted that during the first semester, the middle school staff focused on improving behavior as well as academics. They also developed a system for cataloging student behavior data.

Winter FAST testing is being completed as well. The second half of the middle school winter sports season is underway and Steege noted that seventh and eighth grade boys basketball numbers are “big.” He also commented that the cheerleading numbers are “great.”

East and West Elementary Schools Principal Samantha Thornton reported that they are planning for Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year. A preschool informational night will be held the first part of March and a TK/Kindergarten meeting will also take place closer to the end of the year. Information will be sent out via email or posted on the website, school’s Facebook page and published in The Standard newspaper. The elementary students are completing their winter FAST testing. Thornton also mentioned Kindness Week and Literacy Night.

ACSD Curriculum Director Eliza Philpott updated the board on professional development and what teacher leaders are doing. The new math curriculum is being taught. Philpott also noted that they will be looking at changing the Elementary English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum and while it will present its own challenges, she and her staff are looking forward to it. There is a team of K-12 staff working on developing a district plan for Computer Science.

Buildings and Grounds Director Bill Hennessy reported that they are updating emergency lights around the school. They are also making a few repairs to the boilers, which have been running a lot during the recent cold spells. Hennessy said the boilers are ready for the next cold spell, though. He is also pricing a fixed natural gas generator to serve parts of Waukon Middle School and West Elementary.

Technology Director Andy Reichard reported the camera update at West Elementary is complete. They have gotten laptops back from Stirling. He noted that he is looking forward to upcoming presentations for Professional Development. There have been demonstrations of a BenQ Interactive Display Panel in teachers’ classrooms to see if this is a practical teaching tool for ACSD. Reichard also noted that they have received two demonstration units from Vivi LLC that can be used to mirror computer screens to classroom projectors.

Food Service Director Jess Keenan reported that things have been going well since returning from the holiday break. They served NEIC Honor Music Festival students lunch and dinner January 17. Keenan also reported that she continues to order accordingly so that they can store up on things and stay on top of any supply chain issues.

Transportation Director Andrew Eberling reported that the new LP fueling station is up and running and working very well. He also noted that as of February 7 of this year, anyone wishing to get a commercial drivers license (CDL) will have to go to a center or a college to get a permit.

The Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) board meeting minutes were approved. There was no old business, so under new business the board approved second semester contracted and PICC classes. A public hearing on the 2022-2023 school calendar was set for Tuesday, February 22 at 5:30 p.m.