ACSD Board meets in regular session

by Brianne Eilers

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met  Monday, May 19 for its regular monthly meeting. Prior to the meeting, a tour of the newly-built home being completed by the Waukon High School Construction class was given. The home is scheduled for an open house for the general public this Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
During his report, ACSD Superintendent Dave Herold updated the Board and those present about the recent publicity the Project SEALED program has received from area television news and other media sources. Herold also noted that over 700 students have been seen for dental care through the program in the last two years. He also clarified that for those who qualify for Medicaid, the work done is free, but non-Medicaid eligible participants will have to pay a fee. He also updated the Board on legislative issues.
During the principals’ reports, Junior High and Waterville Elementary Principal Joe Griffith noted that field trips will be completed this week. He also said that the Iowa Mobile Archaeology Museum will be coming to Allamakee County at the end of May. East and West Elementary Schools Principal Ann Hart said that the recent Spell-a-thon raised over $14,200. Field trips are also wrapping up and students have been taking part in orientation sessions for the next school year.
Waukon Senior High School Principal Dan Diercks informed the Board that there were eight alternative high school graduates, one who received a full diploma, as well as two of those graduates being former high school drop-outs. He said 85 students graduated from Waukon High School Sunday, May 18.
Buildings and Grounds Director Dennis Mahr updated the Board on a recent water leak found at West Elementary. At this time, the exact location of the leak isn’t known, but by mid-week they hope to have a company on site that can locate that leak. During the Food Service Report, department head Julie Magner noted that 70 pounds of produce have been used in the school district lunch system from the greenhouse at the high school since planting in December.
During the communications portion of the meeting, Linda Groe updated the Board on the School Improvement Advisory Committee, which has again set its goals for the district. The goals are the same as they had last year: 1. Continue developing 21st Century learners though digital education. 2. Address Iowa Core Curriculum needs. 3. Foster a safe and positive learning environment where learners can thrive.
In honor of School Board Recognition Month, Superintendent Herold presented board members with certificates and thanked them for their service. Kerry Wacker and Patrice Schulte, representing the Allamakee Community Education Association, also presented the Board with treats as a thank you.
Jill Roffman and Marcia Hesse gave a presentation on the pre-school and Bright Beginnings programs in ACSD. They explained what the students do in their programs, as well as the documentation that is involved with each student.
An Amended Budget Hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, May 28 at 7:30 a.m.
In new business, the Board approved hiring staff for the 21stCentury After School Program. The Board also accepted a few resignations, due to retirement, effective at the end of the school year. Those retiring include Connie Buresh, Jeanene Delphey and Nancy Murray. Ted Snitker was hired as an assistant varsity football coach.
The Board also approved issuing contracts for support staff, principals, superintendent, shared curriculum director, transportation director, buildings and grounds director, food service director, business manager, technology director and technology assistant. Herold noted that the master contract will see an average of a 3.98% pay increase. The Board also accepted the resignation of Deborah Regan from her para-educator position, as well as the resignation of Dave Schoeberlein from his ninth grade football coaching position, pending finding a suitable replacement for him. Austin Troendle was also approved as a volunteer baseball coach, pending completion of his coaching certificate.
In non-personnel matters, the Board approved sharing agreements with Eastern Allamakee Community School District for the 2014-2015 school year for directors of transportation and buildings and grounds. The Board also approved a sharing contract with North  Winneshiek School District for 2014-2015 for a guidance counselor. Herold noted that these agreements are the same as they have been previously.
The Board also approved an Administrator Mentoring and Induction Program Contract, as well as a 28E Agreement with the City of Waukon, regarding a practice field located by the school district's bus barn facility.
A Health Occupations Consortium Contract was approved between Waukon, North Fayette Valley, MFL/MarMac and Central Elkader high schools. There has been a contract for this arrangement for a number of years between these schools for classes taken over the Iowa Communications Network (ICN).
A bid from Percussion Source for a total of $7,075.13 for instrumental music equipment was approved by the Board. Open gym sessions for girls basketball Sundays in June was also approved. A calendar of fundraising activities for the 2014-2015 school year was approved, as was an additional fundraiser for this school year from Principal Hart for some of her students to collect money to donate to a local family who has suffered a house fire. Activities Director Jennifer Garin noted that they hope to be able to get a copy onto the school website so community members can view the calendar, as well as have contact information for all the fundraising efforts.
Out-of-state field trips were approved for eighth grade students to attend the Cannons at the Fort program in September in Prairie du Chien, WI and for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students to attend the National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN at the end of June.
The Board also approved increasing the driver education fee from $295 to $310. Superintendent Herold told the board that ACSD is still “very competitive with other schools” with this price. The Board then approved the ACSD Affirmative Action Process, and then went into a closed session meeting.