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 4th through Tuesday, May 7th; 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 8th, 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.
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President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education
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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