MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

April 8, 2013

Minutes

The Mormon Trail Board of Education held an exempt session in the elementary library.  Board members Peasley, Horton, Funk and Lundahl along with Superintendent Miller and Lovett entered exempt session at 6:35 p.m. to discuss bargaining strategies.  The exempt session was closed at 6:50 p.m.

President Lundahl opened the public budget hearing at 7:00 p.m. in the elementary library.  Present were Funk, Horton, Lundahl, Peasley, Superintendent Miller, Lovett and Willa Clark.  Lundahl asked for questions or comments from the public.  Following discussion with Clark, President Lundahl closed the budget hearing at 7:20 p.m.

President Lundahl called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the elementary library.  Funk, Horton, Lundahl and Peasley answered roll call.  Evans was absent.  Superintendent Miller, Principal Hunt, Principal Snyder, Lovett and Willa Clark were also in attendance.

Superintendent Miller requested amending the agenda by removing action item 8: to consider the 2013-2014 school calendar.  Mr. Miller advised the board it would be completed for the May meeting.  Horton moved to approve the agenda as amended.   All voted aye. Second by Peasley.  Following discussion Peasley moved to approve the remaining consent agenda.  Second by Horton All voted aye.

Funk moved to adopt the 2014 Budget.  The second was made by Peasley.  All voted aye.

Consideration of the MTEA collective bargaining proposal was tabled.  The item will be taken up later in the meeting.

Mr. Miller’s recommendation for hourly and administrative staff pay increases was considered.  Increases were recommended on years of service and job responsibilities.  Miller recommended adding one personal day to both principal’s contracts.  Horton moved to approve the recommendations.  The second was made by Funk.  All voted aye.

The administration recommended offering Kayla Ramirez a full-time contract for 2013-2014. She has been serving as a part-time shared teacher, teaching Spanish.  Horton moved to approve offering full-time contract ot Ramirez.  Peasley made the second.  All voted aye.

Funk moved to approve contracts from SWCC for instruction for the 2013-2014 school-year.  Classes approved will be in the medical field and PSEO classes.   The second was made by Peasley.  All voted aye.

Funk moved to approve the transfer of $75,000 from Local Option Sales Tax to Debt Service for the May 1, 2013 GO Bond payment and interest.  Horton made the second.  All voted aye.

Brad Funk moved to adopt a Start Date Waiver Request Resolution.  The resolution waiver is a request allowing the Board of Education to set the school start date earlier than the mandated start date.  President Lundahl called for a vote on the resolution.  Funk, Horton Peasley and Lundahl all voted aye.  The resolution was adopted.

Principal Hunt presented 13 Seniors for graduation.  Horton moved to approve them for graduation upon completion of all requirements.  Second by Peasley.  All voted aye.

Principal Snyder reported Iowa tests results are back and being reviewed.  All grades have made good progress.  Mr. Snyder highlighted the following upcoming activities:

• Elementary Spring Pictures will be taken April 10, 2013
• 4^th/5^th grade attended Ag Day in Leon
• 4^th-8^th grade Nation Theater for Children Program May 9.
• PK-6 Spring Program May 14^th @7:00 p.m.
• 4^th-6^th grade Track & Field Day @ Corydon
• K-6 field trip-TBA

Athletic Director Snyder reported spring sports are underway.  Varsity track has 7 boys and 5 girls on the roster.  JH track has 2 boys and 6 girls participating.  There are 7 boys and 1 girl on the golf team.

Principal Hunt reported the following secondary activities:

• The welding class went to Johnson Machine Works, Fat Baggers and Shivvers.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences were held March 12 & 14 with and 80% attendance.
• FCCLA went to conferences in Des Moines
• Juniors went to career day at IHCC in Ottumwa
• The Academic Team competed at Wayne
• Job Shadowing was done on April 3
• The seniors spent April 3 doing community service in Garden Grove, Leroy, Derby and Humeston.

The board discussed the language and salary increase requested by the MTEA.  Changes in language included allowing the use of 5 sick days for family leave as approved by the administration,  deletion of reimbursement for unused family days, termination of district paid annuity for employees hired after the 2013-2014 school-year and extra duty pay moving from $16 an hour to $17 an hour.  The total package is an increase of 3.5%.  Amy Horton moved to approve the proposal and 2013-2014 Master Agreement.   Funk made the second.  All voted aye.

Horton moved to adjourn the meeting.  Funk made the second.  All voted aye.

The next regular meeting will be May 20^th at 7:30 in the elementary library.  The foods class will be serving dinner to the Board at 7:00 p.m.  in observance of School Board Appreciation Week.

President Lundahl adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

March 11, 2013

Minutes

President Lundahl called the regular meeting of the board of education to order at 7:09 p.m. in the elementary library.  Evans, Funk, Horton, Lundahl and Peasley answered roll call.  Superintendent Miller, Principal Hunt, Lovett and Willa Clark were also in attendance.

Superintendent Miller requested changing Item 2 under D. Action items by adding Baker Group Proposal.  Horton moved to approve the agenda as amended and the minutes from the previous meeting.  Peasley made the second.  All voted aye

Following a brief discussion Horton moved to approve the bills of accounting and financial reports.  Funk provided the second.  All voted aye.

The board discussed the fire and security monitoring services in both buildings.  Mr. Miller has tried repeatedly to get an updated proposal from TYCO, the current provider, with no results.  It is his recommendation to accept the proposal from the Baker Group to provide the fire and security monitoring for both buildings.  The change will result in substantial savings to the district.  In addition he will contact Baker Group regarding their proposal for yearly fire alarm inspection.  Evans moved to end service from TYCO and accept the proposal from the Baker Group as recommended.  Funk made the second.  All voted aye.  A discussion regarding the fire alarm inspection will be made at a later date.

The board received three bids submitted to provide mowing for the 2013 mowing season.  Following review of the bids, Evans moved to approve the low bid submitted by Tim Myers.  His bid came in at $175 per mowing.  Each mowing includes both locations.  Funk made the second to the motion.  All voted aye.

Horton moved to approve the change in the school calendar to makeup the five days missed due to weather.  The days to be added for student attendance are March 20, April 1, April 29, May 23 and May 24^th.  Teachers will return on May 28.  Second by Peasley.  All voted aye.

The board received a resignation from Cheryl Paugh as FCS and Health instructor.  Cheryl began her position as Family Consumer Science instructor in 1987.  Horton regretfully moved to accept the resignation effective at the conclusion of the current school year.  Funk made the second.  All voted aye.  The board expressed their gratitude for all Mrs. Paugh has done for students of the district in and out of the classroom.

Mr. Miller discussed the 2014 proposed budget.  The overall property tax will be lowered to 15.03751 down from 16.48929 per 1000.  The decrease is due in part from increased property valuations and the budget guarantee.  Following discussion, Evans moved to approve the proposed 2014 budget for publication.  Peasley made the second.  All voted aye.  The public hearing will be held April 8, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the elementary library.

Superintendent Miller has been unable to locate a vehicle at the price previously set by the board.  Evans moved to allow up to $20,000 for purchase of a van or suburban for the district.  The second was made by Peasley.  All voted aye.

Principal Snyder was unable to attend the meeting, but submitted reports for the elementary and athletics.

Principal Hunt highlighted the following from his written report.

• 8^th Grade attended career day at SWICC,  the boys’ basketball team attended state tournament play and the JH Honor Choir traveled to Grimes for a concert.
• FFA raised $75 during FFA week, with Mrs. Peasley winning the Kiss the Pig Contest.  Proceeds went to Mr. Thatcher for his mission trip to Malawi.
• The winter athletic banquet was held March7, the Valentines dance was held with Cassandra Moore chosen Queen and Derek Head as King.
• The band will attend the Bluegrass Conference band on Monday at Twin Cedars.7-12 students earned over $1,200 For Mr. Thatcher’s mission trip.

Mr. Miller reported he sees students engaged in classes, positive behavior from students and a good school climate in both buildings.

Horton moved to adjourn the regular meeting.  Funk made the second.  All voted aye.

The next regular meeting will be April 8, 2013 following the Budget Hearing at 7:00 p.m.

President Lundahl adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

The board entered exempt session to discuss bargaining strategies.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING 

February 18, 2013

Minutes

President Lundahl called the regular meeting of the board of education to order at 7:09 p.m. in the elementary library.  Evans, Horton, Lundahl and Peasley answered roll call.  Brad Funk was absent.  Also present were Superintendent Miller, Principals Hunt and Snyder and Lovett.

Evans moved to accept the consent agenda.  Horton made the second.  All voted aye.

Horton moved to approve the bills of accounting and the financial report, following board questions and discussion.  Peasley made the second.  All voted aye.

Evans proposed the following resolution: Resolved, that the Board of Directors of Mormon Trail Community School District, will levy property tax for fiscal year 2013-2014 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section, 257.14, Code of Iowa.  Horton made the second.  All voted aye.

Horton moved to adopt The School Funding Resolution in support of providing adequate current funding for Iowa schools requests 4% allowable growth approved by the Iowa Legislature for 2013-14 and 2014-15 and conceptual implications of the Education Reform Proposal.    Evans made the second.  All voted aye.

The board received no bids for the used refrigerator.  Following discussion Evans moved to have the unit sold for scrap.  Peasley made the second.  All voted.

Peasley moved to approve the second reading of the 300 series of board policy with the approved changes.  Horton made the second.  All voted aye.

Superintendent Miller and Lovett have researched credit card options for the district.  Miller recommended a procurement card through the Iowa Association of School Business Officials.  The card will work as a credit card, has no fees and offers cash back.  Evans moved to approve a resolution authorizing issuance of individual procurement cards.  The second was made by Peasley.  All voted aye.

Willa Clark entered the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Mr. Miller asked to board to begin considering a one-to-one initiative to provide chrome books to students.  The district has enough band width to support the program, but there are infrastructure needs that will need to be addressed.  Mr. Miller provided information on how to train students and staff to use the chrome books to increase learning.  This will be an ongoing conversation for the next few months.

Superintendent Miller has been in contact with Tyco/ADT Security to review the service the district is receiving.  The representative will send a proposal for service by the end of the week.  This proposal will be reviewed and other options explored and presented to board at the next regular meeting.

Board meeting dates for March and April were discussed.  Horton moved  to set the March meeting for the 11^that 7:00 p.m.   April 8^th will be the date for the budget hearing at 7:00 p.m. with the board meeting following at 7:30 p.m.  Peasley made the second to the motion.  All voted aye.

Mike Snyder reviewed his written report to the board.  He highlighted attendance records and honor roll student achievements.  Iowa testing and MAP testing have been completed.  Snyder’s athletic reports gave the final stats for the concluded basketball season.  He reported varsity track has started with 12 boys and 8-10 girls participating.

Superintendent Hunt reported the following:

• ITBS testing will be February 18^th through the 22^nd for 7-12 students.
• This is FFA week.
• New teachers have received white board training.
• Nation Honor society selection and induction will be at the winter athletic banquet scheduled for Thursday, February 28^th at 6:30 p.m.
• Reading and math scores were discussed.  There have been increases in student achievement in both areas.

Horton moved to adjourn the meeting.  Peasley made the second.  All voted aye.

President Lundahl adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

January 21, 2013

Minutes

Vice-President Pat Evans called the regular meeting of the board of education to order at 7:02 p.m. in the elementary library.  Evans, Funk, Horton, and Peasley answered roll call.  Also present were Superintendent Miller, Principal Hunt, Principal Snyder, Lovett , Willa Clark and MTEA representative Brad Krutsinger.  Members of the senior class, senior parents and class sponsors were also present.

Evans turned the floor over to Mr. Krutsinger.  Krutsinger was present to inform the board of the Mormon Trail Education Association’s intent to bargain.  The association proposed face to face negotiations prior to opening proposals.  The board agreed to this arrangement.  Mr. Miller and Mr. Krutsinger will set a date for the first meeting as soon as possible.

Evans asked for the representative from the senior class to inform the board of their proposed senior trip plans.  Cassie Moore spoke for the group.  They are planning their trip to the Wisconsin Dells.  They will be staying at the Kalahari Resorts for three nights.  The total estimated cost of the trip is $4,308.  Ten or eleven students are planning on participating.  Mr. Miller praised the group’s presentation.  Evans thanked students, parents and sponsors for attending.

Superintendent Miller recommended amending the agenda by striking action item D.7 Employee Time Reporting.  Funk moved to approve the agenda as amended.  Peasely made the second.  All voted aye

Peasley moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.  Horton made the second.

The board was informed the district has received an open enrollment out request for a student who has moved into the district but will be attending Central Decatur.  The district has also received open enrollment out requests for two students who will start kindergarten next fall.

Superintendent Miller reviewed the financial report.  Horton moved to approve the financial report and the bills of accounting.  Second by Peasley.  All voted aye.

Mr. Hunt and Mr. Miller recommended offering contracts to Lee Jass and Sharon Day to direct the all school play, and one to Robert Thatcher for scenery assistant.  Horton moved to approve the contracts.  Peasley made the second.  All vote aye.

Mr. Miller has not been able to locate a van to purchase.  His recommendation is to purchase a vehicle at auction.  He asked to board to approve a dollar limit on such a purchase.  Following discussion Peasely moved to approve up to $15,000 for the purchase at auction.  Funk made the second.  All voted aye.

The board discussed options of disposal of the refrigerator from the elementary kitchen.  Superintendent Miller said it would take $600 or more for parts plus labor to repair the unit.  His recommendation is to sell the refrigerator as is.  Funk moved to advertise and accept sealed bids for the refrigerator.  Horton made the second.  All voted aye.

The following coaching assignments were presented for approval:

• Varsity Track, Robert Thatcher
• Junior High Track, Mike Snyder
• Golf, Steve Hunt
• Baseball, Brad Krutsinger
• Softball, Josh Stiles.

Amy Horton submitted a letter volunteering to assist with softball.  Funk moved to approve all positions.  Second by Peasley.  All voted aye.

Principal Snyder reported the following:

• The next elementary assembly will be February 7^th at 10:15 a.m.
• Iowa testing will begin February 4^th.
• Students will be released at 12:30 p.m. on February 8^th for teacher professional development.
• The 21^st Century Learning Center after school program is underway.  50 elementary students are participating.  Julie Griffith is the coordinator for the program.

Principal Hunt reported the following:

• Central Trail FFA students attended the Denver stock show.
• Student council members raised $129 for the food pantry.
• Map testing will be the end of the month and the start of      February.
• 25 students had perfect attendance for the 2^nd      quarter.
• 12 students had perfect attendance for the 1^st      semester.
• A honor roll 1^st semester – 12 students, B      honor roll 1^st semester-20 students.
• Dallas Schuman, Ariaus Fraker, Joel Funk received All      Academic awards for football.
• Friday the Iowa Pride academy will do a workshop on making      good choices and being an effective leader.  Junior High students will also cover bullying.

Superintendent Miller reported he has been hearing good things about the afterschool program.  He says he is seeing great things happening in the buildings at all levels.  Mr. Miller talked briefly about the current legislative session.

Horton moved to adjourn the meeting.  Peasley made the second.  All voted aye.

The next regular meeting will be February 18^th at 7:00 p.m. in the elementary library.

Vice-President Evans adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.