MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

March 11, 2019    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:10 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Cromer, Evans, Funk 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, Dylan Jones, Teri Indorf, Stephanie Bear, Pam Woollis, Matthew Gillaspie, Brad Krutsinger, Claudia Brown and Kara Hilton.

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

The consent agenda, consisting of previous board minutes and one open enrollment request out of the District was approved with a motion by Funk and a second by Peasley. All present voted aye to approve.

First up, under Public Forum comments, Matthew Gillaspie from Piper Jaffrey spoke to the group about the District’s “School Infrastructure Financing Capacity” as of Spring 2019. He explained different financing options related to Bond issues and also about the PPEL Levy. The District’s PPEL levy will expire in FY 2020 and will need to be voted on in the near future.

TLC team members Claudia Brown, Kimberly Hayes and Brad Krutsinger were next to speak to the Board. Mrs Brown spoke of mentoring, the Plan Book and Professional Development. Mrs Hayes followed with her observation of how the program allows for more class observation time and meeting the needs of both teachers and students. Hayes also talked of the reports being more useful with better data. Finally, Mr Krutsinger spoke of the group’s plan to reach out to parents more, more parental involvement in the school and of parent surveys. The group feels there are many great things happening with the TLC program.   

First up, under action items, the following contract was approved:

With a motion by Funk and a second by Evans, Leslie Bexten was approved as a volunteer for Junior High and High School boys and girls track. All present voted aye to pass the motion.

Motion by Cromer, Second by Peasley to accept the resignation of Missy Myers as volunteer Cheer Coach. All present voted aye.

The Senior Class trip was next up for discussion. Class Sponsors Teri Indorf and Dylan Jones were present to discuss the trip. Indorf and Jones discussed the classes itinerary and budget for the trip. With a motion by Cromer and a second by Funk the following was approved. The itinerary and budget; the dates Saturday, May 4^th through Tuesday, May 7^th; the group will stay at Tan Tar A Resort; the use of a District school bus to travel out of state with driver Bill Moore and his wife Carol; and the use of the District’s credit card. All present voted aye in approval.

The second reading of a new policy, Code No. 713 “CANCELLING SCHOOL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER” was approved and the third reading waived with a motion by Funk and a second by Evans. All present voted aye to approve.

Funk made a motion to use the CFPM model with ISFIS & Piper Jaffrey. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes.

The second readings for Board Policy changes series 100-500 were approved and the third reading waived with the following motions. 100 Series, Brad Funk. Motion by Cromer, second by Funk. All present voted aye to approve and waive the third reading. 200 Series, Jason Peasley. Motion by Evans, second by Peasley. All present vote aye to approve and waive the third reading. 300 Series Jeremy Cromer. Motion by Cromer, second by Evans. All present vote aye to approve and waive the third reading. 400 Series Pat Evans. Motion by Evans, second by Peasley. All present vote aye to approve and waive the third reading. 500 Series Marc Smiarowski. Motion to approve by Peasley, second by Cromer. All present vote aye to approve and waive the third reading. Each Board member was assigned a series of policies to review and recommend any changes they felt necessary. There were no recommendations.

Peasley read the Budget Guarantee Resolution for the 2019-20 Fiscal Year which reads as follows:

Summary: Iowa law provides for a minimum amount of growth in the regular program district cost for any school district where regular program district cost will decrease due to declining enrollment or low allowable growth or a combination of the two. In Iowa Code Sec. 257.14, the legislature has provided for a budget guarantee of 101% of the preceding year regular program district cost (without budget guarantee).

To utilize the budget guarantee, Districts must adopt a resolution and file with the Department of Management by April 15, 2019

Be it resolved, that the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District, will levy property tax for fiscal year 2019-20 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa.

Motion by Peasley, second by Evans to accept the resolution with the following roll call vote: Funk aye; Peasley aye; Cromer aye; Evans aye; and Smiarowski aye. There were no nay votes. Motion passes.

Evans made a motion to hold the public Budget hearing for fy 2019-20 at the next regular board meeting, Monday, April  8^th, 2019 at 7 pm. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes.

Cromer made a motion to continue all sharing arrangements currently being shared for 2019-20. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes.

A motion to table a decision on offering an Early Retirement incentive was made with a motion by Funk and a second by Peasley. All present voted aye.

Cromer made a motion to approve the bills but hold the Embark payment contingent on Mr Phillips requesting additional information. Peasley seconded followed by all ayes.

Principal Stripe reported to the Board that an Army recruiter had been at the school. Spring break is almost here.

Superintendent Phillips reported on the Jester Insurance Application Process and progress on the 2019-20 School Calendar. Phillips is anticipating adding 12 minutes to each day next year.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Peasley seconded followed by all ayes in agreement. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 9:45 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held April 8, 2019 @ 7:15 pm in the Elementary Library preceded by the Public Hearing for the 2019-20 Budget at 7 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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

February 25, 2019    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Cromer, Evans, and Smiarowski. Funk entered the meeting at 7:05 p.m. 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 Lizzey Vanderflught, Kimberly Hayes, Claudia Brown, Pam Woollis, Stephanie Bear, Kara Hilton, Teri Indorf, Robert Thatcher and Dylan Jones.

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

The consent agenda, consisting of previous board minutes and one open enrollment request out of the District was approved with a motion by Peasley and a second by Evans. All present voted aye to approve.

First up, under action items, the following contracts were approved:

JH boys and girls Track-Robert Thatcher. Motion by Funk, second by Evans followed by all aye votes.

HS boys and girls Track-Elizabeth Vanderflught. Motion by Cromer, second by Funk followed by all aye votes.

Assistant HS boys and girls Track-Robert Thatcher. Motion by Evans, second by Cromer followed by all aye votes.

HS boys and girls Golf- Co-coaches- Cale Moore and Cassie Moore. Motion by Evans, second by Cromer followed by all aye votes.

HS Baseball- Co-coaches-Jason Newton and Cale Moore. Motion by Evans, second by Funk followed by all aye votes.

HS Softball- Cassie Moore. Motion by Funk, second by Cromer followed by all aye votes. 

1:1 para-educator-Joan Langloss @ $9.53/hr. Motion by Evans, second by Cromer followed by all aye votes.

There were no resignations.

The Senior Class trip was next up for discussion. Class Sponsors Teri Indorf and Dylan Jones were present to discuss the trip and to ask questions of the Board. Indorf and Jones were directed to the Student Handbook on the school’s website for basic instructions. The handbook says Seniors are the only students eligible to go on Senior trip. The group traveling to the Ozarks in May will consist of 7 girls, 5 boys, 2 sponsors and the bus driver and his wife. The dates the group usually goes on is Thursday-Sunday. This year there is a conflict and the group wishes to leave on Saturday and return on Tuesday. Also, the lodging has yet to be finalized. $500 or less per person is the suggested cost of the trip. The Senior Class still has a couple of fund raisers to earn some extra money for their trip. Indorf and Jones were invited back to the March meeting to further discuss the trip and to get Board approval on their final agenda and budget. No formal action was taken at this time.

Athletic Director, Robert Thatcher, was present to discuss the process for evaluation and hiring of coaches. Thatcher was directed to the Coaching handbook which contains agreements for coaches to sign and to file in the employee’s personnel file. Background checks will be completed on all coaches. Teach Iowa is the required location to list all positions of the District. The idea to hire for all coaching positions at the same time teacher contracts are written in late spring seems like a good plan so that coaches have time to work together and make plans for the next school year. AD Thatcher, was invited back to the March meeting to further discuss these ideas. No formal action was taken at this time.

Cromer made a motion to approve the purchase of kickboxing equipment using a grant Ms Hilton received for high school PE classes. Funk seconded followed by all aye votes to approve. Kara Hilton was present to explain to the Board what cardio kick boxing is all about. She explained it is a good sport for students who may not excel in traditional sports and allows kids to participate at their own pace. The equipment will be used for high school PE classes but not for elementary PE.

A new policy, Code No. 713 “CANCELLING SCHOOL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER” will be added following a motion by Cromer and a second from Funk to approve the first reading. The policy will be on the agenda next meeting as well. All present voted aye to approve.

Evans made a motion to move towards using a CFPM model with ISFIS & Piper Jaffrey. Funk seconded followed by all aye votes.

The First reading of Board Policy changes for series 100-500 was approved with a motion by Evans and a second by Cromer. All present voted aye. Each Board member was assigned a series of policies to review. The second reading of the policies will be on the agenda next meeting.

Funk made a motion to continue sharing a TAG instructor with Wayne CSD in fy 2019-20. Cromer made the second followed by all aye votes.

A motion to table a decision on offering an Early Retirement incentive was made by Funk. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes.

Jester breakdown insurance was the next topic up for discussion. Funk made a motion for Superintendent Phillips to get quotes for the next meeting. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes from those present.

Bills were approved at a Special meeting of the Board on February 13^th.

Principal Stripe reported to the Board that Iowa Workforce will be coming to the High School  in March to work with Junior and Senior students on resumes, mock job interviews and job seeking skills. A group of Juniors and Seniors will be visiting the SWCC campus in Creston for a fun and educational day of tours and activities.

Superintendent Phillips announced a meeting with DLR @ 4 pm March 26^th followed by a community meeting @ 5:30 pm to discuss the building project.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Funk seconded followed by all ayes in agreement. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 9:03 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held March 11, 2019 @ 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

February 13, 2019

The Mormon Trail School Board met in special session February 13, 2019 in the Humeston District Office. 

President Smiarowski called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Peasley, Funk, Cromer and Evans answered roll call via telephone. Smiarowski was present in person. Superintendent Phillips and Secretary Rash were also in attendance. One guest, Christine Auxier was also present.

Evans made a motion to approve the short agenda with Funk seconding. All voted aye to approve.

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

The amended calendar with weather related make-up days was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Funk. “The original calendar was approved with 1117.8 hrs. 1080 are required for the 180 days of school scheduled. Converting to minutes, the District missed a total of 2982 minutes in weather related late starts/early outs and cancelled days. This leaves 1032 minutes to make up. The plan beginning February 18^th will add 30 minutes to each day. This will result in school starting 10 minutes early (8:10) and ending 20 minutes later (3:40). Originally scheduled as “no-school” days the following will now be school attendance days. March 20,21,22, April 22, and May 24. This plan also includes 2 additional days that may be missed.” 

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

President Smiarowski closed the meeting at 7:40 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

REGULAR MEETING

January 7, 2019    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Cromer, Evans, Funk 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 Seniors Mikayla Anderson, Cassy Casey, and Lilly Starkes.

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

The consent agenda, consisting of previous board minutes was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Peasley. There were no new open enrollment requests either into or out of the District. All present voted aye to approve.

First up, under action items, Belinda Adkins was approved as van route driver. Ms Adkins will drive students from Mormon Trail CSD, stopping by Murray CSD to pick up a student, and on to Winterset Schools. The daily route will reverse in the p.m. The motion approves daily pay at $75 for both the a.m. and p.m. route. The van will return to Mormon Trail between the a.m. and p.m. routes daily. With a motion by Evans, the second by Funk, followed by ayes from all present, the motion passes. 

There were no resignations.

Seniors Mikayla Anderson, Cassy Casey, and Lilly Starkes spoke to the Board about fundraising the Senior class would like to do to increase the funds available for the Senior trip. Cromer made a motion to approve fundraisers for the Senior class with Casey’s and Krispy Kreme. Peasley seconded followed by ayes from all present.

Funk made the motion followed by a second from Evans to approve Advantage Administrators as administrators for the District’s Section 125 Plan. All present voted aye. Motion passes. Section 125 Plans allow the District to process certain employee medical payments as pre-tax which decreases the amount of taxes owed. IPERS also requires an approved administrator in order for that portion of the employee’s wages to be IPERS covered. 

Superintendent Phillips explained his progress on the review and revision of Board Policies. He has gone over Policy series 100, 200, 300 and part of 400. Motion to table any action on the Policies was made by Funk. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley, Funk and Smiarowski.

A transportation agreement between Mormon Trail CSD and Murray CSD was approved. Secretary Rash was instructed to bill Murray CSD for ½ the actual costs with a motion by Evans, a second by Funk, followed by all aye votes to approve.

Cromer made a motion to approve the bills and financials. BMO, and some additional Nutrition and Activity bills have not been received as of the day of the meeting. The Board instructed the Business Office to go ahead and pay these bills when they come in and have Superintendent Phillips approve them. Funk seconded followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley, Smiarowski and Funk. Motion carries. 

Principal Stripe reported to the Board on ESSA. ESSA stands for Every Student Succeeds Act and is used in all Iowa Public School Districts to monitor student achievement.

An update on the sharing arrangement with Moravia for processing the District’s General Fund and SAVE Fund bills was given. The Board would like to add the Activity Fund and Nutrition Fund bill processing in the near future.   

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Funk seconded followed by all ayes in agreement. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:28 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held February 11, 2019 @ 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

REGULAR MEETING

December 12, 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. Evans entered the meeting at 7:08 pm. Funk was absent. 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 Stephanie Bear, Kara Hilton, Belva Snow, Courtney Peasley, Lavern Tueth, Amanda Smith, Bob Gunzenhauser, Stevie Parmer, Lizzey Vanderflught, Mona Baker, Eric Beron, and Joseph Parmer.

The agenda was approved with the following change. Move the DLR presentation (E3) to the top after consent agenda. Motion by Cromer and the second by Peasley to approve with Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski voting aye. Funk and Evans were absent.

The consent agenda, consisting of previous board minutes was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Peasley. Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski voted aye. Funk and Evans were absent for the vote. There were no new open enrollment requests.

First up, under action items, DLR gave a presentation to the Board explaining the next steps should the Board decide to proceed with plans for a new school or remodeling the existing structures. Fees of 7.5% for design and new construction and 8.5% for remodeling were discussed. Compensation for the Architect’s Basic Services are as follows: Facility Assessments (Elementary School and Jr/Sr High School) $7750; Pre-Design Programming $22,000; and Bond Planning Services $7500. Cromer made the motion to approve the contract with DLR. Peasley seconded followed by aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. The contract with DLR may be viewed in the District Office, Humeston, IA.

Three para-educators were approved:

Karen Smith: motion by Peasley, second by Evans, and aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. Smith will begin her duties Jan 3, 2019 @ $8.25 per hour.

Linda Flesher: motion by Evans, second by Peasley, and aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. Flesher has begun her duties as a substitute @ $8.25 per hour.

April Moore: motion by Cromer, second by Peasley, and aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. Moore has begun her duties as a substitute @ $8.25 per hour.

With a motion by Peasley, Amber Keith will begin her duties as a full-time Special Education/ At Risk instructor January 3, 2019. Her $35,000 salary and benefits will be prorated at 105/188 days. Cromer seconded followed by aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent.

Resignations from Dee Wetterling, para-educator and Josh Stiles, softball coach were accepted with a motion by Evans and a second by Cromer, Motion passes with aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. Both resignations are effective immediately.

Evans made a motion to go into an Agreement of Service with Timberline Billing Service LLC. Timberline is a billing service for Medicaid reimbursement. The school will pay a fee of 6% of the net Medicaid reimbursement retained by the District. The motion was seconded by Cromer. Aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. The District will not pay any fees for services unless funds are received by the District.

Cromer made a motion to table discussion on a camera system at the elementary. Evans seconded followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent.

Evans motioned to hire Mike Snyder as the Driver’s Education instructor for Spring of fy 2018-19 at a salary of $165 per student who finish the course. Costs will remain the same as last year. $250/resident student; $300/out of District student; and free and reduced waiver for in- District students only. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent

Cromer made the motion followed by a second from Evans to apply for a Spanish I II III & IV waiver for 2019-2020.Motions passes with ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. The District is allowed to apply for a waiver if attempting to find a suitable instructor doesn’t succeed. This is a good opportunity for smaller school districts to be able to offer higher level courses with smaller student enrollment. This alternative enables the student to enroll in online classes the district would not otherwise be able to provide instructors for. This option has been provided by Iowa Learning Online classes.

Cromer motioned to accept the bid from Erick Cobb for snow removal for the winter of 2018-19. Evans seconded. The contract submitted will be for the same terms as 2017-18. “Mr. Cobb will remove the snow from the parking areas and driveways of the Jr/Sr High School in Garden Grove and the Elementary Building in Humeston at the rate of $85 per hour. A service charge of $600 will be paid at the inception of the agreement. Should the total charges for snow removal not exceed $2400 by May 31, 2019 an additional charge of $600 will be paid” Motion passes with aye votes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent

Evans made a motion to accept the bid of $.03 off posted pump price with necessary tax forms signed from MFA for super unleaded ethanol from the period Jan 1, 2019-Dec 31, 2019. A second bid was received from Agriland FS, Inc. for $1.70 per gallon plus applicable taxes. The motion was seconded by Peasley followed by ayes from Evans, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent Cromer abstained.

Evans motioned to accept the bid from Larry Baughman for $800 for the Ford Taurus. Peasley seconded followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent Baughman’s bid was the only one submitted.

With a motion by Cromer, a second by Peasley, followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski a motion to go into an agreement with Medical Enterprises Inc to do the District’s drug and alcohol testing program was approved. Funk was absent. Currently, only DOT bus driver’s are required to participate in random screens.

An At-Risk/Dropout Prevention Application in the amount of $15,564 was approved with a motion by Cromer, a second by Peasley, followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. The funds will be used, in part. to fund a portion of the District’s shared Court Liaison, the school Nurse, Guidance Counselor, and At Risk teacher.

Out of state permission for Bill Moore to take a group of athletes to Newtown, MO for a sporting event in January was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Evans followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent.

Evans made a motion to approve the transporting of a student from Murray to Winterset. The District already transports a student from Mormon Trail to Winterset on a daily basis. Murray will reimburse Mormon Trail at the IRS rate for mileage and the driver’s wages for the extra miles and driver time. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent.

Peasley made a motion to approve the bills and financials, including an extra $75 in technology fees for Teela Waugh. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. Motion carries. 

Principal Stripe and Superintendent Phillips gave brief updates to the Board.

Other guests speaking to the Board were Bob Gunzenhauser who presented a report on November Public Meetings held by the Building and Grounds committee in regard to building a new school in the District.

Mona Baker reported to the Board on the National FFA convention.

Courtney Peasley from the City of Humeston was present to report to the Board concerns and complaints the city and neighbors have had with a bus driver parking their bus on the city right of way. The city is requesting that the bus be parked totally on the driver’s property.

Services of the cleaning company FBG were also discussed and reviewed.  Any issues should be brought to Becky Stripe’s attention.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Peasley seconded followed by ayes from Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski. Funk was absent. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 9:45 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held January 14, 2019 @ 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