Mormon Trail

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

ANNUAL MEETING

December 9, 2019    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Garden Grove Board Office. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Funk, Evans, Cromer and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also present. There were three guests signing in, Kimberly Hayes, Stephanie Bear and Elizabeth Dachenbach.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Funk followed by a second by Peasley. All present voted aye.

The consent agenda which included the previous meeting minutes and open enrollment requests that met requirements were approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Evans. All present voted aye to approve the motion. There were no new open enrollment requests in or out of the District. 

First up under action items, there were no resignations to report.

Cynthia Schlangen was approved as a 1:1 Special Ed Para educator with a motion by Evans, a second by Cromer followed by all ayes from those present. Amanda Jackson was approved as a 1:1 Special Ed Para educator with a motion by Cromer, a second by Peasley followed by all ayes from those present. Karlee Williams was approved as a 1:1 Special Ed Para educator with a motion by Cromer, a second by Funk followed by all ayes from those present.

The financial report for 18-19 year end was approved with a motion by Funk. Evans seconded followed by all ayes from those present.

The depository report for June 30, 18-19 year end, was also approved with a motion by Cromer. Funk seconded followed by all ayes from those present.

At the recommendation of Principal Stripe, updated Elementary and Junior High/High School student handbooks were approved with a motion by Funk and a second from Evans. All aye votes followed. The handbooks will be put on the school’s website for all to access.

The District received one snow removal bid from Erick Cobb. Cobb’s bid was the same terms as last year. He will remove snow at both locations @ $85 per hour. Cobb will receive a $600 service charge at the inception of the agreement and be guaranteed to receive $2400 for services by May 31, 2020 or an additional service charge of $600 will be paid. Evans motioned to accept the terms followed by a second from Cromer. All present voted aye to pass the motion.

The SBRC application for Open enrollment out not in fall 2018 in the amount of $40,416 was approved in a motion by Evans, a second from Peasley followed by all ayes. The application was originally approved in November without a stated amount as the application had to be certified with the amount unknown. The District will recertify the amount of $40,416.

Cromer made a motion to approve the removal of Lori Reed and replace Lori with Stephanie Parmer to be added as an administrator for the District’s BMO card. Evans seconded followed by all ayes.

Cromer made a motion to approve the bills as submitted for payment. Funk seconded followed by all ayes. Motion passes.

The board approved the Canvass of votes for the Nov 5, 2019 School Board Election with a motion by Funk and a second by Cromer. Motion passed with a vote of all ayes. Patrick D Evans (168 votes) Stephanie Bear (165 votes) and write-in candidate, Elizabeth Dachenbach (66 votes) won the three open seats on the Board. They will each serve a four-year term. Other write-in votes were received for Christine Auxier (20 votes), Leigh Ann Coffey (41 votes) and scattering (25 votes).  These numbers include tallies from all four counties in the Mormon Trail CSD.

Administrative reports were given by Mrs Stripe and Mr Phillips. Stripe spoke to the Board about the new Equity report. The report shows the District is maintaining the trends seen in previous reports. The report shows diversity in the following categories, including, race, gender and socio-economic factors. Stripe also discussed the positive feedback she has received from people concerning the recent winter concert and the music/band program in general. Mr Traylor and the pk-12 students are doing a really nice job.

Mr Phillips mentioned plans for a community dinner to be held December 18^th at 6 pm in the Humeston Elementary commons. The topic up for discussion is the Housing 360 Program. The program is being developed for housing opportunities in the area. Phillips also told the Board Dec 10^th is the day we find out the DOE’s recommendation to the SBRC for the District’s Certificate of Need application. The SBRC will make the final decision on December 17^th. Another group will be visiting WACO CSD on January 8th to look at how the proposed 4-day school week will affect their area of interest within the District.

In other discussion, Board member, Jeremy Cromer, expressed the need to keep moving forward with the softball/baseball field plans. Everyone agreed.

Funk motioned to adjourn the meeting. Peasley seconded followed by a vote of aye from Cromer, Funk, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski.

President Smiarowski adjourned the meeting at 8:23 pm.

In between meetings, Superintendent Phillips presented Brad Funk and Jason Peasley, outgoing Board members, with a plaque and a pass to District events to show appreciation for their service to the school district. Funk served 11 years and Peasley has served 8 years. The Board and the community would like to thank both Funk and Peasley.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2020 in the Board 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

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

The organizational meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Education was held directly following the annual meeting on December 9^th in the Garden Grove Board Office. Secretary Peggy Rash called the meeting to order at 8:29 p.m. Marc Smiarowski, Pat Evans and Jeremy Cromer were present. First on the agenda, Rash administered the oath to newly elected board members, Stephanie Bear and Elizabeth Dachenbach and to Pat Evans who was reelected to serve another 4-yr term.

Next, Smiarowski nominated Pat Evans as President of the Board. Cromer seconded and motioned to cease nominations. Evans was named President with a vote of aye from Cromer, Smiarowski, Dachenbach and Bear. Evans abstained.

Secretary Rash administered the oath of office to President Evans.

President Evans asks for nominations for Board Vice President. Cromer nominated Marc Smiarowski. Bear seconded and motioned to cease nominations. Smiarowski was named Vice President with a vote of aye from Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach and Bear. Smiarowski abstained.

Smiarowski made a motion to appoint Peggy Rash as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board. Dachenbach seconded followed by a vote of aye from Cromer, Evans, Smiarowski, Dachenbach and Bear. 

President Evans administered the oath of office to Vice President, Marc Smiarowski and Secretary-Treasurer, Peggy Rash.

There was no new business.

Bear made the motion to designate the 2^nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Garden Grove Board Office for the Board to meet beginning January 2020.  Cromer seconded followed by all ayes.

The following appointments were made:

With a motion by Bear and a second by Smiarowski Ahlers and Cooney was approved as school’s main legal counsel and Verle Norris for local counsel.  Smiarowski seconded followed by a vote of aye from Cromer, Dachenbach, Bear, Evans and Smiarowski.

Cromer made the motion to use the Humeston New Era for the District’s legal publications. Bear seconded followed by all aye votes.

Cromer made a motion to adjourn the meeting followed by a second from Dachenbach and all ayes from Smiarowski, Dachenbach, Bear, Evans and Cromer. President Evans closed the meeting at 8:56 p.m. 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held January 22, 2020 @ 6:30 p.m. in the board 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

Regular Meeting

November 11, 2019

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Garden Grove Superintendent’s Office. Answering roll call were board members Peasley, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Funk joined the Board at 7:10 pm. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton was also in attendance. Those signing into the meeting were Claudia Brown, Stephanie Bear, Kimberly Hayes, Gloria Rumley, Gary Stripe, Pam Woollis, Kara Hilton and Christian Hilton.

Gary Stripe. Rural Garden Grove resident was present to briefly make a few comments to the Board during the Public Forum portion of the agenda. Stripe wanted to make two comments. He ask the Board to ask themselves: 1. Are we offering our students equal academic opportunities as surrounding districts? 2. Have we done everything possible to provide a safe environment for all of our students?

Cromer motioned to approve the agenda removing item #7, snow removal bids. Peasley seconded followed by ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk.

The consent agenda, consisting of the approval of the previous meetings’ minutes was approved with a motion by Evans, a second from Cromer, and ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk. Notification had also been received that a student formerly open enrolled out of the District was transferring to another school.

There were no resignations.

There were no new contracts issued.

With a motion by Evans, a second from Peasley followed by all ayes, Robert Thatcher was approved to receive JH football coach’s pay of $1750 for driving the boys to Wayne during the football season.

President Smiarowski motioned to bring to the table the election for Green Hills AEA Board of Directors. Raymond Storm was the only candidate for Director District Number 1. A roll call vote was taken with the following votes being heard. Evans, yes; Cromer, yes; Peasley, yes; Funk, yes and Smiarowski, yes. Cromer seconded. Raymond Storm will receive Mormon Trail’s 6.01% of the percentage vote for Green Hills AEA Board of Director’s District Number 1.

Cromer motioned to allow Superintendent Phillips permission to work with Jason Newton, baseball coach, to resurface the softball/baseball field in Humeston. Phillips will be allowed to spend up to $6000 without further Board approval. Funk seconded followed by all aye votes. Newton had written the Board concerning some issues that needed addressed. The resurfacing of the ball field was a major concern along with mowing the ball fields.   

The SBRC application for Open Enrollment Out not in Fall 2018 will be certified without an amount due to the Department of Education having problems with a new enrollment program. Once all enrollment calculations for the State are completed Districts will certify again in December with the specific amount. The SBRC application is due December 1st.

With a motion by Cromer and a second by Funk, the Board agreed to continue the agreement for another year with Hy-Vee Distribution Center in Chariton for the use of their truck wash facility at $35 per wash. Each bus driver will be responsible for washing their bus up to 9 times throughout the year. Aye votes were heard from Funk, Cromer, Evans and Smiarowski. Peasley abstained.

Next, the Board followed up on a discussion by Chase Clark, shared technology coordinator, tabled in October; about a new phone system for the District Clark is looking into. The current system is old and outdated. Repairs to the system, if needed, would be costly as the technology has become obsolete. Grand River Mutual would install the new system that would link Garden Grove and Humeston together, eliminating long distance charges between the two facilities. It would be a movable system, meaning someone could move locations inside the buildings or even from building to building and keep the same extension number. Windstream would remain the service provider. The project would use PPEL funds to finance the new system’s installation. Cost was projected to be under $25,000 for the total project. Phone services and long distance charges are no longer covered by the e-rate program; however, there should be an immediate cost benefit to the District. Cromer motioned to approve an expenditure of $24,999 for Clark to move ahead with getting the new system installed as soon as possible. Funk seconded followed by ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk.

Following general discussion, bills and financials were approved with a motion by Funk and a second by Cromer. Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk voted aye to pass the motion.

Principal Stripe gave a brief report to the Board. Topics included:

Attendance monitoring by the school nurse

The Veterans Program was well attended by the community and the kids did a great job with the program

Conferences will be held later in the week

Rash explained the Budget Guarantee calculation to the Board.

Superintendent Phillips discussed his participation in the Housing 360 program recently held in Corydon. Paul Gunzenhauser from Humeston had also attended. The Program promotes the building of housing in Wayne County to meet the needs of potential residents due to the East Penn Mfg expansion.

Cromer made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Funk seconded. All voted in agreement with votes of aye. President Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:39 pm.

The next meeting of the Mormon Trail Board will be held December 9, 2019 at 7 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________ _________

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the Board Secretary and are subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

Mormon Trail Community School

Regular Meeting

October 21, 2019

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Garden Grove Superintendent’s Office. Answering roll call were board members Funk, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Peasley shortly joined the Board. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton was also in attendance. Those signing into the meeting were Claudia Brown, Stephanie Bear, Kimberly Hayes and Christian Hilton. Chase Clark was also present.

Cromer motioned to approve the agenda. Funk seconded followed by ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk.

The consent agenda, consisting of the approval of the previous meetings’ minutes and one open enrollment out of the District was approved with a motion by Evans, a second from Cromer, and ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk.

There were no resignations.

With a motion by Funk, a second from Cromer followed by all ayes, the following Junior High basketball coaches were approved. Buck Parmer: JH boys ($1750) and Joseph Parmer: JH girls ($1750). Aaron Parmer was approved as varsity boy’s basketball head coach ($2900), Jason Newton assistant varsity and JV boys’ basketball ($2005) and Katie Newton varsity girl’s basketball head coach ($2900), and Leslie Bexten assistant varsity and JV girl’s basketball ($2005) were approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Evans. Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk voted aye to pass the motion.

Next, Chase Clark, shared technology coordinator, presented information to the Board about a new phone system for the District he is looking into. The current system is old and outdated. Repairs to the system, if needed, would be costly as the technology has become obsolete. Grand River Mutual would install the new system that would link Garden Grove and Humeston together, eliminating long distance charges between the two facilities. It would be a movable system, meaning someone could move locations inside the buildings or even from building to building and keep the same extension number. Windstream would remain the service provider. The project would use PPEL funds to finance the new system’s installation. Cost would be under $25,000 for the total project. Phone services and long distance charges are no longer covered by the e-rate program; however, there should be an immediate cost benefit to the District. Board members agree we need to update the phone system but would like another month to look into options. The item was tabled until November with a motion by Cromer and a second from Peasley. Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk voted aye to table until November.

Following general discussion, bills and financials were approved with a motion by Peasley and a second by Funk. Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk voted aye to pass the motion.

Next, Christian Hilton went over achievement scores. Superintendent Phillips followed with a report to the Board on this year’s Certified Enrollment numbers. Both reports may be seen by contacting Secretary Rash in the Humeston office

Cromer made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Funk seconded. All voted in agreement with votes of aye. President Smiarowski closed the meeting at 9:06 pm

The next meeting of the Mormon Trail Board will be held after the official canvas of votes following the November 5th election sometime after November 19, 2019.

____________________________ ___________________________ _________

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the Board Secretary and are subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

Mormon Trail Community School

Special Meeting

September 30, 2019

President Smiarowski called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Garden Grove Superintendent’s Office. Answering roll call were board members Funk, Cromer, Smiarowski, Evans and Peasley. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Mona Baker was the only guest signing in.

Cromer motioned to approve the agenda. Peasley seconded followed by ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk.

Action items follow. There was no consent agenda at this special meeting.

There were no resignations to act on.

With a motion by Evans, a second from Cromer followed by all ayes, Richard Traylor was approved as pk-12 band and music teacher. Traylor will receive a $3000 sign-on stipend upon acceptance of his contract. The Board would like to thank Jackie Gunzenhauser for filling in as substitute during the search for a full time instructor.

Mona Baker, FFA advisor was present to talk to the Board about the FFA trip to the National Convention in Indianapolis Oct 31st-Nov 2^nd. Bailey Head, Mormon Trail class of 2017 graduate will receive her American degree, the highest honor and degree earned in FFA. Four members of the Mormon Trail Chapter will attend as well. Members earn the opportunity to attend by selling a certain amount of fruit and cheese, attending a certain number of FFA meetings and other events, as well as, being eligible academic-wise. With a motion by Funk and a second from Peasley Kim and Doug Head were approved to drive a school van transporting students out of state pending approval by the District’s Insurance and a background check. The motion was followed by all aye votes to approve.

Cromer motioned to approve renewing the Forecast5 Financial Software subscription followed by a second from Funk. All present voted aye to approve.

Superintendent Phillips talked to the Board about the Feasibility Study which is required as part of the process for being approved for new construction or to remodel existing facilities. Phillips also discussed some changes and clarifications the Department of Education wanted to see on the District’s Certificate of Need application. The hearing to present to the SBRC will be moved to December. All exhibits are due Nov 15^th.

With a motion by Peasley and a second from Funk the Board voted to go into Closed Session in reference to Iowa Code 21.5(1) (j) of the open meetings law to discuss the sale of particular Real Estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the school district would have to pay or lower the price the Board would receive for that property.

A roll call vote was taken to enter closed session. Smiarowski, yes; Funk, yes; Cromer, yes. Peasley, yes; Evans, yes.

The group went into closed session at 6:45 pm.

The Board returned to open session at 7:16 pm.

Funk made a motion for Superintendent Phillips to contact the District’s attorney, Verle Norris, to pursue item #1 discussed in closed session. Motion was seconded by Evans followed by ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk.

Evans made a motion for Superintendent Phillips to contact the District’s attorney, Verle Norris, to pursue item #2 discussed in closed session. Motion was seconded by Cromer followed by ayes from Smiarowski, Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Funk.

Funk moved to enter Closed Session to review and discuss records which are required by state or federal law to be kept confidential as provided by Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(a).

A second from Cromer was followed by the following roll call vote: Smiarowski, yes; Funk, yes; Cromer, yes. Peasley, yes; Evans, yes. The Board moved into closed session at 7:30 pm.

The Board returned to open session at 8:28 pm

Peasley made a motion to accept the recommendation of Superintendent Phillips regarding the long term suspension of a student as discussed in closed session. The motion was seconded by Funk followed by aye votes from Funk, Cromer, Smiarowski, Evans and Peasley.

Cromer made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Funk seconded. All voted in agreement with votes of aye. President Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:32 pm

The next meeting of the Mormon Trail Board will be held October 21, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________ _________

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the Board Secretary and are subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

Mormon Trail Community School

Regular Meeting

September 17, 2019

Vice President Evans called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Garden Grove Superintendent’s Office. Answering roll call were board members Funk, Evans, and Peasley. Cromer and Smiarowski were absent. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Guests signing in were Amanda Fogle, Kim Hayes, Claudia Brown, Mona Baker, Jackie Gunzenhauser, Karla Gunzenhauser and entering later, Graydon Gunzenhauser. Linda Horton from the New Era was also present.

Funk motioned to approve the agenda with Item H Closed session being tabled. Peasley seconded followed by ayes from Peasley, Evans and Funk. Cromer and Smiarowski were absent.

With a motion by Peasley and a second from Evans the Board voted to go into Closed Session in reference to Iowa Code 21.5(1) (a) of the open meetings law to discuss records which are required or authorized to be kept confidential. A roll call vote was taken to enter closed session. Peasley, yes; Funk, yes; Evans, yes. Cromer and Smiarowski were absent.

The group went into closed session at 7:10 pm.

The Board returned to open session at 7:55 pm.

Funk made a motion to grant an open enrollment request out of the District for Graydon Gunzenhauser. Peasley seconded followed by ayes from Peasley, Evans and Funk. Cromer and Smiarowski were absent.

The consent agenda, consisting of previous meeting minutes and 1 open enrollments out of the District was approved with a motion by Funk and a second from Peasley. Motion passes with ayes from Peasley, Evans and Funk. Cromer and Smiarowski were absent

There were no resignations to report.

A sharing contract with Moravia for Christina Bickel, 20% Business Manager, was approved with a motion by Funk, seconded by Peasley followed by aye votes from Funk, Peasley and Evans. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

The following persons were approved for para-educator positions:

Val Christiansen, Jeanette McGee, Morgan Reed and Karen Smith were approved with a motion by Peasley and a second from Funk. Yes votes were heard from Funk, Peasley and Evans. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

Malorie Irving was approved as Freshman class sponsor and Deb Coffey was approved as Sophomore class sponsor with a motion by Peasley and a second from Funk. Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

Peasley motioned to table the Cheerleader fundraiser seconded by Funk. Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

Student insurance was tabled with a motion by Peasley and a second by Funk. Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

FFA advisor, Mona Baker accompanied by student representative, Amanda Fogle presented the yearly calendar of events to the Board.

Brown, Hayes, Baker and Fogle left the meeting at 8:34 p.m.

Required updates to the alarm systems in both buildings were approved with a motion by Peasley and a second from Funk. A proposal by Baker Group for $7734 was approved with Funk, Peasley and Evans voting aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

Junior High football participants will play with Wayne CSD this year. Mr. Thatcher will drive the team to Corydon for practice and to games as required. Peasley made the motion followed by a second from Funk. Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

Funk motioned to approve the driving arrangement with Murray CSD to transport students from both school districts to Winterset CSD daily for classes. Peasley seconded. Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

D&G Rentals gave a quote for $1200 to remove the air conditioning units from the Elementary roof. Peasley motioned to accept and Funk seconded.  Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

Bills and financials were approved with a motion by Funk and a second from Peasley. Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent.

Superintendent Phillips reported to the Board goals for 2019-20.

Action Item H, a Closed session concerning section 21.5 (1) (j) of the open meetings law was tabled until further notice.

Funk made the motion to adjourn followed by a second from Peasley. Funk, Peasley and Evans voted aye. Smiarowski and Cromer were absent. Vice President Evans closed the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

The next meeting of the Mormon Trail Board will be held October 21, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education

These minutes are written as recorded by the Board Secretary and are subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer