August 31, 2020 Special Meeting

September 15, 2020 By

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

August 31, 2020    

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:11 pm via a ZOOM electronic meeting. Answering roll call via ZOOM were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Board Secretary Peggy Rash, Principal Stripe and Superintendent Phillips were also present via ZOOM. 53 guests in total signed on via ZOOM.

No one spoke during the Public Forum.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Dachenbach. Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans voted aye to approve.

The only action item was District action in response to Covid situation. Superintendent Phillips reported the District has an active case in the JH/HS building. Public Health has recommended full mask use at the Jr High/High School. Phillips also reported he had purchased 1200 masks over the weekend for use in the District. Principal Stripe, Nurse Hoyt and Superintendent Phillips addressed students at an assembly Aug 31st.

After much discussion, Cromer made a motion to mandate the use of masks when social distancing is not possible. School-wide, PK-12, students and staff will be required to wear approved face masks, shields or face coverings in all common areas of the facilities where social distancing is not possible. Masks may only be removed with permission and guidance of teachers. Dachenbach seconded the motion followed by the following vote. Elizabeth Dachenbach-aye; Stephanie Bear-aye; Marc Smiarowski-nay; Jeremy Cromer-aye; and Pat Evans-aye. Motion passes.

Mr Phillips will contact the District’s legal counsel in regard to information about a possible mask

mandate on school grounds/buses/athletic facilities.

Smiarowski motioned to adjourn the meeting. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans.

President Evans closed the meeting at 7:21 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the Elementary Commons in Humeston and/or via ZOOM.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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

Filed Under: Minutes

August 12, 2020 Minutes

September 15, 2020 By

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

August 12, 2020

President Evans called the Regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Garden Grove District office. Answering roll call in person were board members Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach and Smiarowski. Director Bear was present via telephone. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe, Board Secretary Peggy Rash, Secretary Stevie Parmer, John Hansen, MCC, Stacie Porterfield, Kara Hilton and Karen Abel with the Humeston New Era were also in attendance. Fourteen guests joined the meeting via ZOOM.

The agenda was amended by adding JH football shared with Chariton to #12 and moving bills and financials to the end of the action items. The agenda was then approved with a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Cromer. Motion passes with all present voting aye.

The consent agenda, consisting of previous meeting minutes and open enrollment requests was approved with a motion from Smiarowski, a second by Cromer and ayes from all present. There were no new open enrollments into or out of the District to report.

There were no new resignations to report.

A new contract was approved for Jacob Phillips, Technology Coordinator. Phillips will work four days per week during the school year and two days per week during summer break. He will receive a salary of $24,000 for his July 1-June 30 contract. Benefits include single $1000 deductible insurance with a $33/ month employee contribution, 7 days vacation and other leave as defined in the 2020-2021 Master Contract. The motion was made by Smiarowski and seconded by Cromer. Motion passes with aye votes from all present.

Kim Wilson was hired to teach First Grade. Wilson was offered a one-year contract with a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Cromer. All present voted aye to approve.

The Junior High/High School History position was filled by Caitlin Clark with a motion from Smiarowski and a second from Dachenbach. All present voted aye to approve.

Fall sports coaching positions were approved contingent on licensing, student numbers and State of Iowa guidelines:

Head HS football – Travis Johnson

Assistant HS football – Travis Pollock

Volunteer Assistant – Keaton Gwinn

Volunteer Assistant – Jason Newton

Volunteer Assistant – Jordon Brown

Head HS volleyball – Josh Stiles

Assistant HS volleyball – Leslie Bexten

Volunteer Assistant – Katie Newton

JH volleyball – Kristy Knutson

Volunteer Cheer – Breanna Glenn

No JH coaches were named

Motion by Bear, second by Dachenbach, all aye votes from those present.

Winter sports coaching positions were approved contingent on licensing, student numbers and State of Iowa guidelines:

Head HS boy’s basketball – Aaron Parmer

Assistant HS boy’s basketball – Jason Newton

Head HS girl’s basketball – Joseph Parmer

Assistant HS girl’s basketball – Leslie Bexten

No JH coaches were named

Motion by Bear, second by Cromer, all aye votes from those present.

Spring sports coaching positions were approved contingent on licensing, student numbers and State of Iowa guidelines:

Head HS Track – Co-coaches Elizabeth Vanderflught and Leslie Bexten

Head HS boys Golf – Cale Moore

Head HS girls Gold – Cassie Moore

No JH coaches were named

Motion by Dachenbach, second by Cromer, all aye votes from those present.

Summer sports coaching positions were approved contingent on licensing, student numbers and State of Iowa guidelines:

Head HS Baseball – Jason Newton

Assistant HS Baseball – Keaton Gwinn

JH Baseball – Keaton Gwinn

HS Softball – Noone named

JH Softball – Noone named

Motion by Dachenbach, second by Cromer, all aye votes from those present.

Schedule B extra duty assignments were approved with a motion from Dachenbach and a second from Cromer. All present voted aye to approve.

John Hansen was present to discuss building plans. A motion by Smiarowski and a second by Dachenbach directed Secretary Rash to pay $6490.64 to MCC from bond funds. The remainder of construction related fees and expenses will continue to be paid from SAVE funds. All present voted aye to approve the motion.

With a motion from Cromer and a second from Bear the Board approved certified teacher, Crystal Boggs’ request for an unpaid one-year leave of absence. All present voted aye to approve the leave.

The next regular board meeting, September 9th, 6:30 pm has been chosen as the time and date for a public hearing on the Instructional Support levy. A motion by Smiarowski, a second from Cromer, followed by aye votes from all present passed the motion.

With a motion from Bear and a second from Cromer the Board approved the following concerning the use of face masks for students. Students will be encouraged, but not required, to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible. Masks will be provided by the District. Evans voted nay and Dachenbach, Cromer, Bear and Smiarowski voted aye to approve the motion.

Elementary and High School handbooks, including an updated non-discrimination statement, were approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Bear. All present voted aye to approve. The handbooks will be put on the District’s website.

The Board approved the second reading and waived the 3rd reading of Board Policy 403.1 which discusses employee physicals. Drivers are required to pass DOT physicals to keep their driver’s authorization current. Smiarowski motioned to change the wording to allow Director Indorf to circumvent the current policy and allow drivers be sent to the most economical medical facility for their physicals. Dachenbach seconded followed by aye votes from Evans, Smiarowski, Dachenbach and Cromer. Bear abstained.

District Nurse Kathay Hoyt’s salary was up next for discussion. Hoyt had originally been approved in June as a .8 FTE. After review, Cromer motioned to increase Hoyt’s FTE from .8 to 1 FTE on the salary scale. Hoyt’s salary for BA Step 9 will be $40,912. The motion was seconded by Bear followed by aye votes from Evans, Bear, Dachenbach and Cromer. Smiarowski abstained.

In a motion by Bear, Music and Band instructor Richard Traylor will receive an extended contract for duties beyond his teaching contract for $2500 for the 2020-2021 year. School counselor Cayle Buckingham will receive an extended ten day contract in the amount of $233 per day for duties outside of her contracted days during summer break. Dachenbach seconded followed by all ayes from those present.

Additional consideration was given to Juan Martinez, crossing guard and Nutrition Director, Sandy Moore. Martinez will receive an extra $3 per am and pm shift, Moore will move from an hourly position to a salaried position. Moore will receive $32,500 per year working 240 days, July 1 – June 30th. Benefits include single $1000 deductible insurance paid by the District, 10 days’ vacation and other leave as defined in the 2020-2021 Master Contract. Motion by Smiarowski, second by Dachenbach followed by aye votes from everyone present passes the motion.

In a motion by Smiarowski and a second by Dachenbach the Board has agreed to have the Junior High football boys who wish to participate join the Chariton Junior High football team this fall. The District will provide transportation to Chariton. All present voted aye to pass the motion.

Bills and financials were approved with a motion from Cromer and a second from Smiarowski. Cromer, Evans, Smiarowski and Dachenbach voted aye to approve the motion. Bear abstained due to being on the telephone and not being able to look at the bills.

Cromer motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Dachenbach seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Evans closed the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held September 9, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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

Filed Under: Minutes

Free and Reduced Price School Meals

July 28, 2020 By

5/20 INFORMATION LETTER FOR WEB-BASED APPLICATIONS Frequently Asked Questions About Free And Reduced Price School Meals

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Children need healthy meals to learn. Mormon Trail CSD offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast cost $1.35; lunch costs $2.25. Your children may qualify for free meals/milk or for reduced price meals. Reduced price is $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch. If you need assistance completing this web-based application contact Ashley Eslick, Secretary (641)877-2521 aeslick@mormontrailcsd.org.

Below are some common questions and answers to help you with the application process.

1. WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS?

● All children in households receiving benefits from Food Assistance, the Family Investment Program (FIP) or a few specific Medicaid programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals.

● Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.

● Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals.

● Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals.

● Children may receive free or reduced price meals if your household’s income is at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines below. (Requires submitting an Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals/Milk.)

FEDERAL INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES for School Year 2020-2021

Household Size Yearly Monthly Twice per Month Every Two Weeks Weekly 1 23,606 1,968 984 908 454 2 31,894 2,658 1,329 1,227 614 3 40,182 3,349 1,675 1,546 773 4 48,470 4,040 2,020 1,865 933 5 56,758 4,730 2,365 2,183 1,092 6 65,046 5,421 2,711 2,502 1,251 7 73,334 6,112 3,056 2,821 1,411 8 81,622 6,802 3,401 3,140 1,570 Each additional person: 8,288 691 346 319 160

2. SHOULD I COMPLETE OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE ALREADY APPROVED FOR FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS? No, but please read the letter carefully and follow the instructions. If any children in your household were missing from your notification, contact: Ashley Eslick 403 S. Front St. PO Box 156 Humeston, Iowa 50123 (641)877-2521 immediately as eligibility for free or reduced price meals is extended to all school age children in a household. If you did not receive a letter from the school, but received a Free Lunch Notice from DHS, submit this letter to your children’s school. You may add any students living in your household who are not listed on the letter. Also, if someone in your household receives food assistance and you did not receive either of these letters, you may complete an application listing the case number as this will qualify all school age children in your household for free meals. If you were informed that your children will get reduced price meals automatically, see the income guidelines above and if you feel you would qualify for free meal benefits, complete an application for free and reduced price meals.

3. WHAT IF WE HAVE FOSTER CHILDREN? Households with foster and non-foster children may choose to include the foster child as a

household member, as this may help other children in the household qualify for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, that does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits.

4. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILDREN QUALIFY AS HOMELESS, MIGRANT, OR RUNAWAY? Do the members of your household lack a

permanent address? Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement? Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis? Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household? If you believe children in your household meet these descriptions and haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please contact: Mormon Trail CSD, Bridgette Stark (641)877-2521 bstark@mormontrailcsd.org.

5. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH CHILD? No. Complete the Web-based Application for Free and Reduced

Price School Meals for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application unless complete eligibility information is submitted, so be sure to complete all required information.

6. MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT A NEW ONE? Yes.

5/20 Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year, through June 1, 2021. You must complete a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year. When the carry-over period ends, unless you are notified that your children will receive free meals or you submit an application that is approved, the children must pay full price for school meals. The school is not required to send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility.

7. I GET WIC. CAN MY CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced

price meals. Please complete the web-based application.

8. MAY I APPLY IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN? Yes. You, your children, or other household members do

not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced price meals.

9. WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE CHECKED? Yes. We may also ask you to send written proof of the household income you

report. You are not required to provide proof with your web-based application.

10. IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free or reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit, if your household size goes up, or if you start getting Food Assistance, FIP or other benefits.

11. WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE SCHOOL’S DECISION ABOUT MY APPLICATION? You should talk to school officials. You also may

ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Ashley Eslick 403 S. Front Street PO Box 156 Humeston, Iowa 50123 (641)877-2521.

12. WHAT IF MY INCOME IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make

$1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

13. WHAT IF SOME HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS HAVE NO INCOME TO REPORT? Household members may not receive some types of

income we ask you to report on the application, or may not receive income at all. Whenever this happens please type a 0 in the field. However, if any income fields are left empty or blank, those will also be counted as zeroes. Please be careful when leaving income fields blank, as we will assume you meant to do so.

14. WE ARE IN THE MILITARY. DO WE REPORT OUR INCOME DIFFERENTLY? Your basic pay and cash bonuses must be reported as

income. If you get any cash value allowances for off-base housing, food, or clothing, or receive Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance payments, it must also be included as income. However if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. There are currently no active Military Housing Projects in Iowa as found on Active Military Housing Projects. Any additional combat pay resulting from deployment is also excluded from income.

15. DO I NEED TO PROVIDE MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER? Only the last four digits of the Social Security Number of the household’s

primary wage earner or another adult household member (or an indication of “none”) is needed.

16. WHO CAN GET FREE MILK? If your school participates in the Special Milk Program for half day kindergarteners, your kindergarten

child may be eligible for free milk. Children who buy extra milk with a meal or if they eat breakfast or lunch and have an afternoon milk break, they are not eligible to receive free milk.

17. MY FAMILY NEEDS MORE HELP. ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS WE MIGHT APPLY FOR? To find out how to apply for Food

Assistance or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-877-347-5678. Your children may be eligible for hawk-i (children’s health insurance) or a waiver of school fees. Read the information included in the web-based application for hawk-i information. A school waiver form may be part of the web-based application or available from your child’s school.

18. CAN CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES GET FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS? If a child has a disability, as determined by a licensed medical

professional, and the disability prevents the child from eating the regular school meal, the school will make substitutions prescribed by the licensed medical professional. If a substitution is needed, there will be no extra charge for the meal. Please note, however, that the school is not required to make a substitution for a food allergy, unless it meets the definition of disability. Please call the school for further information.

19. DO I NEED TO REPORT MY RACE AND ETHNICITY? It is optional to complete the racial/ethnic portion of the application however if

you do not select race or ethnicity, one will be selected for you based on visual observation.

5/20 20. If you decide you do not want to complete an application electronically, you can obtain a paper application by contacting Ashley

Eslick (641)877-2521 aeslick@mormontrailcsd.org.

21. Translated applications are available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated-applications.

If you have other questions or need help, call (641)877-2521 aeslick@mormontrailcsd.org.

Sincerely,

Ashley Eslick

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Iowa Non-Discrimination Statement:

“It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”

Information Statement

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires the information on this application. You do not have to give the information, but if you do not submit all needed information, we cannot approve your child for free or reduced-price meals.

5/20 You must include the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. The social security number is not required when you apply on behalf of a foster child or you list a Food Assistance (FA), Family Investment Program (FIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) case number or other FDPIR identifier for your child or when you indicate that the adult household member signing the application does not have a social security number. We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs. We may share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of programs rules

Filed Under: District, Elementary, Jr/Sr High, News & Activities

July 16, 2020 Special Board Meeting

July 28, 2020 By

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

July 16, 2020

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:35 pm. Answering roll call were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Superintendent Phillips, Principal Stripe and Secretary Rash were also present. Because the purpose of this meeting was to include a closed session,followed by an Exempt session, no ZOOM link was provided.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Smiarowski, a second from Cromer followed by ayes from all present.

Smiarowski motioned to go into closed session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) – To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session, Dachenbach seconded the motion followed by the following roll call vote:

Evans aye; Cromer aye; Smiarowski aye; Bear aye; and Dachenbach aye.

The Board left closed session at 8:38. Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Smiarowski seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. 

President Evans closed the meeting at 8:38 p.m. 

Immediately following the Special Meeting the Mormon Trail CSD Board met in Exempt Session to discuss strategy regarding non-union employee wages.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held August 12, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove and/or via ZOOM. 

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________  

 Date               Date

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

Filed Under: Minutes

July 9, 2020 Minutes

July 28, 2020 By

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

July 9, 2020

President Evans called the Regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Garden Grove District office. Answering roll call were board members Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach, Bear and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe, Board Secretary Peggy Rash, Transportation Director, Keith Indorf, Secretary Stevie Parmer, and Food Director Sandy Moore were also present. Twelve guests joined the hearing via ZOOM.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Dachenbach. Motion passes with all present voting aye.

The consent agenda, consisting of previous meeting minutes and open enrollment requests was approved with a motion from Smiarowski, a second by Dachenbach and ayes from all present. There were no new open enrollments in or out of the District to report.

First under action items, the resignation of Ed Coffey, bus driver, was accepted with a motion by Cromer and a second from Smiarowski. All aye votes were heard to approve. The Board would like to thank Ed for his years of service and dedication to the Mormon Trail District

A new contract was approved for Scott Roberts to teach Driver’s Education. Roberts will receive $165 per each student completing the course. Student costs will be out of District $300, District $250, reduced $165. The motion was made by Cromer and seconded by Dachenbach. Motion passes with all aye votes from all present.

K-12 Principal Becky Stripe and Business Manager/Board Secretary Peggy Rash will both receive a 2.3% increase in their salaries effective July 1, 2020. Both will continue to receive insurance paid by the District. Motion by Smiarowski, second by Dachenbach followed by all ayes from those present to approve.

John Hansen was not present to address item #3.

Sandy Moore, Food and Nutrition Director, was up to discuss the Nutrition program for the coming year and to get bids approved for groceries and dairy. Moore said the Program will be audited this year. She is planning to meet with the Wellness committee soon to get things planned out. She plans to have a zoom link available for the discussion. Moore also updated the Board about the 4-day week and Covid-19 plans. Smiarowski made a motion to approve the following meal prices: Adults $4.00; students breakfast $1.35 lunch $2.25; free and reduced are unchanged. Bids for groceries from Kohl’s and Dairy from AE were also in the motion. Dachenbach seconded followed by all aye votes.

The contract with the Mormon Trail Education Association (MTEA) was approved which includes a 2.3% increase in the generator base for Schedule A certified wages. The generator base will increase from $30,971 to $31,683. TSS funding of $5229 per teacher will be added to bring the base starting wage from $35,000 to $36,912. Motion by Smiarowski, second by Dachenbach followed by all aye votes to approve. Certified Teachers will also contribute $33/month each towards health insurance.

Bear made a motion to approve $37,440.25 for the purchase of 100 Chromebooks and 55 tablets, cases, and licenses. Dachenbach seconded followed by all aye votes. PPEL funds will be used to purchase the technology.

An agreement with SWCC to provide college courses to students was approved with a motion by Smiarowski, a second from Bear followed by all aye votes.

An agreement with ISU for the Educator Preparation Program was approved with a motion by Smiarowski, a second by Bear followed by all aye votes.

Registration fees were approved as follows:

Motion by Bear, second by Dachenbach followed by all aye votes – Book fees $45 and the tech fee will be dropped and all amounts paid to date will be refunded by the end of the first semester.

Motion by Bear, second by Dachenbach followed by all aye votes – non-certified hourly sub rates will be the same as the beginning hourly rate for employees.

Motion by Smiarowski, second by Bear followed by all aye votes – Activity fees will remain the same.

Motion by Cromer, second by Smiarowski followed by all aye votes – to leave certified sub rates at $115 per day.

Smiarowski made a motion to approve June Davis purchasing her assigned laptop for $100 upon her retirement from the District. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes from those present.

Next up were Propane bids. Agriland Farm Service submitted a bid of $.825 per gallon and United Farmers Coop submitted a bid of $.84 per gallon. Smiarowski motioned to accept the low bid from Agriland FS of $.825. Dachenbach seconded followed by aye votes from Evans, Bear, Smiarowski and Dachenbach. Cromer abstained. The Board would like to thank both bidders for their support of the District.

Next up, the Board was to review Board Policy 403.1. The policy discusses employee physicals. Drivers are required to pass DOT physicals to keep their driver’s authorization current. Smiarowski motioned to change the wording to allow Director Indorf to circumvent the current policy and allow drivers be sent to the most economical medical facility for their physicals. Dachenbach seconded followed by aye votes from Evans, Smiarowski, Dachenbach and Cromer. Bear abstained.

A 60/40 shared position for Human Resources with Wayne CSD was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Dachenbach. Aye votes were heard from Smiarowski, Evans, Cromer and Dachenbach. Bear abstained. Motion passes. Wayne CSD will hold the contract.

With a motion by Dachenbach and a second by Cromer MDL Insurance Services/Corydon were approved to provide liability and other insurance to the District. The second was followed by all aye votes to approve.

Smiarowski motioned to continue Jester breakdown insurance. Bear seconded followed by all aye votes to approve. Parmer, Utzke and Rash will meet with the Jester representative.

With a motion by Dachenbach and a second by Cromer MTCSD Leadership Committee’s preliminary Return to Learn Plan was approved for release to the public. All present voted aye in favor to approve.

With a motion by Bear and a second from Cromer the Board agreed to pay the golf coaches, Cale Moore and Cassie Moore one payment of their spring golf contract. Cromer, Smiarowski, Bear, and Evans voted aye to approve. Dachenbach abstained. The spring golf season was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Motion by Cromer and second by Dachenbach to approve the Bills and Financials. Motion is approved with all present voting aye.

Cromer motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Dachenbach seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Evans closed the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held July 8, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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

Filed Under: Minutes

June 22, 2020 Special Board Minutes

July 8, 2020 By

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

June 22, 2020

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:30 pm. Answering roll call were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Superintendent Phillips was also present. Because the purpose of this meeting was to include a closed session, no ZOOM link was provided.

Cromer motioned to go into closed session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) – To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session, Dachenbach seconded the motion followed by the following roll call vote:

Evans aye; Cromer aye; Smiarowski aye; bear aye; and Dachenbach aye.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. 

President Evans closed the meeting at 8:42 p.m. 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held July 8, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove and/or via ZOOM. 

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

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 Date               Date

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

Filed Under: Minutes