Adjourn: Shepherd motioned and Mayberry seconded to adjourn meeting.  Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.

 

 

August 16, 2021

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, August 16, 2021 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Steve Noble,
Cathy Williamson, April Glosser, Jil Nelson, Tammy Davis, James Fineran, Michele Ratliff and others
not signed in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: Vice President Shepherd called the
regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Dave Friedman, Rena Shepherd, Mike Mayberry,
Patrick Powers, Patti Maloy and Mark Haselhuhn present. Doug Brinegar absent. Quorum established.

Correspondence: None

Approve/Amend Agenda: Mayberry motioned and Friedman seconded to approve agenda. Motion
carried unanimously.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson discussed ESSER III funding and EBF’s Return to Learn plan for
the 2021-2022 school year. New Iowa Code section 280.31 does not allow school districts to issue mask
mandates, therefore EBF will not mandate masks for the 2021-2022 school year. April Glosser,
Curriculum Director, went over IS ASP Data with the board and discussed strategies that have been
implemented to help student’s learning. Steve Noble, Principal at the Jr/Sr High, went over final staffing
assignments at the high school. James Fineran, Principal at Fremont Elementary, updated the board on
enrollment and building improvements at each elementary. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special
Services, gave updates on finalized rosters, curriculum and professional development. Other reports
submitted, but not read, were from the Maintenance and Daycare directors.

Consent Items: Prior to a motion to approve consent items, Superintendent Williamson spoke to the
board regarding the open enrollment boundaries that the board adopted in 2018 and if there could be a
committee of two board members and the superintendent to meet and discuss special open enrollment
requests. Friedman motioned and Powers seconded to approve the recommendation of open enrollment
committee with the Consent Items: July 19, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of July
31, 2021; August’s Bills; Review of School Board Policies: 3.8 Superintendent Salary & Other
Compensation, 3.9 Superintendent Professional Development, 3.10 Administrative Cabinet, 3.11
Administrative Positions; Contract/Agreements: Hamilton Produce Company for LP, and the Therapeutic
Classroom Consortium Agreement, Open Enrollment in of BellaMae Zook, 2nd Grade from Ottumwa to
Fremont Elementary, Oliver Gustafson, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, and
Open Enrollment out of Draystin Eddy, 10th grade to Oskaloosa and Cason Walker, 8th grade to CAM.
Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Maloy motioned and Friedman seconded to approve the hires of Larae Middlesworth, Cook at
the Jr/Sr High School and Pieter Appel for College Credit Welding / Ag Mechanical CTE, pending
approval from BoEE and the resignations of Tabetha Meyers, Para Educator at Fremont Elementary and
John Thompson, Individual Speech supplemental contract. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Powers motioned and Maloy seconded to approve the IHCC Contract for Educational
Services. Motion carried unanimously. Powers motioned and Mayberry seconded the purchase of
Chromebooks for students in 3rd grade in the amount of $30,000. Motion carried unanimously.

Friedman motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve ESSER III plan. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayberry motioned and Maloy seconded to approve the COVED Return to Learn Plan. Motion carried
unanimously. Maloy motioned and Friedman seconded to approve the five-year Wapello County Hazard

Mitigation Plan. Motion carried unanimously. Friedman motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve
the new daycare fees. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: Superintendent Williamson informed the board that Denovo would be meeting with
administrators on Friday, August 20th, and after the meeting would start inspecting the buildings.

Discussion Items: The Board discussed the IASB Convention to be held November 17th & 18th and the
ability to give district years of service awards to all staff. Gifts are allowed per board policy 7.14
Appropriate Use of Public Funds.

Open Positions: Cook at the Jr/Sr High and Eddyville Elementary, Activity Bus Driver, Childcare
Associate, Individual Speech Coach, Head Wrestling Coach, Assistant Wrestling Coach, Assistant Boys
Basketball Coach, Jr High Coaches for Football, Wrestling, Girls & Boys Basketball and Track and
substitutes for all positions.

Adjourn: Power motioned and Friedman seconded to adjourn meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.

 

September 20, 2021

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, September 20, 2021 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Steve Noble,
Cathy Williamson, April Glosser, Jil Nelson, Tammy Davis, James Fineran, Pieter Appel, Cammie
Richards, Matt Thompson and others not signed in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular
board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Dave Friedman, Rena Shepherd, Mike Mayberry, Doug
Brinegar, Patrick Powers, Patti Maloy and Mark Haselhuhn present. Quorum established.

Presentation - Indian Hills: Matt Thompson, President of Indian Hills Community College, presented
on a bond referendum for IHCC that is on the ballot this November 2nd. Mr. Thompson went over the
improvements that the funds will be used for all of their locations. Anyone that would like to discuss
further with Mr. Thompson may call him at 515-520-7012.

Correspondence: None

Approve/Amend Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Friedman seconded to approve agenda. Motion
carried unanimously.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson discussed enrollment trends and 5-year financial information. April
Glosser, Curriculum Director, updated the board on the new math curriculum, Character Strong and
upcoming professional development that teachers and staff will be attending. Steve Noble, Principal at
the Jr/Sr High, explained to the Board about Rocket Time and stated the students and staff were getting
ready for Homecoming, which is set for October 8th. James Fineran, Principal at Fremont Elementary,
gave the elementary principal’s report and updated the board on happenings at all the elementary
buildings. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave an update on the beginning of the year
professional development and the Explore Academy. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from
the Activities, Daycare, Maintenance and Nutrition directors.

Consent Items: Powers motioned and Friedman seconded to approve the Consent Items: August 2, 2021
and August 16, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of August 30, 2021; September’s
Bills; Review of School Board Policies: 3.12 Administrator Qualifications, Recruitment, and
Appointment, 3.13 Administrator Contract and Contract Nonrenewal, 3.14 Administrator Salary and
Other Compensation, 3.15 Administrator Duties; Contract/Agreements: De Vries Counseling &
Consulting, PLLC, and Morningside Education Agreement, Open Enrollment in of Oliver Gustafson,
Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, Gillian Baxter, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to
Blakesburg Elementary, Georgia Smith 6th Grade, family moved, staying at Eddyville Elementary,
Paisley Smith 4th Grade, family moved, staying at Eddyville Elementary, Rayley Graham, Kindergarten,
from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Fiadh Mills, Kindergarten, from Oskaloosa to Home School,
Kade Houser, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Fremont Elementary, Ridge Mittag, Kindergarten from
Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Dylan Reed, Kindergarten from Pekin to Fremont Elementary, and
Open Enrollment out Draystin Eddy, 10th Grade to Oskaloosa, Ana Boosalis, 8th Grade family moved
and staying at Oskaloosa, and Alekos Boosalis, 6th Grade family moved and staying at Oskaloosa.
Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Shepherd motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve the following hires: Cindy Nichols,
Cook at the Jr/Sr High School, Diana Rust, Cook at the Eddyville Elementary, Logan Collett, Part-time
Custodian for the Therapeutic Classroom, Troy Schutt for Fall Play Director, Garrett Scharff, Cook at the

Jr/Sr High School, Tom Hallgren, Head Baseball Coach, Alex Ashman, Assistant Baseball Coach, Tony
Fenton, Head Softball Coach, Alexis Kauzlarich, 9th Grade Softball Coach and Kiley Lobberecht, Junior
High Girls Basketball Coach. Motion carried unanimously. Friedman motioned and Shepherd seconded
to approve the following resignation: Stacie Etcher, Junior High Softball Coach and Holly Bogatzke,
Fremont Library Para Educator. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Williamson addressed the
board regarding Archery prior to board action on volunteers. Superintendent Williamson had spoken to
NASP and the school district is just recognizing the archery program and does not financially support
team, nor does the district have any participation in how the archery program is ran. Mayberry motioned
and Shepherd seconded to approve the following volunteers: Nick Schmitz, Archery, Katie Smith,
Archery, Amy Van Genderen, Archery, Calvin Van Genderen, Archery, Jenny Van Zante, Archery,
Kendell Strausser, Archery, Jessica Nollen, Archery, Rylie Lathen, Archery, Jatin Moore, Archery and
Kylie Lobberecht, Junior High Volleyball. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Friedman motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the SBRC Request for
Supplemental Allowable Growth for the Special Education Deficit of $160,425.87. Roll Call Vote:
Friedman, Aye, Shepherd, Aye, Mayberry, Aye, Brinegar, Aye, Powers, Aye, Maloy, Aye and
Haselhuhn, Aye. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Williamson recommended to the board an
increase for substitute teacher pay to $130 a day. Friedman motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve
an increase of substitute teacher pay to $135 a day. Discussion held. Friedman amended motion to
include $67.50 substitute teacher pay for half day. Motion carried with 6 ayes and 1 nay. Superintendent
recommended the approval of the 2021-2022 fundraisers, with the addition of a golf tournament for the
wrestling team. Maloy motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the fundraisers with the addition of
the wrestling golf tournament. Motion carried unanimously. Haselhuhn motioned and Powers seconded
to approve the FFA request to attend the National Convention in Indianapolis, IN in October. Motion
carried unanimously. Powers motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to approve the Safety Equipment
Purchase Board Resolution 2021.2 in the amount of $2,625.10. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: Superintendent Williamson informed the board that Denovo will present assessments
to the board at the October and November regular board meetings.

Discussion Items: Discussion was held regarding the possibility of increasing the starting wage for the
nutrition staff as well as pursuing a food service management company. Superintendent Williamson also
informed the board that at this time he was not recommending a mask mandate for EBF. A plan is being
put in place for home school students receiving a high school diploma. Currently EBF only has practices
and Superintendent Williamson will have protocols in place for board approval soon.

Open Positions: Jr/Sr High Social Studies Teacher, Fremont Elementary Library Para Educator, Activity
Route Driver, Childcare Associate, the following coaching positions: Individual Speech, Jr High Football,
Assistant Boys Basketball, Jr High Boys & Girls Basketball, Head Wrestling, Assistant Wrestling, Jr
High Wrestling, Jr High Track, Jr High Baseball and Jr High Softball.

 

Adjourn: Friedman motioned and Mayberry seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously. 
Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

 

October 18, 2021

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, October 18, 2021 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Steve Noble,
Cathy Williamson, April Glosser, Jil Nelson, Tammy Davis, James Fineran, Jenny VanZante, Lara
Vandello, Andy Heinle, Melissa Reed-Appel, Linda Taylor, Tom and Robin Taylor and others not signed
in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular
board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Dave Friedman, Rena Shepherd, Mike Mayberry, Patrick
Powers, Patti Maloy, Mark Haselhuhn and Doug Brinegar present. Quorum established.

Correspondence: Thank you from the family of David Brinegar

Approve/Amend Agenda: Mayberry motioned and Powers seconded to approve the amended agenda
with item 8F struck through. Motion carried unanimously.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson asked Mr. Noble to present his board report first to allow him time
to get to the volleyball game taking place at the Jr/Sr High School. Mr. Noble updated the board on
homecoming, PSAT testing, volleyball post season plan, success of the marching band, upcoming
parent/teacher conferences and the annual Veteran’s Day breakfast and program. Superintendent
Williamson discussed with the board preliminary enrollment numbers for the 2022 school year as well as
the facility assessment from Denovo later on in the meeting. Jil Nelson, Principal at Eddyville
Elementary, gave the elementary principal’s report and updated the board on happenings at all the
elementary buildings. April Glosser, Curriculum Director, updated the board on the FAST Data by
buildings and grades. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave an update on the Explore
Academy and the Para Leadership Team. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Daycare,
Maintenance and Nutrition directors.

Consent Items: Powers motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve the Consent Items: A(i) to C(iv):
September 20, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of September 30, 2021; October’s
Bills; Review of School Board Policies: 3.16 Administrator Evaluation, 3.17 Administrator Professional
Development, 3.18 Administrator Code of Ethics, and 3.19 Succession of Authority to the
Superintendent. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Williamson explained to the board the
need for policy 5.46A Graduation Requirements - Home School Assistance Program. This policy will be
the guideline for home school students to receive a high school diploma versus the regular certificate of
completion for home school. Powers motioned and Friedman seconded to approve the first reading of
board policy 5.46A Graduation Requirements - Home School Assistance Program. Motion carried
unanimously. There were no contracts or agreements. Friedman motioned and Shepherd seconded to
approve Open Enrollments in from Blythe Barnett, Preschool from Oskaloosa, attending Eddyville
Elementary, Landyn Walker, 9th grade from Knoxville (family move) Reagan Walker, 2nd Grade from
Albia (family move) and Wiatt McGachey, 11 Grade from Ottumwa (family move). Motion carried
unanimously.

Personnel: Shepherd motioned and Friedman seconded to approve the following hires: Kiera Tremmel,
Para Educator at Jr/Sr High School, Cynthia Purdy, Library Para Educator at Fremont Elementary,
Melissa VanDonselaar, Cheerleading Sponsor, Scott Williamson, Head Wrestling Coach, David Hall,
Assistant Wrestling Coach, Jeff Larson, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Curt Johnston, Jr High Boys
Basketball Coach and Roger Kalke, Regular Route Driver. Motion carried unanimously. Mayberry
motioned and Powers seconded to approve the following resignation: Todd Sisco, Physical Education

 

Teacher at the Jr/Sr High and Head Football Coach, Lloyd Sisco, Assistant Football Coach, Tara Allen,
Para Educator at the Jr/Sr High School, Jeff Foster, Regular Route Driver and Denise Broerman, .5 6th
Grade Classroom and .5 Reading Interventionist at Fremont Elementary. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayberry motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the following volunteer: Micheal Pilcher,
Volunteer Wrestling Coach. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Shepherd motioned and Maloy seconded to approve the 2021-2022 Hard Surface Only
Plan. Board requests that the plan is distributed to all families. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd
motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve one additional fund raiser item for the Boys Track, apparel
sales. Motion carried unanimously. Friedman motioned and Powers seconded to approve the 2021-2022
EBF Lau Plan. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Williamson asked the board for approval on
requesting waivers for physical education in certain situations for students. With the resignation of one
physical education teacher, this will help with our staffing situation. Shepherd motioned and Malloy
seconded to approve the General Accreditation Standards Waiver for both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023
academic years. Motion carried unanimously. Friedman motioned and Mayberry seconded to allow
students in grades 9 to 11 to use an exemption for one semester of PE. Motion carried unanimously.
Powers motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the GPAEA Librarian Sharing agreement for 2021-
2022. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: Representatives from Denovo presented to the board their facility assessment. They
gave a brief overlook of each building in the district and will return in November to work with the board
on determining a plan on moving forward.

Discussion Items: Discussion was held on certified enrollment, the IASB School Board Conference in
November, and the possibility of expanding the Indian Hills Approved Course list. Board also discussed
the upcoming election and how this will affect the date of the November board meeting. The board would
also like to see information out on the website for constitutes to be informed of the upcoming election.

Open Positions: Jr/Sr High Social Studies Teacher, Jr/Sr High Physical Education Teacher, Jr/Sr High
Health Para Educator Activity Route Driver, Childcare Associate, the following coaching positions:
Individual Speech, Head Football, Jr High Boys Basketball, Jr High Wrestling, Jr High Track, Jr High
Baseball and Jr High Softball.

Adjourn: Haselhuhn motioned and Friedman seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

November 22, 2021

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, November 22, 2021 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Steve Noble,
Cathy Williamson, Jil Nelson, Tammy Davis, Michele Ratliff, Tom and Robin Taylor and others not
signed in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular
board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Dave Friedman, absent; Rena Shepherd, present; Mike
Mayberry, present; Patrick Powers, Patti Maloy, absent; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Doug Brinegar
present. Quorum established.

Correspondence: None

Approve/Amend Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve the agenda. Motion
carried unanimously.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson presented the board an overview of general fund expenditures and
revenues for FY2022, brief notes from the Denovo presentation on October 18th and The OSHA Federal
Rules for Employers with over 100 employees regarding vaccination mandates. Mr. Noble presented his
board report and updated the board on events at the Jr/Sr High, the hire of a new social studies teacher
and that the following students were inducted into the National Honor Society: Taylor Kerby, Paige
Molesworth, Colton Sheldon, and Carson Wade. Tammy Davis, Principal at Blakesburg Elementary,
gave the elementary principal’s report and updated the board on happenings at all the elementary
buildings. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave an update on the Explore Academy and
trainings for the para educators. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Activity, Daycare,
Maintenance and Nutrition directors.

Old Business: Powers motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the second reading of Board Policy
5.46A: Graduation Requirements - Home School Assistance Program. Motion carried unanimously.
Shepherd motioned and Mayberry seconded to approve the IHCC Contract for the first semester of
Composition I. Superintendent Williamson mentioned that the bill was just received from Indian Hills and
why the board was just now approving. Motion carried unanimously. Mayberry motioned and Powers
seconded to approve the authorization to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a
modified supplemental amount of $171,971.20 for open enrolled out students who were not included in
the district’s previous year certified enrollment count. Roll Call vote: Friedman, absent; Shepherd, yes;
Mayberry, yes; Powers, yes; Malloy, absent; Haselhuhn, absent; Brinegar, yes. Motion carried. Mayberry
motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the authorization to submit a request to the School Budget
Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount of $58,167.12 related to the English Language
Learning Program for students who have exceeded five years of weighting that are included on the Fall
2021 certified enrollment headcount. Roll Call vote: Friedman, absent; Shepherd, yes; Mayberry, yes;
Powers, yes; Malloy, absent; Haselhuhn, absent; Brinegar, yes. Motion carried. Shepherd motioned and
Mayberry seconded to approve the FY 2021 Year End Financial Balances. Motion carried unanimously.

Review of Canvassed Election Results: Lara Vandello received 65 votes and Eric Dean Lennox
received 65 votes for Director District #1. Lara Vandello’s name was drawn by the Wapello County
Supervisors on Tuesday, November 16th. Lara Vandello elected. Micah Van Mersbergen received 65
votes and Patrick Powers received 54 votes for Director District #2. Micah Van Mersbergen elected. Curt
Houk received 63 votes for Director District #6. Curt Houk elected. Eric Klyn received 94 votes and Scott
Pilcher received 36 votes for Director District #7. Eric Klyn elected.

 

Adjournment of Retiring Board: Mayberry motioned and Powers seconded to adjourn. President
Brinegar thanked all the retiring board members for their dedication and support of Eddyville-
Blakesburg-Fremont. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.

FIVE MINUTE RECESS

Call to Order: Secretary McCrea called to order the meeting of the newly elected EBF Board of
Directors at 6:05 p.m. and administered the Oath of Office to newly elected board members Lara
Vandello for DD #1, Micah Van Mersbergen for DD #2, Curt Houk for DD #6 and Eric Klyn for DD #7.

Organizational Items: Shepherd nominated and Vandello seconded to nominate Doug Brinegar as EBF
Board President. Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar appointed President and given the oath of office.
President Brinegar then took over the meeting. Vandello nominated and Brinegar seconded to nominate
Rena Shepherd as EBF Board Vice President. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd appointed Vice
President and given Oath of Office. Shepherd motioned and Brinegar seconded to appoint Mary McCrea
as EBF Board Secretary. Motion carried unanimously. McCrea appointed EBF Board Secretary and
given the Oath of Office. Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to set the regular board meeting
schedule for the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.at the District Office, unless otherwise noted on
the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to set the
procedural rules as Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd
motioned and Vandello seconded to set the official depository as First Iowa State bank with a maximum
depository limit of fourteen million dollars. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and
Shepherd seconded to select the Ottumwa Courier as the official publication. Motion carried
unanimously. Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to select Lynch-Dallas Law Firm, Mr. Brett
Nitzschke as the school attorney, Motion carried unanimously. 2021-2022 Board Committees and
Delegates were discussed and Vice President Shepherd appointed the following to the following
committees: Capital Projects/Transportation: Eric Klyn, Curt Houk and Doug Brinegar with Micah Van
Mersbergen as an alternate. Negotiations: Micah Van Mersbergen and Rena Shepherd with Doug
Brinegar as an alternate. County Delegates: Mahaska County - Micah Van Mersbergen; Monroe County
- Mark Haselhuhn; Wapello County - Eric Klyn. Quarterly Building Representative Meeting: Mark
Haselhuhn and Lara Vandello.

Consent Items: Discussion was held on the process of approving consent items. Shepherd motioned and
Klyn seconded to approve the Consent Items: October 18, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial
Reports as of October 31, 2021; November’s Bills; Review of School Board Policies: 4.0 General
Principles, 4.1 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action, 4.2 Employee Physical Examination,
4.3 Communicable Diseases; there were no contracts or agreements and Open Enrollments in from
Christian Jarvis, 5th Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, Addie Heald 8th grade from
Ottumwa to the Jr/Sr High, Gracelyn Heald 4th Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary and
Kadence Heald 9th Grade from Ottumwa to the Jr/Sr High and Open Enrollments out from Shelby
Provenzano, 10th Grade to Ottumwa. Questions were asked regarding board policy 4.1 Equal
Employment Opportunity and 4.3 Communicable Diseases. Superintendent Williamson will ask for
clarification from Mr. Brett Nitzschke from Lynch-Dallas Law Firm. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Houk recused himself from this item. Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve
the hires of Misty Sharp, para educator for the Jr/Sr High; Stephanie Houk, para educator at the
Blakesburg Elementary; Brandy Haines, .5 6th Grade / .5 Reading Interventionist at Fremont Elementary;
Rachel Tague, para educator at Eddyville Elementary; Adam Proctor, Jr High Wrestling coach; Jakeup
Huff, Social Studies at the Jr/Sr High and Tom Hallgren, Individual Speech. Motion carried unanimously. Van
Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to accept the resignations of Michael Pickney, Alternative Education
Teacher and Ashleigh Sammons, Cook. Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Klyn seconded to
approve Matt Kargol and Derek Eye as volunteer wrestling
coaches. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to vote for Trevor Crall for Area Education
Agency Board of Directors Election. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and
Vandello seconded to approve the early graduation request from Sylvia Burger. Motion carried
unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to set the date of public hearing for a
categorical fund transfer on December 20, 2021. Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and
Shepherd seconded to close and transfer dormant activity accounts of $340.18 in Jr High Softball to
Softball and $71.10 from Tri M Society to Activity Management. These accounts were noticed as
dormant by district auditors. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: None

Discussion Items: Superintendent Williamson updated the new board members on the board goals for the
superintendent. Upcoming board work sessions are being planned with a Facility Assessment work
session scheduled for Monday, November 29, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the district office and another work
session with the Iowa Association of School Boards with the date to be determined. Superintendent
Williamson also informed the board on the need to purchase a special education van for wheelchair bound
students that would like to attend school activities outside of the regular school day, that he has a meeting
scheduled with the Classified Union representative regarding starting wages for all classified staff and
there might be a need to update the Revenue Purpose Statement. Open positions are: Elementary
Computer Science Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Alternative Education Teacher, Cook, Child Care
Associate, Activity Route Drive, Head Golf Coach, Head Football Coach, 9th Grade Baseball Coach, Jr
High Track, Baseball & Softball Coaches and substitutes for all positons.

Adjourn: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

 

November 29, 2021

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, November 29, 2021 for a board work session.

Board Work Session: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the board work
session to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello,
present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Doug
Brinegar present. Quorum established. Haselhuhn arrived at 6:14 p.m.

Work Session: Patrick Davis from Denovo and Tyler Riley from FEH met with the board of directors to
discuss the district’s objectives regarding facilities and maintenance for all of the school buildings. They
went over the assessment findings, by building cost for maintenance improvements, a possible short list
plan for summer 2022 projects and the long term vision for the district. A facility committee will be
created that will have board members Klyn, Houk and Brinegar representing the district as well as a
couple of community members and staff. This facility committee will meet approximately three or four
times.

Board recessed at 8:00 p.m. for a short break. Board resumed work session at 8:06 p.m. at which time,
Pam Bettger gave an overview to the board regarding Care for Kids curriculum for elementary students
grades Kindergarten to second. These short lessons will be taught by Mrs. Thomas, EBF’s elementary
guidance counselor and Ms. Bettger. Parents will be invited to attend a meeting to discuss these lessons
and will be given the opportunity to opt their children in for these lessons if they so choose.

Adjourn: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to adjourn board work session. Meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

 

December 20, 2021

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, December 20, 2021 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Steve Noble,
Cathy Williamson, James Fineran, Tammy Davis, Ronda Glosser, Alma Marlin, Mike and Becky Roe and
others not signed in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular
board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello,
present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Doug
Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

Public Hearing- Categorical Fund Transfer Resolution: President Brinegar opened the Categorical Fund
Transfer Resolution public hearing at 6:00 p.m. With no one heard, the hearing was closed at 6:01 p.m.

Correspondence: None

Approve/Amend Agenda: Superintendent Williamson noted a small change to the agenda, that due to
the choir and band concerts at the Jr/Sr High School, Mr. Noble will be presenting his board report first.
Houk motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

Presentation: Greg Frost from OPAA! gave a presentation to the board outlining what his food service
management company could do for the nutrition department.

Reports: Steve Noble, principal of the Jr/Sr High, presented his board report and updated the board on
the staffing and professional development at the Jr/Sr High School. Superintendent Williamson first
discussed the status of OSHA’s vaccination mandate and what steps the district needs to complete to be in
compliance if this mandate does not get overturned by the Supreme Court. Superintendent Williamson
also gave board members draft scenarios from his last meeting with Denovo and an update on General
Fund Expenditures reflecting changes to personnel salaries if the classified wages increases are approved
and an increase to the Utilities & Gas supplies due to the increase in price for gas and electricity. April
Glosser, Curriculum Director, shared with the board the goals that the administration team and leadership
team created for EBF, as well as professional development updates, elementary report cards and mid-year
testing. James Fineran, Principal at Fremont Elementary, gave the elementary principal’s report and
shared with the board all the activities the elementary students are doing leading up to the Christmas
break. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave an update on special education staff,
professional development, grant updates and branding of the Explore Academy. Other reports submitted,
but not read, were from the Daycare, Maintenance and Nutrition directors.

Consent Items: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve the Consent Items: November 22,
2021 & November 29, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of November 30, 2021;
December’s Bills; Review of School Board Policies: 4.4 Employee Injury on the Job, 4.5 Employee
Conflict of Interest, 4.6 Employee Records, & 4.7 Transporting of Students by Employees; Contracts and
Agreements: 2021-2022 Grand View University Student Teaching Contract, 2021-2022 Facility Use
Agreement for Fremont Before & After Care, 2021-2022 Cooperative Sharing Agreements with Ottumwa
Community School District for both boys & girls swimming; and Open Enrollments in from Kastor Ford,
6th Grade from Oskaloosa and Open Enrollments out from Mackenzie Kool, 3rd Grade to Ottumwa and
Bentley Kool, 6th Grade to Ottumwa. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the hires of Aundrea Barnes,

special education teacher and Penny Allgood, cook. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned
and Vandello seconded to accept the resignations of Barb Scott, preschool teacher (effective at the end of
the 2021-22 school year); Kierra Tremmel, para educator; Diana Rust, cook; Sara Roach, para educator;
and Keegan VanDevender, Spanish teacher (effective at the end of the 2021-2022 school year). Motion
carried unanimously.

Action Items: Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the Flexibility Fund Transfer
from Home School Assistant Program to the General Fund in the amount of $100,000. Roll call vote:
Klyn, aye; Shepherd, aye; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, aye; Haselhuhn, absent; and
Brinegar, aye. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the
SBRC request for At-Risk Modified Allowable Growth in the amount of $312,459. Roll call vote: Klyn,
aye; Shepherd, aye; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, aye; Haselhuhn, absent; and Brinegar,
aye. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Board
Resolution 2021-4 for Safety Equipment Purchase. Roll call vote: Klyn, aye; Shepherd, aye; Vandello,
aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, aye; Haselhuhn, absent; and Brinegar, aye. Motion carried
unanimously. Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the proposed classified staff wage
increases and to set the starting salary for para educators and cooks to $11.50 per hour. Motion carried
unanimously.

Capital Projects: None

Discussion Items: Board members are to let Secretary McCrea know if they are interested in any of the
upcoming LASB Digital Workshops. Board members had some more questions regarding the OPAA!
presentation and would like to ask Tara Waldren to attend the January 17th board meeting to get her
opinion on the process. Van Mersbergen explained his concern the language in policy 4.3,

Communicable Diseases, and would like to see it spelled out more clearly that the district would be
speaking to a medical doctor with public health if needed and not just a public health official, who may or
may not have a medical degree. A special board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 10, 2022 at
6:00 p.m., to have the first reading of the new policy needed for the OSHA vaccination mandate for
employers of 100+ employees. If the Supreme Court extends the stay or overturns the mandate, the
meeting will be cancelled. Immediate Open positions are Alternative Education Teacher, Cook, Para
Educator (2 needed), Child Care Associate, Activity Route Drive, Head Golf Coach, Head Football
Coach, 9th Grade Baseball Coach, Jr High Track, Baseball & Softball Coaches and substitutes for all
positons and Open Positions for the 2022-2023 school year are Preschool Teacher at Fremont Elementary,
2nd Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary and Spanish Teacher at the Jr/Sr High School.

Adjourn: Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried
unanimously^ Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

 

January 17, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, January 17, 2022 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: April Glosser,
Steve Noble, James Fineran, Tammy Davis, Cathy Williamson, Michele Ratliff, Mike and Becky Roe,
Rusty and Judee Zook, and Tara Waldren.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular
board meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello,
present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Doug
Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

Correspondence: None

Approve/Amend Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the amended
agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson gave his board update on the upcoming Iowa legislative session,
negotiations and financial update. April Glosser, Curriculum Director, updated the board on professional
development and went over the iReady math data from winter testing. Steve Noble, principal of the Jr/Sr
High, discussed the First Robotics team, the business program’s Rocket Cafe, Science Olympiad and
second semester planning for the 2022-2023 school year. James Fineran, Principal at Fremont
Elementary, gave the elementary principal’s report and shared with the board an update of the return to
school for elementary students after the Christmas break. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services,
let the board know of two grants that the district had been awarded: 1) The COPS grant is approximately
$500,000 to be used for the purchase of supplies and equipment such as cameras, lighting, communication
systems and 2) The STOP grant which is approximately $1,000,000 to be shared with Davis County and
Albia for safety training and collaboration on crime prevention, trauma informed care, anonymous
reporting, suicide prevention and youth mental health. Superintendent Williamson presented the
combined report from the Nutrition Director and himself regarding questions that the board had relating
to the Request for Food Service Providers. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Daycare
and Maintenance directors.

Consent Items: Shepherd motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the Consent Items: December 20,

2021 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of December 31, 2021; January’s Bills; Review of
School Board Policies: 4.8 Credit Cards, 4.9 Release of Credit Information, 4.10 Child Abuse Reporting,
4.11 Abuse of Students by District Employees; the first reading of 7.12D Protest Procedure; Contracts
and Agreements: 2021-2022 SilverStone Group Service Agreement for GASB #75 OPEB and the 2021-
2022 Memorandum of Understanding for Stem Excellence & Leadership; and no Open Enrollments.
Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the hire of Hannah Koellner, permanent
substitute at the Jr/Sr High School for the remainder of SY 2021-2022 and 2nd Grade Teacher at Fremont
Elementary beginning with SY 2022-2023. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and
Shepherd seconded to accept the resignations of Beth Hinshaw, para educator; Penny Allgood, cook;

Kiera MacPherson, assistant softball coach; and Jordan Lamb, para educator. Motion carried
unanimously.

Action Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve transfer of funds from the
JH baseball activity account to the HS baseball activity account. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello

motioned and Houk seconded to approve the out of state travel request and board resolution FY22-5 for
Safety Equipment Purchase. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to
approve as part of the district’s response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district’s
administration is authorized to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for funding
related to FY22 SWVPP increased enrollment in the amount of $32,521.50. Roll call vote: Klyn, aye;
Shepherd, aye; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, aye; Haselhuhn, absent; and Brinegar, aye.
Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: Superintendent Williamson told the board that the district is still in search of a wheel
chair accessible van for special education use and updated the board on the Facility Assessment
Committee meeting held Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

Discussion Items: Board members discussed the recent Supreme Court decision to put a stay on the
OSHA vaccination/testing mandate and discussed the school calendar for 2022-2023. Discussion
regarding the calendar included the possibility of a Spring Break being added as well as moving staff
development days from Fridays to Mondays. Building administrators are to seek input from their staff
members. The February board meeting will still take place on Monday, February 21st even though it is
President’s day. Open positions are Alternative Education Teacher, Cook, Para Educator (3 needed),
Child Care Associate, Activity Route Drive, Head Golf Coach, Head Football Coach, 9th Grade Baseball
Coach, Assistant Softball, Jr High Track, Baseball & Softball Coaches and substitutes for all positons and
Open Positions for the 2022-2023 school year are Preschool Teacher at Fremont Elementary and Spanish
Teacher at the Jr/Sr High School.

Adjourn: Houk motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m

 

February 7, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district
office on Monday, February 7, 2022 for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: John VanZante
and others not signed in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the special board
meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Van Mersbergen called Point of Order, saying that the meeting was an illegal
meeting as board policy was not followed in calling the special meeting. President Brinegar denied the
point of order. Board policy 2.8: Meetings of the Board of Directors Letter E. states: Special meetings
may be called by the President, or by the Secretary upon request of a majority of the members of
the Board. Public notice will be given of special meetings. Superintendent Williamson explained
to the board that if the president does not call a special meeting, then a quorum of 4 board members
could request that the secretary call a special meeting.

Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen,
present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present via phone call; and Doug Brinegar, present.

Quorum established.

Personnel: Van Mersbergen called Point of Order on the hires stating that special meeting was called to
act on a single resignation and hires should not be added. Hires were stricken from the agenda. Van
Mersbergen called Point of Order stating that only the resignation received on February 3, 2022 should be
acted on. Second resignation was stricken from agenda. Houk motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to
accept the resignation from Joe Overton. Vandello stated she understood that board members are not
privy to information regarding an employee investigation, but was there not a power outage on January
21st for the whole town of Eddyville and did this have an effect on the smoothwall and could this be
relevant to the investigation. Superintendent Williamson stated that this only effected the student’s
smoothwall as they have different rights vs staff. Van Mersbergen called Point of Order and asked the
board to suspend the rules and allow any visitors attending to address the board. President Brinegar
denied the point of order, stating only one motion can be acted on at a time. Motion carried to accept the
resignation of Joe Overton with a vote of 4 ayes and 2 nays. Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello
seconded to suspend the rules to allow visitors to address the board. 2/3rds vote is required to allow the
suspension of rules. Motion did not pass with a vote of 3 ayes and 3 nays. Since the motion did not pass,
Superintendent Williamson told the visitors that any that would like to discuss this can call and schedule a
meeting with him. Vandello requested to read a letter to the board and read it to everyone. Van
Mersbergen then stated that he didn’t know what happened, but did not think the situation was handled
properly. Parents had not been notified and so 12 to 15 students showed up for a zero-hour class with no
supervision. Parents should have been notified he felt.

Adjourn: Klyn motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

 

February 21, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, February 21, 2022 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Travis Johnson, Brianne Johnson, Keegan Van Devender, Jenny Van Zante, Ann Ohms, Melissa Reed-Appel, Mary Gutch, Michele Ratliff, Christopher Ellerston, Steve Noble, Cathy Williamson and others not signed in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

Public Forum/Visitors Acknowledgement: Jenny Van Zante addressed the board regarding the following topics: cafeteria, instruction, technology, music department and public forum.

Correspondence: Secretary McCrea read the thank you note received from the family of Sheryl Friedman.

Approve/Amend Agenda: Vandello motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

Board President Comments: President Brinegar spoke to the board on expectations for all board members in board meetings, Robert's Rule of Order and that the board will have a work session with the Iowa Association of School Boards in the near future.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson gave the board an update on legislative news, financial update, curriculum updates and dates for the RFP for Nutrition Vendor. Steve Noble, principal of the Jr/Sr High, discussed the Behavior Student Assistance Team, the hiring of a long term substitute for the music department, Rocket Launch (senior interviews), and that the top 5% of the class of2022 are Carson Stetter, Emily Dicks, Kathryn Fairchild and Tanner Ray. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, updated the board regarding the upcoming STOP grant kickoffwebinar, transition meetings, para positions and the Explore Academy. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Curriculum Director, the Elementary Principals and the Activity, Daycare & Maintenance directors.

Consent Items: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve the Consent Items: January 17, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of January 31, 2022; February's Bills; Change the numbering of board policies from chapters to series; Review of School Board Policies: 400.12 Hazardous Chemical Disclosure, 400.13 Employee Anti-Harassment, 400.14 Substance Free Workplace, 400.15 Drug and Alcohol Testing Program; the second reading of 700.12D Protest Procedure; Contracts and Agreements: Business Associate Agreement for Medicaid Data Sharing, STOP Consultant Contract and IHCC Contract for Composition II; and Open Enrollments: 2021-2022 Ryker Keeton, 5th Grade in from Albia to Blakesburg, family move, 2022-2033 Lillian Rockwell, 3rd Grade in from Albia to HSAP, Aaliyah Rockwell, 6th Grade in from Albia to HSAP, Coleman Tuller, 6th Grade in from Ottumwa to Blakesburg, Lydia De Groot, Kindergarten in from Twin Cedars to Eddyville Elementary, Adoniyah Van Maaf, 3rd Grade in from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Canaan Van Maaf, 2nd Grade in from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Peter Van Maaf, Kindergarten in from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Ruben Mendoza, Kindergarten in from Albia to Blakesburg Elementary, Bennett Eick, 4th Grade out to Ottumwa, Ellis Eick, 2nd Grade out to Ottumwa and Emmett Smith, Kindergarten out to Cardinal. Discussion on why we were changing the board policy from chapters to series. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Houk motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Megan Hole, Cook at Eddyville Elementary, Christopher Purdy, Para Educator at Fremont Elementary, Christopher Ellerston, Jazz Band, Dezirae Fairchild, Instrumental Varsity, all effective immediately, and Nathan Smith, Jr/Sr High Spanish Teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept the resignations of Jenna Bates, Fremont Kindergarten Teacher, Christopher Ellerston, Jr/Sr High Vocal Teacher and Lea Kunkel, Blakesburg Elementary Kindergarten Teacher, all effective at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Discussion held regarding the need to rebuild the music department. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Houk motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to approve the Budget Guarantee Resolution FY22-06, Roll call vote: Klyn, aye; Shepherd, aye; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, aye; Haselhuhn, aye Brinegar, aye. Motion carried unanimously. Klyn motioned and Vandello seconded to set the Budget Hearing date to April 11, 2022 at 6:00 pm and the publication date between March 22nd and April l st. Small discussion, Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to amend the motion to include the change of the date of April's board meeting from the 18th to the 11th. Motion to change the motion carried unanimously, Amended motion carried unanimously, Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to increase the current weekly daycare rates for Infant, Toddler, and 3&4 year olds by five dollars a week effective May 1, 2022. Discussion held regarding Cargill and staffing issues. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: Superintendent Williamson gave an update regarding the facility committee's meetings. At the March board meeting, the committee will present its recommendations.

Discussion Items: Discussion was held regarding the upcoming 2022-2023 school calendar. Parents and classified staff will be surveyed regarding the addition of a Spring Break to the calendar and the moving of professional development days from Fridays to Mondays. Kathy Street has informed the board that she will be stepping down from being the editor for The Rocket newspaper. Superintendent Williamson would like to see if we can incorporate this into a class at the Jr/Sr High school, but does know that The Rocket newspaper is something the district would like to continue, either as a class or outside of the school day. The board discussed in length and came to unanimous consensus to add Public Forum back to the regular board meeting schedules. Open positions: Immediate Instrumental Music Teacher/Band Instructor - Jr/Sr High, Alternative Education Teacher, Physical Education Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Para Educator - Jr/Sr High, Cook - Eddyville Elementary, Child Care Associate, Activity Route Driver, Head Golf, 9th Grade Baseball, Junior High Track, Junior High Softball and Junior High Baseball and for the 2022-2023 School Year: Preschool Teacher - Fremont Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher at both Blakesburg & Fremont Elementary Buildings, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Head Football Coach and Junior High Football Coach.

Adjourn: Vandello motioned and Shepherd seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
     Board Secretary

 

March 21, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, March 21, 2022 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Steve Noble, April Glosser, Jil Nelson, Tammy Davis, James Fineran, Cathy Williamson, Ed Glenn, Patrick Davis and others not signed in.

Calendar Hearing: President Brinegar opened the calendar hearing at 6:00 p.m. Superintendent Williamson presented to the board the 2022-2023 School Calendar. First day for students is August 23, 2022 and the tentative last day of school scheduled for May 26, 2022. Total student hours are above the minimum required 1,080. Discussion was held regarding the proposed change of professional development days that are currently held on Friday to be on Monday for the 2022-2023 school year. Also discussed was adding a Spring Break from March 13th to March 17th. Parent and staff survey results were reviewed. With no comments from the public hearing closed at 6:10 p.m.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

Public Forum: none

Correspondence: none.

Approve/Amend Agenda: Houk motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the amended agenda with the addition of: 6) Consent Item, d) Contracts & Agreements, vi) 2022-2027 MCG Internet Contract added. Motion carried unanimously.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson informed the board that the FY23 Budget had been submitted to the Ottumwa Courier, discussion was happening between the district and Head Start, update on negotiations, and that the board would be having a Board Workshop that will be presented by the Iowa Association of School Boards. Steve Noble, principal of the Jr/Sr High, updated the board on the upcoming ISASP tests, where in the hiring process he is on open positons and end of year activities. April Glosser, Curriculum Director, went over the FAST assessments from Winter testing. Ji1 Nelson, Principal of the Eddyville Elementary, gave the combined elementary principal's report that addressed Parent-Teacher Conferences and where they are in hiring process for their open positions. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, spoke on secondary transition news, the Explore Academy and upcoming events. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Daycare & Maintenance directors.

Consent Items: Shepherd motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the Consent Items: February 7, 2022 and February 21, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of February 28, 2022; March's Bills; and the Review of School Board Policies: 400.16 Employee Conduct and Appearance, 400.17 Employee Resignation, 400.18 Employee Suspension, and 400.19 Employee Publication or Creation of Materials and the first reading of 400.13: Communicable Diseases. Small discussion on the change to policy
400.13. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Contracts & Agreements: 2022-2023 Cooperative Agreement with the University of Northern Iowa, 2022-2023 Woodriver Energy Participation Agreement, 2022-2023 Business Associate Agreement with Hands Up Communications, 2022-2023 Cooperative Agreement with Morningside University, COPS & STOP Grant Evaluator Contracts and 2022-2027 MCG Internet Contract; and Open Enrollments: Out for 2021-2022: Graecie Wuebker, 11th Grade to Albia, Ella Manley, Kindergarten to Oskaloosa, Dominic
 
Manley, 1st Grade to Oskaloosa, Emma Cooper, 9th Grade to North Mahaska, Shawn Cooper, 7th Grade to North Mahaska, and Jackson Cooper, 5th Grade to North Mahaska; In for 2022-2023: Gracelyn Cowart, 3rd Grade from Wayne to HSAP, Kinsley Cowart, 5th Grade from Wayne to HSAP, Octavia Grotluschen, 1st Grade from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Emma Neis, 11th Grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High, Ryker Glassgow, 1st Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, Laura Sarver, 1st Grade from Albia to HSAP, Miriam Sarver, 4th Grade from Albia to HSAP, Quinley Sanders, 4th Grade from Cardinal to HSAP, Emmit Payne, 5th Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, Gracie Beinhart, 10th Grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High, Landon Van Donselaar, 9th Grade from Oskaloosa to Jr/Sr High, Abigail Grunig, Kindergarten from Moravia to HSAP; Out for 2022-2023: Noelle Campbell, 6th Grade to Ottumwa and Callie Watters, 10th Grade to Oskaloosa. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Houk motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve Troy Schutt, Spring Play Director, Alexis Kauzlarich, Jr High Track Coach, Kiera MacPherson, Jr High Track Coach, Hannah Koellner, Jr High Track Coach (pending completion of coaching authorization), Ashleigh Sammons, Cook, Helania McCoy, Jr High Instrumental Supplement, Haegen Boyer, Assistant Softball Coach, Carol Ann McNeese, Para Educator at the Jr/Sr High, Roxy Moorman, Preschool Teacher at Fremont Elementary for the 2022- 2023 school year, Alexander Holt, Social Studies at the Jr/Sr High for the 2022-2023 school year, Amanda Frahm, Kindergarten Teacher at Fremont Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year, and Jeffery Whitehall, Physical Education Teacher at the Jr/Sr High, Head Football Coach and Summer Weight Room Supervision for the 2022-2023 school year. Discussion was held regarding social media posts of a prospective employee, the number of applications received for most open positions, and the timing for the approval of Jr High Track Coaches. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to accept the resignations of Jason Messamaker, Social Studies Teacher at the Jr/Sr High, · effective March 11, 2022, Brittany Bankson, Cook at Eddyville Elementary, effective February 24, 2022, Misty Sharp, Para Educator at the Jr/Sr High, effective March 11, 2022, Roger Kalke, Bus Driver, effective at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Barbara Moffitt, 5th Grade Teacher at Fremont, effective at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Nicole Lindenman, 1st Grade Teacher at Eddyville Elementary, effective at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Jim Woods, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Mary Woods, 9th Grade Volleyball Coach and Angela Koebke, Junior High Student Council effective at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the RFP for Phone Systems. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Incentive Bonus Board Resolution FY22-07. This incentive bonus of $1,000 will be paid to all contracted staff that were not included in Governor Reynold's Teacher Retention bonus or those not included in the Iowa Department of Human Services recruitment or retention bonus. This bonus will be paid to these employees on May 27, 2022. Roll Call: Klyn, aye; Shepherd, aye; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, abstained; Haselhuhn, aye and Brinegar, aye. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve the draft graduate list for the class of 2022. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the 2022-2023 School Year Calendar that included a Spring Break from March 13-March 17 and with Monday professional development days.
Discussion held regarding the movement of professional development days. Motion carried. Superintendent Williamson presented the board with the Facility Committee's recommendations. Shepherd motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the Facility Committee's Recommendations. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: None

Discussion Items: Discussion was held on the Budget Amendment, SEL (Social Emotional Leaming) the Indian Hills Board/Superintendent Appreciation Dinner on April 26th at 6:00 pm, Preschool/Headstart and IASB Workshop with an April 18, 2022 date selected. Open positions: Immediate Openings:
 
Alternative Education Teacher, Physical Education Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Para Educator - Jr/Sr High, Child Care Associate, Activity Route Driver, Head Golf, 9th Grade Baseball, Junior High Softball and Junior High Baseball and for the 2022-2023 School Year: Kindergarten Teacher - Blakesburg Elementary, 2nd Grade Teacher - Eddyville Elementary, 5th Grade Teacher - Fremont Elementary, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Instrumental Music Teacher/Band Instructor - 5th/6th/Jr/Sr High, Junior High Social Studies - Jr/Sr High, Head Wrestling Coach, Assistant Volleyball Coach, 9th Grade Volleyball Coach and Junior High Football Coach.

Adjourn: Houk motioned and Shepherd seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

 

 

Doug Brinegar Board President

 

April 1, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Friday, April 1, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: none.

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present via Zoom; Micah Van Mersbergen, absent; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

Personnel: Houk motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to approve Kjerstin Ridgway, Head Golf Coach. Motion carried unanimously. Haselhuhn motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Curt Johnston, Volunteer Golf Coach and Scott Williamson, Volunteer Golf Coach. Motion carried unanimously.

Adjourn: Houk motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:04 a.m.

 

 

i3oogBrinegar
Board President    Board Secretary

 

April 11, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, April 11, 2022 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Steve Noble, April Glosser, Jil Nelson, Tammy Davis, James Fineran, Cathy Williamson, and others not signed in.

Budget Hearing: President Brinegar opened the budget hearing at 6:00 p.m. Superintendent Williamson presented to the board the 2022-2023 Budget with the total property tax rate set at $10.8251 down from the 2021-2022 tax rate of $10.8320. With no comments from the public, hearing closed at 6:25 p.m.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order - Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, absent; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

Public Forum: none

Correspondence: none.

Approve/Amend Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve the amended agenda with the change of the date on 8) Action Items, b) 2021-2022 Budget - Set Amendment Hearing i) May 18, 2022 to be May 16, 2022. Motion carried unanimously.

Reports: April Glosser, Curriculum Director, gave updates on professional development, Character Strong curriculum and data analysis in reading, math and science. Steve Noble, principal of the Jr/Sr High, updated the board on the events taking place in April, including the Spring play, Iowa Jazz Championships, State FFA Convention, Build My Future and the robotics competition at UNI. Jam.es Fineran, Principal of the Fremont Elementary, gave the combined elementary principal's report that addressed new hires for the 2022-2023 school year. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, informed the board that work has begun on staffing adjustments for the next school year as well as grants that EBF has been awarded. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Childcare, Maintenance & Nutrition directors.

Consent Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the Consent Items: March 21, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of March 31, 2022; April's Bills; the second reading of School Board Policy 400.3 Communicable Diseases; the Review of School Board Policies:
400.20 Licensed Employee Tutoring, 400.21 Substitute Teachers, 400.22 Summer School Licensed Employees and 400.23 School Volunteers; Contracts & Agreements: 2022-2023 Sharing Agreement with Ottumwa CSD for Agricultural Education Classes & Agri Power FFA, Operational Sharing Agreements for Social Worker with Great Prairie AEA, Transportation Director with North Mahaska CSD, Maintenance Director with North Mahaska CSD, and Human Resource Director with Oskaloosa CSD; and Open Enrollments for 2022-2023: IN: Deanika Poe, Kindergarten from Albia to HSAP, Karver Jemison, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Casten Hatfield, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Gracelynn Dodd, 8th Grade from Pekin to HSAP, Jade Dodd, 9th Grade from Pekin to HSAP, Harper Wickenkamp, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Lennon Fairchild, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Ellie Mae Mall, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to HSAP, Kinlee Whitten, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Fremont Elementary, Makinlee Ver Steegh, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, OUT: Beckett Strasko, Kindergarten to Cardinal, Kole Speer, 6th Grade to Pella, Kassi Speer, 10th Grade to Pella, Dakota Myers, 10th Grade to Oskaloosa, Tucker Glosser, Kindergarten to Davis County. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve for 2021-2022: Micheal Pilcher, paid prep period & zero hour - $2,343.90, Loghan Hunt, Para Educator, $11.50/hr, Donavan Young, 9th Grade Baseball Coach (10%/2) $2,740.00 and for 2022-2023: Justin Von Ahsen, 5th/6th/Jr High Instrumental Music Teacher/Band Instructor (BA 30/8) $48,091.00, nine years of experience, 20 extra days, $4,545.40, Assistant Competitive Band, (3%/0) $821.00 and Jr High Instrumental, (9%/0) $2,462.00, Desiree Law, Vocal Music Teacher at Jr/Sr High, (BA/8) $45,578.00, eight years of experience, Varsity/JV Vocal, (11%/0) $3,009.00, Jr High Vocal, (3%/0) $821.00 and Tri-M, (2%/0) $547.00, Shawna Padgett, 2nd Grade Teacher at Eddyville Elementary, (BA/1) $36,781.00, first year teacher, Kaelyn Strong, Kindergarten at Blakesburg Elementary, (BAil) $36,781.00, first year teacher, Ryan Jackson, Assistant Football Coach (10%/4) $2,954.00, Jesse Riley, Assistant Football Coach (10%/5) $2,954.00, Alexander Holt, Assistant Football Coach (10%/0) $2,735.00, Micheal Pilcher, Jr High Football Coach (7%/3)
$1,991.00, Gladys Genskow, Head Volleyball Coach (13%/11) $4,267.00, Kiera MacPherson, Jr High Volleyball Coach (7%/3) $1,991.00, Alexis Kauzlarich, Head Cross County (9%/4) $2,658.00, Bob Shepherd, Assistant Cross County (4%/5) $1,182.00, Tony Fenton, Head Girls Basketball Coach (13%/11) $4,267.00, Mike Haywood, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach (10%/6) $3,063.00, Alexis Kauzlarich, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach (10%/5) $2,954.00, Ryan Jackson, Jr High Girls Basketball Coach (8.5%/4) $2,511.00
Travis Stout, Head Boys Basketball Coach (13%/11) $4,267.00, Andy Heinle, 9th Grade Boys Basketball Coach (10%/2) $2,844.00. Motion carried unanimously, with Shepherd abstaining. Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to accept the resignations of Dawn Black, Special Education Teacher at the Jr/Sr High and Jill Thompson, Business Teacher at Jr/Sr High, both effective at the end of the 2021- 2022 school year. Small discussion held on replacing of business teacher. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve 2022-2023 Budget. Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve to set the 2021-2022 Budget Amendment hearing to May 16, 2022. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to approve the MOU for 2022-2024 Wages for Classified staff, with 25 cent wage increase and change to base wages. Discussion held. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to amend the motion to increase wages by 35 cents. Motion failed. Discussion held regarding how contracts are paid to staff.
Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to amend the motion to include paying classified staff over 12 months vs the 9 months they are currently being paid. Motion carried unanimously with Houk abstaining. Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the Certified Master Contract for 2022- 2024 Tentative Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the Administrators/Fiscal/Other Contracts for 2022-2023. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the purchase of 300 Chromebooks and 100 Samsung tablets with the Emergency Connectivity Funds. Small discussion held with board recommending that these will be used with upper elementary students to ease their transition to the Jr/Sr High. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Board Resolution FY22-08 Safety Equipment in the amount of $2,140.19 for reconditioning/purchase of football helmets & pads ($1,051.19), for the purchase of 10 new helmets for softball ($400.00) and for a heavy duty screen for baseball ($689.00). Roll call vote: Klyn, absent; Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes: Houk, yes; Haselhuhn, yes; and Brinegar, yes. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the preschool rates for 4-year-old students to
$150.00/month for the 2022-2023 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve Headstart renting two rooms at the daycare for 3-yr-old preschool for the 2022-2023 school year. Discussion was held. Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded the vote for Headstart so Superintendent Williamson could get the answer to the following questions: How will the lunches work with students eating our meals? Do they have a mask mandate? Why are they not operating in Oskaloosa or Ottumwa next year? Do they have a minimum regarding enrollment? Motion tabled.

Capital Projects: None

Discussion Items: Superintendent Williamson informed the board of various curriculum changes for the Jr/Sr High next year, including a Reading teacher, School Within a School Teacher, offering a journalism class along with the annual/yearbook and reminded the board members about the Indian Hills Board/Superintendent Appreciation Dinner on April 26th at 6:00 pm. Open positions: Immediate Openings: Child Care Associate, Activity Route Driver, Junior High Softball and Junior High Baseball and for the 2022-2023 School Year: School within a School Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Business Teacher - Jr/Sr High, 5th Grade Teacher - Fremont Elementary, Junior High Social Studies Teacher - Jr/Sr High and the following coaching positons: Junior High Football, Assistant Volleyball, 9th Grade Volleyball, Junior High Volleyball, Junior High Girls Basketball, Assistant Boys Basketball, Junior High Boys Basketball (2), Head Wrestling, Assistant Wrestling, and Junior High Wrestling.

Adjourn: Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

 

 

Board Secretary

 

April 18, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. for a board work session.

Board Work Session: Call to Order- Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the board work session to order at 6:01 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar present. Quorum established.

Work Session: Lou Ann Gvist from Iowa Association of School Boards held a board development workshop with the board. Topics the board reviewed and collaborated on were What is Governance; roles of the board, roles of the superintendent, sample roles in staff evaluation, discussion on board policy, addressing concerns, questions and complaints, and evaluation requirements for the superintendent. The idea to have a 360 survey sent to all staff for per building and district wide input was discussed. Superintendent Williamson will work on getting this anonymous survey out to staff prior to the end of the school year.

Adjourn: Houk motioned and Klyn seconded to adjourn board work session. Work Session adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

 

 

D egar
Board President    Board Secretary

 

May 16, 2022

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, May 16, 2022 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: April Glosser, Jil Nelson, Tammy Davis, James Fineran, Cathy Williamson, Mike & Becky Roe, Travis Johnson, Karen Fairchild, Lillian Fairchild, David Hall, Angie Hall, Stephanie Houk, Cheyenne Houk, Lylah Houk, Cord Houk, Greg Frost, Deb Newell, Burl Newell, Adam Bahr, Megan Bahr, Madison Bahr and others not signed in.

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent, Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present, Lara Vandello, present via Zoom meeting; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established. Rena Shepherd joined Zoom meeting at 6:01 p.m.

2021-2022 EBF Budget Amendment Hearing: President Brinegar opened the budget hearing at 6:00
p.m. Superintendent Williamson explained how budget amendments are not uncommon especially with the influx of COVID relief funds and went over which funds will be amended. With no comments from the public, hearing closed at 6:03 p.m.

Presentation: Travis Johnson, along with numerous student archers, spoke to the board regarding this year’s season as well as the national tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. EBF had 10 archers attend the national tournament.

Public Forum: none

Correspondence: none.

Approve/Amend Agenda: Houk motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

Reports: Superintendent Williamson went over current financials and the list of summer maintenance projects. April Glosser, Curriculum Director, presented 2022 Spring FAST results, 2022 iReady Math Diagnostic Results, and iReady Reading Diagnostic Results. Tammy Davis, principal of the Blakesburg Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report and updated the board on end of year activities and current hires for next year. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, presented her board report on Special Education billing, hiring of a new special education teacher, a pizza party that students were invited to attend that was held by the Knights of Columbus in Albia and the following para educators have completed the para certification course: Megan Bahr, Theresa DeWitt, Lacy Fowler, Stephanie Houk, Bryanna Lobberecht, Cindy Purdy, Rachel Tague and Shyanne Vanderhyde. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Jr/Sr High Principal, and the Childcare & Nutrition directors.

Consent Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the Consent Items 8a to 8d: April 1, 2022, April 11, 2022 & April 18, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of April 30, 2022; May’s Bills; the Review of School Board Policies: 400.24 Substitutes for Classified Personnel,
400.25 Public Complaints about Employees, 400.26 Employee Family & Medical Leave and 400.27 Nepotism; Contracts & Agreements: 2022-2023 Iowa Wesleyan University Teacher Cooperative Agreement, 2022-2023 Indian Hills CC Contract for Educational Services, and 2022-2023 Central College Teacher Cooperative Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Open Enrollments for 2022-2023: IN: Kiptyn Ford, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to
 
Eddyville Elementary, Easton Barnard, Kindergarten from Pekin to Fremont Elementary, Jordan Day, Kindergarten from Albia to Blakesburg Elementary, Stella Daugherty, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary and Morgan Simmons, Kindergarten from Albia to Blakesburg Elementary and OUT: Everly Sammons, Kindergarten to Oskaloosa. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to approve for 2021-2022: Elizabeth Overturf, JH Softball Coach, and Randy Malloy & Tyler Ford, JH Baseball coaches, pending completion of transitional coaching license. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve Rena Whitehall for 1st Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary. Motion carried unanimously.
Klyn motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Dimitri Boyer for School within a School Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach. Small discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve Megan Lehman for Business Teacher at the Jr/Sr High. Small discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Clayton Hansen for Jr/Sr High Social Studies teacher. Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Patricia Ver Ellen for 5th Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Hailey Gillum for Special Education Teacher at the Jr/Sr High. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Melissa Van Donselaar as Head Cheerleading Sponsor. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Barbara Moffit for 5th Grade Teacher at Eddyville Elementary. Small discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the resignations of Christopher Purdy, para educator at Fremont Elementary, effective April 14th, Chad Willis, Jr/Sr High Counselor, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year, Jillian Van Donselaar, 5th Grade Teacher at Eddyville Elementary, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year, Kaylee Cloyed, 5th Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year, Shannon Riggenbach, Jr/Sr High Math teacher, effective at the end of the 2021- 22 school year and Elizabeth Overturf, Jr/Sr High Math teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year. Small discussion held on increasing support for all the new staff for the 2022-23 school year.
Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items: Klyn motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the 2021-2022 Budget Amendment. Roll Call vote: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Houk, yes; Haselhuhn, yes; and Brinegar, yes. Motion carried unanimously. Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion from the April 11, 2022 meeting Headstart renting two rooms at the daycare for 3-yr-old preschool for the 2022-2023 school year. Superintendent Williamson’s recommendation is to not approve Headstart renting rooms for a 3-yr old preschool next year. Discussion was held on if the Eddyville Childcare had a 3-yr old program and why we needed to allow 3-yr olds to attend our preschool. Superintendent Williamson stated the revenue from allowing 3-yr olds to attend our preschool program allows the district to continue to offer a 5-day program. State funding is only for half day preschool and the rest of the funding must come from outside the general fund. Motion failed unanimously. Klyn motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P. C’s RFP for auditing services for FY 2022-2025. Motion carried unanimously. Haselhuhn motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the RFP for Food Service Management of Opaa! Discussion was held regarding the need for a food service management company, training before school starts, who is responsible for monitoring family lunch account balances and hiring process for new staff. Motion carried, 4 yes, 2 nays. Van Mersbergen motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to approve the RFP for phone system to American Business Phones. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the Access Systems Copier and Printers proposal. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the purchase of 27 Smart TVs and hardware to place a Smart TV in all elementary classrooms ($30,000) and 100 – 2in1 Chromebooks ($40,000). Small discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to approve the early graduation request of Lillian Fairchild. Ms. Fairchild will have enough credits to graduate at the end of her junior year and plans to attend medical school. The board wished Ms. Fairchild success in her academic career. Motion carried unanimously.

Capital Projects: None

Discussion Items: May is School Board Recognition Month and Superintendent Williamson thanked the board for their service to our community. A 360 Survey will be sent out to all staff prior to the end of the school year. Each staff member will evaluate their building administrators. Iowa Association of School Boards also sent out a summary letter from the board workshop held April 18th. Open positons: Immediate Openings: Child Care Associate, 5th Grade Teacher – Blakesburg Elementary, Junior High Generalist Teacher – Jr/Sr High, Senior High Math Teacher – Jr/Sr High, Guidance Counselor – Jr/Sr High, Behavior Interventionist – Explore Academy and the following coaching positons: Junior High Football, Assistant Volleyball, 9th Grade Volleyball, Junior High Volleyball, Junior High Girls Basketball, Assistant Boys Basketball, Junior High Boys Basketball (2), Assistant Wrestling, and Junior High Wrestling.

Adjourn: Houk motioned and Klyn seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

 

 

Doug Brinegar    Mary McCrea
Board President    Board Secretary

 

June 20, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, May 16, 2022 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Tammy Davis, Cathy Williamson, Steve Noble, and Michele Ratliff.

 

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established. Mark Haselhuhn arrived at 6:03 p.m.

 

Public Forum: none

 

Correspondence: none.

 

Approve/Amend Agenda: Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson went over current financial balances, account balance summaries and staff years of service awards.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school gave the board an update on the last couple days of school, 6-year discipline data and staffing for next year.  Tammy Davis, principal at Blakesburg Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report and updated the board on summer projects, staffing changes, summer school, online registration and School Administrators conference in August.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, updated the board on staffing of behavior interventionists and para educators, STOP & COPS Grants, and the para apprenticeship grant.  Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Childcare, Maintenance & Nutrition directors.

 

Consent Items: Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the Consent Items 8a to 8d: May 31, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of May 31, 2022; June’s Bills; the Review of School Board Policies: 400.28 Gifts to Employees, 400.28 Employee Use of Cell Phones, 400.30 Employee Use of Social Media, and 500.0 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students; Contracts & Agreements: Resurfacing Agreement between EBF and the city of Fremont, KIIC Radio Livestreaming of Events, STOP Grant Contract for Emergency Maps, Student Assurance Services for Student Accident Voluntary Insurance and Catastrophic Student Accident Insurance, 2022-23 Buena Vista’s Student teaching agreement, and three 2022-23 Student Rise contracts with IHCC,  DeVries Counseling & Consulting for 2022-23, Hamilton Produce Pay on Deliver for 2022-23, Shared Librarian services with Great Prairie AEA for 2022-23 and the voluntary Dental Renewal Rates for 2022-2023. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Open Enrollments for 2022-2023: IN: Reneya Hammond, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to HSAP, Amelia Hare, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg, Atlas Cook, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Fremont Elementary, Jonesy Rupe, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to HSAP, Briar Lettington, 6th Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville (family move), Hadley Lettington, 4th Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville (family move), William Swim, Kindergarten from Pekin to Eddyville, Carly Jo Rupprecht, 7th Grade from Pella to Jr/Sr High and MaClain Main, 11th Grade from Oskaloosa to Jr/Sr High. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to approve for 2022-2023: Jessica Bremer, Art Teacher at Jr/Sr High; Emily Hale, Social Studies Teacher at Jr/Sr High; Rhea McDowell, 4th Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary; Michelle Meador, Regular Route Driver; Buffie Ritz, Generalist Teacher at Jr/Sr High; Heather Snook, 6th Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary; Amy Spurgeon, Counselor at Jr/Sr High, MacKenzie Vanskike, Behavior Interventionist at Blakesburg Elementary; and Joni Elder, Behavior Interventionist at Blakesburg Elementary.  Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept the resignations of Randy Alger, Regular Route Driver; Laura Allar, 2nd Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary; Tiffany Bagley, English Language Arts Teacher at Jr/Sr High; Tasha Jensen, 4th Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary; Tyler Paisley, Social Studies Teacher at Jr/Sr High; John Thompson, English Language Arts at Jr/Sr High; Vanessa Worrell, Art Teacher at Jr/Sr High and Becky Roe, Cook at Fremont Elementary. Discussion held on difficulty of replacing some positions and on requirements for bus drivers to get license.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the 2022-2023 IPSIP Insurance renewal for Workman’s Compensation, Property & Casualty and Cyber Liability.  Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the 2022-2023 SU Breakage Insurance Renewal.  Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the quote for the purchase of 4 POS Terminals for the Nutrition Department.  Small discussion on why new machines were needed.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the additional supplemental contract of Competitive Robotics at 6.5% of the supplemental salary base.  Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the Capital Construction Projects: at Blakesburg Elementary - West side commons door entrance and a 40x167 lot; at the Jr/Sr High - driveway entrance of 787 square feet; and at Fremont Elementary - West side sidewalk, steps included with removal, front door canopy entrance area and entrance for buses 25 fee of sidewalk.  Total project quoted at $72,920.00. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the quote from Todd Kelsey in the amount of $28,000.00 to remove and lay brick to replace the East wall of the Blakesburg West Building.  Small discussion regarding disposal of old bricks and the confidence that this repair is all that is needed.  Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the early graduation request of Destiny Bankson at the completion of the first semester of the 2022-2023 school year.  The board wishes Ms. Bankson success in her academic career.  Motion carried unanimously. Houk motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the purchase of 60 Dell Latitude 5531 for the quoted amount of $63,263.40. Discussion held on difference between these computers and the Surfaces previously approved.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to set the substitute teacher pay rate for 2022-2023 to $140.00/day or $70/half day.  Discussion held on what other area schools pay and the difficulty of obtaining substitute teachers.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to table this motion to July to allow more research. Motion tabled Motion carried unanimously.    

 

Capital Projects: Superintendent Williamson gave a list of all the summer projects that the district would like to get completed prior to school starting in August. Unfortunately, elementary playground equipment will need to be replaced next summer as with current supply chain issues, items cannot get here this summer. An outdoor storage building is needed at the Jr/Sr High. 

 

Discussion Items: The board discussed options for continuing the Rocket newspaper.  Superintendent Williamson asked if the district could advertise for someone to take over the Rocket and include the website as well to the position so that articles could go directly to website in the live feed.  Superintendent Williamson also let the board know that we have reached capacity in some grades in certain elementary buildings as well as the junior high and that the district should look at a board policy regarding open enrollment when class sizes reach a certain amount.  Open positons: Home School Assistant Teacher, Regular Route Driver, Junior High English Language Arts Teacher, Senior High English Language Arts Teacher, Senior  High Math Teacher, 2nd Grade Classroom teacher at Blakesburg Elementary, Custodian at Fremont Elementary, Para Educators: 3 at the Jr/Sr High, 1 at Blakesburg Elementary & 1 at Fremont Elementary and the following coaching positons: Junior High Football, Assistant Volleyball, 9th Grade Volleyball, Junior High Volleyball, Junior High Girls Basketball, Assistant Boys Basketball, Junior High Boys Basketball (2), Assistant Wrestling, and Junior High Wrestling.

 

Board took a break at 8:02 p.m.  Board resumed meeting at 8:09 p.m.

 

Closed Session- per Iowa Code Section 21.5 {1}(i) Superintendent Evaluation:  Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to go into closed session for the superintendent evaluation.  Roll Call Vote: Klyn, aye; Shepherd, absent; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, aye; Haselhuhn, aye; and Brinegar, aye.  Motion carried unanimously.  Board went into closed session at 8:09 p.m.  Board exited closed session at 9:23 p.m.

 

Adjourn:  Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Doug Brinegar                                                  Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

August 9, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: none.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present via Zoom call; Micah Van Mersbergen, absent; Curt Houk, absent; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

 

Approve/Amend Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Shepherd motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Kevin Huck, Head Cross Country Coach.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to accept the resignations of Alexis Kauzlarich, Coach and Bob Shepherd, Assistant/Jr High Cross Country Coach.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Adjourn:  Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Doug Brinegar                                                  Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

July 18, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, July 18, 2022 for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: April Glosser, Tammy Davis, Cathy Williamson, Steve Noble, Michele Ratliff and others not signed in.

 

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: none

 

Correspondence: none.

 

Approve/Amend Agenda: Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson went over current financial balances, staffing updates, revenue purpose statement and the Keep Kids Fed Act.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director went over curriculum purchases for the 2022-23 school year and Summer School attendance.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school gave the board an update on how current open positions will be covered for the first semester, explained what the Learning Walk Program is and what the Jr/Sr High Leadership team will be will be working on in August.  Tammy Davis, principal at Blakesburg Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report and updated the board on summer school and staffing changes.  Handbooks have been updated, building cleaning is still in process and the Eddyville elementary has new bathroom partitions, walls have been repainted and the North wing restrooms have new flooring.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, updated the board on four active grants that she is working on: Therapeutic Classroom Grant, STOP Grant, TPRA Grant and COPS Grant, as well as personnel updates for para educators and behavior interventionists.  Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Childcare and Maintenance directors.

 

Consent Items: Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the Consent Items 6a to 6e: June 20, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of June 30, 2022; July’s Bills; the Review of School Board Policies: 501 Resident Student, 502 Non-Resident and Foreign Exchange Students, 503 Compulsory Attendance and 504 Attendance Cooperation Process; Contracts & Agreements: 2022-23 Wm Penn Nurse Clinical Agreement, Technology with TF Technology, Bus Mechanic with K Repair, Sign Language Interpreter with CodaHands Interpreting, Dell Lease Agreement, STOP Grant Contracts: Nikki Thomas, EBF Individual Threat Assessment Coordinator, Marla Wilfawn, Davis County Individual Threat Assessment Coordinator, Heather Severson, EBF Safety Audit Coordinator, and Greg Gordy, Davis County Safety Audit Coordinator; and Open Enrollment for 2022-2023: IN: Mireya Thomas, Kindergarten from Moulton-Udell to HSAP. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Cassandra Holdsworth, Para Educator at Blakesburg Elementary, Sydney Guiter, Para Educator at Fremont Elementary; Cami Grubb, Para Educator at Jr/Sr High; Lillie Pierce, Para Educator at Jr/Sr High; Cindy Molyneux, Para Educator for Jr/Sr High; Tiffany Roozeboom, 6th Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary; Macy Brown, Behavior Interventionist; Gladys Genskow, Head Girls Track Coach; Micheal Pilcher, Head Boys Track Coach; Ryan Jackson, Assistant Boys Track Coach; Whitley Alexander, Assistant Girls Track Coach; Alexis Kauzlarich, Jr High Track Coach; Hannah Koellner, Jr High Track Coach; Tyler Ford; Jr High Football Coach; Torie Alexander, Assistant Volleyball Coach; Kiley Lobberecht, Jr High Volleyball Coach. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to accept the resignations of Ashleigh Sammons, Cook at Eddyville Elementary and Barry Yarnell, Sign Language Interpreter.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion from the June 20, 2022 meeting Set the substitute teacher pay rate for the 2022-2023 to $140.00/day or $70/half day.  Discussion was held.  Area schools were asked what they are paying.  Amounts ranged from $115/day to $140/day.  Motion carried to take motion off table. Motion carried unanimously.  Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to set the 2022-2023 fees for breakfast & lunch, book rent, instrument rental, FFA membership, activity cards, admission fees and preschool tuition.  No changes were made to any amounts but to breakfast & lunch costs and the 4-year old preschool annual amount. The 4-year old preschool fees were approved at the April 11, 2022 board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to approve the 2022-23 Handbooks for Preschool, Elementary, Jr/Sr High and a new Staff Handbook.  Small discussion on why the paragraph of parental notification of health screenings was removed from the elementary handbook.  Superintendent will find out and let the board know why in a board update.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the Emergency Operations Plan Review.  Discussion was held regarding what the Emergency Operations Plan was and the process for the review.  Board has concerns regarding the number of new staff and would like to have training for all staff done as soon as possible, but new staff have some training prior to students first day.  Motion was tabled to the August 15th board meeting to allow board members a chance to review plan.  Motion carried unanimously.  Houk motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the purchase of the firewall upgrade.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the purchase of the preschool curriculum for $20,712.00 for five years.  Motion carried unanimously.     

 

Capital Projects: Superintendent Williamson told that board that the quote for the outdoor storage building that was discussed at the June 20th meeting came in at $116,000 and this does not include electricity.  Superintendent Williamson will check with the district’s lawyer regarding bid process to make sure that proper procedures are followed since the project is close to the bid threshold.    

 

Discussion Items: Discussion was held on the need for an Open Enrollment policy since the open enrollment deadline has been removed from the application, the RSAI Legislative Survey was reviewed and will be completed for the board as a group, and school security was again discussed.  Superintendent Williamson is going to research liability issues of having volunteered retired servicemen being present at school buildings.  Prior to Covid the board would visit the school buildings once a year and the board would like to resume this.  Prior to the August board meeting the board will visit the Jr/Sr High, in September they will visit the Eddyville Elementary and daycare, in October they will visit the Fremont Elementary and in November the Blakesburg Elementary.  October’s board meeting will be held at Fremont and November’s board meeting will be held at Blakesburg.  Open positons: Home School Assistance Teacher, Regular Route Driver, Junior High English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Senior High English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Senior High Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Custodian - Fremont Elementary, Substitutes for all positions and Coaching positons: 9th Grade Volleyball Coach, Junior High Volleyball Coach, Junior High Girls Basketball Coach, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Junior High Boys Basketball Coach (2), Assistant Wrestling Coach, Junior High Wrestling Coach & Golf Coach.

 

Board took a break at 7:59 p.m.  Board resumed meeting at 8:06 p.m.

 

Closed Session- per Iowa Code Section 21.5 {1}(c) Discuss strategy with legal counsel in matters regarding litigation:  Houk motioned and Vandello seconded to go into closed session for the discussion with legal counsel. Roll Call Vote: Klyn, aye; Shepherd, absent; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Houk, aye; Haselhuhn, aye; and Brinegar, aye.  Motion carried unanimously.  Board went into closed session at 8:06 p.m.  Board exited closed session at 8:57 p.m.

 

Adjourn:  Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Doug Brinegar                                                  Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

August 15, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, August 15, 2022 for a regular board meeting following a tour of the Jr/Sr High School at 5:00 pm.  Visitors in attendance: April Glosser, Tammy Davis, Jil Nelson, James Fineran, Steve Noble, Faith Calvin & Ashleigh Sammons.

 

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, absent; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: Faith Calvin & Ashleigh Sammons introduced themselves as representatives from Opaa, the district’s new food service management company. 

 

Correspondence: none.

 

Approve/Amend Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson gave a capital projects update, went over all the grants that the district has recently been awarded and gave a brief outline of the first days of the 2022-23 school year.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director discussed the computer science training that was held on August 8th and presented the ISSAP results from the Spring.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school updated the board on staffing and classroom preparations for the upcoming school year.  Jil Nelson, principal at Eddyville Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report. Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Director of Special Services and the Maintenance Director.

 

Consent Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the Consent Items 6a to 6c: July 18, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of July 31, 2022; August’s Bills; the Review of School Board Policies: 505 Entrance – Admissions, 506 Student Transfer into the District, 507 Student Transfer out of the District or Withdrawals and 508 Student Attendance Records. Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the William Penn MOU for Para to Teacher Program.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Open Enrollment for 2022-2023: IN: Tatem Skinner, 6th Grade from Albia to HSAP and OUT: Milliana Ashlock, 5th Grade to Ottumwa.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Joyce Eveland, HS Math Teacher, Jerri Eakes, HS English Teacher, DeWayne Rohrer, Fremont Elementary Custodian, Cierra Lopez, Jr/Sr High Para Educatory, Tammy Davis, .5 Mentor Leader and April Glosser, .5 Mentor Leader.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to accept the resignations of Lacy Fowler, Jr/Sr High Para Educator and Alexander Holt, Assistant Football Coach.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion from the July 18, 2022 meeting Approve the Emergency Operations Plan Review.   Discussion was held.  With the STOP Grant this plan will be redone in the upcoming school year.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to take motion of the table and approved Emergency Operation Plan Review.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Shepherd seconded to set the mileage reimbursement rate to match the Iowa Department of Administrative Services rate of 0.50 cents per mile.  Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the purchase/lease of computers for the elementary teachers in the amount of $52,623.50 or three lease payments of $18,244.57.  Small discussion held.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to have Shepherd as the delegate for the Iowa Association of School Boards Special Delegate Assembly on Sept 13th.  Van Mersbergen will be the alternate.  Motion carried unanimously.      

 

Capital Projects: None.    

 

Discussion Items: Discussion was held on having the Revenue Purpose Statement vote being renewed with the general election in November 2023 vs having a special election in March 2023, this will save the district costs for the election.  After school care was discussed for the Blakesburg & Fremont buildings.  There has been interest for the Fremont building and the district does have buses that come back to Eddyville at the end of the day from both Fremont & Blakesburg so the possibility of students coming over for the Eddyville daycare is an option.  Superintendent Williamson has had three requests for in district students to change attendance centers and wanted the boards opinion on if they should set up a committee.  The guidelines regarding attendance centers created by the board were set in place to keep all three elementary buildings sustainable with equal class sizes for each grades.  Mr. Van Mersbergen was contacted by the family of Nurse (Critchlow) Henderson, who was employed by the district for numerous years, that one of her wishes was to leave something to the school upon her death.  Mr. Van Mersbergen also asked about roof repairs.  EBF received a quote to replace the Eddyville elementary roof for $200,000.  Superintendents Williamson is going to have Denovo give us their suggestions on which repairs/replacement for roofs on buildings are needed.  Ms. Vandello asked if there was a policy regarding when someone applies for a positon, do the candidates that do not get the job receive a phone call or letter stating this? Open positions: Regular Route Driver, Junior High English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Daycare Associate, Substitutes for all positions, Coaching Positions: Asst/Jr High Cross Country, 9th Grade Volleyball Coach, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, Junior High Girls Basketball Coach, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Junior High Boys Basketball Coach (2), Assistant Wrestling Coach, Junior High Wrestling Coach, Jr High Track Coach (2), Golf Coach, and 9th Grade Softball Coach.

 

Adjourn:  Vandello motioned and Shepherd seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Doug Brinegar                                                  Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

September 19, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, September 19, 2022 for a regular board meeting following a tour of the Eddyville Elementary & Daycare at 5:00 pm.  Visitors in attendance: April Glosser, Tammy Davis, Jil Nelson, Steve Noble, Michele Ratliff, Ann Ohms, Melissa Reed-Appel, Taylor Kerby, Jaylene Vroegh, Mike Connell & Larae Middlesworth.

 

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

 

Presentation: Jaylene Vroegh & Taylor Kerby gave a presentation to the board on how Agri-Power FFA members performed this summer at county fairs, winning Supreme Chapter at the Iowa State Fair and the many activities already that have taken place or are planned for the upcoming school year.

 

Public Forum: Mike Connell spoke about the cell phone policy at the Jr/Sr High School and Larae Middlesworth spoke about a fence needed at the Fremont Elementary grade school. 

 

Correspondence: Thank you from the family of Max Ohms.

 

Approve/Amend Agenda: Houk motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson gave a summary of current FY23 purchases from PPEL, expected income from PPEL and SAVE for the year, short term capital project purchases and financial buying power for long term financing.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director gave comparative test results from Iowa Assessments to ISASP Testing.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school discussed staff awards, learning walks and Rocket Time topics.  Tammy Davis, principal at Blakesburg Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, discussed College Transition Day, work experience students, Co-Teaching and an update on the Explore Academy.  Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Childcare Director and the Maintenance Director.

 

Consent Items: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve Consent Items 7a through 7c.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to amend motion to approve Consent Items 7a through 7c(iv): August 9, 2022 & August 15, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of August 31, 2022; September’s Bills, STOP Grant approvals; the Review of School Board Policies: 509 Student Absences – Excused, 510 Truancy – Unexcused Absences, 511 Student Release During School Hours and 512 Pregnant Students. Motion carried unanimously.  Superintendent Williamson gave a recommendation to the board to review Board Policy 722 Meal Charges.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to table first reading to allow time to gather more information.  Motion tabled.  Vandello motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve Open Enrollments In: Ayden Meyers, 6th grade from Albia to Blakesburg Elementary, Charlotte Van Englehoven, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Casey Hol, 7th grade from Oskaloosa to Jr/Sr High, Levi Roberts, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Sophia Dickerson, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Fremont Elementary, Kate Krause, 8th grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High, Kendra Krause, 8th grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High, Gage Spurgeon, 8th grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High and Open Enrollments Out:  Miah Bowen, 10th Grade to Ottumwa, Jayden Brown, 5th Grade to Oskaloosa, Wyatt Starks, 7th Grade to Clayton Ridge, Tate Jones, 4th Grade to Sigourney. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Roger Kalke, Bus Driver, Jennifer Hageman, 2nd Grade at Blakesburg, Kalie Patterson, Para Educator at Jr/Sr High, Lisa Reinier, Competitive Robotics, Robin Taylor, 9th Grade Volleyball, Tom Hallgren, Rocket Newspaper, Amy Spurgeon, EBF Website, Susan Cenci, HSAP half time to full time, Alex Ashman, Assistant Baseball Coach, Haegen Boyer, Assistant Softball Coach, Tony Fenton, Head Softball Coach, Tyler Ford, Jr High Baseball Coach, Tom Hallgren, Head Baseball Coach, and Donavan Young, 9th Grade Baseball Coach.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to accept the resignations of Cami Grubb, Jr/Sr High Para Educator and Sydney Guiter, Fremont Elementary Para Educator.  Motion carried unanimously.  Board Member Klyn left at 7:27 p.m.

 

Action Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to approve the condensed Return to Learn plan.  Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the 2022-2023 Fundraiser list.  Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve the SBRC Request for Supplemental Allowable Growth for Special Education Deficit of $152,123.24.  Discussion held on how the deficit occurs and what would happen if this was not approved.  Roll Call vote: Klyn, absent, Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Houk, yes; Haselhuhn, yes; and Brinegar, yes.  Motion carried. Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the request from Agri-Power FFA to attend the National Convention in Indianapolis, IN on October 26 to October 29.  District will provide two school suburbans for travel.  Motion carried unanimously.  Houk motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the elementary furniture purchase in the amount of $44,886.80.  Small discussion held on what desks and chairs are being purchased. Motion carried unanimously.  Haselhuhn motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the purchase of mini split air conditioning for Eddyville Elementary-quote $22,000, playgrounds equipment and installation for the Eddyville and Blakesburg elementary-quote $146,000- EBF went through Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing program for educational organizations on the playground bids, and purchase of a new wrestling mat-quote $30,000.  Discussion held on Fremont Elementary’s current playground and when the need arises they will get a new playground.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: Discussion was held on having the Capital Projects committee meet to discuss long term goals for the district, the October 17th board meeting will be held in the library at the Fremont Elementary, and that November’s annual and organizational meetings will be held in the library at the Blakesburg Elementary. Board had lengthy discussion regarding the cell phone policy at the Jr/Sr High.  Superintendent Williamson read an email regarding the policy from Mr. Brett Nitzschke, district’s attorney as well as gave statistics on the amount of cell phones that have been confiscated by the office.  President Brinegar gave the background as to what direction the board had requested Mr. Noble to proceed with the cell phone policy in the Jr/Sr High handbook.  The policy is in place to protect the integrity of the learning environment and be a deterrent to keep cell phones out of the classroom.   The IASB Annual Convention is Nov 16 –Nov 18, board members that would like to attend should inform Secretary McCrea. Because EBF is a board of director districts, we must at a minimum recertify or redraw existing boundaries.  The district will be working with Mapping Solutions to update boundaries. Superintendent Williamson asked if any board members would be willing to be on an Archery committee, Vandello volunteered.  Current open positions: Preschool Para Educator - Fremont Elementary, Regular Route Driver, Junior High Generalist - Jr/Sr High, Junior High Language Arts - Jr/Sr High, Substitutes for all positions, Junior High Student Council, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, Junior High Girls Basketball Coach, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Junior High Boys Basketball Coach (2), Assistant Wrestling Coach, Junior High Wrestling Coach, Head Golf Coach, Jr High Track Coach (2), 9th Grade Softball Coach, Asst/Jr High Cross Country, Jr High Baseball, 9th Grade Softball, and Jr High Softball (2)

 

Adjourn:  Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                         

Doug Brinegar                                                      Mary McCrea

Board President                                                    Board Secretary

October 17, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met in the Fremont Elementary Cafeteria on Monday, October 17, 2022 for a regular board meeting following a tour of the Fremont Elementary at 5:00 pm.  Visitors in attendance: April Glosser, Steve Noble, Cathy Williamson, James Fineran and Lori Hugen.

 

Regular Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: None. 

 

Correspondence: Thank you from the family of Dr. Dean Cook.

 

Approve/Amend Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson gave his report and updated the board on budget information and certified enrollment for FY23.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director informed the board about the Iowa Best Summit that staff and administration attended on October 10th & 11th and then presented the Fall FAST testing results for grades kindergarten to 8th grade.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school discussed the staff/family outing prior to the homecoming game, Fall SAT testing in which 7th graders and any new students not yet tested took the PSAT 8/9 Test and Juniors took the PSAT, the drug dog search on October 14th, Learning walks, PLC’s and National Honor Society induction of the following students: Senior’s: Vanessa Blad, Daulton Burkhart, Cassidy Long, Nathan Roberts and Junior’s: Nathan Calhoun, Abby Jager, Makenna Johnston, Allie VanDonselaar and Nevaya Vandello.  James Fineran, principal at Fremont Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report regarding Iowa Best Summit, the furniture for the 5th grade classrooms is estimated to be delivered the week of October 26th, and PTC will be held the week of Oct 24th to Oct 27th.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave the board updates on MV Training, Site Visit, School Safety Workshop, SPED Count and Achieve.  Other reports submitted, but not read, were from the Childcare Director and the Maintenance Director.

 

Consent Items: Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Consent Items 6a through 6c: September 19, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Financial Reports as of September 30, 2022; October’s Bills; the Review of School Board Policies: 513 Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Sending District, 514 Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Receiving District, 515 Homeless Children & Youth and 516 Competitive Private Instruction.  Students. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Contracts and Agreements: Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the following contracts and agreements: 2022-2023 Infinite Campus Messaging Service, Mapping Strategies, Wordware POS Service for Nutrition, Quick Access LLC and Music Moves Music Therapy.  Motion carried. 

 

Open Enrollments: Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Open Enrollments in: Sara Ridenour, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Jewelianna Thomas, 3rd Grade from Moulton-Udell to HSAP, Stoick Almond, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Patricia Jenkins, 6th Grade from Oskaloosa to HSAP, and Eiley Kitterman, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve Sydney Guiter, Para Educator at Fremont Elementary.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the following coaching contracts with the understanding that they will be properly endorsed prior to any coaching responsibilities:  Jason Leffler, Assistant Boys Basketball; Curt Johnston & Alex Ashman, Junior High Boys Basketball; Madysen Wade, 9th Grade Girls Basketball; Curt Johnston & Kiley Lobberecht, Junior High Girls Basketball and Hannah Koellner, assistant cheerleading sponsor.  Discussion was held on the difficulty of getting coaches for all open positions and that because of these shortages, the junior high boys and girls basketball teams will be forced to have a split season.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to accept volunteer coaches of Jeff Larson, boys’ basketball; Ryan Jackson, girls’ basketball; Adam Proctor, Derek Fye, David Hall, Richard Lettington, Jake Demmon, Brandon Jackson and Scott Williamson, wrestling and Nick Schmitz, Jenny VanZante, Travis Johnson, Katie Smith, Jessica Nollen and Rylie Lathen archery, all requiring correct licensure to coach.  Small discussion was held.  Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to amend motion to exclude the archery volunteers until a meeting could be held between two board members, the superintendent and volunteer archery coaches.  Van Mersbergen approved the amendment.  Motion carried unanimously to amend motion.  Amended Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Houk motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the Fiscal Year 2021 Audit results.  Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Houk seconded to approve the Resolution to Adopt Return-to-Play Protocol.  Roll call vote: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Houk, yes; Haselhuhn, yes and Brinegar, yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to approve the 2022-23 hard surface only plan.  Motion carried unanimously.  Houk motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to approve the purchase of a Combi Oven for $25,000.  Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Houk seconded to approve the EBFHS Concert Band’s out of state travel to the Worlds of Fun Music Festival on May 6th & May 7th.  Board will provide transportation for students and hotel rooms for the bus drivers.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: Capital projects committee will meet to discuss new playgrounds. Certified enrollment down 29.08 students from October 1, 2021.  Communication was sent out to staff regarding negotiations. A public hearing will be held at the December 19th board meeting for the transfer of funds from flexibility accounts.  Mr. Williamson and Andy Heinle will be attended a workshop on October 26th to create a plan for full building radon testing.  Mr. Williamson gave the board information that he received from Andy Alexander regarding the proposal for a Carbon Pipeline that would run through the district.  Current open positions: Regular Route Driver, Junior High Generalist - Jr/Sr High, Junior High Language Arts - Jr/Sr High, Substitutes for all positions, Coaching/Supplemental Positions: Junior High Student Council, Jr High Track Coach (2), 9th Grade Softball Coach, Jr High Baseball, and Jr High Softball (2).Other talking points discussed by the board was a policy regarding negative lunch balances and redistricting after a census with the board deciding to stay with seven director districts and constituents voting only in their district.   

 

Adjourn:  Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                         

Doug Brinegar                                                      Mary McCrea

Board President                                                    Board Secretary

November 7, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, November 7, 2022 for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: none.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Brinegar called the regular board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present via Zoom call; Micah Van Mersbergen, present via phone; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present via phone; and Doug Brinegar, present. Quorum established.

 

Approve/Amend Agenda: Houk motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Van Mersbergen motioned and Houk seconded to approve volunteer archery coaches: Nick Schmitz, Jenny VanZante, Travis Johnson, Katie Smith, Jessica Nollen, Rylie Lathen, Adam Bahr, Pieter Appel, Coby Schmitz, Michael Harter, Rob Pilcher, and Ashley Glosser. Discussion held.  Board wants to make sure that required background checks are completed for coaches working with students on school properties and the board is open to adding additional qualified volunteer coaches later in the season if there are any. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Item:  Houk motioned and Vandello seconded to have Mr. Williamson prepare a letter of opposition to the proposed CO2 pipeline that would go through Fremont.  Mr. Williamson will prepare letter and bring it to the November 21st board meeting for approval.  Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Adjourn:  Houk motioned and Klyn seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Doug Brinegar                                                  Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

November 21, 2022

 

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met in the Blakesburg Elementary Library on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Cathy Williamson, Tammy Davis, Lori Hugen, and Megan Simmons.

 

 

Call to Order: Secretary McCrea called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Curt Houk, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present via phone call and Doug Brinegar, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: None

 

Correspondence: None

 

Approve Agenda: Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Organizational Items: Vandello nominated Curt Houk and Haselhuhn nominated Doug Brinegar for EBF Board President.  Nomination ceased.  First voting resulted in a tie with both receiving three votes for Board President.  Second voting results was 4-2 with Curt Houk elected as Board President.  Secretary McCrea administered the Oath of Office to Curt Houk.  President Houk then took over the meeting.  Brinegar nominated Rena Shepherd and Haselhuhn nominated Doug Brinegar as EBF Vice President.  Nomination ceased.  Brinegar was elected Vice President with a 6-0 vote. Secretary McCrea administered the Oath of Office to Doug Brinegar. Brinegar nominated Mary McCrea as EBF Board Secretary/Treasurer and Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to cease nomination and cast a unanimous ballot.  Motion carried unanimously.  President Houk administered the Oath of Office to McCrea.  Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to set the regular board meeting schedule for the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.at the District Office, unless otherwise noted on the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to set the procedural rules as Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance.  Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to set the official depository as First Iowa State bank with an adjusted maximum depository limit. Discussion held regarding capital projects and the effect this might have on District’s cash balance. Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to amend the motion to set the depository limit to twenty million.   Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to select the Ottumwa Courier as the official publication.  Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to select Lynch-Dallas Law Firm, Mr. Brett Nitzschke as the school attorney.  Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to keep the same board members on the 2021-2022 committees for the 2022-2023 year since the Capital Projects/Transportation committee is in the midst of planning a larger project.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve each committee separately to allow some changes to the negotiation committee and to appoint to the Capital Projects/Transportation Committee: Eric Klyn, Curt Houk and Doug Brinegar with Micah Van Mersbergen as an alternate.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to appoint to the Negotiations Committee: Lara Vandello and Rena Shepherd with Doug Brinegar as an alternate.  Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to appoint to the Quarterly Building Representative Meeting: Mark Haselhuhn and Micah Van Mersbergen. Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to appoint the following County Delegates: Mahaska County – Micah Van Mersbergen; Monroe County – Mark Haselhuhn; Wapello County – Eric Klyn. Motion carried unanimously.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson reported on FY23 Budget Summary update, the two proposed redistricting maps and a capital project updates: ADA compliance with the stage, roofing specifications being readied for bid process and proposed projects for the Jr/Sr High School. Tammy Davis, principal at Blakesburg Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report regarding the process of reviewing new reading curriculum, all buildings are happy with their 5th grade classroom furniture and activities from each elementary. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, updated the board on special education counts, special services updates and the Explore Academy.  Other reports submitted, but not read were from Curriculum Director, Jr/Sr High Principal, Activity Director, Daycare Director, Maintenance Director, Transportation Director and the Nutrition department.

 

Consent Items: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen approve Consent Items (7a & 7b): October 17, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Account Balances as of October 31, 2022 and November’s Bills.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Consent Item (7c) Review of School Board Policies: Dual Enrollment – 517; Student Appearances – 518; Freedom of Expression – 519; Student Complaints & Grievances – 520.  Motion carried unanimously.  Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion from the October 17, 2022 meeting Approve the first reading of Board Policy Meal Charges - 722.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the first reading of Meal Charges – 722.  Discussion held on guidance from the Iowa Department of Education and Bureau of Health & Nutrition.  Motion carried with Van Mersbergen voting nay out of protest.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded the first reading of Naloxone Supply & Administration for Opioid Overdose – 555A.  Discussion held on the use, cost and supply for the district.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to accept the mentor contract for Megan Lehman for her MOC endorsement.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded to accept open enrollment outs from Andrew Collier, Kindergarten to Oskaloosa; Landon Danner, 9th Grade to Clayton Ridge; Mason Wolfe, Kindergarten to Albia; Jayden Satterfield, 9th Grade to Clayton Ridge.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve Paula Morrison, Para Educator at Eddyville Elementary and Phyllis Sutton, Strat II Teacher at the Jr/Sr High. Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to accept the resignations of Mirasol Doroteo, Para Educator at Eddyville Elementary; Cheri Allen, Para Educator at Eddyville Elementary; and Mackenzie Vanskike, Behavior Interventionist at Explore Academy. Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the Tuition Reimbursement Contract for Roxy Moorman to get her birth to 3rd grade inclusive setting endorsement.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded the SBRC Request for Open Enrollment Out not on prior year’s headcount - the district’s administration is authorized to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount of $89,614.80 for open enrolled out students who were not included in the district’s previous year certified enrollment count. Roll Call vote: Klyn, aye; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Haselhuhn, aye; Brinegar, aye; and Houk, aye. Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded the SBRC Request for t Limited English Proficient (LEP) Instruction Beyond 5 Years - The district’s administration is authorized to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount of $128.00 related to the English language learning program for students who have exceeded five years of weighting that are included on the Fall 2022 certified enrollment headcount. Roll Call vote: Klyn, aye; Vandello, aye; Van Mersbergen, aye; Haselhuhn, aye; Brinegar, aye; and Houk, aye. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the FY2022 year end balances.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the annual Physical Education Waiver and Exemption for FY2023.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded the approval of an opposition letter to the Iowa Utilities Board in regards to a proposed carbon capture pipeline that will run a half mile from the Fremont Elementary building. Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Discussion Items: Superintendent Williamson discussed the options of borrowing against the district’s PPEL or SAVE funds to cover a project for the Jr/Sr High. Patrick Davis, with Denovo, will be meeting with board to discuss options.  After the 2020 Census it was found that the district will need to adjust it’s director districts to make sure that all districts are in ratio, there cannot be a 22% difference in population between the largest and smallest district. Mapping Strategies presented two proposals that will be posted online for public review and a public hearing will be held at the December 19th board meeting where the board will select which proposal will be selected.  Open positions are: Behavior Interventionist - Explore Academy, Regular Route Driver, Daycare Associate, Substitutes for all positions, Coaching/Supplemental Positions: Junior High Student Council, Girls Head Golf Coach, Jr High Track Coach (2), 9th Grade Softball Coach, Jr High Baseball Coach and Jr High Softball Coach (2).

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

December 19, 2022

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Cathy Williamson, April Glosser, James Fineran, Jil Nelson, Steve Noble, Melissa Reed-Appel and Ann Ohms.

 

Call to Order: President Houck called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present via Zoom; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present via Zoom; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: President Houk opened the public hearing on Categorical Fund Transfer Resolution at 6:00 p.m.  With no comments from the public, hearing closed at 6:01 p.m.

 

Public Forum: None

 

Correspondence: None

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson gave an update on FY23 budget and assumptions for unspent balance in five years.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school gave his report next and informed the board of upcoming professional development from Mike Donahue.  This will be for teachers and students and occur in January, February and March.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director, was next and discussed desk audits, course book updates, curriculum updates, January 16th professional develop with Adam Holland, and ISASP testing.  James Fineran, principal at Fremont Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report regarding Winter activities and that all principals met with Tera Tech to assess building safety.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, updated the board on special education counts and billing, Explore Academy, new para educators hired and the EBF Lau Plan. Other reports submitted, but not read were from the Daycare Director, Maintenance Director, and the Nutrition department.

 

Consent Items: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Consent Items 7a to 7c(v): November 7, 2022 and November 21, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Account Balances as of November 30, 2022; December’s Bills and Review of School Board Policies: Care of School Property/Vandalism – 521, Student Conduct on School Transportation – 522, Student Lockers – 523, Weapons – 524 and the second reading of board policy 555A -Naloxone Supply & Administration for Opioid Overdose.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the second reading of board policy 722 – Meal Charges.  Discussion held on the Iowa Department of Education Bureau of Nutrition guidance regarding negative lunch accounts and what can and cannot be done. The district is limited on being able to have a clear plan on recovering money owed for negative accounts.  Motion carried with 5 yeas, 1 no.  Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded to accept open enrollment in for Maximo Six, 8th Grade from Oskaloosa to Jr/Sr High and Makenzi Meyers, 11th Grade from Oskaloosa to Jr/Sr High and open enrollment out for Jacob Beyer, 10th Grade to North Mahaska and Haylee Evans, Kindergarten to Ottumwa.  Motion carried unanimously. Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship TPRA Grant Contracts for Megan Bahr and Ashley Wilson and for the Tuition Reimbursement Contract for Buffie Ritz for her K-8 Reading endorsement.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the hiring of Desiree Law, Spring Play/Musical Director, Joyce Eveland, Math at Jr/Sr High, second semester, Morgan Brown, Behavior Interventionist and Michelle Plate, Preschool Para Educator at Fremont Elementary; and the resignations of Sydney Guiter, Preschool Para Educator, Jason McAlister, 2nd Shift Custodian at Jr/Sr High, and Megan Hole, Kitchen Manager at Eddyville Elementary. Motion carried unanimously.  

 

Action Items: Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded the flexibility fund transfer of $150,000 from Home School Assistance Program and $40,000.00 from Professional Development Supplement for the general fund purpose of salaries and benefits. Small discussion on if after the transfer from professional development if there would be enough remaining for future professional development.  Roll Call Vote: Klyn, yea; Shepherd, yea; Vandello, yea; Van Mersbergen, yea; Brinegar, yea; Haselhuhn, absent and Houk, yea.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded the At-Risk Allowable Growth request of $288,311.00.  Roll Call Vote:  Klyn, yea; Shepherd, yea; Vandello, yea; Van Mersbergen, yea; Brinegar, yea; Haselhuhn, absent and Houk, yea.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the purchase and installation of an ADA compliant lift for the Jr/Sr High School Stage in the amount of $50,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello approved the EBF Lau Plan 2022-2023.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the out of state travel for Agri Power FFA to attend some meat judging and horse judging competitions in Illinois and Indiana.  Mrs. Reed-Appel, FFA Advisor, gave a brief overview of these contests.  She might not have students attending all of the approved contests, but wanted to get all of them approved so that students could choose what events they wanted to attend.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the closure and transfer from dormant activity accounts to the Activity Management account of $30.22 from EBF Special Olympics and $4.62 from Archery Club.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the purchase of a 12 passenger van up to $45,000.  Discussion was held on the requirements for purchasing, for driving and what the district will use this vehicle for.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the 2022-2023 Iowa Local Government Risk Pool Commission Natural Gas Program Participant Agreement.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Discussion Items: Superintendent Williamson gave an update on the last Capital Projects meeting and stated that Patrick Davis, from Denovo, will be bringing back to the committee plans of what was discussed.  Once the committee has decided on a plan, the committee will meet with community members and staff members to show these ideas and get feedback.  Superintendent Williamson hopes that by the summer of 2024. the district will be starting the construction of one of the projects that the committee has recommended.  Open positions are: 2nd Shift Custodian - Jr/Sr High, Special Education Teacher - Strat II - Jr/Sr High, Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associate, Substitutes for all positions, Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Junior High Student Council, Girls Head Golf Coach, Jr High Track Coach (2)

9th Grade Softball Coach, Jr High Baseball Coach, and Jr High Softball Coach (2). Superintendent Williamson also shared with the board the start of the draft calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.  The board requested that a survey be sent out to staff after the completion of Spring Break to get their opinion of having Spring Break next year and how they felt the Monday professional days went. 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

January 16, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Don Phillips, Ann Ohms, Chris Shadduck, Logan More, Pat Powers, April Glosser, James Fineran, Jil Nelson, Steve Noble, Lori Hugen, and Megan Simmons.

 

Call to Order: President Houck called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: Logan More addressed the board regarding elementary boundaries, daycare and transportation and requesting that his children could attend a different elementary.  Pat Powers thanked the board for writing a letter opposing the carbon pipeline proposal and asked the board to send a letter in solidarity opposing the school choice voucher that will be in the upcoming legislative session.

 

Correspondence: None

 

Approve Agenda: Superintendent Williamson recommended an amendment to the agenda where agenda item 7a Teacher Endorsement was struck through and 7b Balance Autism School Consultation Agreement was added.  Van Mersbergen motioned to approve the amended agenda and Vandello seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson discussed the start of the FY24 Budget and the affect the SSA will have on EBF’s tax rate.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director, discussed the Elementary ELA/Curriculum update, FAST Testing and materials purchased with a computer science grant that EBF received.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school gave his report next and informed the board of upcoming staff outing and an update on the professional development held in early January with Mike Donahue. Jil Nelson, principal at Eddyville Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report regarding the success of the Biz Town program that all 6th graders attended on January 11th and spoke of the professional development session from January 16th.  Other reports submitted, but not read were from the Director of Special Services, the Daycare Director, and the Maintenance Director.

 

Consent Items: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Consent Items 6a to 6c(iv): December 19, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes; Account Balances as of December 31, 2022; January’s Bills and Review of School Board Policies: Possession or Use of a Controlled Substance and/or Nicotine – 525; Search and Seizure – 526; Interview of Students – 527 and Anti-Harassment/Bullying Policy – 528.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Contracts & Agreements: Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the Balance Autism School Consultant Agreement.  Small discussion on what these services were.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Open Enrollments:  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept open enrollments out for Cheyanne McSparen, 9th Grade to Clayton Ridge; Kelsey Weinhold, 12th Grade to Oskaloosa; and Kilee Tanke, 4th Grade to Cardinal.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to accept the resignation of Beth Fenton, Special Education Teacher at the EBF Jr/Sr High at the end of the 2023 School Year.  Motion carried unanimously.  

 

Action Items: Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Board Resolution FY23-03 for the Safety Equipment for the purchase and reconditioning of football helmets and pads.  Discussion was held regarding the safety of reconditioned equipment. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Discussion Items: Sheriff Don Phillips from Wapello County was in attendance and spoke to the board regarding EBF getting a School Resource Officer.  There are staffing issues and a good plan would need to be in place to make sure that all four buildings would have access to this SRO.  Chris Shadduck, Cardinal CSD’s SRO, also spoke on what an SRO would be doing and what he does for Cardinal. Capital Projects were discussed with plans supplied by Denovo on possible upgrades and changes to all buildings.  Superintendent Williamson said that roofs and remodeling of the FCS room should begin this summer. There will be a survey sent out after spring break to see the feeling regarding the changes that were made to this current year’s calendar - spring break and having professional development days on Monday vs Friday.  February’s board meeting will remain on schedule for Monday, February 20th even with it being President’s Day. Superintendent would like to get a school improvement advisory committee started that would include two board members, two school administrators and community members.  If anyone from the public is interested, please contact a board member. A public hearing will be held at the February 20th board meeting to approve the Board Resolution for redistricting of director districts after a census. The board would like to update the district’s current mission statement of “The mission of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is to develop a quality educational program which provides the students with opportunities to be productive citizens of a global society”.  This mission statement was approved on July 16, 2012 and is currently over 10 years old. Open positions are:  Special Education Teacher for the 2023-2024 School Year; Special Education Teacher - Strat II - Jr/Sr High; Secondary Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High; Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associate; Substitutes for all positions and Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Junior High Student Council; Girls Head Golf Coach; Jr High Track Coach (2); 9th Grade Softball Coach; Jr High Baseball Coach and Jr High Softball Coach (2). 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

February 20, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Allison Angle, Megan Lehman, Logan & Reagan More, Janet Brinegar, Wyatt Brinegar, April Glosser, James Fineran, Cathy Williamson, Steve Noble, Lori Hugen, Patrick Powers, Jaylene Vroegh, Dally Orman, CD Brinegar and others not signed in.

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: Allison Angle spoke in support of Agri Power FFA and its advisor.  She had previously been an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor and wanted the board to know the amount of work and stress that is involved in running a successful program. 

 

Presentations: Jaylene Vroegh and Dally Orman wanted to let the board know the activities that have happened since the last time they met with the board this fall.  The FFA students have been involved or attended the following activities: National Convention, Livestock Judging, Mini Hereford Show, Urban Air, Rabbit Show Team, Turkey Dinner, Fall and Winter IAT Conferences, Christmas on the River, Warmth Project, Christmas Tree pick up, Free Throw Contest, Pork Congress, Meat Judging, Iowa Beef Expo, and Greenhand Ceremony.  Upcoming activities are FFA Week, Sub-Districts, District’s, Dad’s Night Out, Alumni Auction, FFA Banquet, Mattress Sale, State Convention, Buckle Blast Pig & Goat Show and Buckle Blast Livestock & Horse Judging Contest.  With so many ongoing activities they wanted to let everyone know that they are always looking for volunteers to help!

CD Brinegar next presented to the board information on other FFA programs in Iowa and where Agri Power FFA compares to these programs in size of membership and the number of ag instructors.  He would like to see a committee created to determine how many ag instructors are needed for our program. 

 

Approve Agenda: Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson discussed new money workbook for FY24, current spending in the FY23 budget, Legislative Updates and Capital Project update.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director, presented the Winter Fast Testing Results, Winter IReady Diagnostic Data for reading and math.  Administrators are excited that students made significant growth district wide and feel that the interventionists hired for learning loss due to Covid have been a great help.  Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school wanted to acknowledge Lizzy Van Utrecht for winning the E. Wayne Cooley scholarship in the amount of $15,000.00. This scholarship is awarded to one high school student each year and this is the first time that a EBF student has been awarded this.  Each Iowa school district nominates one student for this scholarship, of those applications, six are selected for personal interviews.  EBF is very proud of Lizzy and congratulates her on this award.  Mr. Noble then also wanted to recognize Meghan Lehman for her hard work as a first year teacher and let the board know that she was awarded three staff recognition awards that are chosen by her peers.  Mr. Noble also thanked CD Brinegar for stepping in and helping our FFA students.  James Fineran, principal at Blakesburg Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report and spoke of how happy the staff and administrators are with the test results, students in the 4th & 5th grade attended an Iowa Wolves basketball game on February 7th and the Oskaloosa Storybook Players visited each of the elementary buildings.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave her update on the Explore Academy transitions, the 3rd quarter consortium meeting, interview process for two special education positions open next year, STOP & COP grant updates and that EBF had submitted for a Federal mental health grant that is awarded by April 1st. Other reports submitted, but not read were from the Building Representative Meeting, the Activities Director, the Daycare Director, and the Maintenance Director.

 

Consent Items: Vandello motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the January 16, 2023 minutes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the Account Balances as of January 31, 2023 and Bills List for February 2023. Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the review of school board policies: Anti-Harassment/Bullying Investigation Procedures – 529; Use of Motor Vehicles – 530; Student Conduct – 531; and Expulsion – 531 and the first reading of District Vision and Mission Statement – 111.  Small discussion held on the revision of the mission statement.  Currently mission statement is: The mission of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is to develop a quality education program which provides the students with opportunities to be productive citizens of a global society.  Revised mission statement is: The mission of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is to develop a quality education program and cultivate resolute citizens of Iowa. Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Contracts & Agreements: None 

 

Open Enrollments:  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept open enrollments in for Sofia Mendoza, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, Abigail Ferdig, 9th Grade from Ottumwa to HSAP, Charleigh Ferdig, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to HSAP, Isaiah Ferdig, 7th Grade from Ottumwa to HSAP and Ira Taylor, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP and to accept open enrollments out for River Parker, 2nd Grade to Oskaloosa, Dalton Parker, 1st Grade to Oskaloosa, Kalvin Kinzenbaw, 5th Grade to Oskaloosa, Keegan Kinzenbaw, 5th Grade to Oskaloosa, Mariah Kinzenbaw, 7th Grade to Oskaloosa,  and Paisley Friedman, Kindergarten to Ottumwa .  Small discussion held on the number of students enrolled in our home school assistance program. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded approve the following hires: Bethany Brown, .5 Jr High Student Council, Tara Holdsworth, .5 Jr High Student Council, Helen Koffman-Stout, STEM Stipend, Michelle Seddon, STEM Stipend, Kiera MacPherson, STEM Stipend, Donna Bohlmann, STEM Stipend, and Shelly Jager, STEM Stipend.  There was not any recommendation for any of the fall sport coaching positions.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the resignation of Barb Krusemark, bus driver at the end of the 2022-23 school year.  Mrs. Krusemark stated she will still drive, but did not want to be under contract.  Motion carried unanimously.     

 

Action Items: Brinegar motioned and Shepherd second to approve the Resolution for Redistricting of Director Districts.  Small discussion held with review of new map.  Roll call votes: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Brinegar, yes, Haselhuhn, absent, and Houk, yes. Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the Budget Guarantee Resolution.  Discussion was held regarding what this would mean for next year’s finances and what affect it would have on our current tax rate.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to table the Budget Guarantee Resolution until the March 20, 2023 board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded setting the budget hearing date for April 17, 2023 and the publishing of budget between March 28th and April 7th.  Motion carried unanimously. Shepherd motion and Klyn seconded to approve the purchase of a 40-foot-tall netting backstop for softball in the amount of $42,000 with the primary purpose to eliminate students and younger children from crossing the road when they retrieve foul balls.  Discussion held regarding the number of companies we received quotes from, if this purchase would be a PPEL or SAVE purchase, what was the procedure for when the baseball netting and backstop was replaced, did the district purchase or did the baseball team hold fundraisers.  Motion failed, 2 ayes from Klyn and Shepherd and 3 nays from Brinegar, Vandello and Van Mersbergen.

 

Discussion Items: Administrators were asked if all staff had been trained on all emergency situations.  Administrators feel they have a good plan in place and are drilling down on this training.  Board wanted to stress the urgency to have this training completed and that all staff have a clear understanding of what they should do or where they should go in any emergency situation.  An increase in childcare rates will be brought to board for approval after wage increases for next year are determined.  This increase will to be to offset the wage increases.  SIAC Committee was again discussed with the board deciding to wait to see if these committees will be addressed in the legislative session. At the next board meeting on March 20th, the FCS Students will be preparing the board’s meal.  Final talking points, Superintendent Williamson asked the board to keep up on the current legislation. Open positions are:  Special Education Teacher for the 2023-2024 School Year; Special Education Teacher - Strat II - Jr/Sr High; Secondary Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High; Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associate; Substitutes for all positions and Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Junior High Student Council; Girls Head Golf Coach; Jr High Track Coach (2); 9th Grade Softball Coach; Jr High Baseball Coach and Jr High Softball Coach (2). 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Shepherd seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

March 20, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the EBF Jr/Sr High Library on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Amy Brink, Ashlee Snakenberg, Bri Batterson, Jeromey Middlesworth, Larae Middlesworth, Misty Eissens, Barb Krusemark, Nathan Hinton, Logan & Reagan More, Chase Brinegar, Janet Brinegar, Bobbi Kerby, Taylor Kerby, Jaylene Vroegh, Dally Orman, Patrick Powers, April Glosser, Tammy Davis, Jil Nelson, Cathy Williamson, Steve Noble, Lori Hugen, Megan Simmons and others not signed in.

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: Parents and community members that signed in all wanted to make sure the board was aware that they supported the Agri Power FFA program and would like the current situation settled.  They are concerned with upcoming fair seasons and the guidance needed for entries.  Chase Brinegar spoke again about the need for a second agriculture teacher. Jaylene Vroegh, Dally Orman and Taylor Kerby wanted to update the board on upcoming activities with Agri Power FFA.  March 22nd there will be a FFA meeting regarding the upcoming mattress sale at 6:00, the State FFA Convention is April 16 to April 18, the annual banquet will be held April 28th and there will be a pig and goat show on May 6th and 7th.

 

Correspondence:  The board received thank you cards from the family of Rob Williamson and Marcene Carlson.  The board also received a flier regarding climate engineering.

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Superintendent Williamson discussed new money workbook for FY24, tentative final budget, and discussed upcoming capital projects that could start as soon as summer of 2024. April Glosser, Curriculum Director, discussed the District Career and Academic Plan, the JHHS Schedule for SY2024, Learning Walks, upcoming professional development with Jason Andrews of Solution Tree, Mike Donohue, ISASP Testing coming up, selection of Into Reading as the new elementary curriculum and the summer school schedule. Steve Noble, principal at the Jr/Sr High school acknowledged the Top 5% from the 2023 EBF graduating class, they are: Elizabeth VanUtrecht, Madelyn Waldren and Aliveah Brinegar.  They will be honored at the South Central Conference Top 5% banquet on March 21st.  Mr. Noble also updated the board on parent-teacher conferences, class scheduling for next school year has begun. The Choices Matters program was delivered to students in grades 9-12 on Feb 28th and Mike Donahue’s last meetings with staff, students and parents were on March 6th & 7th.  Tammy Davis, principal at Blakesburg Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report and informed the board that ISASP testing will begin the week of March 27th and that parent-teacher conferences had a 95% to 97% attendance in the elementary buildings. Upcoming dates to remember are: Blakesburg Elementary’s community service day is April 14th, Blakesburg Family Fun Night is April 21st, Eddyville Elementary’s PTO Spring Carnival is March 25th and a mother-son bowling event sponsored by Fremont Elementary’s L.I.K.E. committee April 2nd at the Statesmen Lanes in Oskaloosa.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave her update on Support for Students Exposed to Trauma training, school safety checks, a new visitor management system, collection of data to determine if there is a need for a third classroom at that Explore Academy, and the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design training that was attended by herself, Steve Noble, Tony Fenton, Heather Severson, and deputies from Wapello and Mahaska County.  This training is required since we were awarded the STOP Grant.  Other reports submitted, but not read were from the Daycare Director and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to Consent Items 6a through 6c(iv): February 20, 2023 minutes, account balances as of February 28, 2023 and bills list for March 2023 and school board policies; 533-Fines-Fees- Charges; 534-Student Fee Waiver and Reduction Procedures; 535-Good Conduct Rule and 536-Student Government.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the second reading of 111-District Vision and Mission Statement.  Small discussion held on how the staff and administrators had input on the previous statement and they did not with this one.  They would like input.  Superintendent Williamson will work with staff to gather input.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to table the second reading of board policy 111-Distirct Vision and Mission Statement to the May 15th board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Contracts & Agreements: Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the 2023-24 Cooperative Agreement with University of Northern Iowa, the 2023-24 Education Agreement with Morningside College and the April 1, 2023-September 30, 2024 Consulting Service Agreement with IC Group, Inc.  The Cooperative and Education Agreements allow their college students to complete their student teaching with EBF. The Consulting Service Agreement will be paid for with the STOP Grant Funds.  Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Open Enrollments:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to accept open enrollments in for Kyla Ann Drije, 10th Grade in from Cardinal and Hattie Jo Shelquist, Kindergarten in from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary and to accept open enrollments out for Becca McSparen, 7th Grade to Clayton Ridge.  Small discussion held on the number of students open enrolling out.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Shepherd motioned and Brinegar seconded approve the following hires: Morgan Wells, Para Educator at Eddyville Elementary; Linda Taylor, part-time secretary for Home School Assistance Program; Triston Rew, Jr/Sr High Social Studies Teacher; Paula Richards, Jr/Sr High Strat II Teacher;

Jeff Whitehall, Head Football Coach; Jess Riley, Assistant Football Coach; Ryan Jackson, Assistant Football Coach; Michael Pilcher, Jr High Football Coach; Tyler Ford, Jr High Football Coach, Gladys Genskow, Head Volleyball Coach, Robin Taylor, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Kiera MacPherson, Jr High Volleyball Coach and Kevin Huck, Head Cross Country Coach.  Motion Carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept the resignations of Theresa DeWitt, Blakesburg Elementary Para Educator, effective March 10th; Ashley Wilson, Eddyville Elementary Para Educator, effective March 10th; Alexander Holt, Social Studies Teacher at Jr/Sr High effective at the end of the 2023 school year; Lisa Strausser, Assistant Cheer Coach; Jody Eveland, Elementary Custodian, effective March 10th and Michele Roach, Bus Driver, effective at the end of the 2023 school year.  Small discussion on why staff left and if leaving mid-year posed any problems with payroll. Motion carried unanimously.     

 

Action Items: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen second to approve the updated 2022-2023 School Year Calendar to include the make-up days.  Students will be making up days on the following days: April 10th (1:00 dismissal), April 24th (1:00 dismissal), May 30th, May 31st and June 1st (1:00 dismissal).  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello second to approve the Kognito Software Quote.  This software will be used for required online training that will be available to staff members, students and the community and will be purchased with STOP Grant funds.  Motion carried unanimously. Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion from the February 10, 2023 board meeting for the Budget Guarantee Resolution.  Brinegar motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve the Budget Guarantee Resolution. Discussion was held on what this resolution will have on the tax rate for the district.  Board would like to see an adjustment in another fund, such as Management, to keep the tax rate to the same tax rate as FY23.  Roll call vote: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Brinegar, yes, Haselhuhn, absent and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: Discussion was held on the status of training for emergency situations in all school buildings.  The board would like to see even more movement on this.  Superintendent Williamson shared with the board results of a survey he sent regarding in district transfers.  Some of the responses stated the they had more than one elementary building, but they were grade driving and not by town, meaning that they would have PK to 3 in one building and 4-6 in a different building.  The districts that did have similar elementary set up like EBF, stated that they would treat each request individually as they were presented to them.  Superintendent Williamson recommended the board have a work session in April to discuss allowing this for resident students only.  Another topic for the work session would be donations received for the food service program.  The district has been approached by some churches and individuals wanting to donate and we should have protocol on how to apply these funds to negative accounts.  Superintendent Williamson gave a brief update on the Eddyville Childcare Centers finances and would like the board to think about if they feel an increase in rates is needed for next year.  Activities Director, Curt Johnston, then addressed the board regarding girls wrestling.  With girls wrestling now sanctioned by the state, he would like to see about hiring a girls wrestling coach.  Board scheduled a work session for Monday, April 10th to discuss many of these topics.  Open positions are: Custodian at Eddyville-Elementary (11:00 am to 7:00 pm); Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associate; Substitutes for all positions; Coaching or Supplemental Positions: Girls Head Golf Coach; Jr High Track Coach (2); 9th Grade Softball Coach; Jr High Baseball Coach; Jr High Softball Coach (2); and the openings for the 2023-2024 School year: Special Education Teacher - Jr/Sr High; Secondary Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High; Coaching or Supplemental Positions: Assistant Football Coach; 9th Grade Volleyball Coach; Jr High Cross Country Coach; Jr High Volleyball Coach; and Assistant Cheer Coach. 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

April 10, 2023

 

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, April 10, 2023 for a board work session.  Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Logan & Regan More, Randal Maloy, Dimitri Boyer and Richard Lettington.

 

Board Work Session: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Houk called the board work session to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, absent; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Curt Houk present. Quorum established. Vandello arrived at 6:05 p.m.

 

Work Session:  The Superintendent and board members are all invited to IHCC’s Appreciation Dinner to be held on Tuesday, April 25th.  Any board members that would like to attend, please let board secretary know and she will get the number of attendees to IHCC. 

 

Superintendent went over an analysis workbook for the daycare to help the board to decide if they would like to adjust rates for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1st.  The board was happy to see that the daycare made money last year but still would like to make a small adjustment to the rates vs waiting a year or two and then having to make a big rate increase all at once.

 

The board then discussed a policy regarding the transfer between elementary buildings for resident district only students.  The board is in favor of having a policy that will allow for in district transfer, but would like clear guidelines on how this is approved.  The policy will include a cap on the number of students a class size can have before a transfer is not accepted, transportation will not be provided by the district, and the process of when transfers are accepted.  Superintendent Williamson will bring a form that includes protocols to the board to act on with the April 17, 2023 board meeting.

 

Board policy 111, District Vision and Mission Statement was next discussed by the board.  The board had a first reading on the following board mission statement: The mission of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is to develop a quality education program and cultivate resolute citizens of Iowa.  After the first reading was approved, some staff members asked to have input on the mission statement.  The committee’s suggested mission statement is: The mission of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is to provide a quality education which prepares Iowa students to be productive citizens of a global society.  The board discussed both mission statements and then came up with the following mission statement: The mission statement of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is to provide a quality education which cultivates Iowa students to be collaborative and productive citizens.  Board policy 111 will be brought to the board meeting on April 17th for a first reading.

 

New board policy 722A, Nutrition Donations, was discussed.  This would be a new policy to address when someone makes a donation to the nutrition account and does not specify how they would like the donation to be paid out.  This policy will be the guidelines for how all donations will be paid unless there are specific guidelines from the donor on how they would like their donation paid out.  This new policy will be brought to the board meeting on April 17th for a first reading.

 

2023-2024 School Calendar was then discussed with the board.  They were given the results from the survey that was sent out to staff and parents regarding Spring Break and professional development days.  A student survey was also held informally with the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th graders after they had completed their ISASP testing.  Staff was in favor of keeping the Spring break at 76.4% to 23.6% and for professional development days they were in favor of the Friday PD days at 59.1% over Monday PD days at 40.9%.  Parents are in favor of keeping the Spring break with 66.7% in favor and 33.3% against.  Regarding professional development days, parents were in favor of Friday PD days with 65.2% and Monday receiving 34.8% of the vote.  Students that were surveyed were in favor of the Spring Break, but wanted to keep the professional development days on Monday. 

 

With the completion of Certified Staff negotiations, Subcommittees will be created to look more in depth at the possibility of changing the salary schedule for teachers so there is more equality in pay increases for all teachers, a committee to review the current supplemental salary schedule and supplemental positions and the last committee will be for the research into the need for a second agricultural teacher and/or advisor.  Board members are to decide which committee they would like to be included on with no more than three board members to a committee.  Other members of committees will be staff and administration. 

 

Superintendent Williamson then went over enrollment and a 5-year projection on finances.  If the district continues to lose enrollment, some hard decisions might need to be made by SY27 or SY28. The board is also going to need to address minimum class size and protocol for when this happens. 

 

Board took a break at 7:22 p.m.  Work session resumed at 7:25 p.m.

 

The final topic for discussion at this work session was Capital Projects.  There are numerous projects that need to be addressed, but the board decided to have the following projects go to bid for this fall: Roof repairs on all buildings, build a kitchen to the Blakesburg Elementary to eliminate students leaving their building to eat, and the renovation of the current FCS classroom.  Once the bid process is complete, the hope is to have the roof repairs to be done in the Fall of 2023 and both the Blakesburg Kitchen addition and the renovation of the current FCS room to take place in the Summer of 2024.  Other smaller projects will be addressed this summer, the concrete at the back entrance to the Fremont Elementary needs to be level, as well as a few places at the Jr/Sr High and ventilation for the Wrestling room.  Board is still working on narrowing down what future projects there might be with some of the ideas being the building of a new competition gym that will have a stage included, cold storage for band instruments, sports equipment, renovation of the second gym into classrooms with storage above, a new building that would house the weight room, wrestling and maybe choir.  The board also needs to decide if they would like to replace the boiler in the West building in Blakesburg.  With the kitchen being moved from this building, would it be cost effective to replace boiler if the only classes being held there are for the Explore Academy.  Superintendent Williamson has discussed with the other superintendents from the therapeutic classroom consortium and they would like to see us look into finding a cheaper used boiler before they decide if they would be willing to help with the payment of the boiler.  The board also must decide how much they are willing to spend on this building.  Mr. Crawford from Denovo, is going to get the bid process started regarding our first projects to be completed. 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board work session.  Meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

April 17, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Nathan Hinton, Richard Lettington III, Janet Brinegar, Wyatt Brinegar, Pat Powers, Ragen & Logan More, Randy Maloy, Amy Spurgeon, Ann Ohms, Tom & Alice Vandello, Carroll & Lenna Bresee, April Glosser, James Fineran, Cathy Williamson, Lori Hugen, Megan Simmons and others not signed in.

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: Superintendent Williamson presented to the public a summary of the proposed 2023-2024 Budget that sets the tax rate at 10.82503.  There was one question from the public in regards to other area schools tax rates.  With no further questions, the hearing closed at 6:09 pm.

 

Public Forum: Nathan Hinton and Richard Lettington III both addressed the board with concerns regarding the lack of practice space for the wrestling program.  With the addition of girls wrestling now being a state sanctioned sport, the need is even greater for the extra space.  Janet Brinegar, Wyatt Brinegar and Pat Powers addressed the board with their concerns with the FFA program not having two teachers when most other subjects taught do have two teachers, such as math, English, social studies.  There is also a concern that students are missing out on opportunities because of the current situation.

 

Correspondence:  The board received thank you cards from the family of Larry “Harry” McNeese, Sue Heits, from the EBF band students, and from the announcing crew for EBF.tv of Pat Powers, Mike Lane, Jim McCrea and Jim Jaeger. 

 

Presentation: Abby Jager and Nevaya Vandello both juniors at EBF are members of Legacy Youth Alliance.  Legacy Youth Alliance is an organization made up of high school students from Wapello County that are dedicated to volunteering and advocating for our communities.  They spoke to the board advocating for sensory spaces be created and available for the students of EBF to go to when they need to step away and have a place to go where they can calm down, relax and reflect for their mental health.  They feel these sensory spaces would be beneficial for all students.  Studies have shown that 25% of all 11th graders have thought about suicide as well as 20% of all 6th graders.  They concluded the presentation asking for support from the board.

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: April Glosser, Curriculum Director, went over the Into Reading Curriculum quotes, the District’s Career and Academic Plan, Sophomore Day at Indian Hills, CASA Mental Health Summit, the potential for a Career Academy Grant, ISASP testing is mostly completed and the open TLC positions for the upcoming school year. James Fineran, principal at Fremont Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report and informed the board of an assembly that grades 2-6 will be attending at the Jr/Sr High school, the number of student teachers we currently have in the district, upcoming field trips and oral hygiene and hearing tests. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave updates on the district’s Service Delivery Plan, the GP District Meeting and Women in Leadership conferences she attended, the Stop the Bleed training staff participated in, a second CPI class will be offered April 24th, transition meetings are scheduled, Kourtni Shelquist will be the teacher mentor for the TPRA Grant, the Explore Academy updates and updates on the STOP and COPS grants.  EBF was also awarded a Federal Mental Health Grant for approximately 4.2 million dollars over the next 5 years to purchase services, supplies and counselors/therapists.  Other reports submitted, but not read were from the Secondary Principal, Activities Director, Childcare Director and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items: Vandello motioned and Klyn seconded to approve the March 20, 2023 board minutes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve Consent Items 8b through 8c(iv): Account balances as of March 31, 2023, bills list for April 2023 and school board policies; 537-Student Organizations, 538-Student Publications, 539-Student Publications Code and 540-Student Performances.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the first reading of the new board policy 722A-Nutrition Donations.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Contracts & Agreements: Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded to approve both of the Operational Sharing Agreements for transportation director and maintenance director with North Mahaska and the FY24 Extension with Opaa! as the district’s food service management company.  Discussion held regarding logistics for sharing the transportation director and what staff and parents feel regarding Opaa!.  Concerns were brought up regarding the milk that has been served has expired and the number of times chicken is served to students.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to amend original motion to approve only Di(1&2) the sharing of transportation director and maintenance director.  Motion carried unanimously to amend original motion.  Amended motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the FY24 Extension with Opaa! for food service.  Discussion was held regarding the concern for their animal welfare statement and if the meat purchased was US meat, the milk concerns and the menu having too many chicken items.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to table the approval for the FY24 Extension until a representative from Opaa! could attend a board meeting and address their concerns.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the following open enrollments in: Noah Waller, 6th Grade, from Oskaloosa to Eddyville, Henry Ratliff, Kindergarten, from Oskaloosa to Fremont Elementary, Kiah Houser, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Fremont Elementary, Nataliee Ver Steegh, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Avery Wickenkamp, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Evelyn Lobberecht, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Adalynn Patterson, 1st Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, Austin Patterson, 4th Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary, and Baylie Patterson, 6th Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Personnel: Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the hires of: Wendy Hatley, Custodian at Eddyville Elementary-2nd Shift; Kierra MacPherson, Jr High Track Coach; Kevin Huck, Jr High Track Coach; Melissa Van Donselaar, Football Cheer Sponsor; Junior High Softball - all pending coaching authorization: Michele Roach, Gladys Genskow – volunteer and Megan Lehman – volunteer; Dustin Snakenberg, Junior High Baseball - pending coaching authorization; Travis Stout, Head Boys Basketball; Jason Leffler, Assistant Boys Basketball; Andy Heinle, 9th Grade Boys Basketball; Tony Fenton, Head Girls Basketball; Mike Haywood, Assistant Girls Basketball, Madysen Wade, 9th Grade Girls Basketball - Madysen Wade; Dimitri Boyer, Head Wrestling Coach and Ryan Jackson, volunteer for Girls Basketball.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to accept the resignations from Tiffany Roozeboom, 6th Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year; Haegen Boyer, Assistant Softball Coach; and Brandy Haines, Jr High Language Arts, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Action Items: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the 2023-2024 Budget.  Roll call vote: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, absent; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Brinegar, yes; Haselhuhn, absent and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to set the Amendment hearing for the 2022-2023 budget for May 15, 2023.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the In-District Elementary Transfer form for in-district students only.  Discussion was held.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to amend the approval of the In-District Elementary Transfer form to add #6 Anchor would apply for siblings previously approved and add * EBF Board of Directors has the discretion to review and make changes to these procedures.   Motion carried unanimously to amend original motion.  Amended motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to hold the 2023-2024 school calendar hearing with the May 15, 2023 board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously. Klyn motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the Certified Staff Master Agreement with a total package increase of 4.22%; Classified Staff’s MOU increasing hourly employee’s wage by $1/hour and bus driver contracts by $1,000, and Admin/Fiscal/HSAP/Other contracts with a total package increase of 4.22%.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the Quote for Into Reading Grades K-6 and Into Reading Grades K-3.  Discussion held on this new curriculum and if all elementary buildings now use all the same curriculum for all subjects.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the quote from Combustion Controls to replace heaters at the Jr/Sr High school.  Motion carried unanimously.  Superintendent Williamson recommended that the board increase preschool tuition rates and gave the board an analysis of expenditures and revenue for board to make this decision.  Lengthy discussion on what to increase rates too.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve a rate increase the Preschool Tuition Rates by $100/month for 3 year olds attending preschool all day and for 4 year olds attending the second half of the day. Motion carried, 5 yes, 1 no.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the recommended daycare rates of $5.00 per week for all 35 hour contracts, $2.50 per week increase for 10 hours to 25 hour contracts and a $0.50 increase per hour for drop ins.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded the approval of the draft list of the 2023 EBF Graduates.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Denovo to begin bid process for the roof repairs to the Jr/Sr High, the addition of a new kitchen at the Blakesburg Elementary and renovations to the current FCS classroom at the Jr/Sr High. Motion carried unanimously.    

 

Discussion Items:  Short discussion was held regarding the need for air exchange for the current wrestling room.  David Keeton, transportation director, will be bringing a list of surplus vehicles to the board to approve for disposal through the bid process.  The board selected the following for the EBF Mission statement that will be brought to the May 15th board for first reading: The mission statement of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District is to provide a quality education which cultivates Iowa students to be collaborative and productive citizens.  The following board members have been selected to be on the following committees: Vandello & Houk will be on the Certified Salary Schedule committee; Klyn & Shepherd will be on the Supplemental Salary Schedule & Positions committee; and Klyn and Van Mersbergen will be on the exploration for the need for a second agricultural teacher and/or FFA advisor.  Board members are asked to let Superintendent Williamson or Secretary McCrea know if they will be attending the graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 21st.  Open positions are: Immediate Openings: Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, Substitutes for all positions, Girls Head Golf Coach, 9th Grade Softball Coach and openings for the 2023-2024 School year: 6th Grade Teacher - Fremont Elementary, Social Studies Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Special Education Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Secondary Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Assistant Football,

9th Grade Volleyball, Jr High Cross Country, Jr High Volleyball, Jr High Boys Basketball (2), Jr High Girls Basketball (2), Assistant Wrestling, and Jr High Wrestling.   

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                         

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                                  Board Secretary

April 27, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Thursday, April 27, 2023, for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, J Van Zante and others not signed in.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Houk called the special board meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present via phone call; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Curt Houk, present. Quorum established.

 

Termination of Probationary Teacher: Superintendent Williamson recommended the termination of Pieter Appel, probationary teacher. Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept the termination of Pieter Appel. Discussion was held where it was asked if there was any other way this could be handled, such as a severe reprimand or write up. Unfortunately, the administration feels this is an ethics violation and the district cannot condone this behavior. The board was also concerned about the length of time that this process took, and the board feels that we could have a hard time getting a replacement for next school year. The amount of time regarding this process was due mostly to negotiations between lawyers and when it became evident that no separation agreement could be made, termination was the next option. One board member spoke of the talent and skill that the district would also be missing out, but another board member pointed out that what was done was against the rules. The board was also concerned about the negative effect this will have on the future employment of Mr. Appel. Superintendent Williamson reiterated that this was why the district was trying to work out a separation agreement. The board then had a few more questions. Would it have mattered if this was a college course or high school course with the answer from Superintendent Williamson that no it would not have mattered.  Superintendent Williamson was asked if he had ever come across this is in time as an administrator with Superintendent Williamson stating that he has never experienced anything like this before. No further discussion. Roll call vote: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes, Brinegar, no, Haselhuhn, absent and Houk, yes. Motion carried.

 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

May 5, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: none.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Houk called the special board meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.  Roll call: Eric Klyn, absent; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present via Zoom meeting; Micah Van Mersbergen, present via phone call; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Curt Houk, present via phone call. Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Item: Van Mersbergen Motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the out of state travel request from the EBF Band. Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:04 a.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

 

May 15, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Lanny Glosser, Ann Ohms, Janet Brinegar, CD Brinegar, Rob Veldhuizen, Melissa Gingrich, Liz Smith, Travis Smith, Amber Collett, Randy Reed, Emily Patterson, Ashleigh Sammons, Livvie Eissens, Pat Powers, Cory Black, Cindy Nichols and others not signed in.

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: 2022-2023 EBF Budget Amendment Public Hearing opened at 6:00 pm. Superintendent Williamson presented to the public a summary of the proposed changes to the 2022-23 Budget. With no questions, the hearing closed at 6:03 pm.

 

Public Hearing: 2023-2024 School Calendar Public Hearing opened at 6:03 pm.  Superintendent Williamson gave an overview of the upcoming school calendar. Elementary students will have parent teacher conferences or meet the teacher days on Tuesday, August 22nd and Wednesday, August 23rd, with the first full day of school for elementary students on Thursday, August 24th.  Jr/Sr High student’s first day of school is Wednesday, August 23rd. Possible snow make up days were also listed on this year’s calendar.  With no questions, the hearing closed at 6:08 pm.

 

Public Forum: Lanny Glosser and Liz Smith each spoke separately but in support of the EBF Wrestling program regarding the need for a girls wrestling coach, a larger wrestling room and opportunities for girls wrestling.  Janet Brinegar, CD Brinegar, and Randy Reed each spoke separately to the board in support of the current FFA Instructor and would like the board to reconsider the termination of Mr. Pieter Appel.  Robert Veldhuizen, Melissa Gingrich, and Cory Black, each spoke separately and addressed the board on the importance of the FFA program and the opportunities it provides our students.  Livvie Eissens, Secretary of the Agri Power FFA, wanted to give the board an update on the FFA Banquet, the goat/pig show and the gold buckle judging contest that have just been completed.  Each activity was a huge success.   

 

Correspondence:  none 

 

Approve Agenda: Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: April Glosser, Curriculum Director, went over the curriculum updates, evidence based practices, the EBF DCAP (District Career & Academic Plan), and testing updates showing the growth in math and reading at all elementary buildings as well as with the junior high students.  Jil Nelson, Principal for Eddyville Elementary gave the combined elementary principal’s board report and informed the board of upcoming end of year activities and field trips.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave updates on the district’s Service Delivery Plan, CPI training, the search for mental health interns for next year and the need for extended year services for some special education students.  Other reports submitted, but not read were from the Secondary Principal, Childcare, Maintenance & Nutrition Directors, as well as the report from the last building representative meeting.

 

Consent Items: Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Consent Items 8a(i-iii) the April 10, 2023, the April 17, 2023 and April 27, 2023 board minutes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve Consent Items 8(i-ii): Account balances as of April 30, 2023 and the bills list for May 2023.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve 8c(i-iv) school board policies: 541-Student Fundraising; 542-Student Activity Program; 543-Student Promotion-Retention-Acceleration; and 544-Student Honor and Awards.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve 8c(v) the second reading of board policy 722A-Donations to Food Service Program for Application to Unpaid Meal Accounts.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve 8c(iv) the first reading of board policy 111-District Vision and Mission Statement.  Discussion was held on Vision Statement.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to table the first reading of board policy 111-District Vision and Mission Statement.  Motion tabled unanimously. Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve 8d(i-v) Contract & Agreements: Sharing Agreement between EBF & Great Prairie AEA for a librarian; Technology with TF Technology; bus mechanic with K Repair and counseling and consulting for the Explore Academy with Julie DeVries.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve 8d(vi) the FY 24 Extension for the food service management company of Opaa!   Emily Patterson and Ashleigh Sammons, both from Opaa! addressed the board’s previous concerns with the food service management company.  Small discussion.  Motion carried 4 ayes & 1 nays. Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the open enrollments in of Hannah Reed, Kindergarten from Pekin to Fremont Elementary; Harper LaRue, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary; Cali Smith, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Eddyville Elementary (has sibling at EE); Monroe Mittag, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary; Remington Mittag, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary; Nadina Lopez-Gonzales, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary (mother works for district); Hendrix Moore, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary; Emily Moody, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP and open enrollments out of  Tyson Stout, 10th Grade to North Mahaska (moved into district) and

Moriah Stout, 10th Grade to North Mahaska (moved into district).  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded the denied open enrollment of Letrell Buxton, 6th Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg-denied due to insufficient classroom space.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Personnel: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the hires of: Sierra Kendall, 6th Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary; Nathan Smith, Group Speech; Leslee Hansen, Special Education Teacher at Jr/Sr High; Kierra MacPherson, Assistant Softball; Gladys Genskow, Jr High Softball -approved as volunteer-now paid coach; and volunteer softball coach of Madysen Wade. Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to accept the resignations of:  Emily Hale, Social Studies at the Jr/Sr High, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year; Nicole Harland, Para Educator at the Eddyville Elementary, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year; and Desiree Law, Vocal Music at the Jr/Sr High, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Action Items: Brinegar motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve 10a the 2022-2023 Budget Amendment.  Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve 10b the 2023-24 School Calendar.  Small discussion on Spring Break.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve 10c the 2023 EBF Service Plan Delivery. Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar motioned and Shepherd seconded to approve 10d the list of surplus vehicles, with bids to be opened at the June 19, 2023 board meeting. Discussion held on where district would advertise.  Ottumwa Courier, our Facebook page and Hawkeye Trader.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve 10e the quote of $87,000 from Francis Electric for the purchase of a lighting system with COPS grant money.  Discussion held on why this was the only quote and that the board requests a more detailed or clearer quote.  Motion carried unanimously.  Shepherd motioned and Vandello seconded to approve 10f the daycare rates effective July 1, 2023, with 35 hour contracts increasing by $5.00 a week, 25 & 10 hour contracts increasing by $2.50 a week and the drop in rate increasing by .50 cents an hour.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve 10g that classified staff are eligible to have their personal day paid to them in lieu of using before the end of the school year, for this year only.  Discussion held regarding the impact this would have on the budget. Superintendent Williamson stated that this would not have a negative impact on the budget. Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Discussion Items: Superintendent Williamson presented the board the updated estimate from the Iowa DOT regarding the resurfacing of highway 23 in Fremont.  The DOT will be resurfacing the front parking in front of the Fremont Elementary.  The board scheduled a special meeting for Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7:00 pm to decide and plan the larger summer projects. Board member, Vandello, asked the board’s feelings on paying for bus driver’s meals when they take students to activities.  She would like to go back to this practice since we have a shortage of bus drivers.  The district currently follows the Iowa Administrative guidelines for in state travel reimbursement and these guidelines only allow for meal reimbursement if someone departs before 6:00 am and returns by 7:00 pm. The majority of the board feels that these are guidelines that we should continue to follow. Sub committees need to determine times that they are available to meet and get meetings scheduled.  Open positions are: Immediate Openings - Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates and Substitutes for all positions and Openings for the 2023-2024 School year - 2nd Shift Custodian - Jr/Sr High, 5th Grade Teacher - Eddyville Elementary, Industrial Arts Teacher or Shop Manager - Jr/Sr High, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Junior High ELA Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Social Studies Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Secondary Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Assistant Football, 9th Grade Volleyball, Jr High Cross Country, Jr High Volleyball, Assistant Cheer Coach, Jr High Boys Basketball (2), Jr High Girls Basketball (2)

Assistant Wrestling & Jr High Wrestling.

 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello motioned to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                              Board Secretary

May 22, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7:00 pm for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms and Andy Heinle.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Houk called the regular board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Eric Klyn, absent; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Curt Houk, present. Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to amend agenda and remove item 3a Denovo Contract. Contract has not been approved by the school’s lawyer.  Will bring to the June 19, 2023 board meeting for approval.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Contracts & Agreements: Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the two-year agreement with Marc & Jessica Nollen for the Fremont land. Small discussion held on benefit of doing one-year agreements.  Motion carried unanimously.   Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the GPAEA Sharing Agreement for Social Worker for the 2023-2024 school year.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Personnel:  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Madysen Wade, 9th Grade Softball Coach.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Capital Projects: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve all of the new proposed capital projects with the cost of each approximately listed: $36,215.00 for 4th Grade Classrooms furniture, $33,000.00 for gymnasium painting, $15,000 for the Wrestling Room Air Exchange, $65,000 for high school athletic lockers, $40,000 for junior high athletic lockers, $25,000 for Jr/Sr High classroom video displays, and unknown for cement work at Fremont Elementary, Jr/Sr High and the District Office’s West wall.  Discussion was held that the junior high athletic lockers were still in respectable shape and could be replaced later since we are uncertain what the amount for the concrete work will actually be.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to amend the original motion to excluded the junior high athletic lockers.  Motioned amended unanimously.  Amended motion carried unanimously.    

 

Adjourn:  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

June 6, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 5:30 pm for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: none.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Houk called the special board meeting to order at 5:30 pm.  Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present; Lara Vandello, absent; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Curt Houk, present. Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Presentation of Recommendation of Termination: Superintendent Williamson presented to the board the Recommendation to Terminate the Contract for Mrs. Reed-Appel.  The board received a copy of the Teacher’s notice and recommendation to terminate contract that was given to Mrs. Reed-Appel on May 25, 2023, a copy of the proof of personal services of notice, and the Recommendation to the Board of Directors to Terminate the Contract. Vandello arrived at meeting at 5:36 pm.  Board had a couple questions in regards to the hearing and Secretary McCrea will email the district’s counsel on them. 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:37 pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

 

June 19, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Janet Brinegar, CD Brinegar, Jenifer Heald, Kadence Heald, Allison Angle, Aaron Angle, Jess Ballanger, Ann Ohms, Alan Angle, Randy Reed, David Hall, Cory Van Der Wal, Laura Van Der Wal, Mike Orman, and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, absent; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: Janet Brinegar, CD Brinegar, Jenifer Heald, Allison Angle, Jess Ballanger, Randy Reed and Mike Orman addressed the board regarding FFA and Laura Van Der Wal addressed the board regarding her resignation.     

 

Correspondence:  none 

 

Approve Agenda: Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent, updated the board on the process on how students can get signed up for FFA projects for the Iowa State Fair.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director, went over 2023 Spring FAST results, PLC Training, leadership meetings and years of service awards.  Steve Noble, Jr/Sr High Principal went over graduation and the retirement of Beth Fenton, the district wishes Mrs. Fenton the best in her retirement.  Tammy Davis, Blakesburg Elementary Principal, gave the combined elementary principal’s report and informed the board on the upcoming summer projects in each building and summer school.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, went over updates with school safety, tier 2 trauma interventions, Minga, Raptor and the Mental Health grant progress.  Other reports submitted but not read, were from Nutrition Director and Childcare Director.

 

Consent Items:  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve Consent Items 6a to 6c(iv): May 5, 2023 minutes, May 15, 2023 minutes, May 22, 2023 minutes, account balances as of May 31, 2023, bills list for June 2023, school board policies: 545-Testing, Evaluation, and Survey Program; 546-Graduation Requirements; 546A-Graduation Requirements-Home School Assistance Program and 547-Early Graduation.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve Consent Item 6c(v) the first reading of board policy 111-District Vision & Mission Statement.  Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Klyn seconded to approve consent items 6d(i-viii) Contracts and Agreements: Student Assurance Services for Catastrophic Insurance; Voluntary Dental; Central College Student Teaching; Buena Vista College Student Teaching; IHCC Student Field Experience/Observation; Hamilton Produce Pay on Delivery; IHCC 4+ Transition Services and Employee Benefits Systems.  Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to table consent item 6d(ix) Denovo Contract.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve consent item 6e Open Enrollments in of Charlotte Glassgow, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, Loralai Glassgow, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary and Letrell Buxton, 7th Grade from Ottumwa to EBF Jr/Sr High.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Personnel: Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve each hire individually.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve Nolan Krueger, Social Studies Teacher at the Jr/Sr High.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve Ricky Reinier, Industrial Arts/Shop Teacher at the Jr/Sr High.  Discussion held.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to table until the July 17th board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Krystal Holleman, 5th Grade teacher at Eddyville Elementary.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to approve Alicia Silvers, 1st Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary.  Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve Jane Roberts, Mental Health Counselor.  Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Van Mersbergen motioned to accept the resignations of Macy Brown, Behavior Interventionists at the Explore Academy

Kayleen DeWitt, Special Education Teacher at Eddyville Elementary, Ronda Glosser, Lead Cook at Blakesburg Elementary, Cassandra Holdsworth, Para Educator at Blakesburg Elementary, Tasha Kelly, Para Educator at Fremont Elementary, Cindy Molyneux, Para Educator at Jr/Sr High, Rena Whitehall, 1st Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary. Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept the resignation for Laura Van Der Wal, 4th Grade Teacher at Eddyville Elementary. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the Resolution for Revenue Purpose Statement for the November 7, 2023 Election.  Roll call vote: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, absent; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Brinegar, yes; Haselhuhn, absent and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously. Sealed bids were open: no bids received for buses #10, #14, #16, or #23.  Suburban #8 had one bid from Chad Francis for $675.00.  Suburban #28 had three bids: Norman Higinbottom of $400.00, Kaleb Kirkpatrick of $527.00 and Brent Williams of $727.00. Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the highest bid for suburban #8 ($675.00) & suburban #28 ($727.00).  Discussion held on having the busses placed on govdeals.com or salvaged.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept the summer cement work quotes from Glosser Construction in the amount of $62,280.00. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: Superintendent Williamson stated that drywall has been added to the Jr/Sr High where wood paneling had previously been and that it really looks good.  Superintendent Williamson also informed the board on the status of the Blakesburg & Eddyville Elementary playgrounds. Board is asked to review the Legislative Survey packet they were given and select the legislative items that they would like to see be the focused on for next legislative session.  These selections will be made at the July board meeting.  Open positions are: Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, Para Educators (3 needed): 1 at Jr/Sr High, 1 at Eddyville Elementary & 1 at Blakesburg Elementary, Behavior Interventionist - Explore Academy, 2nd Shift Custodian - Jr/Sr High, 4th Grade Teacher - Eddyville Elementary, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, ELA Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Secondary Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Substitutes for all positions, Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Assistant Football, 9th Grade Volleyball, Jr High Cross Country, Jr High Volleyball, Assistant Cheer Coach, Jr High Boys Basketball (2), Jr High Girls Basketball (2), Assistant Wrestling and Jr High Wrestling.

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                                  Board Secretary

June 26, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 5:30 pm for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms and others not signed in.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Houk called the special board meeting to order at 5:30 pm.  Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Rena Shepherd, present via Zoom; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present; and Curt Houk, present. Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Motion to Recess: Van Mersbergen motioned and Vandello seconded to recess and move to a Private Contract Termination Hearing Exempt from Iowa Code Chapter 21 pursuant to Iowa Code Section 279.16.  Roll call vote: Klyn, yes; Shepherd, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Brinegar, yes; Haselhuhn, yes and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Board recessed at 5:33 pm

 

Board reconvened special meeting at 12:55am.

 

Action on Continuance or Termination of Teaching Contract (Iowa Code Section 279.16(8)). Brinegar motioned and Haselhuhn seconded to reinstate Ag teacher/FFA advisor with a letter of reprimand for her personnel file and for one year to be closely monitored by her immediate supervisor.  Small discussion.  Brinegar motioned to amend his original motion to include that the board committee recently created will meet with Mrs. Appel and Mr. Noble quarterly.   Motion to amend original motion carried with 5 ayes and 1 nay. Roll call vote on amended recommendation: Klyn, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, no; Shepherd, yes; Brinegar, yes; Haselhuhn, yes and Houk, no.  Motion carried. 

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 1:10 am.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

June 28, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the district office on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 6:00 pm for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms and others not signed in.

 

Special Board Meeting: Call to Order – Establish Quorum: President Houk called the special board meeting to order at 6:00 pm.  Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent; and Curt Houk, present. Quorum established.

 

Personnel: Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion from June 19, 2023 to hire Ricky Reinier, Industrial Arts/Shop Teacher at the Jr/Sr High.  Small Discussion.  Motion carried with one nay vote. Brinegar motioned and Vandello seconded to release Michelle Erbs, 1st Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary, from her contract if she tenders her resignation.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Van Mersbergen motioned and Brinegar seconded to extend the bid acceptance for the salvaged busses to July 7th.  Board will accept any bid and allow Secretary McCrea and Superintendent Williamson to open bids on July 7th. Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Brinegar seconded to approve the Publication of Notice of Director District 3 Vacancy.  Motion carried unanimously.    

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar motioned and Van Mersbergen seconded to adjourn board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:21 pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

 

July 17, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Janet Brinegar, Ann Ohms, Ragen & Logan More, and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: Janet Brinegar addressed the board regarding Agriculture/FFA.     

 

Correspondence:  none 

 

Approve Agenda: Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent, informed the board of a tuition grant of $30,000 for tuition relief for preschool students, upcoming enrollment numbers for grades preschool to 4th grade, and current open positions for next year and how they might be covered if we do not get anyone hired.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director, gave a summer school update, curriculum updates for next year, proposed IHCC course offerings for 2023-24 and items purchased from the computer science grant.  Jil Nelson, Eddyville Elementary Principal, gave the combined elementary principal’s report and informed the board that the custodial staff was currently working hard to get buildings ready for the upcoming school year.  They appreciate their hard work to get the buildings looking great.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave hiring updates on para educators, behavior interventionists, mental health counselors and interns as well as updating the board on Raptor Visitor Management System, Therapeutic Classroom Grant update and a current Medicaid PERM audit.  Other reports submitted but not read, were from Jr/Sr High Principal and Maintenance Director.

 

Consent Items:  Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Consent Items 6a to 6c: June 6, 2023 minutes, June 19, 2023 minutes, June 26, 2023 minutes, June 28, 2023 minutes, account balances as of June 30, 2023, bills list for July 2023, school board policies: 548-Commencement, 549-Parental Involvement, 550-Student Record Access, 551-Student Directory Information and the second reading of 111-District Vision & Mission Statement.  Motion carried unanimously.  Secretary McCrea restated tabled motion to approve the Denovo Contract from the June 19, 2023 board meeting.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the Denovo Contract subject to final approval from the district’s legal counsel.  Small discussion.  Motion carried 5 to 1.  Klyn moved and Vandello seconded to approve the 2023-2024 contract for CodaHands Interpreting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to approve the IHCC Contract for Educational Services for the 2023-2024 school year.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the open enrollments. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Personnel: Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve Amy Hoyt, Para Educator at the Jr/Sr High, Amanda Smith, Mental Health Counselor, Ashley Utterback, Para Educator at Blakesburg Elementary,

Paige VerSteegh, Color Guard, Kathryn Gutch, Para Educator at the Eddyville Elementary, Alesia Houser, Mental Health Counselor-Contingent on receiving licensure, Randy Alger, Bus Driver over 15 passengers, Eric Lenox, JH/Assistant Cross Country Coach, Kyle Roemerman, .75 FTE ELA Teacher at Jr/Sr High and Mental Health Intern, and Jenna Walters, 1st Grade at Blakesburg Elementary. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Items: Board appointed Nathan Hinton to the board for Director District 3 to replace retired board member, Rena Shepherd.  Secretary McCrea gave the oath to Mr. Hinton.  Hinton joined board meeting at 6:53 pm.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the resident student attendance center transfer request for Chase Eastlick, 5th Grade from Blakesburg to Eddyville.  Small discussion.  Vandello moved and Brinegar seconded to amend motion to include Henry Eastlick’s (Preschool from Blakesburg to Eddyville) request along with Chase’s request.  Amendment carried unanimously.  Motion failed.  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve the resident student attendance center transfer request for Ella More.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the IHCC Course Offerings for the 2023-2024 school year.  Discussion held. Brinegar moved and Hinton seconded to table the approval of IHCC Course Offerings for the 2023-2024 to get matrix information regarding classes.  Motion carried 6 to 1. Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to approve the new position of Girls Wrestling Coach.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the new position of full time substitute teacher at the Jr/Sr High.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve the new position of Competition Supervisor.  Small discussion.  Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to table the approval of the new position for more information on what the position will be.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the new position of FFA Extra-Curricular Assistant.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the acceptance of the Preschool Mahaska Wapello Grant for $30,000.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve the 2023-2024 School Fees excluding the 4-year-old preschool fees.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved to approve the 4-yr-old preschool school fees at $200/month and not $250/month.  Motion died for lack of a second.  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve the 4-yr-old preschool fees at $250/month.  Motion carried 6 to 1.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the 2023-2024 EBF Staff Handbook. 2023-2024 EBF Preschool Handbook, 2023-224 EBF Elementary Handbook, 2023-2024 EBF Jr/Sr High Handbook and the 2023-2024 Explore Academy Handbook.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to select School Safety, School Funding following student, Teacher/Staff licensure and unfunded mandates as the EBF Board’s top four Legislative Priorities.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items:  Open positions are: Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, Behavior Interventionist - Explore Academy, 2nd Shift Custodian - Jr/Sr High, 4th Grade Teacher - Eddyville Elementary, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Secondary Math Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Substitutes for all positions,  Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Assistant Football, 9th Grade Volleyball, Jr High Cross Country, Jr High Volleyball, Assistant Cheer Coach, Jr High Boys Basketball (2), Jr High Girls Basketball (2), Assistant Wrestling and Jr High Wrestling. Board asked about what an early retirement plan would look like and if the board’s attorney Nicole Proesch had completed the decision from the June 28, 2023 board meeting. 

 

Board went into break at 8:18 pm.  Board resumed meeting at 8:28 pm.

 

Closed Session: Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to go into closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5{1}(i) Superintendent Evaluation. Roll Call vote: Hinton, yes; Klyn, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Brinegar, yes; Haselhuhn, yes; and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Board went into closed session at 8:28 pm.     

 

Board came out of closed session at 9:30 pm.

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                                  Board Secretary

August 21, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: CD Brinegar, Ann Ohms, Cammie Richards, Ed Glenn, Melissa Appel, and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Nathan Hinton, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: President opened up the public hearing for the Jr/Sr High School Roofing Project at 6:00 pm.  With no public comments, public hearing was closed at 6:01 pm.

 

Public Forum: CD Brinegar and Melissa Appel addressed the board regarding Agri Power FFA winning Supreme Chapter at the Iowa State Fair.     

 

Correspondence:  none 

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent, shared pictures of improvements made this summer.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director, gave her report on professional development, mentoring, MTSS and curriculum.   Jil Nelson, Eddyville Elementary Principal, gave the combined elementary principal’s report.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, updated the board on the mental health and STOP grants.  Lori Hugen gave the Explore Academy’s board update. Other reports submitted but not read, were from Jr/Sr High Principal, Maintenance Director and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve Consent Items 6a to 6c: July 17, 2023 minutes, account balances as of July 31, 2023, bills list for August 2023, school board policies: 552-Student Photographs, 553-Student Library Circulation Records, 554-Student Health & Immunization Certificates, and 555-Administration of Medication to Students. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve Consent Item 6d(i) 2023-2026 Clinical Affiliation Agreement with William Penn for nursing students.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to approve Consent Item 6d(ii) to 6d(v): 2023-2024 Balance Autism Contract; Piper Sandler Engagement Letter & Contract; 2022-2027 MOU Agreement with IHCC and Cardinal CSD for College & Career Transition Coach; and Professional Service Agreement with Efficience from Oct 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024.  Small discussion.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve Open Enrollments In: Amelia Hammond, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary

Reneya Hammond, 1st Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary, Porter Rupe, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to HSAP, Katelin Messimer, 10th Grade from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Karyn Messimer, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Kenzie Messimer, 5th Grade from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Kylea Messimer, 8th Grade from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Brynna Beinhart, 7th Grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High, Everlee Teeter, 3rd Grade from Albia to Blakesburg, Lily-Rose Teeter, 1st Grade from Albia to Blakesburg, Madison Stewart, 8th Grade from Albia to Jr/Sr High, Landon Richards, 10th Grade from Ottumwa to HSAP, Carter Peiffer 10th Grade from Oskaloosa to Jr/Sr High, Jaxon Peiffer 5th Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary; and Open Enrollments Out: Daniel Ross, Kindergarten to Cardinal, Jayden Satterfield, 10th Grade to Oskaloosa, Jhett Satterfield, Kindergarten to Oskaloosa, Harley Ralls, 10th Grade to Albia, Tillman Ralls, 3rd Grade to Albia, )

Adalyne McSparen, 1st Grade to Albia, Brooklyne McSparen, 4th Grade to Albia, and Wyatt Starks, 8th Grade to Clayton Ridge.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel: Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve Julie Thompson -stipend to teach 4th Grade; Donald Mitchell -Math Teacher at Jr/Sr High; Stephanie Haywood - Behavior Interventionist; Nathan Smith - Varsity/JV Vocal, JH Vocal & Tri-M; Torie Alexander - Assistant Volleyball Coach; Polly Davis, Mental Health Counselor; Rachel Tague - Bus Driver; Megan Lehman - JH Volleyball; Micheal Pilcher - Head Boys Track; Gladys Genskow - Head Girls Track; Ryan Jackson - Assistant Boys Track; Whitley Alexander - Assistant Head Girls Track; Kevin Huck - JH Track; Kiera MacPherson - JH Track; Hannah Koellner - JH Track and Megan Bahr - Full time Substitute Teacher and Whitley Alexander – Volunteer Volleyball.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to accept resignations from Larry Achenbach – Head Golf and Megan Bahr – Para Educator at the Jr/Sr High.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Cammie Richards from IHCC spoke to the board on courses that EBF students will be taking with IHCC.  Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion to approve the IHCC course offerings that was tabled at the July 17, 2023 board meeting.  Hinton moved and Vandello seconded to un table motion.  Motion carried 4 yes, 1 no.  Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve IHCC course offerings for the 2023-2024 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.  Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion to approve a new certified positon of competition supervisor that was tabled at the July 17, 2023 board meeting.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to un table motion.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello motioned and Hinton seconded to approve the new certified position of competition supervisor.  Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar moved and Klyn seconded to approve the purchases of a 2020 Chevrolet Express Wagon for $45,640.00, a second van up to $50,000 and a AWD car or crossover up to $20,000.  Motion carried unanimously.  The board accepted the construction documents for the Jr/Sr High Roof Repair project.  Discussion was held with Brian Crawford and Jeff Denniston from Denovo regarding the bids received and scope of project.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to accept the bid from Hopkins Roofing with the alternate #1 plan included.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items:  Agenda items for the September Board meeting included review of the Emergency Operation plan and the negative account balance for choir. Open positions are: Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, 2nd Shift Custodian - Jr/Sr High, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Substitutes for all positions, Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Head Girls Wrestling, Head Golf Coach, FFA Assistant Advisor, Assistant Football, 9th Grade Volleyball, Jr High Volleyball, Assistant Cheer Coach, Jr High Boys Basketball (2), Jr High Girls Basketball (2), Assistant Wrestling, and Jr High Wrestling.

 

Adjourn:   Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                              Board Secretary

 

September 18, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Janet Brinegar, CD Brinegar, Ann Ohms, Lanny Glosser, Ed Glenn, Jessica Nollen, Jenny Van Zante, Torri Schmitz, Nick Schmitz, Regina Hoy, Stephanie Houk, Melissa Appel, Ashleigh Sammons, Randy Reed, and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Nathan Hinton, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Mark Haselhuhn, absent and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: Janet Brinegar, CD Brinegar & Melissa Appel spoke in regards to FFA, Lanny Glosser spoke about wrestling, and Jessica Nollen, Regina Hoy & Stephanie Houk spoke on archery.

 

Correspondence:  none 

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent gave his report on SCED course codes (School Codes for the Exchange of Data) and EBF CTE programing.  April Glosser, Curriculum Director, presented the board with the ISASP data from Spring testing. Tammy Davis, Blakesburg Elementary Principal, gave the combined elementary principal’s report giving enrollment data and updating on beginning of the year.  Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave the board updates for special education, Explore Academy and the Mental Health Grant counselors.  Other reports submitted but not read, were from Jr/Sr High Principal, Daycare Director, Maintenance Director and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:  Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve Consent Items 6a(i): August 21, 2023 minutes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve Consent Items 6b(i) to 6c(iv): account balances as of August 31, 2023, bills list for September 2023, school board policies: 555A-Naloxone Supply & Administration for Opioid Overdose, 556-Communicable Diseases-Students, 557-Student Illness or Injury at School and 558-Concussion Management. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve Consent Item 6d(i) Contract for Vocal Lessons with Kent Jager.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve Open Enrollments In: Gauge Allsup, 7th Grade from Oskaloosa to Jr/Sr High; Bryan Allsup, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary; Dace Meeks, 3rd Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary; Stella Salyer, Kindergarten from Pekin to Fremont Elementary; Sophia Clark, Kindergarten from Cardinal to HSAP; Charlotte Glassgow, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary; Lorali Glassgow, Kindergarten from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary; Ryker Glassgow, 2nd Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary; Hailey Collins, 10th Grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High; Nicholas Myers, 10th Grade from Oskaloosa to HSAP; Easton Barnard, 1st Grade from Oskaloosa to Fremont Elementary; Jayden Myers, 5th Grade from Oskaloosa to Eddyville Elementary; Ricky Shoemaker, 3rd Grade from Ottumwa to HSAP; Tyler Shepherd, 6th Grade from Ottumwa to Blakesburg Elementary; Ingrid Mills, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP, Halo Sterling, Kindergarten from Oskaloosa to HSAP; Garrett Pumphrey, 9th Grade from Ottumwa to Jr/Sr High; Eliza Crossley, Kindergarten from Albia to HSAP and Andrew Gingerich, Kindergarten from Moravia to HSAP. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Brinegar moved and Hinton seconded to approve the following Hires: Kristen Birchard, Homework Help After School; Angela Koebke, Homework Help After School; Jeff Whitehall - paid prep period; Nobalee Galbraith - Part Time Para Educator at Eddyville Elementary; Tom Hallgren, Competition Supervisor; Nolan Krueger - Jr High Boys Basketball Coach; Nolan Krueger - Jr High Girls Basketball Coach; David Hall - Assistant Wrestling Coach; Jake Demmon - Jr High Wrestling Coach; Meghan Lettington, Wrestling Cheer Sponsor; Lisa Strausser - Concession Stand Manager; Tom Hallgren - Head Baseball Coach; Alex Ashman - Assistant Baseball Coach; Donavan Young - 9th Grade Baseball Coach; Tyler Ford - Jr High Baseball Coach; Dustin Snakenberg - Jr High Baseball Coach; Tony Fenton - Head Softball Coach; Garrett Krause - Head Girls Wrestling Coach (pending completion of coaching authorization) and Volunteers: Brandon Jackson, Wrestling; Richard Lettington, Wrestling and Jeff Larson, Boys Basketball.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the Mental Health Grant stipends for Cathy Williamson, Sherry Mattson and Mary McCrea.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the renewal of the Emergency Operation Plan.  Motion carried unanimously.  Hinton moved and Vandello seconded to approve the transfer of $1,175.65 from Activity Management to Choir. Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the 2023-2024 Fundraisers.  Motion carried unanimously. Brinegar moved and Hinton seconded to approve the 2023-2024 Transportation Hard Surface Plan.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the SBRC Request for Supplemental Allowable Growth for Special Education Deficit in the amount of $131,417.06.  Small Discussion.  Roll Call Vote: Hinton – yes, Klyn – yes, Vandello – yes, Van Mersbergen-yes, Brinegar – yes and Houk – yes. Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the out of state travel for the FFA students to attend the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, IN from October 31st to November 4th.  Motion carried unanimously.     

 

Discussion Items:  Superintendent Williamson informed the board that EBF was approved to use ESSER Funds to install air conditioning in the gymnasium.  Discussion was held regarding the EBF Archery Club regarding bylaws, parent complaints and the board’s involvement. Superintendent Williamson would like to increase the classified employee’s insurance benefit from 80% of the single plan paid by the district to 100% paid by the district.  The 78th Iowa Association of School Boards Convention will be November 15th to November 17th, interested board members are to let board secretary know.  Open positions are: Para Educator – Jr/Sr High, Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, 2nd Shift Custodian - Jr/Sr High, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Substitutes for all positions, Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Spring Play Director, Assistant FFA Advisor, Basketball Cheer Coach, Jr High Boys Basketball, Jr High Girls Basketball, Head Boys Golf Coach and Head Girls Golf Coach.

 

Adjourn: Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                                  Board Secretary

October 6, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 8:00 am for a special board meeting.

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 8:00 am. Roll call: Nathan Hinton, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, absent; Micah Van Mersbergen, present via phone call; Doug Brinegar, present; and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Brinegar moved and Klyn seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Items: Brinegar moved and Hinton seconded to accept the quote for the Eddyville Elementary Roof Repair.  Motion carried unanimously. Discussion held.  Brinegar moved and Hinton seconded to table roof repairs until more quotes could be reviewed.  Motion carried unanimously.     

 

Adjourn: Brinegar moved and Klyn seconded to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:18 am.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                              Board Secretary

 

October 16, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Janet Brinegar, CD Brinegar, Ann Ohms, Ed Glenn, Dimitri Boyer, Travis Johnson, Melissa Appel, Tyrone Lobberecht, Regina Hoy and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Nathan Hinton, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Board held a moment of silence for Board Member, Mark Haselhuhn, who passed away September 21st.

 

Public Forum: CD Brinegar, Janet Brinegar, Melissa Appel and Regina Hoy spoke in public forum.

 

Correspondence:  Thank you cards were received from the families of Kim Paulos and Mark Haselhuhn 

 

Approve Agenda:  Vandello moved and Hinton seconded to amend the agenda to add item 9f- Archery Coach a position vetted by administration, non-paid positon.   Motion carried unanimously to amend agenda.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent, gave his board report on enrollment and VPPEL finances. April Glosser, Curriculum Director, presented her board update on professional development and Fall Fast Testing. Steve Noble, Jr/Sr High School Principal, informed the board of PSAT testing, staff recognition awards and the upcoming Veteran’s Day program. Jil Nelson, Eddyville Elementary Principal, updated the board on DHS licensing for the preschool staff, safety drills and Fremont’s “Give Mr. Fineran some hair” reading challenge. Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, gave updates on special education and mental health grants and Lori Hugen spoke on the Explore Academy’s staff presenting at the Iowa BEST Summit in Des Moines.  Other reports submitted but not read, were from the Daycare Director, Maintenance Director and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve Consent Items 7a to 7d: September 18, 2023 Minutes; Account Balances as of September 30, 2023; Bills list for October 2023; School Board Policies: 559-Emergency Plans & Drills, 560-Student Insurance, 561-Custody & Parental Rights, 562-Special Health Services.  There were no Contract & Agreements. Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the following open enrollments in from Landon Clary, Bowen Taylor, Raidyn Vandello, Jada Watson-James, Darren Watson-James, and Sasha Shultz, and open enrollments out from Karson Kirkpatrick, Kenna Kirkpatrick and Michael Kirkpatrick.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Hinton moved and Brinegar seconded to approve the hires of Nina Roach, bus driver; Ryan Jackson, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach; Jake Cook, Junior High Boys Basketball Coach; Jake Cook, Junior High Girls Basketball Coach; Mackenzie Vanskike, Behavior Interventionist; and Jennifer Mort, Para Educator. Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to accept the resignations of Alex Ashman, Assistant Baseball Coach and Madysen Wade, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the following volunteers: Madysen Wade, Girls Basketball; Adam Proctor, Wrestling; Kevin Huck, Wrestling; Brad Steele, Wrestling; Davey Dyke, Wrestling; Nick Schmitz, Archery; Jessica Nollen, Archery; Travis Johnson, Archery; Adam Bahr, Archery; Rob Pilcher, Archery; Ashley Glosser, Archery; Jenny Van Zante, Archery; Coby Schmitz, Archery and Katie Smith, Archery.  Motion carried unanimously

 

Action Items: Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to draw the replacement of director for district 4 from a hat.  Tyrone Lobberecht was drawn and Lobberecht was sworn in as director for district 4.  Brinegar moved and Vandello second for the district to pay 100% of the single coverage for classified staff, up from 80%. Motion carried unanimously.  Hinton moved and Klyn seconded to accept quote #3 from Hopkins Roofing for the Eddyville Elementary Roof Repair.  90-mil EPDM for an expected cost of $73,636.06. Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Hinton seconded to waive the open enrollment eligibility requirements for a student that open enrolled in September.  The student’s resident district’s board approved the waiver at their October 9th board meeting.  Motion carried with a 5 (yes) to 2 (no) vote.  Hinton moved and Vandello seconded to approve the active space renovation in the amount of $30,000.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Hinton seconded to approve the administration vetting and recommending to the board a head coach for the archery program.  This is a non-paid position.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items:   Capital projects – sharing agreement with Ottumwa CSD for swimming & Twin Cedars CSD for wrestling – 78th IASB Annual Convention is Nov 15th to the 17th.  Open positons: Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, 2nd Shift Custodian - Jr/Sr High, Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High, Substitutes for all positions, Assistant Baseball Coach, Spring Play Director, Assistant FFA Advisor, Basketball Cheer Coach, Head Boys Golf Coach, Head Girls Golf Coach

 

Adjourn:  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                              Board Secretary

November 20, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Ed Glenn, CD Brinegar, Regina Hoy and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Nathan Hinton, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: None

 

Presentation: Agri Power FFA student, Bryli Black, did a presentation regarding the National Convention and other activities for the FFA.

 

Correspondence:  None 

 

Approve Agenda:   Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent, went over the PPEL spending from July 2021 to October 2023.  James Fineran, Fremont Elementary Principal, gave the combined elementary principal’s report and Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services gave the board updates on special education and grants. Other reports submitted but not read, were from the Curriculum Director, Jr/Sr High Principal, Daycare Director, Maintenance Director and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve Consent Items 7a to 7d(iv):

October 6, 2023 Minutes, October 16, 2023 Minutes, Account Balances as of October 31, 2023, Bills for November 2023 and School Board Policies: Wellness Policy-563, Goals & Objectives of Educational Program-600, School Calendar-601 and School Day-602. Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve 7d(v) the first reading of board policy: General Principles, Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection and Evaluation-400. Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Hinton seconded to approve 7d(vi) the first reading of board policy: Discipline of Students who make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence-531A.  Small discussion.  Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to amend motion to approve first reading with the addition of parent and/or guardian listed on all bullet points and removal of word emotional in paragraph four of page two.  Motion carried unanimously to amend motion.  Amended motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve 7e Contracts and Agreements: Buffie Ritz Reimbursement for MS English Language & Social Studies Endorsement, Sharing Agreement for Swimming with Ottumwa CSD and Sharing Agreement for Wrestling with Twin Cedars CSD.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to approve 7f Open Enrollments: In: Cason Walker, Lariah Ingram, Landon VerSteegh, and Makenna Reed and Out: Dale Johnson, Jewels Johnson, Noah Johnson.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel:  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the hiring of Mark Oglevie, 2nd Shift Custodian at the Jr/Sr High, Rachell McMahon, Basketball Cheerleading Sponsor and Traci Scott, Spring Play Director.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to accept the resignation from Kyle Roemerman, .75 English Language Arts teacher at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Brinegar moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the transfer of $4,171.00 from Fund 64 (Farm Property) to Fund 21 (Activity-FFA).  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the out of state travel request from FFA to attend the Illinois Meat Judging Series.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the Lau Plan Guidance Document for 2023-2024.  Motion carried unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the SBRC Request for Open Enrollment out not on prior year’s headcount in the amount of $209,034.00.  Roll call vote: Hinton- yes, Klyn-yes, Vandello-yes, Van Mersbergen-yes, Brinegar-yes, Lobberecht-yes and Houk-yes.

 

Discussion Items:   Roofing projects, Family Consumer Science classroom & Blakesburg Lunch Room blueprints, Navigator pulled out from the CO2 pipeline, and the next board meeting is Monday, November 27th at 6:00 pm. Open positons: .5 FTE Therapeutic Classroom Teacher - Explore Academy; Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associates; Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High - for 2024-25; 7-12 English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High for 2024-25; 4th Grade Classroom Teacher - Eddyville Elementary for 2024-25; Substitutes for all positions; Assistant Baseball Coach; Assistant FFA Advisor; Head Boys Golf Coach and Head Girls Golf Coach.

 

Adjourn:   Van Mersbergen moved and Brinegar seconded to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:03pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                              Board Secretary

November 27, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 6:00 pm for their annual board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ed Glenn, Ann Ohms, and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Nathan Hinton, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Doug Brinegar, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda:   Brinegar moved and Hinton seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Old Business:  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the second reading of board policy: General Principles, Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection and Evaluation-400. Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the second reading of board policy: Discipline of Students who make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence-531A.  Small discussion.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to table the second reading of board policy: Discipline of Students who make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence-531A. Motion tabled unanimously.  Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to approve the FY2023 Year End Balances.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Review of Canvassed Election Results: Board accepted canvassed election results. Director District 3: Ed Glenn received 94 votes and Nathan Hinton received 81 votes with one write in.  Ed Glenn elected. Director District 4: Bruce Vroegh received 27 votes and Tyrone Lobberecht received 36 votes. Tyrone Lobberecht elected. Director District 5: Tom Judy received 43 votes, Nicholas Batterson received 24 votes and Randy Reed received 30 votes with one write in. Tom Judy elected.  

 

Adjournment of Retiring Board:   Brinegar moved and Vandello seconded to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 6:21pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                              Board Secretary

November 27, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 6:27 pm for their organizational board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms. 

 

Call to Order: Secretary McCrea called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:27 pm.

 

Oath of Office: Secretary McCrea administered the oath of office to duly elected board members: Ed Glenn, Director District 3; Tyrone Lobberecht, Director District 4 and Tom Judy, Director District 5.

 

Organizational Items: Vandello nominated Curt Houk as EBF Board President.  Judy nominated Glenn as EBF Board President.  Nomination ceased.  Houk was elected as EBF Board President with 5-2 vote. Secretary McCrea administered the Oath of Office to Houk.  President Houk took over the meeting at 6:34 pm.  Judy nominated Glenn as EBF Vice President.  Nomination ceased.  Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to elect Glenn EBF Vice President.  Motion carried unanimously.  Secretary McCrea administered the Oath of Office to Glenn.  Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to appoint McCrea as EBF Board Secretary/Treasurer.  Motion carried unanimously.  President Houk administered the Oath of Office to McCrea.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to set the regular schedule of board meetings to the third Monday of the month at 6:00 pm at the District Office unless listed otherwise on the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.  Glenn moved and Judy seconded to approve Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance for the Procedural Rules.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Glenn seconded to set the official depository as First Iowa State bank with a maximum depository limit of $20,000,000.00 (twenty million). Motion carried unanimously.  Klyn moved and Lobberecht seconded to select the Ottumwa Courier as the official publication.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to select Ahlers & Cooney Law Firm, Mr. Brett Nitzschke as the school attorney.  Motion carried unanimously. Glenn moved and Judy seconded to table committee representative selections until information regarding committees could be given to the board.  Motion carried unanimously.  Glenn moved and Klyn seconded to appoint Van Mersbergen as board delegate for the Mahaska County Conference Board; Judy as board delegate for the Wapello County Conference Board and Vandello as board delegate for the Iowa Association of School Boards.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: Board member contact information, board meeting agenda items of fundraisers and open enrollment.  Next board meeting is set for Monday, December 18, 2023, 6:00 pm at the District Offices.

 

Adjourn:   Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to adjourn meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:01pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                         Mary McCrea

Board President                                              Board Secretary

 

December 18, 2023

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, CD Brinegar, Doug Brinegar, Travis Johnson, Patrick Davis, Regina Hoy and others not signed in. 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

Public Forum: Doug Brinegar spoke on FFA

Correspondence:  Thank you cards from the families of Allen Miller and Bill Houk 

Approve Agenda:  Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent; April Glosser, Curriculum Director; Steve Noble, Jr/Sr High Principal, Tammy Davis, Blakesburg Elementary Principal; Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services, Lori Hugen, TCP Coordinator all read their board reports.  Other reports submitted but not read, were from the Daycare Director and Nutrition Director.

Consent Items:  Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to approve Consent Items 6a and 6b: November 20, 2023 Minutes, November 27, 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes, November 27, 2023 Organizational Meeting Minutes, Account Balances as of November 30, 2023, and Bills for December 2023.  Motion carried unanimously.  Secretary McCrea reinstated tabled motion from November 27, 2023. Glenn moved and Vandello seconded to take off table 6v(i) the second reading of board policy: Discipline of Students who make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence- 531A. Motion carried unanimously.  Discussion held.  Original motion to approve the second reading carried 6 to 1, with Van Mersbergen voting no.  Van Mersbergen moved and Glenn seconded to approve 6c(ii) to 6c(v) board policies: School Year-603, Emergency School Closings-604, Curriculum Development-605 and Curriculum Implementation-606.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve 6d: Contracts and Agreements: Denovo Amended Contract and Safe and Resilient Schools Contract.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 Personnel:  Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve the hiring of Anola Fagen, para educator at Fremont Elementary and resignations from Mark Oglevie, 2nd Shift Custodian at the Jr/Sr High and Elizabeth Camis, para educator at Fremont Elementary.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Action Items: Glenn moved and Vandello seconded to approve the At-Risk Modified Supplemental Amount of $303,453.00.  Roll call vote: Glenn-yes; Klyn-yes; Vandello-yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Judy-yes; Lobberecht-yes; and Houk-yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to approve Board Resolution FY23-01 for Safety Equipment purchases in the amount of $7,989.34.  Roll call vote: Glenn-yes; Klyn-yes; Van Mersbergen-yes; Judy-yes; Lobberecht-yes; Houk-yes; Vandello had stepped away and did not vote.  Motion carried unanimously.  Glenn moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the quote of $39,071.00 for the purchase of elementary 3rd grade furniture. Motion carried unanimously.  

Discussion Items:   Patrick Davis and Brian Crawford from Denovo gave cost estimates on Jr/Sr High roofing project, the FCS classroom renovation and the new kitchen at Blakesburg Elementary.  Board took a break at 8:05 pm.  Meeting resumed at 8:11 pm. Van Mersbergen outlined the IPIB Resolution regarding the complaint that the board violated Chapter 20 open meeting laws.  Board committees were discussed and tentative groups created with approval for committees occurring at the next board meeting.  Open Enrollments were reviewed.  The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2024 with a Public Hearing at 6:00 pm for Flexibility Funds Transfer.  The preschool playground at Fremont Elementary was also discussed.  Open positions are: 2nd Shift Custodian –Jr/Sr High; .5 FTE Therapeutic Classroom Teacher - Explore Academy; Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associates; Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High - for 2024-25; 7-12 English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High for 2024-25; 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher – Fremont Elementary for 2024-25; Substitutes for all positions; Assistant Baseball Coach; Assistant FFA Advisor; Head Boys Golf Coach and Head Girls Golf Coach.

Adjourn:   Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried 6 – 1 with Van Mersbergen voting no.  Meeting adjourned at 8:55pm.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                               Board Secretary

 

January 15, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Caryn Smith, Abby Jager, Nevaya Vandello, Regina Hoy, Travis Johnson, and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: Vice President Glenn called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present via phone call; Tom Judy, absent; Tyrone Lobberecht, present, Curt Houk, absent and Ed Glenn present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: Vice President Glenn opened the public hearing on Categorical Fund Transfer Resolution at 6:00 p.m.  With no comments from the public, hearing closed at 6:01 p.m.

 

Public Forum: Abby Jager & Nevaya Vandello spoke on college classes available to high school students and Regina Hoy & Travis Johnson spoke on Archery.

 

Presentation: Joe Milledge (KIIC) & Frank Hansen (MCG) spoke to the board regarding a video board for the gymnasium. 

 

Board Member Judy arrived at 6:11 pm.

 

Correspondence:  Thank you card from the family of Bill Houk 

 

Approve Agenda:  Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent presented his board report to the board.  Other reports submitted but not read, were from the Curriculum Director, the Jr/ Sr High Principal, the elementary principals, the Director of Special Services and the Maintenance and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:  Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve 8a and 8b: December 18, 2023 Minutes, Account Balances as of December 31, 2023, and Bills for January 2024.  Motion carried unanimously.  Klyn moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve 8c: School Board Policies: Curriculum Evaluation-607; Pilot-Experimental-Innovative Projects-608; Basic Instruction Program – 609 and Summer School Instruction -610. Motion carried unanimously.  Judy moved and Klyn seconded to approve 9 Contract & Agreement –Video Board Advertising Rights.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve 9 Contract & Agreement – 2024 GASB #75 OPEB Service Agreement.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Personnel:  Lobberecht moved and Klyn seconded to approve the hiring of Bruce Vance - 2nd Shift Custodian at EBF Jr/Sr High; Jamie Votrobeck - Behavior Interventionist; Gladys Genskow - JH Softball Coach; Jake Cook - Head Boys Golf Coach; Polly Davis – Supervisor of MH Intern and Sydney Bowlin, volunteer girls wrestling coach.  Motion carried unanimously. Vandello moved and Judy seconded to accept the resignation of Jennifer Mort Para Educator at the Jr/Sr High.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Items: Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to accept the recommendation to amend the original action from the October 16, 2023 board meeting of a non-paid head archery coach being vetted by the EBF Administration to the action of vetting archery coach not occurring until the 2024-2025 archery season and if this amendment fails, the previous action item from the October 16th board meeting is nullified.  Discussion held.  Motion carried unanimously.  Judy moved and Vandello seconded to accept the Information Resolutions for IPIP Case Number 23FC:0100 with the following stipulations: 

1. The Board acknowledges that there was sufficient evidence of a violation of Iowa Code chapter 21 when the Board voted to revise the Board’s agenda at the time of the Board meeting when no emergency existed. This addition to the agenda failed to provide the required 24-hour notice to the public regarding the topics of deliberation and action to be taken by the Board. The Board will include this acknowledgement in the minutes of an open meeting.
2. The Board will conduct Open Meetings and Public Records training at an open meeting with notice to the public. This training will be conducted by the Iowa Association of School Boards or the Iowa Public Information Board. This will be scheduled by the Board.
3. The Board will review its policies and procedures for setting agendas and conducting open meetings and make any necessary changes to ensure the Board has steps in place to address what constitutes an emergency for revising an agenda without notice and puts procedures in place to address any issues that do not meet that standard but that need to be addressed at a meeting, such as safety protocols, planning, etc.
4. Amendment of Action of vetting coach will not occur until the 2024-2025 archery season, if the amendment fails at the January 15, 2024 board meeting, the previous action item from the October 16th board meeting is nullified.
5. The Board will approve this agreement at an open meeting and provide a copy of this Informal Resolution with its meeting minutes.

Motion carried unanimously.  Lobberecht moved and Judy seconded to approve the recommendation for the Flexibility Funds Transfer from Home School Assistance Program of $300,000.00 and from Professional Development of $35,000.00 to the General Fund for salaries and benefits.  Roll Call Vote: Klyn-yes; Vandello-yes; Van Mersbergen-yes; Judy-yes; Lobberecht-yes; Houk-absent and Glenn-yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the following board committees: Capital Projects / Transportation Committee – Curt Houk, Ed Glenn, Eric Klyn & alternative: Tyrone Lobberecht; Negotiations – Lara Vandello & Micah Van Mersbergen; Quarterly Building Representative Meeting – Tom Judy; Certified Salary Schedule & Supplemental Salary Schedule – Micah Van Mersbergen, Tyrone Lobberecht & Ed Glenn; Additional Ag Teacher – Tom Judy, Eric Klyn & Ed Glenn and Wellness – Lara Vandello.  Motion carried unanimously.  Lobberecht moved and Vandello seconded to approve the recommendation of the amended Indian Hills Courses available to students. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items:   Capital projects – roof repairs are completed at the Jr/Sr High and Eddyville Elementary buildings.  Bids for the FCS Room renovation and Blakesburg Kitchen will be opened on Feb 7th with the winning bids awarded at a special board meeting scheduled for Monday, February 12th.  Open Enrollment in from Blair Barnett, 7th Grade from Oskaloosa to HSAP and open enrollment out from Monica Salinas 3rd Grade to Ottumwa.  School calendar for the 2024-2025 school year was discussed and noted that legislators are looking at revising current law that has August 23 as the earliest start day of the school to a day after the end of the State Fair, such as the Monday or Tuesday after the conclusion of the Iowa State Fair. Next regular board meeting will be Monday, February 19th.  AEA/IASB/SAI Day on the Hill is scheduled for February 12th. Open positions are: Para Educator – Jr/Sr High; Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associates; Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High - for 2024-25; 7-12 English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High for 2024-25; 1st Grade Classroom Teacher – Blakesburg Elementary for 2024-25; Substitutes for all positions; Assistant FFA Advisor; Head Girls Golf Coach; Assistant Baseball Coach; Assistant Softball Coach; 9th Grade Softball Coach and Junior High Softball Coach.  

 

 

 

Closed Session: Per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(i) “To evaluate the professional competency individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.” Judy moved and Vandello seconded to move into closed session.  Roll Call Vote: Klyn-yes; Vandello-yes; Van Mersbergen-yes; Judy-yes; Lobberecht-yes; Houk-absent and Glenn-yes. Board went into closes session at 7:32 pm. 

 

Board Reconvened Board Meeting at 7:45 pm.

 

Action from Closed Session: Lobberecht moved and Klyn seconded to approve the Resignation, Settlement Agreement and Release between Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont CSD and Amanda Smith, Mental Health Counselor. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Adjourn: Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm.  

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Ed Glenn                                                          Mary McCrea

Board Vice President                                        Board Secretary

 

February 12, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a Public Hearing and Board Work session. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Nathan Hinton and Nick Batterson. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present via phone call, and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: President Houk opened the public hearing on the FCS Remodeling Project and the Blakesburg Elementary Kitchen Addition at 6:00 p.m.  Comments were heard from Nathan Hinton and Nick Batterson.  Public hearing closed at 6:27 p.m.

 

Board Work Session:  The first topic discussed in this work session was the school calendar for 2023-24 with the snow make up days accounted for and next year’s school calendar with four examples reviewed that included different start dates and with or without a Spring break.   

Discussion then moved to capital projects and finance.  Discussion was held on short term and long term goals for the district, financial accountability, tax rates and the possibility of offering an early retirement in the next year or two.

There are numerous issues this legislative session that will have a great impact on the direction of all school districts this year. Some of these legislative topics include student start date, SSA, teacher minimum salary, absenteeism, 3rd grade retention, and fully funded preschool.

The last two topics for the work session were setting the date for the IPIB work session and the viewing of a Yondr pouch that is used to lock a cell phone inside to address cell phone disruptions happening in the classrooms. 

 

Adjourn: Vandello moved and Judy seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 9:09 pm.  

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

February 19, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Nick Batterson, CD Brinegar, Doug Brinegar, Nathan Hinton and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: CD Brinegar, Doug Brinegar & Nathan Hinton spoke in public forum.

 

Correspondence:  None 

 

Approve Agenda:  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent; April Glosser, Curriculum Director; Steve Noble, Jr/Sr High Principal; Jil Nelson, Eddyville Elementary Principal and Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services presented their board reports to the board.  Other reports submitted but not read, were from the Maintenance and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:   Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve consent items 6a to 6c(iv): January 15, 2024 minutes, account balances as of January 30, 2024, bills list for February 2024, board policies: 611 – Special Education, 612 – Multicultural/Gender Fair Education, 613 – Health Education & Human Growth & Development Education and 614 – Physical Education.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the first reading of board policy 601 – School Calendar.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Contracts & Agreements: Judy moved and Klyn seconded to approve the contract from KDTI Productions LLC and the student teacher agreement from Morningside College for 2024-2025.

 

Personnel: Glenn moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the following hires:  Megan Lehman, Jr High Girls Softball, Kylie Batterson, Assistant Girls Track-pending licensure, Holly Collins, Para Educator at Jr/Sr High, Nicole Harland, 1st Grade Teacher at Blakesburg Elementary for 2024-2025 school year, Helen Koffman-Stout, STEM Stipend, Michelle Seddon, STEM Stipend, Kiera MacPherson, STEM Stipend, Donna Bohlmann, STEM Stipend and Shelly Jager, STEM Stipend. Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Glenn seconded to accept the following resignations effective at the end of the 2023-24 school year: Nicole Thomas, Elementary Counselor and Connie Halblom, Fremont elementary cook. 

 

Action Items: Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to accept the bid from Christner Construction for the renovation of the FCS room at the Jr/Sr High school and to table the bid for the Blakesburg Kitchen addition.  Discussion was held.  Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to amend original motion to be just the acceptance of the bid from Christner Construction for the FCS room renovation.  Motion carried unanimously to amend motion.  Amended motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved and Glenn seconded to table the acceptance of any of the alternate bids.  Motion carried unanimously.  Judy moved and Vandello seconded to approve the transfer of $60,000.00 from TAG funds to TSS funds.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve the Budget Guarantee Resolution.  Small discussion.  Roll Call Vote: Glenn, yes; Klyn, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, no; Judy, yes; Lobberecht, yes and Houk, yes.  Motion carried.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to set the first budget hearing for March 26, 2024 and to set the second budget hearing and certification for April 15, 2024.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: Work session – The board scheduled a work session for Monday, February 26th to discuss alternate bids and ESSER projects.  Open Enrollment in from Macy Jo Bayliss, 7th Grade from Pekin for the 24-25 school year open enrollment out from Kinsleigh Smith, 7th grade to Ottumwa.  Next regular board meeting will be Monday, March 18, 2024 with a special board meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.  Discussion held on that date being changed to Monday, March 25th if possible.  Open positions are: Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associates; Elementary Counselor for 2024-25; Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High - for 2024-25; 7-12 English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High for 2024-25; 1st Grade Classroom Teacher – Blakesburg Elementary for 2024-25; Substitutes for all positions; Assistant FFA Advisor; Head Girls Golf Coach; Assistant Baseball Coach; Assistant Softball Coach; and 9th Grade Softball Coach. 

 

Adjourn:  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:37pm.  

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

February 26, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a Board Work Session. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Nick Batterson, Melissa Reed-Appel, Nathan Hinton & Patrick Davis and others not signed in.

 

Call to Order: President Houk called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present, and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Board Work Session:  

Capital Projects: Curt Johnston, Activities Director gave his plans for past and future banner and trophy displays, Brian Crawford from Denovo spoke on the tabled bid for the Blakesburg Kitchen project, Patrick Davis also from Denovo gave a brief history to the new board members on the facility assessments that Denovo had performed in 2001 and Superintendent Williamson showed a capital project estimator and how SAVE & PPEL funds are and will be spent.

Board Recessed at 7:46 pm

Board Work Session Resumed at 7:52 pm

Finance: Superintendent Williamson discussed the management fund, early retirement policy, FY25 tax rate and average classroom size enrollment in elementary buildings.

ESSER: The balance of remaining ESSER funds will be spent by September of 2024

Spring Calendar 2023-24: Discussion was held on snow make up days and of a survey being sent out to staff and families after the completion of this year’s spring break.

 

Adjourn: Van Mersbergen moved and Judy seconded to adjourn board session.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.  

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

 

 

 

February 26, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Nick Batterson, Melissa Reed-Appel, Nathan Hinton, and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 8:03 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Action Items: Glenn moved and Vandello seconded to change the date for the first budget hearing from Tuesday, March 26, 2024 to Monday, March 25, 2024. Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to accept the proposal of $37,525.00 from Miller’s Roof Coatings for the roof repair at the Blakesburg elementary.  Motion carried unanimously.  President Houk re-stated the tabled motion on acceptance or denial of the alternate bids from the February 19th board meeting. Vandello moved and Glenn seconded to remove motion from the table.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to deny the alternate bids for the Blakesburg Kitchen addition.  Discussion held.  Motion carried 6-1 with President Houk voting no.  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to deny air conditioning project for the Jr/Sr High gym.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve Board Resolution FY24-03 SAE Scholarships for $250.00 Scholarship to Lylah Houk – Rabbit; $250.00 Scholarship to Payge Kerby – Rabbit; $250.00 Scholarship to Maddie Bahr – Poultry; $500.00 Scholarship to Kason Appel – Registered Breeding Sheep (Ewe); $500.00 Scholarship to Trace Hol – Registered Breeding Sheep (Ram) and $500.00 Scholarship to Even Tague – Registered/Grade Dairy Goat.  Roll call vote: Glenn – yes; Klyn – yes; Vandello – yes; Van Mersbergen – yes; Judy – yes; Lobberecht – yes; and Houk – yes. Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded the recommendation to hire Donald Mitchell, Girls Head Golf Coach.  Motion carried unanimously.   

 

Adjourn:  Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:38 pm.  

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

March 18, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Nick Batterson, Nathan Hinton and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: None

 

Correspondence:  None  

 

Approve Agenda:  Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent; Steve Noble, Jr/Sr High Principal; Jim Fineran, Fremont Elementary Principal; and Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services presented their board reports to the board.  Other reports submitted but not read were from the Curriculum Director, Maintenance, Daycare, and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:   Van Mersbergen moved, and Judy seconded to approve consent items 6a to 6b: February 12, 2024 minutes, February 19, 2024 minutes, February 26, 2024 minutes, account balances as of February 29, 2024, bills list for March 2024. Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved, and Glenn seconded to approve the board policies: 615-Career Education, 616-Teaching About Religion, 617-Religious Based Exclusion from a School Program, 618-Academic Freedom, and Second Reading 601-School Calendar. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Contracts & Agreements: 

Van Mersbergen moved, and Vandello seconded to approve items 1-Headsets Purchase Agreement, 2- UNI Cooperative Agreement, 4-Iowa LGRP Participation Agreement, and 5-Timberline Billing Services LLC Service Agreement.  Motion carried unanimously. Van Mersbergen moved, Glenn seconded to approve item 3-Second Renewal For 2024-2025 School Year with Opaa!.  Motion Carried 6-1 nay from Van Mersbergen.

 

Personnel: Vandello moved, Lobberecht seconded to approve the following hires:  Madysen Wade – Assistant Softball Coach, Taylor Caves - Volunteer Softball Coach, Bret Whitehall – Assistant Baseball Coach, and Alex Ashman – Volunteer Baseball Coach.  Motion carried unanimously. Glenn moved, Vandello seconded to approve the following resignations:  Donovan Young – 9^th grade Baseball Coach, Travis Stout – Head Boys Basketball Coach, and Tyler Ford – Junior High Boys Baseball Coach. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Items: No motion for Preschool Tuition Rates. Van Mersbergen moved, seconded by Judy to approve the Early Graduation request of Caleb Gooden.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Discussion Items: Board would like to have the Capital Projects committee work with 5-7 community members as a group in the next steps of planning for the district.  Legislative activity is occurring now that will have extensive impact on all school districts, especially EBF.  28E Agreements cost was discussed for boys and girls swimming.  The current cost for girls swimming at Ottumwa this year exceeded $4,000 per participant.  The district will also review charging an amount for sharing wrestling with Twin Cedars.  Public Hearing for the school calendar will be at the April 15^th monthly Board meeting.  Open Enrollments were viewed by the Board.  The special Board meeting March 25^th will have a “Budget Hearing” to begin the meeting followed by a workshop with the Iowa Public Information Board regarding agenda planning and amendments.  Open Positions are:  Regular Route Driver; Child Care Associates; Vocal Music Teacher - Jr/Sr High - for 2024-25; Elementary Counselor for 2024-25, 7-12 English Language Arts Teacher - Jr/Sr High for 2024-25; Substitutes for all positions; Assistant FFA Advisor; 9^th Grade Baseball Coach, Jr High Baseball Coach, Football Cheer Coach, and Basketball Cheer Coach. 

 

Adjourn:  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm  

 

  

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Scott Williamson

Board President                                                Superintendent

 

March 25, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a Public Hearing. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Melissa Gingrich, Todd Gingrich and Grant Gingrich. 

 

Call to Order: Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, absent; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to approve agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Public Hearing – 2024-2025 Budget: President Houk opened the Public Hearing at 6:00 pm. Melissa Gingrich, Todd Gingrich and Grant Gingrich all addressed the board regarding the proposed 2024-2025 Budget and tax rate.  With no one else speaking, President Houk closed the public hearing at 6:06 pm.

 

Adjourn:  Van Mersbergen moved and Judy seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 6:06 pm.  

 

                                                                                                                                    

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

March 25, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, March 25, 2024 following the Public Hearing for a Board Work Session.   

 

Call to Order: President Houk called the meeting to order at 6:08 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, absent; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Van Mersbergen moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve agenda.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Work Session – IPIB Training: Brett Toresdahl from the Iowa Public Information Board presented training to the board on meeting procedures and best practices for all board meetings, agendas and minutes. This training was a required training from the Informal Resolution dated January 15, 2024.  

 

Adjourn:  Glenn moved and Lobberecht seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm.  

 

 

                                                                                                                                  

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary

April 15, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Marty Roberts, Melinda Anderson, Monica Roberts, Nick Batterson, Megan Simmons, Tana Olin, Melanie Collett and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present via phone call; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: 2024-2025 School Budget Summary: Superintendent Williamson gave a presentation on the Budget Tax Rate to open the public hearing at 6:00 pm.  With no one from public speaking, hearing closed at 6:13 pm.

 

Public Hearing: 2024-2025 School Calendar: President Houk opened the public hearing at 6:13 pm.  Melinda Anderson and Tana Olin both spoke on the upcoming calendar for next year.  With no one else speaking, hearing closed at 6:20 pm.

 

Public Forum: Monica Roberts, Marty Roberts and Megan Simmons spoke in public forum.

 

Correspondence:  None  

 

Approve Agenda:  Judy moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: April Glosser, Curriculum Director, Jil Nelson Eddyville Elementary Principal; Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services and Lori Hugen, Explore Academy presented their board reports to the board.  Other reports submitted but not read were from the Jr/Sr High Principal, Maintenance, and Nutrition Director.

 

Board member Van Mersbergen left meeting at 6:31 pm.

 

Consent Items:   Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve consent items 8a to 8c: March 18, 2024 regular board minutes, March 25, 2024 public hearing minutes and March 25, 2024 special board meeting minutes, account balances as of March 31, 2024, bills list for April 2024, board policies: 619 – Teaching Controversial Issues, 620 – Global Education, 621 – Citizenship and 622 – Individualized Instruction.  Motion carried unanimously. Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve consent item 8d: Contracts and Agreements: Operational Sharing Position – Transportation – with North Mahaska and Operational Sharing Position – Maintenance – with North Mahaska.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel: Glenn moved and Vandello seconded to approve the following hires:  Tabatha Klopp, Vocal at Jr/Sr High, Sarah Howk, Elementary Counselor, Heather Main, Mental Health Counselor at Jr/Sr High,

Ann Roberts, Junior High ELA Teacher, Whitney McLaughlin - MH Intern for 2024-25, Kylie Batterson, 9th Grade Softball Coach, Jeff Whitehall, Head Football Coach, Ryan Jackson, Assistant Football Coach,

Jesse Riley, Assistant Football Coach, Micheal Pilcher, Jr High Football Coach, Kevin Huck, Head Cross Country Coach, Eric Lenox, Asst/Jr High Cross Country Coach, Gladys Genskow, Head Volleyball Coach, Torie Alexander, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Robin Taylor, 9th Grade Volleyball Coach, Kiera MacPherson, Jr High Volleyball Coach, Megan Lehman, Jr High Volleyball Coach, Teri Tuller, Football Cheer Sponsor, Tony Fenton, Head Girls Basketball, Mike Haywood, Assistant Girls Basketball, Ryan Jackson, 9th Grade Girls Basketball, Dimitri Boyer, Head Boys Wrestling, David Hall, Assistant Boys Wrestling, Jake Demmon, Jr High Boys Wrestling, Garret Krause, Head Girls Wrestling, and Whitley Alexander, Volunteer Volleyball Coach.  Motion carried unanimously. Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the following resignations at the end of their 2024 contract year: James Fineran, Fremont Elementary Principal, Christi Wade, EE/BE Interventionist, Amanda Frahm, 1st Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary, Steve Noble, Jr/Sr High Principal, Nolan Krueger, Social Studies Teacher at Jr/Sr High, and Bridgett DeWitt, Behavior Interventionist at Explore Academy.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Items: Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve the final report to the IPIB Board regarding case 23FC:0100. Motion carried unanimously.  Glenn moved and Klyn seconded to approve the Fiscal Year 2022 Audit.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Judy seconded to approve the draft list of the 2024 EBF Graduates.  Motion carried unanimously.  No motion was made on the approval of the 2024-2025 School Calendar.  Glenn moved and Vandello seconded to accept the quote for the replacement of the junior high locker room lockers in the amount of $48,570.00.  Motion carried unanimously.  Judy moved and Vandello seconded to approve the out of state travel request for FFA students to attend the Black Hawk East Livestock Judging camp in Galva, Il June 3rd to June 5th.  Motion carried unanimously.  Glen moved and Lobberecht seconded to set the Budget Amendment Hearing for FY2024 for Monday, May 20, 2024. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: Summer list of capital projects and a committee of board members and community members will start holding meetings to discuss future capital projects.  Superintendent Williamson discussed FY25 AEA dollars and the board would like to have Nathan Wood from GPAEA come and explain the impact of HF 2612 would have on the services provided to EBF.  A special board meeting will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 with the next regular board meeting on Monday, May 20, 2024.  Open Enrollments were viewed by the Board. Open positions are: Para Educator for Jr/Sr High for remainder of 2023-24, Jr/Sr High Principal for 2024-25, Fremont Elementary Principal for 2024-25, Social Studies Teacher for Jr/Sr High for 2024-25, EE/BE Reading Interventionist for 2024-25, Behavior Interventionist for Explore Academy for 2024-25, Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, Mental Health Interns for 2024-25, Substitutes for all positions, Head Boys Basketball Coach, Assistant FFA Advisor, 9th Grade Baseball Coach, Jr High Baseball Coach, Basketball Cheer Coach, Assistant Football Coach and Jr High Football Coach.

 

Closed Session: Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to have board go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Roll call vote: Glenn, yes; Klyn, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, absent; Judy, yes; Lobberecht, yes and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously for board to go into closed session.  Board went into closed session at 7:52 pm.

 

Open session resumed at 8:40 pm.

 

Action on closed session: Judy moved and Glenn seconded to accept the settlement agreement.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Adjourn:  Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm  

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                Board Secretary

April 22, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a special board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms.

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present via phone call; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Items: Judy moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the 2024-2025 School Budget.  Roll call: Glenn, yes; Klyn, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Judy, yes; Lobberecht, yes and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Judy moved and Klyn seconded to accept the resignation from Buffie Ritz, Jr High Generalist at the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.    

Superintendent Williamson recommended the termination of Jerri Eakes, probationary teacher. Klyn motioned and Glenn seconded to accept the termination of Jerri Eakes, probationary teacher.  Roll call vote: Glenn, yes; Klyn, yes; Vandello, no; Van Mersbergen, yes; Judy, yes; Lobberecht, yes and Houk, yes. Motion carried six to one, Vandello voting against.

 

Adjourn:  Vandello moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm  

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                Board Secretary

May 20, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms, Jerri Eakes, Nathan Smith and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Hearing: 2023-2024 School Budget Amendment: Superintendent Williamson gave a presentation on the need for the amendment to open the public hearing at 6:00 pm.  With no one from public speaking, hearing closed at 6:01 pm.

 

Public Forum: None

 

Correspondence:  None  

 

Approve Agenda:  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent; Tammy Davis, Blakesburg Elementary Principal and Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services presented their board reports to the board.  Other reports submitted but not read were from the Childcare, Maintenance, and Nutrition Director.

 

Consent Items:   Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve consent items 8a to 8c: April 15, 2024 regular board minutes and April 22, 2024 special board meeting minutes, account balances as of April 30, 2024, bills list for May 2024, board policies: 623-Program for Talented & Gifted Students, 624-Program for At-Risk Students, 625- Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution and 626-Virtual/Online Courses.  Motion carried unanimously. Glenn moved and Vandello seconded to approve consent item 8d: Contracts and Agreements: TimeClock Plus, LLC FY25 contract, De Vries Counseling & Consulting, PLLC July 2024 to June 2025 contract, Campbell’s Drivers Education 2024-25 agreement and Student Assurances Services 2024-25 Catastrophic Insurance Renewal.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Personnel: Judy moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the following hires: Michael Nicodemus, Fremont Principal; Jordan Buell, Jr/Sr High Principal; Micah Mitchell, Social Studies, Jr/Sr High School;

Elizabeth Camis, Reading Interventionist, EE; Elizabeth Price, Behavior Interventionist; Tabatha Klopp, Supplemental Contracts: Varsity/JV Vocal, JH Vocal & Tri-M; Traci Scott, Drama Director for 2024 Fall Play & 2025 Spring Play; Dustin Snakenberg, 9th Grade Baseball; Ed Glenn, Jr High Baseball; Curt Johnston, Jr High Baseball; and Paige VerSteegh, Color Guard Sponsor. Motion carried unanimously. Glenn moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to approve the following resignations:  Kevin Huck, 3rd Grade Teacher at Fremont Elementary, effective June 3, 2024; Cierra Lopez, Para at Jr/Sr High, effective May 13, 2024; Jake Cook, Boys Head Golf Coach, effective May 2, 2024; Nobalee Galbraith, PT Para at Eddyville Elementary, effective May 31, 2024 and Nathan Smith, Supplemental Contracts: Varsity/JV Vocal, JH Vocal & Tri-M Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Items: Van Mersbergen moved and Klyn seconded to approve the 2023-2024 School Budget Amendment.  Roll call vote: Glenn, yes; Klyn, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Judy, yes; Lobberecht, yes and Houk, yes.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the 2024-2025 Classified Master Agreement (7.99% TPI). Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the 2024-2025 Certified Master Agreement (10.07% TPI). Motion carried unanimously. Glenn moved and Vandello seconded to approve the 2024-2025 Administrators/Fiscal/Other Contracts (7.14% TPI). Motion carried unanimously. Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve the 2024-2025 Mental Health Counselors contracts.  Motion carried unanimously.  Glenn moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar.  Glenn, Klyn, & Judy voted yes and Vandello, Van Mersbergen & Lobberecht voted no.  President Houk voted yes to break the tie.  Motion carried. Judy moved and Vandello seconded to approve the bid of $30,813.34 for daycare flooring of which $28,000.00 will be paid from a grant the daycare received.  Motion carried unanimously.  Glenn moved and Klyn seconded to approve the bid to re-shingle the daycare for $32,860.00.  Discussion held.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to table the bid to re-shingle the daycare to gather further information on grade of shingles and if a metal roof would be feasible.  Motion carried to table the bid to re-shingle the daycare unanimously.  Vandello moved and Glenn seconded to approve the AEA Resolution.  Discussion held.  Glenn moved and Van Mersbergen seconded to table the AEA Resolution to get more financial information regarding this resolution.  Motion carried to table AEA Resolution unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: The next regular board meeting is June 17, 2024 at which time Nathan Wood from GPAEA will present to the board.  The capital projects committee plans to present to the board at the July 15, 2024 board meeting. Superintendent Williamson’s evaluation will be in a closed session at the July 15th board meeting.  Open Enrollments were viewed by the Board. Open positions are: English Teacher for Jr/Sr High, 3rd Grade Classroom Teacher for Fremont Elementary, Therapeutic Classroom Teacher (2) for Explore Academy, Mental Health Interns, Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, Substitutes for all positions and Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Head Boys Basketball Coach, Assistant FFA Advisor, Basketball Cheer Coach, Assistant Football Coach & Jr High Football Coach

 

Adjourn:  Van Mersbergen moved and Lobberecht seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm  

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                Board Secretary

June 17, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a regular board meeting. Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called to order the meeting of the EBF Board of Directors at 6:00 pm. Roll call: Ed Glenn, present via phone call; Eric Klyn, present; Lara Vandello, present; Micah Van Mersbergen, present; Tom Judy, present; Tyrone Lobberecht, present and Curt Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Public Forum: None

 

Presentation: Nathan Wood from the Great Prairie Area Education Agency discussed with the board changes to billing and services due to the passage of HF2612. The goal of GPAEA is to keep current services available to all GPAEA schools.

 

Correspondence:  None  

 

Approve Agenda:  Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Reports: Scott Williamson, Superintendent; April Glosser, Curriculum Director and Cathy Williamson, Director of Special Services presented their board reports to the board.  Other reports submitted but not read were from the Childcare and Maintenance Directors.

 

Consent Items:   Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve consent items: May 20, 2024 regular board minutes, account balances as of May 31, 2024, bills list for June 2024, review of board policies: 627 – Community & Adult Education, 628 – Instructional Materials Selection, 629 – Instructional Materials Inspection and 630 – Objection to Instructional Materials. Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the first reading of new board policy 555B – Stock Epinephrine Auto-Injector Supply for Anaphylaxis.  Motion carried unanimously.   Glenn moved and Judy seconded to approve the first reading of revised board policy 712C – Revised Personally Identifiable Information and Protected Personally Identifiable Information Requirements Applicable to all Federal & State Awards.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the first reading of revised board policies: 105 – Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination, 109 – Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination and 110 – Continuous Notice of Non-Discrimination.  Motion carried unanimously.  Glenn moved and Klyn seconded to approve the following contract and agreements: Oskaloosa Shared HR Services 2024-25 Sharing Agreement, Twin Cedars Wrestling 2024-25 Agreement, Employee Benefit Systems 2024-25 Agreement, T F Technology 2024-25 Contract, K Repair 2024-25 Contract and Central College 2024-25 Student Teaching Agreement.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Personnel: Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the updated Certified Master Agreement.  Motion carried unanimously.  Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve the Explore Academy 2024-25 employee contracts.  Motion carried unanimously.  Judy moved and Vandello seconded to approve the following hires: Meghan Lettington, Wrestling Cheer Sponsor, Michele Micetich, Explore Academy Teacher, Micheal Pilcher, Head Cross Country Coach, Nichole Ellington, Mental Health Intern, Carlee Neff, Mental Health Intern, Erica Cox, Explore Academy Behavior Interventionist, Kayla Peiffer, Teacher at Fremont Elementary, Kaitlyn Ames, Teacher at Fremont Elementary, Jason Leffler, Head Boys Basketball Coach, Nathan Smith, Individual Speech, and Megan Bahr District, Substitute Teacher for first semester of 2024-25 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Vandello moved and Judy seconded to accept the following resignations: Kassandra Koehler, 1st Grade Teacher, Eddyville Elementary, Tom Hallgren, English Teacher & Coach, Jr/Sr High School and Micheal Pilcher, Jr High Football.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Action Items: Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion to approve the daycare roof bid from the May 20, 2024 board meeting.  Judy moved and Klyn seconded to approve the original bid to replace the shingles on the daycare roof with class 3 shingles in the amount of $32,860.00.  Motion carried unanimously.  Secretary McCrea restated the tabled motion to approve the AEA Resolution from the May 20, 2024 board meeting.  Judy moved and Vandello seconded to approve the AEA Resolution: Allocation of Media & Technology and Educational Services Funds to Great Prairie AEA.  Roll call vote: Glenn, yes; Klyn, yes; Vandello, yes; Van Mersbergen, yes; Judy, yes; Lobberecht, yes and Houk, yes. Motion carried unanimously.  Judy moved and Klyn seconded to approve the updated 2024-25 school calendar to reflect the change in dates for parent/teacher conferences in October.  Discussion held.  Motion carried 4-2 with Glenn, Klyn, Van Mersbergen & Judy voting yes and Lobberecht & Vandello voting no.   Glenn moved and Judy seconded to accept the bid for air conditioning in the cafeteria at the Jr/Sr High.  Discussion held.  Motion failed unanimously.  Vandello moved and Klyn seconded to approve April Glosser as EBF’s Equity Coordinator.  Motion carried unanimously.  Van Mersbergen moved and Lobberecht seconded to approve an $80.00 increase in preschool rates for the 2024-25 school year based off the expected 2024-25 revenue. Discussion held.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Discussion Items: The facility committee recommends that the board add six-eight classrooms to the Jr/Sr high to address the south campus building issues, repair the kitchen storage and freezer area and the possibility of a new competition gym.  The committee also would like for the board to explore other faculty planning and architectural firms for this upcoming project.  A special board meeting was then scheduled for Tuesday, June 25 where a work session will be held to interview the perspective firms.  The next regular board meeting is July 15, 2024, which will include a closed session for the superintendent’s evaluation. Open Enrollments were viewed by the Board. Open positions are: English Teacher for Jr/Sr High (2), 5th Grade Classroom Teacher for Fremont Elementary, Therapeutic Classroom Teacher for Explore Academy, Mental Health Interns, Regular Route Driver, Child Care Associates, Substitutes for all positions, and the following Coaching / Supplemental Positions: Head Baseball Coach for 2025-26, Assistant FFA Advisor, Basketball Cheer Coach, Assistant Football Coach and Jr High Football Coach (2).

 

Adjourn:  Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to adjourn board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm  

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                Board Secretary

June 25, 2024

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Board of Directors met at the District Office on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm for a Board Work Session and Special Meeting.  Visitors in attendance: Ann Ohms and others not signed in. 

 

Call to Order: President Houk called the work session to order at 6:00 pm.

 

Board Work Session:  The board interviewed companies that would assist the district in the development, planning and construction of some upcoming facility projects.  The board would like to address concerns with the south campus classrooms that are currently in modular buildings, storage and freezer space for the kitchen at the Jr/Sr High and future long term projects that would require a lot of community input.

The four firms that were interviewed, in order of interview, were: Encite Architecture Design, DCI Group, SiteLogiQ and Denovo Construction Solutions. Board recessed after the completion of interviews at 9:01 pm.

Board reconvened at 9:06 pm and asked Andy Heinle, EBF Maintenance Director and Nathan Hinton, member of the EBF Facility Committee to join the discussion.  The board agreed that each company presented well and they felt that any of the companies would have a positive working relationship with the district. The board discussed fee structure for each company as well as if they felt each company would be able to meet the needs for EBF right now and in the future.

 

Adjourn: Vandello moved and Lobberecht seconded to adjourn board work session.  Motion carried unanimously.  Work session adjourned at 10:21 pm.  

 

Call to Order: President Houk called the special board meeting to order at 10:21 pm.  Roll call: Glenn, present; Klyn, present; Vandello, present; Van Mersbergen, present; Judy, present; Lobberecht, present and Houk, present.  Quorum established.

 

Approve Agenda: Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Action Item-Selection of Firm: Van Mersbergen moved and Vandello seconded to select Encite Architecture Design as the partner for the district on future facility projects.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Adjourn: Glenn moved and Klyn seconded to adjourn special board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 10:24 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Curt Houk                                                        Mary McCrea

Board President                                                 Board Secretary