Mormon Trail

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

April 14, 2020

President Pat Evans called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Garden Grove Board Office. Due to COVID-19, there were 12 Guests signing in via a zoom link. Answering roll call were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also in attendance.

John Hansen with Midwest Construction Consultants and Chase Clark, Technology Director, each spoke to the Board during the Public Forum.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Dachenbach. Items 3 & 10 will be moved to the top of the action items. All present voted aye to approve.

The consent agenda which included the previous meeting minutes along with one open enrollment request out of the District that met requirements, were approved with a motion by Dachenbach and a second by Cromer. All present voted aye to approve.

First up under action items, John Hansen, Construction Manager for Midwest Construction Consultants was introduced to the Board. With a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Dachenbach, Hansen will be contracted to provide Basic Services (fixed fee of $264,825 plus other expenses), as well as, full-time On-Site Supervision ($9800 per month plus other expenses) for the new addition project for a K-12 building in Humeston. Midwest Construction will work with DLR, Architects for the project and be employed by the Mormon Trail CSD Board. All present voted aye to approve. The project will have a one-year warranty.

Second under action items, Chase Clark, Technology Director explained an opportunity for a Category 2 E-Rate internal connection project for the District. Services will be provided by 20/20 Technologies. The project will have a one-year warranty. Both Garden Grove and Humeston will receive services utilizing this funding. With a motion by Dachenbach, a second from Bear, followed by ayes from all present the motion passes to approve.

Bear made a motion to accept the resignation of June Nolte-Davis as K-12 Librarian for the District. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from all present. The Board would like to thank Davis for her years of service to the District and wish her well in her retirement.

There were no new contracts offered. A decision on coaching contracts was tabled with a motion by Cromer and a second from Smiarowski. All present voted aye to table until the next meeting.

Director Bear read the following pre-levy resolution:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $5,515,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BONDS, AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF

WHEREAS, the Mormon Trail Community School District in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, is a public school corporation, organized and existing under the Constitution and laws of the State of Iowa, and is not affected by any special legislation; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the School District in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 296 received a petition, which was signed by qualified electors numbering at least 25% the voters voting at the last regular school election, asking that an election be called, and at a meeting called by the President of the Board of Directors, within ten days after receipt of the petition, called an election and submitted on March 3, 2020, the following proposition:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,515,000 to provide funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site?

and gave notice of the election and of the proposition; and

WHEREAS, the election was conducted on the date and the proposition was legally submitted, approved and no contest was made; and

WHEREAS, none of the Bonds authorized at the election have been issued, and it is now necessary to issue not to exceed $5,515,000 General Obligation School Bonds, and to levy a tax for the payment;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE Mormon Trail Community School District, IN THE COUNTIES OF Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, STATE OF IOWA:

Section 1.  Authorization of the Issuance of School Bonds.  School Bonds in the amount of not to exceed $5,515,000 (the “Bonds”) shall be issued pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 296 for the purposes approved at the election of March 3, 2020.  Additional action shall be taken by the Board of Directors to provide for the issuance of the Bonds upon the sale of the Bonds.

Section 2.  Levy of Annual Tax for the Fiscal Year 2021 Commencing July 1, 2020.  For the purpose of providing funds to pay the principal and interest of the Bonds due and payable in the Fiscal Year 2021 commencing July 1, 2020 (the “Fiscal Year 2021”), there is levied upon all the taxable property in the School District, $387,380 for the Fiscal Year 2021.

Section 3.  Levy of Annual Tax for Subsequent Fiscal Years.  Based upon the terms of sale of the Bonds to be issued, this Board will take final action upon the sale of the Bonds to issue the Bonds by resolution, provide for the assessment of an annual levy upon all the taxable property in the School District sufficient to pay the interest and principal of the Bonds within a period not exceeding twenty (20) years, and will file the resolution with the County Auditor of each County in which the School District is located.  The filing provides that the Auditor annually levy for collection from the taxable property of the School District until funds are realized to pay the bonds in full.

This schedule will be amended when the Board of Directors takes additional action upon the sale of the Bonds to provide for the issuance of the Bonds subsequent to the sale of the Bonds.

A certified copy of this Resolution shall be filed with the County Auditors of the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, who are instructed in and for each of the years, to levy, assess and collect the tax in the same manner as other taxes of the School District and, when collected, these taxes shall be used only for the purpose of paying principal and interest on the Bonds.

Principal and interest coming due at any time when the proceeds of the tax on hand are insufficient to pay the amount due shall be promptly paid when due from current funds of the District available for that purpose and reimbursement must be made.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 14th day of April, 2020. 

Motion by Cromer, Second by Dachenbach to approve the pre-levy resolution as read. All present voted as follows: Cromer aye; Dachenbach aye; Smiarowski aye; Bear aye; and Evans aye. Motion

passes.

Motion by Bear, second by Smiarowski followed by all aye votes to approve the Financial Services Agreement with Piper Sandler.

Motion by Bear, second by Cromer to approve the Dissemination Agreement with Piper Sandler. All present vote aye to approve.

Motion by Bear, second by Dachenbach, followed by all aye votes from Cromer, Dachenbach, Bear, Evans and Smiarowski to execute Engagement Letter with Piper Sandler. Motion passes.

The Engagement Agreements with Ahler’s and Cooney were passed with a motion by Bear, a second from Cromer followed by aye votes from Cromer, Dachenbach, Bear, Evans and Smiarowski.

Director Bear read the following resolution:

RESOLUTION FIXING THE DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,200,000 SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE SALES, SERVICES AND USE TAX REVENUE bondS

WHEREAS, the School District receives revenue from the State of Iowa Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund (“SAVE Revenue”) pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 423F and an election duly held in accordance therewith on September 13, 2011 approving a revenue purpose statement (the “Revenue Purpose Statement”), the Board of Directors is currently entitled to spend SAVE Revenue for school infrastructure purposes; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is in need of funds for the following school infrastructure project: to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has deemed it necessary and advisable that the District issue School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, in the approximate amount of $2,200,000 for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement; and

WHEREAS, before said Bonds may be issued, it is necessary to comply with the provisions of Iowa Code Section 423F.4, and to publish a notice of the time and place of the public hearing on the proposal to issue such Bonds; and

WHEREAS, notice of the time and place of a public hearing must be published not less than ten nor more than twenty days before the public hearing in a newspaper having general circulation in the District:

NOW, THEREFORE, it is resolved:

1. A public hearing will be held in the Garden Grove Board Office, 502 East Main Street, Garden Grove, Iowa, on May 13, 2020, at 6:30 P.M., on the proposal to issue approximately $2,200,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement.
2. The Secretary is authorized and directed to publish notice of this public hearing in a newspaper having general circulation in the School District.  Such publication will be made not less than ten nor more than twenty days ahead of the hearing date, and be in substantially the following form:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,200,000 SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE SALES, SERVICES AND USE TAX REVENUE BONDS

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District, in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing upon its proposed issuance of approximately $2,200,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years, pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement.

The hearing will be held in the Garden Grove Board Office, 502 East Main Street, Garden Grove, Iowa, on May 13, 2020, at 6:30 P.M.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 14th day of April, 2020.

Motion by Cromer, Second by Dachenbach to approve the resolution to set the date for a Hearing, as read. All present voted as follows: Cromer aye; Dachenbach aye; Smiarowski aye; Bear aye; and Evans aye. Motion passes.

With a motion from Cromer, a second from Bear followed by ayes from all present, a second load of rock was approved for the softball/baseball fields.

The March 3^rd Special election results were certified with a motion by Dachenbach, a second from Cromer and ayes from all board members present. There were 411 votes for the first question, 228 votes against the question with a total of 639 votes cast in the District for the question asking voters, in summary, to authorize to levy annually over $2.70 but not to exceed $4.05 per $1000.

For the second question, in summary, asking voters to allow the District to Contract indebtedness & issue General Obligation Bonds not exceeding $5,515,000 there were 412 votes for the question, 227 votes against the question with a total of 639 votes cast.

Bear made the motion to use ISEBA for the District’s health, dental and vision plans for 20-21. Comer seconded followed by ayes from all present.

Coaches pay was tabled until next meeting with a motion by Cromer, a second from Smiarowski followed by ayes from all present.

Bills and Financials were approved with a motion by Dachenbach and a second from Bear. All present voted aye to approve.

Superintendent Phillips spoke to the Board about hiring a transportation director and custodians/ maintenance positions.

Principal Stripe reported to the Board about what teachers and students are doing to manage the closure of schools by the State due to COVID-19. She also reported the kitchen staff is putting in a lot of time two days a week to supply food to District families.

Secretary Rash fielded questions from the Board about the FY19 Audit report and the 20-2021 Preliminary Budget. She also talked about the 19-2020 budget amendment.

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

Evans closed the meeting at 9:35 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Wednesday, May 13, 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

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

April 3, 2020    

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:00 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. 10 named guests signed on via ZOOM in addition to six unidentified guests.

No one wished to speak during the Public Forum.

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

The only action item was to discuss closing school until April 30^th at the recommendation of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Cromer made a motion to follow the Governor’s recommendation and close school due to COVID-19, returning April 30^th. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans to approve. There will be no activities during this time.

There were no discussion items.

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

President Evans closed the meeting at 6:07 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Friday, April 10, 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 the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

March 30, 2020    

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:36 pm in the Garden Grove Board office. Answering roll call in person, were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer and Evans. Smiarowski was absent. Board Secretary Peggy Rash and Superintendent Phillips were also present. Principal Becky was present via ZOOM. 16 guests attended via ZOOM.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer to delete the consent agenda, along with action items 1,2, and 6. Bear seconded. Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer and Evans voted aye to approve. Smiarowski was absent.

First up under action items, Bear made a motion to delay the return to school due to COVID-19 to Tuesday, April 14^th. Dachenbach seconded followed with ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer and Evans to approve. Smiarowski was absent. Iowa’s Governor, Kim Reynolds has recommended that all Iowa schools be shut down through April 14th. There will be no activities during this time.

Bear motioned, followed by a second from Dachenbach, to table discussion on item #4, Water to Baseball Concession Stand, until Smiarowski is present. Ayes were heard from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer and Evans to approve. Smiarowski was absent.

Superintendent Phillips’ contract and benefits were up next for discussion. Dachenbach made a motion to continue Mr. Phillips’ 3 year rolling contract with the following terms: total contracted days 172, vacation days 10.5, sick days 12, and personal days 3. Phillips will also receive Family Health Insurance and the use of a school vehicle for use during school business. Days in the District will be 4 days during the school year and 2 days during the summer. Total salary remains the same at $90,993.06. Because of qualifying hours in the District, Phillips will be allowed to purchase Disability and Life Insurance at his own expense. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer and Evans to approve. Smiarowski was absent.

Superintendent Phillips reported on his goals. Each Board member will bring 3-4 goals to the April meeting.

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

President Evans closed the meeting at 7:24 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Friday, April 10, 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 the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC HEARING

2020-21 SCHOOL CALENDAR

March 11, 2020    

Vice President Marc Smiarowski called the 2020-21 school calendar public hearing of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Garden Grove Board Office. Guests signing in were Chris Hilton, Gloria Rumley, Claudia Brown, Rachel Graham, Brandi Dyer, Staci Porterfield, Kara Hilton and Pam Woollis.  Board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans, Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also in attendance. Smiarowski motioned to close the hearing followed by a second from Bear. All present voted aye. President Evans closed the hearing at 6:48 pm

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

President Pat Evans called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:48 p.m. in the Garden Grove Board Office. Guests signing in were Chris Hilton, Gloria Rumley, Claudia Brown, Rachel Graham, Brandi Dyer, Staci Porterfield, Kara Hilton and Pam Woollis. Answering roll call were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also in attendance.

Graham and Dyer both spoke during the public forum to express their concerns about the 4-day school week being planned for next school year. They are both nervous about what the days will look like and if the teachers will have time to plan for the new schedule.

Bear made the motion to give FFA advisor Mona Baker the go ahead to start a Big Brother Big Sister program. The motion was seconded by Dachenbach followed by ayes from all present.

Marc Smiarowski also spoke to those present about why it would have been hard to continue as Board President. Smiarowski wanted to clarify that he has taken a new position with the company he works for and felt he wouldn’t have the time it really takes to do what the position requires. He looks forward to continue serving the District as Vice President and will still be available to everyone in the District to share ideas.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Bear. Items 3 & 4 will be moved to the top of the action items. All present voted aye to approve.

The consent agenda which included the previous meeting minutes along with open enrollment requests that met requirements, were approved with a motion by Smiarowski and a second by Dachenbach. All present voted aye to approve. There were five new open enrollment requests out of the District reported.

Stacie Porterfield and Kara Hilton discussed with the board an opportunity for students currently in grades 5-9 to tour Washington DC in the future. A student must be in grade 7-11 to qualify at the time of the trip. They suggested the trip could be an option for the M term. Cost of the tour would be around $1889 per person and paid for by the student. Bear made the motion for Porterfield and Hilton to look into this opportunity an option for M term. Dachenbach seconded followed by all ayes to approve.

There will be 9 students and 2 adults going on Senior Trip this year. Class sponsors, Brad Krutsinger and Teri Indorf will be the adults accompanying the group. Bear made a motion to allow the group to spend up to $5000 for the trip. Dachenbach seconded followed by all ayes to approve. The budget will be brought to the next board meeting for approval in April. The Senior class has worked on various fund raisers throughout high school to pay for their trip.

Cromer made a motion to accept the resignations of Bridgette Stark, FCS and Jr/Sr High guidance and Claudia Brown, TLC coach and long-time elementary teacher. Bear seconded followed by ayes from all present. The Board would like to thank both Stark and Brown for their years of service to the District. Mrs. Brown has been teaching in the District for 36 years.

There were no new contracts offered.

With a motion by Bear and a second from Dachenbach the Board approved a topical land survey proposal from DLR with projected costs between $7800 – $10,000. All present voted aye to approve.

At the recommendation of Superintendent Phillips, the Board will begin advertising for a Head Custodian/Maintenance Director position to oversee maintenance and one additional custodian in the District. This position will oversee and maintain the property at both locations, including mowing the grounds and snow removal. The 12-month position will be shared with another District if possible. Phillips estimates a savings of $30,000 annually. The motion to advertise was made by Bear and seconded by Cromer. All present voted aye to pass the motion.

With a motion by Bear and a second by Smiarowski the Board agreed to set the GO Bond term to 20yrs @ $3.60. All present voted aye to approve.

The 2020-2021 calendar was approved with a motion by Dachenbach and a second by Bear. All present voted aye to adopt calendar “A” at 1128.82 hrs.

Smiarowski read the Budget Guarantee Resolution for the 2020-21 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, 2020

Be it resolved, that the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District, will levy property tax for fiscal year 2020-21 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa.

Motion by Bear, second by Dachenbach to accept the resolution with the following roll call vote: Bear aye; Dachenbach aye; Cromer aye; Evans aye; and Smiarowski aye. There were no nay votes. Motion passes. The amount for 2020-21 is $115,719.

The District accepted the Early Retirement application for Claudia Brown effective at the end of the current fiscal year, 2019-2020. The plan is offered to full-time certified employees meeting certain criteria only. The District will provide single premium health insurance coverage for one year. The motion passes with a motion by Bear, a second from Cromer followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans to approve. A second application submitted by Bridgette Stark was denied as the “years served in the District” criteria was not met. 

Combining items #11 and #12, with a motion by Bear, a second from Dachenbach, followed by all ayes from the Board, the Board approved for Pat Evans to get a quote for fencing using steel posts and barbed wire, at the school’s cost, for the Kyner property west of the school’s current property line. Superintendent Phillips will approve the quote if it is $4999 or less. Anything more will need to be revisited by the Board for approval.

Last under action items, Smiarowski made a motion to approve the bills and financials. Bear seconded followed by ayes from all present. Motion carries. 

Stripe turned her report time over to Chris Hilton who updated the Board on student assessments.

Superintendent Phillips briefly updated the Board on what was happening in the District. He is still working on Operational Sharing opportunities and calculates there are around 9 hours to make up for days missed due to weather.

With a motion by Cromer and a second by Bear the group ask to take a roll call vote to enter into closed session in reference to Iowa Code 21.5 (1) (j). All guests were thanked for coming and were ask to leave the open meeting. Roll call was answered as follows: Dachenbach aye, Bear aye, Cromer aye, Smiarowski aye and Evans aye. The Board entered closed session at 8:40 pm.

.

Cromer motioned to continue as discussed. Dachenbach seconded followed by all ayes to continue.

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

Evans closed the meeting at 9:32 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Friday, April 10, 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

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

March 16, 2020    

Superintendent Phillips called the emergency meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 11:35 a.m. in the Garden Grove Board office. Answering roll call via electronic text communication to hold an emergency meeting in regard to a state of emergency due to COVID-19, were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Smiarowski and Evans. Cromer entered the meeting at 11:43 a.m. Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Jr High/High School secretary, Stevie Parmer was also in attendance.

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

There was no consent agenda.

First up under action items, Smiarowski made a motion to approve an immediate change in the 2019-2020 calendar as follows: March 17^th will be a teacher work day. Students will also be allowed to come to their school from 2-4 pm and pick up any necessary supplies, text books, Chromebooks and medications needed for the break. Spring break will be extended through March 31^st. At that time, the COVID-19 situation will be reevaluated. As of this meeting, Iowa’s Governor, Kim Reynolds has recommended that all Iowa schools be shut down for four weeks. There will be no activities during this time. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans to approve.

Smiarowski motioned to purchase 40 Chromebooks at a cost of approximately $5800 for online learning instruction should the break be extended. Dachenbach seconded. Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans voted aye to pass the motion.

.

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

Superintendent Phillips closed the meeting at 11:58 a.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Wednesday, April 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

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

February 19, 2020    

President Evans called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:34 p.m. in the Garden Grove Board Office. Answering roll call were board members Dachenbach, Smiarowski and Evans. Cromer entered the meeting at 6:37pm and Bear entered at 7:43 pm. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also in attendance. Guests signing in were Christian Hilton, Claudia Brown, Kara Hilton, Pam Woollis, Kim Hayes and Mona Baker.

During Public forum, Mona Baker spoke to the Board about starting up a Big Brother Big Sister program. Superintendent Phillip told Baker Board approval is not necessary for her to do that.

Claudia Brown, Pam Woollis, Kim Hayes and Chris Hilton were up next to speak during the public forum. The group talked to the Board as part of an ESSA group. ESSA is an acronym for Every Student Succeeds Act. The group went over assessments and explained the District’s proficiency score. 64% of our students are reaching their expected goals. The state wants 80%. The state average is 69% proficiency. The group explained some reasons the District’s score might be lower than we’d like. One such reason is that our reading curriculum is out of date. The group would like the Board to look into changing to a new reading curriculum. The Board took no action. Mr Phillips told the group and the Board that changing would require public input before the Board could take any action.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Smiarowski followed by a second from Dachenbach. All present voted aye to approve.

The consent agenda which included the previous meeting minutes, along with open enrollment requests that meet requirements, was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Smiarowski. All present voted aye. There were three new open enrollment requests out of the District. None into the District.

There was no resignation brought to the Board.

The following Spring and Summer sport contracts were approved:

Boys High School golf/Cale Moore and Girls High School golf/Cassie Moore – motion by Bear, second from Dachenbach followed by ayes from all present. Contracts will be issued contingent on licenses being current.

JH Boys and Girls Track/Robert Thatcher, HS Boys and Girls Track co-coaches/ Leslie Bexten and Elizabeth Vanderflught – motion by Cromer, second from Dachenbach followed by ayes from all present. Contracts will be issued contingent on licenses being current.

Head Softball/Cassie Moore and head Baseball/Jason Newton – motion by Smiarowski, second by Dachenbach to approve pending up to date licenses. All present voted aye to approve.

A bid for a new convection oven from Kohl’s ($7257.35) was approved with a motion by Bear and a second from Cromer. All present voted aye. Central Restaurant Products also submitted bids ranging from $7407-$7935.30.

The Board agreed to renew a postage lease with Pitney Bowes. The current lease will expire soon and Pitney Bowes has offered an upgraded postage machine for a similar cost. Smiarowski made the motion to approve, Cromer seconded, and all present voted aye to approve the motion.

Shared contracts were up next for discussion. Currently the District shares technology with both Green Hills AEA and also with Seymour CSD. In a motion by Smiarowski, followed by a second from Dachenbach, the Board voted to discontinue the arrangement with Green Hills AEA for next year and to continue sharing with Seymour CSD. The motion was approved with a vote of all ayes from those present.

The Board would like Mr Phillips and Mrs Stripe to visit with Wayne CSD about the sharing arrangement for TAG teacher for fiscal year 2020-21 With a motion by Cromer, a second from Dachenbach followed by ayes from all present the matter was tabled and will be revisited at the March meeting.

Smiarowski motioned to approve the bills and financials, but only after holding payment to Grand River Mutual for replacing the phone system at both Humeston and Garden Grove. Cromer seconded followed by all ayes.

Principal Stripe and Superintendent Phillips briefly updated the Board on what was happening in the District. Secretary Rash reported she had received the Health Insurance renewal for 2020-21. Costs are expected to stay the same for Dental but Health insurance will see an increase of around 8.25%. The vision plan benefits will be changed by the plan administrators somewhat and will see an increase also.

Smiarowski motioned to adjourn the meeting. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from all present.

Evans closed the meeting at 8:48 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove.

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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