ACSD Board of Education meeting Monday, March 21

During its Monday, March 21 monthly meeting, the Allamakee Community School District Board of Education looked at the proposed budget levies for 2005-2006. The following proposed levies are included in the total levy, which features an overall decrease of 27 cents per $1,000 valuation that will be reflected in property taxes throughout the district: Physical Plant and Equipment at $112,988; Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (Debt Service) at approximately $14,554; Management Levy at roughly $200,000; Cash Reserve Levy (Open Enrollment and Special Education Deficit) at about $100,743; and Cash Reserve Levy at $240,000.

In that same realm, the Board adopted a guarantee resolution and set its 2005-2006 budget hearing for 7:30 a.m. April 12 in the Board Room.

Also approved during the meeting were a pair of bids for summer maintenance projects. The Board accepted a bid of $86,390 from Larson Construction of Waukon to replace the senior high roof. Adam Anderson Construction, also of Waukon, bid the window replacement project at East and West Elementary at $38,697. Work on both projects is scheduled to begin once school lets out for the summer.

During departmental reports, Board Secretary Janice Rea noted that the district is about 2.8 percent above its expenditures compared to last year. “At this point in the year,” she said, “we're doing whatever we can to cut costs.”

Superintendent John Speer noted in the school lunch report that the fund there is in good shape. In his own report, the superintendent first displayed the plaque the district was given by the Allamakee County Dairy Board. Speer accepted the plaque at this past Saturday's dairy banquet on behalf of the school. The board honored the district due largely to the dairy vending machines recently added at the junior and senior high buildings. Also in his report, Speer mentioned that the Board members will be setting a technology budget later this spring.

In personnel matters, Jed Hemann was transferred from junior/senior high industrial technology instructor to senior high industrial technology instructor. Jared Diers was hired to fill the junior/senior high position.

Tom Oppelt was hired as an assistant track coach ($2,143), while staff for 21st Century was also approved.

Out-of-state trips were approved for high school band and vocal students (New York), senior National Honor Society members (Madison, WI), and high school biology classes (La Crosse, WI).

TASC's request for Sunday usage of the high school building April 24 was approved as well.

Near the end of the meeting, the Board discussed the purchase of another Chevrolet Suburban for district transportation purposes. Speer explained that the district was looking for and would feel more comfortable with a vehicle with lower miles. A few members of the Board felt the district didn't need another Suburban, mentioning that the school had gotten along well with two such vehicles not all that long ago. Board President Tom Baxter said, “I don't think we can justify number four. Personally, I would not be in favor of this.” He added that he had understood that the purchase of the third Suburban some time ago had been with the idea that it would replace one of its older counterparts.

Speer added that one option may be to use one of the older SUVs in place of the current lunch minibus, which is rusting badly. “We could retrofit one suburban with a lift to transport food. I don't think the minibus will last much longer,” he pointed out.

Board member Patty Fosaaen asked for a report on the usage of the Suburbans before making a decision.

Other options were discussed, including possibly purchasing a car or van, but ultimately the motion was tabled until more information is made available.

The meeting wrapped up with the Board entering a closed session to conduct Superintendent Speer's annual evaluation.