MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
President Lundahl called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:45
p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Board members Funk, Evans and Lundahl were present.
Smiarowski and Peasley were absent. Also in attendance were Superintendent, Lorna Paxson, Principals
Mike Snyder and Steve Hunt and Board Secretary, Peggy Rash. Jason Selby from the Humeston New Era
Funk made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included agenda approval and open
enrollment. Evans seconded the motion to approve with all present voting aye.
After a brief discussion of the expenditures presented for payment, Funk made a motion to approve the
month’s bills for payment. The motion was seconded by Evans with all voting aye.
The Bus Lease and Service Management Agreement with Durham School Services were put on hold until
clarification can be made on a couple of items concerning activity trip billing. The item was put back on
the August agenda after an error in the contract was discovered after the July meeting.
Next on the agenda were the resignations of Roxie Armbrester, Humeston Cook and Brenda Henrichs,
Van route driver. Evans made the motion to accept both resignations with Funk seconding the motion.
All voted aye. The Board would like to thank both ladies for their years of service to the District and
Evans made the motion to approve and offer Jennifer L Wright the JH Math & Science 5/8th position.
Funk seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.
The following Schedule B contracts were approved contingent on sufficient student numbers:
HS Assistant Technical Drama – Robert Thatcher
HS Speech Contest – Dylan Jones
Funk made the motion to approve with Evans seconding. All voted aye.
Additional contracts were approved for Cross Country – Elizabeth Vanderflught , contingent on licensing
and student numbers, Cheerleading Coach – Shannon Knust, Summer School Teacher – Adam Hysell,
Driver’s Education – Mike Snyder, and Humeston Cook – Jackie Ericson. Evans made the motion to
approve with Funk seconding. All voted aye. The Garden Grove custodial position was not acted upon.
Next on the Agenda was discussion of the need for the District to make an inter-fund loan between the
Capital Projects (SAVE) Fund and the General Fund. The loan is necessary to cover expenses while
waiting for State Foundation Aid payments to begin in September
Board Member, Pat Evans introduced the following Resolution and moved that it be adopted.
“I move that the Board of Directors of Mormon Trail CSD authorize an inter-fund loan from SAVE to the
General Fund, in the amount of $250,000. The terms of repayment of the loan are as follows including
the payment of interest: Transfer on August 11, 2015, Payback on or before September 30, 2016 at a
rate equal to the Great Western Bank daily rate of approximately .0001%. The Board Secretary/Business
Manager is authorized and directed to take the appropriate actions to comply with the requirements of
the Iowa Department of Education’s Declaratory Order regarding inter-fund loans.”
Board Member, Brad Fund seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. The roll was called and the
AYES: Evans, Funk, and Lundahl
Board President, Jan Lundahl declared that the Resolution be adopted
Passed and approved August 10, 2015.
A motion to discontinue the monthly newsletter sent to every house in the District was made by Evans
and seconded by Funk. All present voted aye. The decision will save the District approximately three
thousand dollars per year. The District has a website that can be utilized for much of the information
sent out in the newsletter. Board minutes, menus, the school calendar and activities will be updated on
the District’s website so that members of the community will be able to keep up on all the school’s
activities on a regular and more timely basis. You’ll find the website @ www.mormontrailcsd.org
Funk made the motion for Secretary Rash to amend the July minutes to clarify the action taken
regarding the damaged light pole on the SW corner of the baseball/softball field. Smiarowski had
brought up his concern that the pole posed a safety issue and ask permission to proceed with an
estimate from Jay Williams Construction to get the light pole taken down and have underground wiring
installed to replace the damaged pole as soon as possible. Smiarowski was also ask to get additional
estimates for updating the lighting around both the bb/sb and football fields. Options available could
include replacing the current overhead wiring with underground wiring around both athletic fields. The
Board approved the motion to amend. Motion by Funk, second by Evans, with all voting aye.
Funk motioned for Superintendent Paxson to proceed with obtaining a waiver from the state for Spanish
I, II, III & IV as no applications had been received for the position. If granted, students would be able to
receive instruction and obtain credit online for the classes. The motion was seconded by Evans with all
Superintendent Paxson ask the Board to consider a proposal for 3 new copiers from M&M Sales.
Representatives had contacted the school with a promotional opportunity available to replace the
current copiers with 3 new ones with a new 5-year lease agreement. The action would allow the District
to upgrade and replace the copiers currently on lease from M&M one year early. Funk made the motion
to approve the new lease with Evans seconding. Motion passed with all voting in favor.
Administrative reports were given by Principals Hunt and Snyder. Secondary Principal Hunt reported
that the High School would have 2 foreign exchange students attending school this year. Both Principals
reported enrollment was up in both buildings after registration was held August 4th. It is anticipated
that a second preschool classroom will also be needed this year. Principal Snyder extended his thanks to
everyone in the Community who helped with the Elementary Playground Project, including Lori Reed
and Becky Stripe who organized the project. It was noted that parents of many of the students who will
benefit from the new playground helped raise money through fundraisers when they attended Mormon
Trail School as children. Superintendent, Lorna Paxson, shared the District’s Annual Yearly Progress
Report with those present. Those wishing to view the report may contact the District Office. Evans made
the motion to adjourn with Funk seconding the motion. All voted aye and President Lundahl adjourned
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held September
17th @ 7:30 p.m. in the Elementary Library.
____________________________ ___________________________
President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education
_________
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