Mormon Trail

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

October 22, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:32 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Cromer, Funk, Evans and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also in attendance. Guests signing in were Kimberly Hayes, Claudia Brown, Lori Reed, Brandi Dyer, Victoria Davis, Becky Bidwell, Karen Abel, Scott Roberts, Eric Baron, Jim Huse, Mona Baker, and Pam Woollis.

Guest, Becky Bidwell spoke to the Board about an incident that happened the prior week concerning her daughter and two other students at an in-town bus pickup. An out of town man who was temporarily working and living in town approached the girls and offered them a ride to school. A bus driver had witnessed the incident and reported it to the Humeston office. Both Ms Bidwell and the school reported the incident to law enforcement. The man reportedly is not in the area any longer. The public is encouraged to be vigilant in watching suspicious activity in the area and to alert the school or law enforcement if any activity which might create a dangerous situation is witnessed.

Bidwell left the meeting at 7:45 pm.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Peasley and a second by Funk. All present voted aye to approve.

The consent agenda which included the previous meetings minutes and open enrollment requests that met requirements, was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Peasley. All present voted aye to approve the motion. There were nine new open enrollment requests out of the District and three into the District reported.

First up, Eric Beron and Jim Huse representing DLR, told the Board they thought the public forum and supper held previous to the Board meeting was very encouraging with the number of community members attending. Beron and Huse will begin the next phase moving into the project planning stage for the new construction of a building in the District.

Beron and Huse left the meeting at 8:00 pm. 

The following Schedule B contracts were approved:

Aaron Parmer was approved as head boys basketball coach (salary $2900) with a motion by Evans, a second by Funk and all aye votes.

Katie Newton was approved as head girls basketball coach (salary $2900) with a motion by Evans, a second by Peasley and all aye votes.

Jason Newton was approved as JV/Assistant Varsity boys basketball coach (salary $2005) with a motion by Peasley, a second by Evans and all aye votes.

James Parmer was approved as JH boys basketball coach (salary $1750) with a motion by Evans, a second by Cromer and all aye votes.

Joseph Parmer was approved as JH girls basketball coach (salary $1750) with a motion by Cromer, a second by Evans and all aye votes.

The Board also approved Jessie Horton as a cook ($8.25/hour) with a motion by Funk, a second by Cromer and all aye votes.

Cromer made a motion to accept the resignation of Bill Hoover as Jr High boy’s basketball coach. Evans seconded followed by votes of aye from all present.

Scott Roberts was present asking to be reimbursed $1044 for classes he had been told to take by previous administration and then had not been assigned to teach. The credits were not needed for licensing. Peasley made a motion to reimburse the $1044. Evans seconded followed by all nay votes. Motion fails. Peasley amended the previous motion to reimburse the $1044 by adding that in the future any teacher seeking an endorsement must first be approved by the Board if they wish to apply for reimbursement. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes.

Smiarowski relinquished the chair, passing it to Evans. Smiarowski made a motion to allow Mona Baker to take four FFA students out of state to Indianapolis Indiana for Convention. Baker will be allowed use of the school’s procurement card and must turn in a financial summary prior to leaving on the trip. Signed receipts must be turned in immediately upon return. Funk seconded the motion followed by all ayes. Evans passed back the chair to Smiarowski.

Evans made the motion to approve the purchase of a new vehicle to be used mainly for driver’s education. The Board approved purchasing a 2016 Fusion from Fesler Auto Mall, Fairfield, for $15,393. Funk seconded. All present vote aye. Motion passes.

Last under action items, Cromer made a motion to approve the bills and financials. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes. Motion carries. 

Principal Stripe and Superintendent Phillips briefly updated the Board on what was happening in the District.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Peasley seconded followed by all ayes. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:50 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held November 12, 2018 @ 7:00 pm in the Elementary Library.

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________ 

Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

Mormon Trail Community School District

Special Meeting

October 17, 2018

The Mormon Trail School Board met in special session October 17, 2018 in the Humeston Elementary Library. 

President Smiarowski called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Peasley, Funk, Cromer and Smiarowski answered roll call. Evans entered the meeting at 6:13 p.m. Superintendent Phillips was also present. Secretary Rash was absent. Guests were Bill Moore and Karen Abel. Funk made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes. Delete taking action on Open Enrollment requests and taking action on the Driver’s Education car.  Servicing Buses was moved to discussion items. Cromer seconded. Evans, Peasley, Funk, Cromer and Smiarowski voted aye. Motion carries.

Under action items, bills were approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Peasley. All voted aye in favor.

Discussion items were bus servicing and the use of a city building by the District. The Board will revisit these items at a later date.

At 6:32 pm Cromer made a motion to go into closed session under Iowa Code 21.5 (1) (j). The motion was seconded by Evans. A roll call vote was taken. Evans aye; Funk aye; Peasley aye; Cromer aye; Smiarowski aye. The Board entered closed session.

The Board returned to open session at 7:45 pm.

Cromer made the motion to adjourn followed by a second from Peasley. All present voted aye in favor of adjournment.

President Smiarowski closed the meeting at 7:48 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education

_________ 

These minutes are written as recorded by Superintendent Kerry Phillips and are subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

Mormon Trail Community School District

Special Meeting

October 3, 2018

The Mormon Trail School Board met in special session October 3, 2018 at the office of the Superintendent at the Humeston Elementary. 

President Smiarowski called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m. Peasley and Smiarowski were present to answer roll c all. Funk, Cromer and Evans answered roll call by phone. Superintendent Phillips and Secretary Rash were also present. Peasley made a motion to approve the agenda with Evans seconding. Evans, Peasley, Funk, Cromer and Smiarowski voted aye. Motion carries.

Under the only action item, Funk made a motion to enter into an agreement with DLR to move into the project planning stage for new construction of a building at approximately 7.5%. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes. 

Evans made the motion to adjourn followed by a second from Cromer. All present voted aye in favor of adjournment.

President  Smiarowski closed the meeting at 5:40 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education

_________ 

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

Mormon Trail Community School District

Special Meeting

September 25, 2018

The Mormon Trail School Board met in special session September 24, 2018 at the Humeston Elementary Library. 

President Smiarowski called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. Peasley, Funk, Cromer, Evans and Smiarowski answered roll call. Superintendent Phillips and Secretary Rash were also present. Guests were Eric Baron and Jim Huse from DLR. Funk made a motion to approve the agenda with Cromer seconding. Evans, Peasley, Funk, Cromer and Smiarowski voted aye. Motion carries.

Under action items, the agreement with UNESCO was up for discussion. In June, the Board had agreed to move forward with the Comprehensive Facility Planning stage with UNESCO. The commitment to UNESCO for this stage was $10,000 should the District decide later not to continue to a finished product. Superintendent Phillips met recently with Brian Crawford and the two agreed that there would be no charge if the District decided not to move forward with the Comprehensive Facility Planning stage. At the recommendation of Superintendent Phillips, Evans made the motion to reverse the agreement made in June to move forward with the Comprehensive Facility Planning stage with UNESCO and to reevaluate the options. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes. 

Guests Eric Baron and Jim Huse were present to speak to the Board about their Design company, DLR. The two told the Board a little about their company and answered questions. DLR has been involved in many K-16 projects in Iowa, including remodeling and building projects in the Moravia and Seymour School Districts. Superintendent Phillips and Board members Smiarowski and Evans had met with DLR previously.

The group took a break between 7 pm and 7:15 pm.

At 7:17 pm Funk made a motion to go into closed session under Iowa Code 21.5 (1) (j). The motion was seconded by Cromer. A roll call vote was taken. Evans aye; Funk aye; Peasley aye; Cromer aye; Smiarowski aye.

The Board entered closed session at 7:17 pm. under Iowa code 21.5 (1) (j)

The Board returned to open session at 8:10 pm.

Cromer made the motion to adjourn followed by a second from Cromer. All present voted aye in favor of adjournment.

President  Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:10 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education

_________ 

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

ANNUAL MEETING

September 11, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Funk, and Smiarowski. Evans joined the meeting at 7:07 pm. Cromer was absent. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also present. There were 19 guests signing in.

Mona Baker, along with Olivia Halferty, Mary Reber and Madison Page were welcomed as visitors speaking to the group about various FFA events and projects. Upcoming events include National FFA Convention, District Soil Judging, Greenhand Camp and the Ag Producers Lunch. Fundraisers coming up include Mum sales and Fruit sales. The students also presented their plans for designing and building a chicken house and a type of hoop house for growing vegetables year round. An Aeroponics Project that will also be used to grow food for the school’s nutrition program is in the planning stage. The students described a 5 foot tall tower garden filled with water they will use to grow vegetables for the school. They are excited to see these projects take shape.

The TLC team was represented by Teachers, Claudia Brown and Kim Hayes. They informed the Board the group has been very busy and the year has started well.

The agenda was amended by moving items #7 #10 and #11 up to the top of the agenda to items #1 #2 and #3. The agenda was approved with a motion by Funk followed by a second by Peasley. All present voted aye.

The consent agenda which included the previous meeting minutes and open enrollment requests that met requirements were approved with a motion by Peasley and a second by Funk. All present voted aye to approve the motion. There were four open enrollment requests out of the District.  Three had previously been approved and were correcting information. There was one new enrollment OUT filed.

First up on the agenda (#7 moved to #1) were requests by Mary Reber and Autumn Shelton for the Board to grant early graduation after completing first semester. With the understanding that Mary and Autumn meet all graduation requirements, including CPR, Evans made a motion to approve their requests.  Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

(#10 moved to #2 on the agenda) Funk made a motion to allow Mr Neilssen’s music students to conduct a fundraiser. Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent. The students will be selling candles to earn money to purchase additional choir dresses and to pay for tickets to participate in an event at World’s of Fun later next spring.

(#11 moved to #3 on the agenda) Peasley made a motion to allow the cheerleaders under the supervision of Ann Casey, cheer coach, to do a free will community dinner, with use of the Humeston kitchen, as a fundraiser to earn money for Cancer with the remainder going into the cheerleading fund. Funk seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

The following contracts were approved:

Crossing Guard- Juan Martinez was approved with a motion by Evans, a second by Peasley  followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Website- Robert Thatcher was approved with a motion by Peasley, a second by Evans followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Freshman Sponsor- Stephanie Parmer was approved with a motion by Evans, a second by Funk followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Evans made a motion to accept the resignation of Jeremy Cromer for mowing the Humeston Elementary grounds. Funk seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Funk made a motion to approve bills for payment. Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Evans made a motion to approve the financial reports. Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Funk made the motion to approve the June 30, 2018 depository report. Evans seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Evans motioned to approve the District Career Guidance Plan. Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

At the recommendation of Superintendent Phillips, Evans motioned to approve a shared School Business Official (SBO) position currently held by Peggy Rash between Moravia CSD and Mormon Trail CSD.  Mormon Trail will purchase 20% of Christina Bickel’s contracted salary and benefits plus pay mileage for the 2018-19 school year. Bickel will pay bills and offer her guidance for matters relating to the potential future school bond issue for the Mormon Trail District, freeing up more time for Rash to spend on other duties in the District. Rash also receives a $1500 raise in the motion.  Funk seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Funk motioned to approve a revised maintenance shared contract with Moravia CSD. IPERS was corrected in the purchased services 80/20 contract. Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

Administrative reports were given by Stripe and Phillips. Stripe reported about the TAP program and the benefits the kids would receive from it. Phillips mentioned plans for a community dinner and moving the next Board meeting to October 18^th. Times for the dinner and meeting will be announced later.

Funk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski. Cromer was absent.

President Smiarowski adjourned the meeting at 9:07 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held October 18, 2018 in the Elementary Library.

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________ 

Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

August 13, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Cromer and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Board member Brad Funk entered the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Pat Evans was absent. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era entered the meeting at 7:17 p.m. Guests signing in were Chris Hilton, Kimberly Hayes, Claudia Brown, Kara Hilton, Bridgette Stark, Robert Thatcher, Stephanie Bear, Danny Lovett, Marjorie Lovett and Chelsea Johnson. 

The agenda was amended by moving item #5 to item #1 on the agenda and approved with a motion by Cromer followed by a second by Peasley. All present voted aye.

The consent agenda which included the previous meetings minutes and open enrollment requests that met requirements, was approved with a motion by Funk and a second by Cromer. All present voted aye to approve the motion. There were four new open enrollment requests out of the District and 2 into the District reported.

First up on the agenda was a request by Chelsea Johnson for the Board to waive the absentee requirement for first semester testing for her to travel out of state for a family wedding. With the stipulation that Chelsea must do a writing assignment under the direction of Mr. Jones, Cromer made a motion to approve the waiver. Funk seconded followed by a vote of aye from Cromer, Funk, and Peasley. Smiarowski abstained. Future waivers will be looked at on a one to one basis. The Lovett’s and Ms. Johnson left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

The following Schedule B contracts were approved:

Yearbook- Kara Hilton was approved with a motion by Funk, a second by Cromer and all aye votes from Peasley, Cromer, Funk and Smiarowski.

Student Council- Kara Hilton was approved with a motion by Cromer, a second by Peasley and all aye votes from Peasley, Cromer, Funk and Smiarowski. Hilton will replace Adam Hysell who was previously approved for the position.

8^th Grade Sponsor- Bridgette Stark was approved with a motion by Cromer, a second by Funk and all aye votes from Peasley, Cromer, Funk and Smiarowski. Stark was originally approved as Freshman Sponsor but that position is now to be filled.

The Board also approved the following positions:

3-yr old Preschool- Nicole Hoover was approved with a motion by Funk, a second by Peasley and all aye votes from Peasley, Cromer, Funk and Smiarowski.

Elementary Math Intervention- Pending a background check, Gloria Rumley was approved for the three day per week, .6 position with a motion by Cromer, a second by Peasley and all aye votes from Peasley, Cromer, Funk and Smiarowski.

Funk made a motion to accept the resignation of Jackie Ericson as Elementary School Cook. Cromer seconded followed by votes of aye from all present. The Board would like to thank Jackie for her years of service to the Mormon Trail District.

Cromer made a motion to purchase a recording system for transferring video to weekly football competitors from HUDL at a price of $800 for football season only. The motion was seconded by Peasley and all present voted aye.

Funk made the motion to offer an extended contract to Bridgette Stark for up to 8 days/64 hours paid at her daily rate of $220.59/$28.46 per hour after contracted days have ended in May 2019 and the time the new contracted days start when school resumes in August 2019. Worked hours will need pre-approved by Principal Stripe. Funk seconded followed by all aye votes.

Cromer made the motion to approve the Headstart contract for the 2018-19 school year. Peasley made the second followed by all aye votes from Peasley, Cromer, Funk and Smiarowski. Motion passes.

Funk motioned to approve the shared maintenance contract between Moravia CSD (80%) and Mormon Trail CSD (20%).  Moravia holds the contract with Mormon Trail purchasing services. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes.

Last under action items, Cromer made a motion to approve the bills and financials. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes. Motion carries. 

Principal Stripe and Superintendent Phillips briefly updated the Board on what was happening in the District. Stripe reported that Mr. Thatcher had assumed all duties as athletic director. The staff were to report back to work Thursday, 16^th and the staff breakfast will be held Friday, 17^th followed by a staff potluck that evening. Stripe also presented the District’s Equity Report. Phillips talked about plans for the new drug and alcohol testing program for which details are still in the process of being implemented.

Funk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Cromer seconded followed by all ayes. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:30 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held September 10, 2018 @ 7:00 pm in the Elementary Library.

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________ 

Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer