EACSD Board addresses personnel matters, approves fees, rates and other items for upcoming school year

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors met in regular session Monday, June 20. Board members Tony Becker and Kelli Mudderman were absent.

In personnel matters, the board  approved contracts for the following positions: Matthew Steven, Social Worker; Ann Berns, Spanish Teacher; and Kathy Ehlers, Behavior Interventionist/Special Education. In addition, the 2022-2023 Joint Sharing Agreement for a Social Worker between Eastern Allamakee Community School District and MFL/MarMac Community School District was approved.

Lead, model and mentor teachers were approved for the upcoming year. Lead teachers will be Kathleen Block and Susanne Herman. Mentor Teachers will be Lisa Hermeier and Lisa Welsh. Model Teachers will include Shelly Baumgartner, Allison Fitzwater, Tammy Manning and Donna Thomas.

Contracts for the 2022-2023 school year were also approved for Michele Martin, Board Secretary and Kris Darling, Superintendent Secretary. In further personnel matters, the board held an open discussion regarding evaluations of the superintendent, which had been previously submitted.

Several purchases, bids and policies were also approved as the board prepares the district for the upcoming school year. The board  approved the purchase of laptop cases and iPads, elementary math curriculum and plexi-coating three classrooms and the kitchen in New Albin. The board also approved the low LP gasoline bid from AgVantage FS for $1.53 per gallon, and approved the transfer of $2,673.47 to the Activity Fund for safety equipment purchased during the 2021-2022 school year.

In preparation for the end of the fiscal year, the board authorized the payment of bills through June 30, 2022 and the voiding of outstanding checks over 18 months old. The board also approved the 2022-2023 student handbooks,  the safety procedures, and the plan to include suicide prevention for the 2022-2023 school year. The wellness policy for the district was reviewed and approved.

The following registration and meal fees for the 2022-2023 school year were presented and approved:

Breakfast: PK-6 - $1.95; 7-12 - $1.95; Adults - $2.55
Lunch: PK-6 - $2.95; 7-12 - $3.05;  Adults - $4.15
Extra milk: PK-6 - $0.60; 7-12  - $0.60
Book fees: PK-6 - $60.00; 7-12 - $70.00
Activity Ticket: PK-6 - $60.00; 7-12 - $60.00;  Adults - $80.00.

New Albin Elementary School Principal Donna Thomas reported there are 24 students attending summer school. A Parent Group meeting was held to clean up the playground and flowerbeds at New Albin Elementary. The Computer Science Plan is almost complete.

EACSD Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier reported that the district is currently short on custodial staff but they are working hard to get everything completed. Damon Olson Construction is power washing and removing mold from the exterior of the school buildings. The retaining wall at the Fitness Center needs repair, and Dr. Crozier is working on options for those repairs.

New legislation has passed on the Operational Sharing for 2022-2023. Dr. Crozier further explained that the previous positions that were worth 5 student weightings in determining sharing agreements will be worth 4 starting with the 2023-2024 school year, and the weightings for 3 will be 2. He further noted the Superintendent weighting will increase from 8 to 9.

They also added a social worker position that can be shared. EACSD may need to look into purchasing another vehicle for more economical transportation purposes.