MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
February 9, 2015
Board Minutes
President Lundahl called the regular meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library.
Board members Peasley, Funk, Smiarowski, Evans and Lundahl were present. Also in attendance were
Superintendent Miller, Principals Hunt and Snyder, Secretary Rash, Renae Poush, Crystal Boggs, Christian
Hilton, Brad Krutsinger and Mona Baker. Linda Grismore was also present.
Visitor Brad Krutsinger, representing the Mormon Trail Education Association, briefly spoke about the
negotiation process. A waiver waiving the May 31 date for completion of negotiations has been signed
giving the Association and the District more time to come to a voluntary agreement concerning a
collective bargaining agreement for the 2015-16 school year.
Mona Baker was present to discuss the FFA program. Baker reported the group was in the top 20
schools selling fruit and cheese this year, raising around $1700. The FFA chapter has several projects in
their future, including the Adopt a Highway program and cleaning up the old Horse Arena in the east
part of Humeston. The group will participate in District competition, FFA Week, and will hold a Spring
Banquet in the coming weeks. Baker also spoke to the Board about wanting to hold a fundraiser,
possibly yet this school year or in the summer. The group is interested in a Donkey basketball game to
raise money for Mormon Trail’s FFA chapter.
Funk made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included agenda approval, approval of the
January minutes which included both the regular and special meetings, and an open enrollment request
into the district. Peasley seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda with all voting in favor.
After discussing the monthly bills presented for payment, Smiarowski made a motion to approve the
month’s bills of accounting. The motion was seconded by Evans with all voting aye.
Funk made a motion to table a decision on a FFA fundraising request pending more information.
Smiarowski made the second with all voting in favor of the motion. The Board will revisit the request at
a later date.
Next on the agenda was the consideration of several projects Superintendent Miller would like to see
completed before he steps down as Superintendent June 30th. First up for consideration was the
purchase and installation of 74 lockers at both Garden Grove and Humeston. The lockers will allow
students to safely store items while participating in athletics and other events at the schools.
Smiarowski made the motion to approve. Peasley seconded the motion. All voted aye.
A new, more efficient furnace was discussed which would replace the hanging heaters currently being
used in the shop and kitchen areas in the Garden Grove facility. Funk made the motion to purchase a
unit from Southern Iowa Heating and Cooling, Centerville. Smiarowski seconded with all voting aye.
Evans made a motion to purchase and replace several new toilet partitions in both the Humeston and
Garden Grove buildings. Smiarowski made the second with all voting in favor of the motion.
Next up for discussion was installing Security Systems at both the Humeston and Garden Grove
buildings. Funk made the motion to approve with Smiarowski seconding. All voted aye.
Elementary Principal and Athletic Director, Snyder reported that Chrome books had been distributed to
5th and 6th graders. The elementary is taking Iowa Assessment tests this week. Snyder also reported that
Mormon Trail’s K-6 has been named a spotlight school and will be visited by a group of actors from the
Des Moines Playhouse on February 17th. In March, the Elementary students will attend the production of
“The somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood” presented by the Des Moines Playhouse. Also, K-12 students
will be going to Wayne CSD to attend a presentation by Wayne County Development Corporation called
“Think”. All Wayne County Schools have been invited to participate. “Think” teaches students about the
environment and recycling. Snyder spoke highly of the Jr. High Basketball programs. The boys had an
undefeated season and have started post season Booster Club tournaments. The girls had a good season
as well, playing out the season with only 5 team players. He commended both teams on their dedication
and hard work.
Secondary Principal Hunt reported the Secondary students would be doing Iowa Assessment testing the
week of February 23rd. Winter MAP testing is complete with 30 some students tested. He was very
pleased with the results. Scores in Math increased 2.7% and Reading scores saw a 4% increase. Hunt
reported that the Jr and Sr High had more than normal numbers of students with perfect attendance
First Semester. Principal Hunt commended Lee Jass and the Speech group on a successful year. Coming
up, the 8th graders with be attending a Career Day at SWCC. Hunt also reported that the High School
Choir has been invited, along with other Decatur County Schools, to perform at Graceland University
with Simon Estes. Lamoni, Leon, and Mormon Trail Choirs will perform individually and as a group with
Estes on April 19th.
Alan Miller, District Superintendent, reported that he and Peggy Rash had gone to Des Moines January
21st to attend the SBRC meeting where the District’s corrective plan for filing an untimely Certified
Annual Report was approved. Miller also reported he was in contact with area Legislators concerning
local and state school related issues. Miller ended with a reminder that Graduation will be held at 1pm
Sunday, May 17th.
Smiarowski made the motion to adjourn with Peasley seconding the motion. All voted aye and
President Lundahl adjourned the meeting at 8:13pm.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held March 9th @
7:30 pm 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