UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
MUSCATINE SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR SESSION
March 6, 2017
The Board of Education of the Muscatine Community School District, in the County of Muscatine, State of Iowa, met in regular session on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. President Tammi Drawbaugh called the meeting to order. Directors John DaBeet, Nathan Mather, Randy Naber, and Mary Wildermuth were present.Directors Tim Bower and Aaron Finn were present via conference call due to being out-of-town on business. Also present were Superintendent Jerry Riibe, Assistant Superintendent Mike McGrory, and Director of Finance Tom Anderson.
The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Drawbaugh welcomed visitors and media representatives.
Cassie Hendrix and Kate Gabriel, MHS Student Council Representatives, provided a student council update to the board.
Five employees were recognized as those who go above and beyond for students, staff, and parents as part of the district’s Recognizing Excellence Employee Award Program. Employees are nominated by their peers, the community, and parents. The employees recognized for March were: Liz Panther, Emily Goddard, Daphne Donald, Michelle Dusenberry, and Stephanie Zillig. The district and board will be recognizing employees at each regular board meeting this school year.
The following spoke during Citizens Speak:
Daphne Donald, 1559 Washington Street, invited the board and community to sign up for the 5th Annual Race for the Schools on May 6, 2017 at 8 a.m. at MHS. This year, students will receive a 50% discount to participate.
Jackie Petty, 1319 Elder Avenue, West Liberty, spoke in favor of keeping East Campus at its own location rather than moving the program back to Muscatine High School.
Kylie Krogman, 416 Glen Avenue, spoke in favor of keeping East Campus at its own location rather than moving the program back to Muscatine High School.
Tommye Petty, Muscatine, asked the board to reconsider housing East Campus off campus if the move to Muscatine High School proves to not meet the needs of the at-risk student population.
A motion was made by Director Naberand seconded by Director Dabeet to approve the consent agenda which includes:
- The minutes of the February 13, 2017 Regular Meeting and the February 27, 2017 Work Session.
- Employment Recommendations of:
- New Hires – Certified Staff: Alexandra Walgren – MHS English Language Arts (effective 2017-18 school year).
- Resignations – Certified Staff: Margaret Stadtwald – 6th Grade ELA and Social Studies at CMS effective at the end of the 2016-17 school year; Adam Crews – MHS Ag Instructor (position is shared with L&M) effective at the end of the 2016-17 school year.
- Resignations – Schedule C: Lindsay Moeller – 7th Grade Volleyball Head Coach; Shannon Walker – MHS Student Council (effective 2-16-17); Debbi Sulzberger – MHS Color Guard; Dennis Schuur – MS Boys and Girls Basketball.
- Resignations – Administration: Mark Olmstead – WMS Assistant Principal.
- The following field trips:
- MHS students to Honduras Research Expedition in June, 2017.
- AP Language/Literature Honors English students to Dublin, London, and France in July, 2017.
- Bills and Claims against the district dated March 6, 2017.
All ayes; motion carried.
Director of Finance Tom Anderson reviewed the fee changes for the 2017-18 school year. Textbook and food services fees will remain the same. The only change/increase will affect non-school groups who seek to use district buses.
A motion was made by Director Dabeet and seconded by Director Mather to approve the 2017-18 Fee Structure. All ayes; motion carried.
Assistant Superintendent McGrory provided information on the Middle School Furniture Project. Both Central and West Middle Schools will have a complete furniture makeover this summer including classrooms, offices, and soft seating areas. The color scheme for both will be Muskie purple and gold with both Central and West now united as Muskies instead of Central Chargers and West Warriors. Mr. McGrory also noted that the original cost of the project was $854,526, however, HNI generously donated $80,000 towards the project. Lisa Hart, Sales Manager,
and Jackie Powers, Interior Designer,of Storey Kenworthypresented the board with the color scheme for the walls and furniture as well as different classroom seating that will be available.
A motion was made by Director Mather and seconded by Director Naber to approve the Middle School Furniture project in the amount of $774,526. All ayes, motion carried.
Elena Bobay, the district’s data specialist, presented information on pre-advanced placement curriculum that the district is looking at purchasing for grades 5-9 for math and language arts. This is part of the district’s commitment to offer rigorous course work to help prepare students for college and work after graduation.
Grant Elementary teachers Nancy Foxen, Gina Schliesman, and Leslie Bennett provided a presentation on the possibility of having Grant Elementary become a Leader in Me Magnet school beginning next school year.
There will be a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, proposed form of contract, and the estimated cost of said improvements of the MHS Gymnasium Entrance on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Administration Center, 2900 Mulberry Avenue.
There will be a public hearing for the purpose of certifying the 2017-18 budget on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Administration Center, 2900 Mulberry Avenue.
Director of Finance Tom Anderson presented information on the proposed 2017-18 budget for the district. He reviewed the district’s solvency and unspent authorized budget ratios. He noted that the district is proposing a levy rate of $14.85644 for next school year. This is a 1.8% reduction from the previous year’s $15.53914 levy rate. Superintendent Riibe then reviewed the FY18 reductions and additions.
President Drawbaugh provided the following announcements and meeting dates:
March 6-9, 2017: Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 9, 2017: 2-Hour Early Dismissal
March 10, 2017: No School – Conference Comp Day
March 13-17, 2017: Spring Break – No School
March 27, 2017: Board Work Session; 6 p.m.; Administration Center
April 4, 2017: Poverty to Possibility Community Presentation; 6 p.m.; MCC Bob Roach Theater
A motion was made by Director Naber and seconded by Director Dabeetto go into closed session per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i). Roll Call: Ayes: Bower, Dabeet, Drawbaugh, Finn, Mather, Naber, Wildermuth. There were no nays. Motion carried. Time: 9:20 p.m.
A motion was made by Director Naber and seconded by Director Dabeet to return to open session. Roll Call: Ayes: Bower, Dabeet, Drawbaugh, Finn, Mather, Naber, Wildermuth. There were no nays. Motion carried. Time: 9:32 p.m.
A motion was made by Director Wildermuth and seconded by Director Mather to pursue termination of the middle school athletic/activities director position due to reduction in force based on budget deficit. All ayes; motion carried.
A motion was made by Director Mather and seconded by Director Wildermuth to adjourn the meeting. All ayes; motion carried. Time: 9:33 p.m.
Tammi Drawbaugh, President
Lisa Mosier Bunn, Secretary