Mormon Trail

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Public Hearing

April 9, 2018

President Smiarowski called the Public Hearing to order at 7 pm for public comment on the proposed 2018-19 Budget.  Answering roll call were board members Evans, Cromer, Funk and Smiarowski. Peasley entered the hearing at 7:05. 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 in attendance. There were no public comments on the proposed budget. Evans made a motion to adjourn with Peasley seconding. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 7:16 pm.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Public Hearing

April 9, 2018

President Smiarowski called the Public Hearing to order at 7:17 pm for public comment on the proposed 2017-18 Budget Amendment.  Answering roll call were board members Evans, Peasley, Cromer, Funk 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 in attendance. There were no public comments on the proposed budget amendment. Peasley made a motion to adjourn with Funk seconding. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 7:30 pm.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

April 9, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:32 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Evans, Cromer, Peasley, Funk 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 in attendance. Guests signing in were Claudia Brown, Kim Hayes, Chris Hilton, Mona Baker, Brad Krutsinger, Stephanie Bear, Pam Woollis, and Kara Hilton.

Visitors were welcomed. Mona Baker was acknowledged and addressed the Board about FFA activities. Some items addressed by Baker were the Hamburg trip the 12^th and 13^th, the Food for America Program the 18^th, and State convention the 22^nd through the 24^th. Baker reported that the group has one student participating in state band and one in state chorus. The group has a busy schedule over the next several weeks.

The consent agenda, which included agenda approval, approval of the previous meeting’s minutes and open enrollment (none), was first up. Peasley made the motion to move item 2 under discussion items to the top of the agenda and then motioned to approve the consent agenda.  Cromer seconded. Motion passes with all present voting ayes.

Next, President Smiarowski asks for discussion on TLC (Teacher Leadership and Compensation System). The program is in its second year at Mormon Trail. Several staff members, including Brad Krutsinger, Kim Hayes, Claudia Brown and Mona Baker updated the Board on the program.   

Cromer made a motion to approve Cale Moore and Jason Newton as baseball co-coaches for 2017-18. Pay for head coach and assistant coach will be combined and split between Moore and Newton. The motion also included hiring Josh Stiles as head softball coach for the 2017-18 summer season. The motion was followed with a second by Funk and all aye votes from the Board.

High School summer school was tabled until May.

With a motion by Evans and a second by Cromer the Board voted to accept the resignation of Jason Aldridge, High School Science teacher. All present voted aye to accept. Aldridge will serve out his contract and will continue until classes are finished in May.

Funk motioned to approve the 2018-19 budget. Evans seconded followed by all ayes to approve.

Cromer motioned to approve a budget amendment for 2017-18.Peasley seconded and all Board members present voted aye to approve.

A request for the Board to pay full tuition for a teacher to acquire further certification in their current job position was approved with a motion by Funk, a second by Peasley and a unanimous vote of aye by Board members present. The motion included a stipulation that the teacher sign a five-year commitment to stay in the District. If the teacher does not stay for the five years they will pay back a pro-rated amount of 20% per year that is left on the agreement. The agreement amends current board policy 408.1.

With a motion by Cromer the old football field lights will be advertised and sealed bids will be accepted until May 14^th @ 4pm. Peasley seconded followed by all ayes.

Peasley motioned to approve the 2018-19 calendar presented by Mr. Phillips and to hold a public hearing for the 2018-19 school calendar on May 14^th @ 7 pm. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes.

Funk made a motion to extend the school day 19 minutes beginning April 16^th through the end of the school year, May 23^rd. May 23^rd will be a full day instead of ½ day as originally planned. Evans seconded followed by all aye votes.

Peasley made a motion to renew the District’s 403B Administrative Services Agreement with the Department of Management. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes.

Evans motioned to renew the Educational Services Contracts with SWCC for 2018-19. Funk seconded followed by all aye votes. 

Mowing needs for summer 2018 were next up for discussion. Funk made a motion to accept bids for Garden Grove and to pay an hourly rate of $8.25 per hour for mowing at Humeston. Bids for Garden Grove would include furnishing their own equipment. The school would provide the mowing and trimming equipment for Humeston. Applicants and bidders must be 16 and over. Evans seconded followed by all aye votes.

Cromer motioned to charge the same as last year for Driver’s Education classes. Amounts will be  $300 for out of District, $250 In District, and $165 for those who qualify for reduced fees.  Funk seconded. All present voted aye.

Non DOT employee drug testing was next up for discussion. While District needs are not finalized, Evans made a motion to send District Nurse, Laura Funk for training on how to properly collect urine specimens for testing. Peasley seconded followed by aye votes from Smiarowski, Peasley, Cromer and Evans. Funk abstained.

Last under action items, Evans made a motion to approve the bills and financials. Funk seconded followed by all aye votes. Motion carries. 

Principal Stripe gave her report to the Board. Some items she mentioned were a Career Day on Friday, 13^th, MAP testing, the High School play, and graduation and prom planning. Seniors have all received their required CPR training with Butch and Susie Gibbs. Superintendent Phillips updated the Board on the overnight trip to Nebraska City on Thursday, 12th and Friday, 13th. The group toured Hamburg and Shenandoah Schools on Friday. One bus will be delivered to the District before school is out with the other three being delivered before school starts in August. Secretary Rash reported there had been no teachers apply for Early Retirement,

Funk motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Peasley seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Smiarowski closed the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held May 14, 2018 @ 7:10 pm in the Elementary Library. Calendar hearing @ 7 pm followed by the Regular meeting.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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

March 12, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Evans, Cromer, Peasley, Funk and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Guests signing in were Claudia Brown, Kim Hayes, Chris Hilton, Jan Lundahl, David Lundahl, Jordyn Wilson, Reece Myers, Mona Baker, Brad Krutsinger, Peyton Gwinn, Cortnee Francisco, Cort Spencer, Ann Casey, and Brian Crawford.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Peasley. All present voted aye.

The consent agenda, which included the previous meeting’s minutes and bills and financials, were first up. Cromer made the motion to approve and Funk seconded. Motion passes with all present voting aye.

At 7:15, Gary Sinclair, consultant for Forecast 5, presented a proposed budget summary to the Board via telephone. The proposed 2018-19 budget must be certified and sent to the state by April 16^th.   

Superintendent Kerry Phillips gave a report to the Board. He reported that new school buses have been ordered. That shared transportation director, Willard Armstrong, Moravia said the District could use one of their buses for summer activities until the new buses arrived. The student group  touring Shenandoah and Hamburg has been rescheduled for April 13^th. Also, the Community supper has been rescheduled for April 20^th. Phillips told the Board that Midwest Construction Consultants had been in the District assessing the option of placing card-key entry ways in both buildings.

Brian Crawford, Senior Business Consultant representing Unesco, a Program Management Firm that assists public entities in the optimization, revitalization, renovation, and new construction of K-12 educational institutions was up next to speak to the Board. His firm would do a preliminary study of our District facilities at no cost to the District.

Ann Casey was present to tell the Board about a personal idea she has for involving kids from preschool through high school, teaching living skills.

Elementary/Secondary Principal Becky Stripe gave her report to the Board speaking about assessments, conferences, the upcoming preschool sign-up and progress with a program from our insurance company, EMC, called Safe Schools. Stripe feels it will be a very worthy addition to the District’s initiative to make our schools a safer place. She also reminded the Board of some important dates coming up as the school year winds down. April 3^rd – Spring program, the school play on April 13-14, and Prom on April 28^th.

First, under action items is discussion about continuing the sharing agreements with Moravia CSD for shared transportation and maintenance directors in 2018-19. At the recommendation of Superintendent Phillips to continue the agreements, Evans made a motion to continue the sharing of both transportation director and maintenance director with Moravia CSD. Cromer seconded with all voting aye

Funk made a motion to approve Trish Ver Ellen as SINA teacher and Jean Wilson as par educator for the remainder of the school year. The motion was followed with a second by Evans and all aye votes from the Board.

Meeting all requirements, two open enrollment out of the District applications for 2018-19 were approved with a motion by Cromer and a second by Peasley. All present voted aye to approve.

Seniors Reece Myers, Peyton Gwinn, Cortnee Francisco and Cort Spencer, along with the Senior class sponsors, Mona Baker and Brad Krutsinger, presented their budget and itinerary plans for Senior Trip to the Board. The Seniors will leave Thursday, May 10^th for the Lake of the Ozarks and return Sunday, May 13^th. The class has many fun and educational activities planned. Krutsinger ask to use the school’s credit card and also to use school vans instead of a school bus this year. He feels that the group would save money by taking school vans because of the small number of students going on the trip this year. The trip was approved with a motion by Peasley to allow the use of the school’s credit card and the use of vans. Cromer seconded and all present vote aye.

With a motion by Funk and a second by Evans the Board voted unanimously to terminate the Durham Services Contract on May 31, 2018. Mormon Trail has leased buses from Durham for many years and will no longer need to do so after purchasing buses for the District.

Evans made a motion to approve a public hearing for the proposed budget amendment for 2017-18 at 7:15 pm on April 9^th. The motion was seconded by Peasley followed by all aye votes from the Board.

Cromer made a motion to approve a public hearing for the proposed 2018-19 budget at 7:00 pm on April 9^th. The motion was seconded by Peasley followed by all aye votes from the Board.

Cromer motioned to adopt the following resolution: “Be it resolved, that the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District, will levy property tax for fiscal year 2018-19 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa.” Funk seconded. Evans, Funk, Peasley, Cromer and Smiarowski answered with ayes.

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 it with the Department of Management by April 16, 2018.

Last under action items, Funk made a motion to approve a one-year contract for the audit team of Faller, Kincheloe & Co, PLC to conduct the District’s yearly audit for fiscal year 2017-18. Cromer made the second with all ayes from the Board. Motion carries. One other proposal was received from Community CPA, Des Moines.

Other items discussed in brief, were a 3.95% increase in health care insurance for 2018-19, staff interest in a health care related Cafeteria Plan for the District, The possible uses of a new State allowed Flex Fund by the District, Safe School Training, Entryway keyless entry progress, and the TLC program.

Cromer motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Funk seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Smiarowski closed the meeting at 9:06 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held April 9, 2018 @ 7:00 pm in the Elementary Library. Budget hearing @ 7 pm; budget amendment hearing @ 7:15 pm followed by the Regular meeting.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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 MEETING

March 8, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:11 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Evans, Cromer, Peasley, Funk and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Guests signing in were Pam Woollis, Teri Indorf, Lizzey Vanderflught, Kara Hilton, Chris Hilton, and Stephanie Bear.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Funk and a second by Cromer. All present voted aye.

There were no consent agenda items to approve or Administrative reports. 

First up under action items, with a motion by Cromer, a second from Funk and a vote of aye from all Board members present, the Board approved a rolling three-year term contract for Superintendent, Kerry Phillips. The Board will employ Phillips 3 days per week as a .6FTE Superintendent for the Mormon Trail CSD for a term of three years commencing July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2021. The contract will automatically renew every July 1 for a new three-year term. Phillips will receive $75,000 for the 2018-2019 school year for the term of a 144-day work year beginning July 1, 2018. Additional benefits in the contract include family insurance coverage in the District’s group medical and prescription drug insurance plan, as well as, 6 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 10 sick days and 9 paid vacation days per year. Superintendent Phillips will also be provided with a District owned vehicle for travel inside and outside the District in the transaction of school business.   

Next, was the purchase of a used vehicle. Evans made a motion to purchase a 2017 Ford Fusion from Fesler Inc., Fairfield, IA at a price of $19,700. Peasley seconded followed by all ayes.

Last on the agenda, up for discussion, is a bus lease purchase agreement for new buses for the District. At the recommendation of Superintendent Phillips, Cromer motioned to lease purchase 4 – 2019, 77 passenger Blue Bird Vision gasoline buses with a two year lease purchase price of $355,782.99 from School Bus Sales Co., Waterloo, IA. The first payment is due upon delivery. There will be another payment due at the end of year one and the last payment due at the end of year two. The motion was seconded by Evans followed by all ayes. A second quote from Thomas Bus Sales, Des Moines, IA was received.  The District will be responsible for all maintenance with the exception of any warranty work done. Delivery is expected before school starts in the fall.

Funk motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Peasley seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Smiarowski closed the meeting at 6:42 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held March 12, 2018 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Elementary Library.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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 12, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Evans, Cromer, Peasley, Funk and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Guests signing in were Edward Coffey, Kim Brown, Bill Moore, Karen Abel, Claudia Brown, Kimberly Hayes, Renae Poush, Kara Hilton, Chris Hilton, Stephanie Bear, Pam Woollis, Teri Indorf, Willard Armstrong, and Dennis Gardner. 

The agenda was approved with a motion by Peasley and a second by Evans. All present voted ayes.

The consent agenda, which included the previous meeting’s minutes and bills and financials, were first up. Funk made the motion to approve and Cromer seconded. Motion passes with all present voting aye.

Administrative reports were given by Principal Becky Stripe and Superintendent Kerry Phillips.

Renae Poush addressed the Board on behalf of ISEA. New rules will go into effect for how the Education Association and Mormon Trail CSD can and can not conduct negotiations for 2018-19. Poush said she is looking forward to working with the Board.

Track and Golf coaches were next up for discussion. Evans made a motion to offer Robert Thatcher the Head High School girls and boys track coaching contract and a contract to Elizabeth Vanderflught for Asst HS coach as well as Junior High girls and boys track coach.  Funk seconded followed by all ayes.

Funk motioned to offer a 50/50 split contract for High School boys and girls golf coach to Cale Moore and Cassie Moore. Peasley seconded followed by all ayes.

There were no resignations.

Peasley read a resolution to offer early retirement. Cromer motioned to approve early retirement followed by a second from Peasley. All present voted aye. Early retirement as offered is a yearly benefit of $650 per month to anyone who qualifies and chooses to accept Early Retirement. An employee must be at least 55 years of age by the retirement date of June 30, 2018, was actively employed full-time (as defined by Iowa Code Section 279.13) during the last school year prior to early retirement, and accepts and notifies the Board by March 31, 2018 of their decision to accept the Early Retirement Plan.

Funk made a motion to approve an open enrollment request out of the District for 2018-19 as the application met all requirements. Cromer seconded followed by all ayes from the Board.

Last on the agenda under action items, Sharing for 2018-19 was discussed. Evans motioned to continue the sharing agreement with Wayne CSD for the TAG position. Cromer seconded followed by all aye votes from the Board. Evans also motioned to terminate the sharing contract between Van Buren CSD and Mormon Trail for shared Human Resources Director in 2018-19. Funk seconded. All present voted aye in favor of the motion.

The Board went on a break at 7:50pm so that drivers and the Board could look at the bus brought over from Moravia by Transportation Director, Willard Armstrong. The meeting resumed at 8 pm followed by open discussion of the bus.

The meeting ended with discussion of possible uses of a new Flex Fund by the District.

Funk motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Cromer seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held March 12, 2018 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Elementary Library.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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 Meeting

January 22, 2018

The Mormon Trail School Board met in special session January 22, 2018 in the Humeston Elementary Library. 

President Smiarowski called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. Evans, Cromer and Smiarowski answered roll call in person. Peasley answered roll call via phone. Director Funk was absent. Superintendent Phillips and Secretary Rash were also present. Evans made a motion to approve the agenda with Cromer seconding. Evans, Cromer, Peasley and Smiarowski voted aye. Motion carries.

The only action item was to approve a staff sharing agreement for Maintenance & Custodial Director with Moravia CSD. Cromer motioned to approve the agreement purchasing maintenance and custodial services from Moravia CSD for the remainder of the 2017-18 school year. Terms include paying for 20% of the Director’s salary and benefits plus mileage. Evans seconded. Cromer, Peasley, Evans and Smiarowski voted aye. Motion carries.

Evans made a motion to adjourn with Peasley seconding. All present voted aye. Smiarowski closed the meeting at 5:08 pm.

____________________________ ___________________________

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

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

January 8, 2018    

President Smiarowski called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Humeston Elementary Library. Answering roll call were board members Evans, Cromer, Peasley, Funk and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Guests were Jan Lundahl, Claudia Brown, Andy Graham, David Lundahl, Kimberly Hayes, Renae Poush, Rachel Graham and Kim Brown.  Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era entered the meeting at 7:20 pm.

Evans made a motion to approve the agenda with Cromer seconding. All present voted ayes.

The consent agenda, which included the previous meeting’s minutes and bills and financials, were first up. Cromer made the motion to approve and Funk seconded the motion. Motion passes with all present voting aye.

Administrative reports were given by Principal Becky Stripe and Superintendent Kerry Phillips. Stripe reported 2^nd semester has started and winter testing has begun. Stripe also reported that the District has started the implementation of a new JMC messaging alert system. District alerts will be issued using Farmer’s Bank, JMC and local news stations.

Superintendent Phillips told the Board the District would need to look into what they wanted to do about transportation next school year. The District’s lease with Durham School Services ends May 31, 2018. Transportation Director Willard Armstrong and Mormon Trail Bus Drivers will look at options available to the District.  Phillips also discussed the Community dinner to be held later in the month of January or February. The purpose of the dinner will be to get community involvement and to begin developing a 5-yr plan for the District both financially and in regard to District facilities. It is hoped the District can put together a Building and Grounds Committee to lead the 5-yr plan concerning District facilities. The SIAC, (School improvement Advisory Committee) will be revitalized to help with the 5-yr plan as well. A survey asking for public input about the Mormon Trail School District will be available that evening for the public to fill out as well. Supper will be chili and all the trimmings served by the MT Music Dept. A free will offering for the meal will be accepted as a donation also to the MT Music Dept.

There were no new contracts offered.

There were no resignations.

Cromer made a motion to approve a late open enrollment request out of the District for 2017-18 as the application met all requirements. Funk seconded followed by all ayes from the Board.

Next on the agenda, Superintendent Phillips made a recommendation to the Board to terminate the custodian contract of Andrew Graham. Graham then presented information to the Board concerning his employment with the District as a custodian. Board member Brad Funk made a motion to accept the recommendation of Superintendent Kerry Phillips to terminate the custodian contract of Andrew Graham.  Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes from the Board.

Evans motioned to approve the 2^nd reading and adoption of Board Policy 803.1. Peasley seconded followed by all aye votes from the Board.

District Board Secretary and Business Manager Peggy Rash presented a proposal for an Early Retirement Plan to be effective at the end of the current fiscal year. The Board asked Rash to rewrite the most recent plan and to offer a yearly benefit of $650 per month to anyone who qualifies and chooses to accept Early Retirement.  The motion to have Rash draw up the Plan with the recommended benefit was made by Funk and seconded by Peasley. All present voted aye. Currently, in part, an employee must be at least 55 years of age by the retirement date of June 30, 2018, was actively employed full-time (as defined by Iowa Code Section 279.13) during the last school year prior to early retirement, and accepts and notifies the Board by March 31, 2018 of their decision to accept the Early Retirement Plan. The Board will look at the retirement plan again in February.

Evans made a motion to hire James Dentler as a substitute van driver. Cromer seconded followed by a vote of aye from all present.

General discussion items were looking into participating with our insurance carrier EMC in a Safe School project and developing a working vendor list for use within the District.

Funk motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Cromer seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Smiarowski closed the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held February 12,

2018 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Elementary Library.

____________________________ ___________________________

              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