UNOFFICIAL MINUTES MUSCATINE SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING January 14, 2013 The Board of Education of the Muscatine Community School District, in the County of Muscatine, State of Iowa, met in regular session on Monday, January 14, 2013 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. President Penny Jones called the meeting to order via Skype from Hawaii. Directors Tim Bower, Tammi Drawbaugh, Brenda Garcia-‐Van Auken, Nathan Mather, and Mary Wildermuth were present. Director Dennis Fox was also present via telephone conference call as he was in Ohio on business. Also present was Superintendent Bill Decker. Jean Garner, Director of Finance, was absent. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance. President Jones welcomed visitors and media representatives. Kathleen Green, 1821 Hammann Street, spoke on behalf of the Jefferson Elementary project. She commended the board for taking on this issue as it is long overdue. Marian Beveridge, 1416 Mulberry Avenue, spoke about Jefferson Elementary and questioned whether technology is needed in the elementary grades. Ali Moss and Sarah Lothspeich, MHS student council representatives, updated the board on recent and future student council activities. Director Garcia-‐Van Auken asked for Personnel Recommendations to be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. A motion was made by Director Bower and seconded by Director Mather to approve the consent agenda to include: the minutes of the December 10, 2012 regular meeting; the bills and claims against the district dated January 14, 2013; field trips of: 1) Orchestra to tour Iowa State University in Ames on February 16, 2013 as submitted by the Muscatine Orchestra Boosters, and 2) MHS student council to the Take the Lead 2013 conference in Lombard, IL on February 15, 2013 as submitted by Elena Bobay; and the financial reports for the month of December, 2012. All ayes; motion carried. A motion was made by Director Bower and seconded by Director Drawbaugh to approve the following policies: 204.00 Meetings of the Board 206.01 New Board Member Orientation 401.04 Functions of Personnel 402.03 Anti-‐Bullying and Harassment (Employee) and Administrative Regulations 403.05 Facilities -‐ Regulatory Issues 403.07 Other Employment
403.12 Reimbursement for Loss of Personal Property from Physical Assault 403.16 Identification Badges – Administrative Procedures 503.02 Anti-‐Bullying and Harassment (Student) and Administrative Procedures 506.03 Transcript of Credits All ayes; motion carried. Superintendent Decker provided a summary of the public forums held on November 29, January 8, and January 9 with January 9 also including a tour of Jefferson Elementary. His recommendation is to proceed forward with Option 3, however, it is in the district’s best interest to continue to acquire properties in the general area. He shared that after looking at Option 4 which calls for creating a site by closing 9th street, the utility cost of building in that area would be significant. He noted that Option 3 calls for building a new Jefferson where the parking lot is located now and then demolishing the old building for added green space for students. He stated that if an organization would come forward and say they had a use for Jefferson School, upgrade it, and maintain it at a high level in the foreseeable future, he would not have a problem with keeping Jefferson and then building a new elementary. However, he does not know where that organization would come from, and it would need to come forward quickly. He has talked about this very scenario in many environments and so far there has been no interest. Another issue of concern, he noted, is that the building would then sit square in the middle of the Jefferson-‐Central Middle School campus. Director Bower thanked Mr. Decker, Jefferson staff, and district maintenance crews for taking the time for the forums and tours. He shared that there was good dialogue that reinforced the direction that the community wants to go. Superintendent Decker shared that he has had citizens share that they have completely changed their opinion from 10 years ago where they were staunchly opposed to this and are now in agreement. He noted that the district, with the help of the architects, will find a way to incorporate the current architecture into the design of a new Jefferson. Director Mather asked what would be the approximate costs of closing 9th Street and going with option 4. Superintendent Decker stated that it would be speculative at this time, however, after talking to the architect it was suggested to put $2 million in reserve just for the closing of 9th Street and acquiring additional properties. Director Mather asked whether there would be benefits to building a single story building. Superintendent Decker noted that it is actually more economical to run a multiple story facility as there is less roofing needed. Having a single story or multiple story building is a matter of preference. He noted that a multiple story facility would be served by an elevator accessible to all levels. He also shared that a multi-‐story building would fit aesthetically into the neighborhood as opposed to a single story building.
Director Mather asked if it would be Superintendent Decker’s recommendation to keep acquiring properties in the area. Superintendent Decker stated that it would, and the properties would be used for parking as he would like to have as little on-‐street parking as possible which would be a great step if the district can accomplish that. A motion was made by Director Bower and seconded by Director Fox to approve FEH Architects to begin the design process for a new Jefferson Elementary building utilizing Option 3, a multi-‐level building with the eventual removal of Jefferson Elementary, incorporating the architectural aesthetics of the neighborhood and utilizing the historical architectural elements of the current building. Director Mather asked for specifics as to what the board is authorizing FEH Architects to do. Superintendent Decker said that the approval allows FEH to begin the design process. They will work with the staff and get their input, hold a public forum which parents and community members can come and talk about the design, and will put together potential designs from that feedback. From that, the final design will be brought to the board for approval. All ayes; motion carried. Superintendent Decker updated the board on the MHS Project Phase II. He noted that the construction project is now at a point where we need to begin this particular project design with the architects. Phase II includes code required additional restrooms and a handicapped accessible entrance on the Northwest side of the building (between the current weight room and wrestling room). This will allow the inclusion of a Bonnie Drive Parking Lot side entrance lobby to the gym, and possibly additional space for concessions. It also includes creation of a much needed classroom space for physical education, office space for staff, and increase in storage. On the second floor, this phase includes an appropriately sized fitness room, which will be over twice the size of our current inadequate facility. It will include enough space to house weights and exercise equipment in an environment that can be appropriately supervised for both physical education and athletics. The design will then be brought back for board approval. A motion was made by Director Bower and seconded by Director Drawbaugh to authorize FEH to begin formal design of Phase II of the Muscatine High School Construction Project. Superintendent Decker shared that both the Jefferson project and MHS project are being paid for with mostly state-‐wide sales tax dollars and some PPEL funding and both are a pay-‐as-‐we-‐go project keeping the district debt free. He noted that being able to do this debt free is a very unique and advantageous position that the district is in. All ayes; motion carried.
Superintendent Decker presented the early retirees for approval by the board. He noted that the early retirement package is the same package as what has been offered for several years. He shared that the board packet has the break down of the costs. He also noted that this is a bittersweet motion to make as there are quality staff retiring but at the same time we congratulate them as they are ready to retire. This makes it a win-‐win for them and for the district. A motion was made by Director Bower and seconded by Director Drawbaugh to approve the early retirement of: Cheryl Eichelberger, Mary Fowler, David Fowler, Beverly Gerdts, Mike Hartsock, Susan Johannsen, Janice Jorgensen, Cheryl Juehring, Kay Kerr, Kevin Lange, Penny McGuinness, Randy Naber, Carla Paxton, Mary Alice Sessler, Linda Shay, William Wanda, Mary Whitacre, Deb Wieskamp, and Pamela Ziegenhorn. Director Mather shared that the early retirees have a combined total of 571 years of service. He noted that the savings resulting from the early retirement is approximately $150,000. He asked if the district plans on replacing individuals on a one-‐to-‐one basis or will the district try to realize some savings from not filling some of the positions. Superintendent Decker shared that all positions will be looked at closely until the state makes a decision to provide more equity regarding spending authority. He stated that the district will look at becoming a more efficient organization because it has to. He noted that the district is at a point that the allowable growth received is the amount that the district can grow not including negotiated salary increases. He stated that equality comes from the funding formula and that is what our district is up against. Director of Human Resources Wes Fowler also noted that it is hard to make firm decisions because the district does not know what allowable growth will be for determining the budget for next year. Superintendent Decker shared that this is one of the reasons why the district held a legislative forum last Friday and why more legislative contacts have been made this year than any other. He noted that this is a really important year legislatively in the state as the state is in a much different spot with a lot of reserve funding available. He stated that we need to advocate for our fair share as our students need to receive funding at the same level as every student in the state of Iowa. He further stated that it will take all of us lobbying and spreading that message to all legislators and not just with our own representatives. All ayes; motion carried. President Jones, Director Mather, and Superintendent Decker thanked those teachers who will be retiring early for their service and their contributions to the students they served. Director Garcia-‐Van Auken stated that the reason she asked for the Personnel Recommendations to be removed from the consent agenda was to ask if a suitable replacement had been found for the teacher asking to be released early from her contract.
Mr. Fowler stated that the person the district had in mind for the long-‐term sub position has been approved by the Board of Educational Examiners today. A motion was made by Director Mather and seconded by Director Drawbaugh to approve the personnel recommendations of: the resignation of Nancy Benner, 3rd grade teacher at Madison, and the hire of Melissa Burns, special ed teacher at Mulberry. All ayes; motion carried. President Jones noted that the board has received the names of those people who have volunteered to be on the district’s newly formed Audit Committee. Those names are in the board packet and will be brought to the board for approval at its next meeting. Director Mather shared that it is his hope they enjoy being a part of the committee as much as board will enjoy having them. President Jones noted that the board has received an updated SIAC membership list as well. That list is also included in the board packet and will be brought to the board at its next meeting for approval. Superintendent Decker noted that a considerable effort was made to work with the community and business reps to provide greater diversity within the School Improvement Advisory Committee. The new members are from: Trinity, HNI, Monsanto, and MCC. He shared that the individuals were recommended by their organizations and will help create a bridge between the school district and their organization. Director Bower thanked Shane Williams, Diane Campbell, and Jean Garner for their efforts in getting people to serve on both committees as it is hard to get volunteers. President Jones seconded that and added that the committee membership lists met and exceeded the expectations set forth by the board for a more diverse representation on the committees. Alisha Eggers, Food Service and Custodial Supervisor, and Cindy Rada, School Nutritionist, presented a School Lunch Update regarding the new nutrition guidelines and regulations schools now have to follow due to the passage of the Healthy Kids Act by Congress. She reviewed the requirements for each food group that the district must follow and demonstrated menu planning. Director Mather asked if students could buy a second lunch. Superintendent Decker stated that they could if they wanted to pay for it. He noted that this then brings to light an equity issue that if a family has money, students are able to have more food, but if a student is on free and/or reduced meals, they cannot get a second meal. Mrs. Eggers shared that the new laws for breakfast will begin next year; however, food service has started to adjust the breakfast menu this school year so that there will not be as big of growing pains for students next year.
Superintendent Decker stated that one of the biggest complaints is that those students involved in athletics are hungry. Mrs. Rada recommended bringing a snack to have before practice to help meet athlete’s caloric needs. President Jones thanked Mrs. Eggers and Mrs. Rada for the presentation and noted that it is helpful for parents to know why the meals have changed. Mrs. Eggers encouraged the support of the community and parents by having them take the time to talk to students about the food they eat, introducing new and healthier foods at home, and taking an interest in the school meal programs. All of this will demonstrate support of the changes that the students have seen and will continue to see. Director Bower asked if the federal government has inquired about how the new regulations are going because this isn’t just a Muscatine School issue. Mrs. Eggers stated that the federal government continues to take feedback from school authorities. She further stated that the biggest difficulty they have had is getting the buns at the 1.5 ounce serving vs. the 2 ounces that the buns come in now. Thus, the federal government has approved the use of the 2 ounce buns for this school year only to allow companies to adjust their sizes to meet the guidelines. Mrs. Eggers also stated that food service is always looking for healthy recipes to serve the students and encouraged the public to send healthy recipes to her. Superintendent Decker provided the board with school safety strategies that the district is participating in. He stated that in late October he and other area superintendents discussed a possible safety strategy. He then had a conversation with the Muscatine Police Department. The program is called ALICE and stands for Alert, Lockdown, Information, Confront, Evacuate. He noted that ALICE comes very highly recommended by our police department and other law enforcement agencies across the country. At the January 2 teacher inservice, teachers were shown the procedures. He shared that at some point ALICE will be presented to the board. Superintendent Decker shared other strategies that have been put in place: • 10 out of 12 of the district’s school buildings have secured entrances with security intercom systems. The two that do not will have it in place within a matter of weeks once the bids come in. Those entrances that do not have the security intercom entry system are monitored. • The district will be putting in every room and classroom a way to make the doors inoperable from the outside (as part of the lockdown piece of ALICE). • The district is working on alarms for doors that are not closed and secured. This might be the most impactful new thing that we have come across in our discussions. Right now the larger facilities have multiple exits and it is a challenge to keep the doors shut. • Will be making upgrades to windows, doors, and door hardware where needed.
Will be working with students to create new habits for them to enter and exist the building. Superintendent Decker also noted that the district has been proactive in many different areas by increasing the number of security cameras from single digits to triple digits, alarms, and electronic locks and key cards. Superintendent Decker shared that there is a piece that still needs to be worked on and that is the community and school climate. He shared that a secret service study from 1974 to 2002 highlighted 37 events that happened and in almost all of them at least one adult had concerns and students knew that something was going to happen. The climate and culture of that time did not allow for proactive communication. He reminded staff, parents, students, and the community to notify someone if they find out that something could potentially happen. Superintendent Decker stated that he is appreciative of the efforts of staff who are monitoring doors and hallways and who have taken the time to walk students home when there was a potential threat. He noted that the challenge as an organization is that all of these things that the district is doing is not just a reaction to a tragic event and then goes away but that it becomes a culture of our organization. Director Mather asked what Mr. Decker’s thoughts were on engaging security personnel for the school buildings. Superintendent Decker stated that the district does have security personnel at the high school. He noted that the conversation about having armed people in the building is a bit different as firearms are not legal to have on school grounds except by officers of the law. He noted that the district has two high quality resource officers who are extremely helpful and responsive to our needs. He stated that he is not opposed to it except to how it relates to an earlier conversation regarding the budget and spending authority. He further stated that the reality is that the school is the safest place to be with millions of children attending school every day and that tragic events are rare. Director Mather asked if it was state or federal law that prohibits firearms in schools. Director of Operational Services Walter Crowder stated that it was his understanding that it is a federal law but that the school board could give authorization for others to be armed. President Jones stated that this discussion would continue as updates to security measures are implemented. She stated that she appreciates administration and staff for the extra efforts they have made on behalf of student safety. Director Garcia-‐Van Auken asked for Superintendent Decker’s opinion regarding the legislative brief released from the governor’s office. Superintendent Decker stated that there is nothing in the reform package that he has problems with; however, he does not want it to be a repurposed situation and there would need to be funding that goes a long with it. He noted that he had personally talked to the Governor and Jason Glass and told them of his support. He noted that the reform package will need to go •
through debate and compromise and will probably not come out as it currently is. He shared that the plan is one where there is a great deal of research behind it and that he is much more comfortable with it this year as more people have given input into it. It is his opinion that if districts are going to get more money then they should do something more impactful with it. He stated that education needs to be willing to start doing business differently in order to get better results. He stated that this has a chance to be one of the most impactful years in the legislature in a long time. Director Garcia-‐Van Auken asked if the Iowa Association of School Boards has weighed in on the education reform package. Superintendent Decker stated that he has not heard anything but knows that the Urban Education Network has and has definitely supported the reform package in its entirety. President Jones’ Skype session ended abruptly at 8:35 p.m. due to an internet connectivity issue. Vice President Mary Wildermuth took over the rest of the meeting. Vice President Wildermuth reminded the board to let Diane Campbell know if they plan to attend the PLC training in June. Vice President Wildermuth then announced that the board’s next meeting is a planning session and regular meeting on Wednesday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. for the planning session and at 7:30 p.m. for the regular meeting. Both meetings will be held at the Administration Center. She noted that this is a change from the normal practice of having board meetings on a Monday night due to a scheduling conflict for the superintendent. Monday, February 11 at 7 p.m. will be the next regular meeting at City Hall. A motion was made by Director Drawbaugh and seconded by Director Bower to adjourn the meeting. All ayes; motion carried. Time: 8:40 p.m. Superintendent Decker stated that he hopes that all board members can clear their calendar to attend the June 6-‐8 PLC Conference in order for them to see what the district is focusing on. Penny Jones, President Lisa Mosier, Secretary
