ACSD Board of Directors approves numerous personnel items at pair of March meetings, public hearing for 2022-2023 budget scheduled
by Brianne Eilers
The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met in a pair of recent meetings during the month of March. Coverage of both meetings appears below.
SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 11
The Allamakee Community School District board members met for a special meeting Friday, March 11. Under personnel matters, the board approved the following hiring recommendations: Shaylie Hammel as Middle School Geography/U.S. History Teacher; Jaydon Snitker as Middle School English Language Arts Teacher; Kris Rausch as Third Grade Teacher; Shaylie Hammel as High School Speech Advisor; Casey Walsh as Substitute Bus Driver; and Morgan Renfer as Elementary Special Education Teacher.
The board accepted the resignation of Mariah Hesse from her Assistant Speech Coach position, pending the finding of a replacement. The board also approved the voluntary transfer of Sara Retallick from Third Grade Classroom Teacher and PLC Leader to Fifth Grade Math.
The board also approved a workshop by Trevor Ragan that was scheduled to be held March 16 at a cost of $6,500. Ragan is the founder of The Learning Lab, a resource for the science of better learning. He spoke to ACSD staff during their Professional Development Day, then held a presentation later in the day for the general public.
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 21
The board met for its regular monthly meeting Monday, March 21. Board member Erik Helgerson was absent.
Under the Consent Agenda, the board approved the following staff hires: Randy Nordheim, Head Varsity Volleyball Coach; Cole Carolan, High School English Language Arts Teacher and Assistant Speech Advisor; Carley Sweeney as Third Grade Teacher; Karlie Fahey as Third Grade PLC Leader; and Carrie Niehaus as Guidance Counselor (grades 4-7).
The board accepted the resignations of Andrea Nolan from her paraprofessional position and Cassie Williams from her K-12 TAG Teacher position. A trip for Middle School 10th Hour Honor Students to La Crosse, WI was approved. Sunday open gym usage for boys basketball was also approved.
Several open enrollments were approved, both into and out of the district. The board also approved the Fields of Faith event for October 25, 2022, as well as the 2022-23 Student Teaching Agreements with UNI and Morningside universities. Swimming and Wrestling Cooperative Agreements were approved.
The board also approved the 2022-23 Area Education Agency (AEA) Purchasing Agreement.
Under Communications, the board heard a presentation from the Science PLC group. The presentation covered how staff analyze test scores and how they determined what areas need improvement. It also included SMART goals and gave examples of teaching plans.
In his report, Superintendent Jay Mathis noted that the Upper Iowa Conference has invited 10 schools to join them to create a “super conference.” ACSD is one of those 10 districts, and they need to decide on an answer by June 1. Iowa State Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) testing begins in April.
The student-built house project is progressing, with interior walls being painted and flooring being installed. Mathis also commented on the program given last Wednesday by Trevor Ragan, noting that some coaches brought athletes to hear Ragan speak about growth mindset.
Waukon High School Principal Jennifer Garin reported that the CTE team is preparing to send out surveys on Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment, which is required for Perkins funding. She thanked staff for their dedication and work on preparing for the ISASP tests. She also noted that the Conditions for Learning survey will be going out to staff, students and parents. Prom is scheduled for April 23.
Waukon High School Assistant Principal/Activities Director Brian Hilsabeck included information in his report regarding winter activities wrapping up. He also included student participation numbers for track, golf and the spring play. He noted that they are “cautiously optimistic” about track meets, with the first meet scheduled for March 31. The spring play will be held April 8 and 9.
Waukon Middle School Principal Luke Steege noted in his report that they are planning for ISASP testing and completing practice tests with students. Students will also be taking the Conditions for Learning survey. Middle School track season is coming up, and they will host two boys meets and two girls meets. They will host the girls Northeast Iowa Conference Track Meet May 13, as well.
He also noted that they are excited for the new hires that will be affecting the Middle School, including the new Guidance Counselor. There will be a few changes to the curriculum and course offerings for the middle school, including more study skills and social emotional learning for sixth graders. The Middle School Spring Semi-Formal dance is scheduled for April 8.
East and West Elementary Schools Principal Samantha Thornton reported that there was a good turn-out for Preschool Parent Night, and Kindergarten Parent Night will be coming up in April. The elementary music programs are preparing for spring concerts. Staff is also preparing for the ISASP testing.
ACSD Curriculum Director Eliza Philpott updated the board on Professional Development. She also touched on Teacher Leader meetings and curriculum development.
Buildings and Grounds Director Bill Hennessy noted that they will use upcoming days off from school to finish up some projects. He will be putting materials and supply lists together for next school year’s summer purchasing. They have been working on maintaining the boiler system pumps and hot water lines.
Technology Director Andy Reichard reported that they are looking at replacing the Auditorium projector, as it is not compatible with HDMI and won’t work with certain laptops. They are also taking inventory of projectors and deciding what needs to be updated, including electrical wiring at East Elementary. They will also be taking advantage of upcoming days off to update systems.
Foodservice Director Jessica Keenan reported that the bill that allowed free meals for all students and higher reimbursement rates did not pass through Congress, so the program will be ending. She noted that the School Nutrition Association (SNA) is advocating for extending the program. Keenan said she anticipates a large number of families applying for the free and reduced meals. She also stated that she hopes when new guidelines for income come out, they will consider the impact of inflation on families’ finances. As soon as more information has been made available, Keenan said they would share that information and get applications out.
Transportation Director Andrew Eberling reported that bus inspections are rescheduled for June 1. He also noted in his report that they are continuing to have issues with vehicles passing school buses when the red lights are on. The newer buses have cameras installed that can record the incident and that is then passed along to the Iowa State Patrol. When vehicles are meeting a school bus with the amber lights on, they may pass at 20 mph. Vehicles meeting a school bus with the red lights must stop.
Superintendent Mathis noted that Keystone AEA’s board has been discussing the possibility of purchasing equipment, like a deep tine aerator, that could potentially be shared by member districts for use. This would potentially save the districts money, as right now they have to pay to rent equipment like this.
Under new business, the board set the date and time of the public hearing on the 2022-2023 Budget for 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 11. There will also be a public hearing on Amending the 2021-22 Budget April 11 at 5:30 p.m.
The board then approved a contract settlement with the Allamakee Community Education Association. There will be a 3.05% total package increase. The board also approved salaries for support staff, department heads and administrative salaries for the 2022-2023 school year, as well as approving the issuance of contracts.
The board approved the purchase of two new John Deere lawn mowers and a mower deck from Bodensteiner Implement in Waukon, costing $24,727.68. The district will be trading in its two current mowers, which will bring a trade-in value of $20,727.68, which brings the total cost down to $4,000 for the district to purchase the new mowers. The board then approved replacement of a compressor at East Elementary. The board also approved the purchase of a 2022 Chevy Suburban 4x4 from R.W. Pladsen, Inc. in Waukon for $43,230 (price includes discount of $5,000 for a trade in, as well as additional discounts).
The final matter before adjournment was the approval of Middle/High School HVAC Upgrade Design agreement between ACSD and Midwest Engineer Associates, Inc. Mathis explained that the district will be working with A&J Associates with the project as well. Funding will come from ESSER III funding for the project, which would not likely be totally completed until 2024.
