ALGONA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Regular Meeting

July 8, 2024

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

The Board of Directors of the Algona Community School District, in the County of Kossuth, State of Iowa, met in regular session in the Boardroom, Performing Arts Center, 600 S. Hale Street, Algona, Iowa at 7:00pm. on the above date. 

 

Present:              Lany Mitchell, Tom Nugent, Jay Limbaugh, Rodney Davis, Andrea Vinci 

Absent:               Brent Owen, Todd Louwagie

Others Present: Superintendent Joe Carter, Secretary Lisa Chapman, Molly Montag

 

All motions are unanimously approved unless noted.

 

Approve Agenda:  Nugent moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Limbaugh. Motion carried.

 

Consent Items:   Vinci moved to approve the consent items and Mitchell seconded. Motion carried.

 

Superintendent Report: Carter gave a summer sports recap. Post season will begin on July 11th at Clear Lake for softball and July 12th at Webster City for baseball. There is one teacher position not filled, High School English, and do not anticipate filling that position this upcoming year. Administration is hopeful that they will be early in the hiring process for 2025-2026. The Fieldhouse is progressing well. The steel building is set to arrive on August 8. The board retreat will be August 6th and the topics currently on the agenda include the cell phone policy, financial forecast, behavior needs and school safety (ALICE) training.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Board Policies-2nd Reading:  Mitchell moved to approve the second reading of the following policies: 503.04 Good Conduct Rule, 503.05 Corporal Punishment, 503.06 Physical Restraint & Seclusion of Students. Seconded by Nugent. Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Board Policies 1st Reading: The first reading of board policies was held for the following policies: 504.01 Student Government, 504.02 Student Organizations, 504.04 Student Performances and 504.06 Student Activity Program. The second reading will be held in August.

 

Appointments: Vinci moved to appoint the following individual(s) for positions for the 2024-2025 school year:

Steve Avery as legal counsel

James Rotert as the Equity Coordinator 

Joe Carter as the Level I Child Abuse Investigator

Algona Police Department as the Level II Child Abuse Investigators

Joe Carter as the Harassment Investigator

Joe Carter, James Rotert, Jared Cecil, Brad Sudol and Jill Schutjer as the 504/ADA Coordinators

Joe Carter as the Affirmative Action Coordinator

Jill Schutjer as the Homeless Coordinator

Seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

2024-2025 Legislative Priorities: Nugent moved to approve the following as the priorities of the Algona CSD: 1) Teacher Recruitment & Licensure, 2) Supplemental State Aid, and 3) Mental Health. Seconded by Vinci. Motion carried.

 

Out of State Football Trip: Vinci moved to approve the leadership retreat to Lanesboro, MN for the senior football players on August 8 through the 9th. Seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

RESOLUTION NAMING DEPOSITORIES

 

Davis moved that it be RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Algona Community School District in Kossuth County, Iowa, approves the following list of financial institutions to be depositories of the Algona Community School District funds in conformance with all applicable provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 12C.  The Treasurer is hereby authorized to deposit the Algona Community School district funds in amounts not to exceed the maximum approved for each respective financial institution as set out below. Seconded by Limbaugh.

 

DEPOSITORY NAME LOCATION MAXIMUM BALANCE

Iowa State Bank Algona, IA $20,500,000

Farmers State Bank Algona, IA $8,000,000

Northwest Bank Algona, IA $9,000,000

Security State Bank Algona, IA $500,000

UMB Des Moines, IA $20,000,000

 

CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution of the Algona Community School District adopted at a meeting of said public body, duly called and held the 8th day of July, 2024, a quorum being present, as said resolution remains of record in the minutes of said meeting, and it is now in full force and effect.

 

Dated this 8th day of July, 2024

 

         _____Lisa Chapman__________________________________

Board Secretary

Algona Community School

Ayes: Davis, Limbaugh, Mitchell, Vinci, Nugent

Nays: None

Absent: Owen, Louwagie

 

2024-2025 Nutrition Fund Pricing: Vinci moved to increase the cost of meals by $ .10 to keep up with rising food costs. Prices have not been increased since 2019. Mitchell seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

Open Enrollment: There are three (3) open enrollment applications filed. Nugent moved to approve the applications. Seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

Resignations:   Vinci moved to approve the following resignations: Amber Becker-Teacher Associate and Baylor Rachow-Custodian. Seconded by Nugent. Motion carried.

 

Contracts:  Limbaugh moved to approve Damaris Eilerts Torres-Translator, Nick Lane-Transportation Director, Shelby Meyer-Teacher Associate at Lucia Wallace and Lilly Divis-Teacher Associate at Lucia Wallace. Seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:26p.m. Seconded by Vinci. Motion carried.

 

_______________________________ ______________________________

Board President Board Secretary

 

ALGONA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

August 6, 2024

 

The Board of Directors of the newly organized Algona Community School District, in the County of Kossuth, State of Iowa, met in a work session at the Louscher Farm, Algona, Iowa at 5:31pm. on the above date. 

 

Present:          Lany Mitchell, Andrea Vinci, Todd Louwagie, Tom Nugent, Rodney Davis (arrived 6:25pm)

Absent:          Brent Owen, Jay Limbaugh

Others Present: Superintendent Joe Carter,, Principals Jill Schutjer, James Rotert, Brad Sudol and Rudy Wieck, Janie Eischen

 

Approve Agenda: Vinci moved to approve the agenda and Mitchell seconded. Motion carried.

 

CELL PHONE POLICY: A new cell phone policy was implemented in 2023-2024. Principals agreed that the change with the policy led to a more positive and less distracted learning environment.

 

FINANCIAL FORECAST: Superintendent Carter reviewed expenditures and revenues including those estimated through 2027-2028. The forecast shows that the district will begin a deficit however there is time to plan ahead to balance that out. Possibilities to head off deficit spending include reducing the special education expenditures, increased retirees and the change in AEA dollars and how those funds will come directly to the district.

 

FACILITIES UPDATE: The current Fieldhouse project will meet previous goals of increasing court space, additional areas for wrestling, a larger weight room and increased track opportunities. The project is currently 3-4 weeks behind schedule. Substantial completion is expected by the end of July 2025. The current estimated cost of a new elementary school is $36 million. A voted general obligation bond at $2.70 would generate the funds needed to build the elementary. By planning ahead in other funds, such as the Management fund, we could reduce that levy to make up for the increase for a general obligation bond thus reducing the tax asking by $1.00 to $1.70. The Titonka debt expires in 2027. 

 

BEHAVIOR NEEDS: The district currently contracts with Seasons Center to have a full time mental health therapist and two youth school workers. Behavior Interventionists have been implemented in each elementary building. The Middle School has two principals and an At Risk teacher associate. The High School uses a principal, Dean of Students and two counselors. Discussions centered around whether there is a need for additional staff to deal with the most serious behaviors.

 

A.L.I.C.E. TRAINING: Principals shared their plans for staff training in preparation for any crises that the district may encounter in regards to safety. ALICE training has been provided in the past and the principals plan to continue the training with staff. An optional informational meeting for parents/guardians is being planned for August 20. 

 

Louwagie moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 pm and was seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

_______________________________ ______________________________

Board President Acting Secretary

ALGONA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Regular Meeting

August 12, 2024

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

The Board of Directors of the Algona Community School District, in the County of Kossuth, State of Iowa, met in regular session in the Boardroom, Performing Arts Center, 600 S. Hale Street, Algona, Iowa at 7:00pm. on the above date. 

 

Present:              Tom Nugent, Brent Owen, Rodney Davis, Andrea Vinci, Todd Louwagie

Absent:              Jay Limbaugh, Lany Mitchell

Others Present: Superintendent Joe Carter, Secretary Lisa Chapman, Janie Eischen, Kjerstin & Calvin Brandt (exit at 7:38pm), Kristi Roberts (exit at 7:40pm), Molly Montag

 

All motions are unanimously approved unless noted.

 

Approve Agenda:  Nugent moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Owen. Motion carried.

 

Consent Items: Owen moved to approve the consent items and Nugent seconded. Motion carried.

 

Superintendent Report: Carter informed the board that the district is still hiring teacher associates and are still in need of a full time bus driver. The district is offering a $1,500 sign on bonus as well as $1,500 referral bonus if a current driver refers someone that is hired. The board retreat was held August 6. The topics discussed were the cell phone policy, financial forecasting, facilities updates, behaviors and A.L.I.C.E. (safety) training. The minutes were posted last week for that meeting and are approved in the above consent items. The first day for new teachers is August 14, while the entire staff will convene on August 19. The first day for High/Middle School is August 23. 

 

OLD BUSINESS

Board Policies-2nd Reading:   Louwagie moved to approve the second reading of the following policies: 504.01 Student Government, 504.02 Student Organizations, 504.04 Student Performances and 504.06 Student Activity Program. Seconded by Nugent. Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Board Policies First Reading: The first reading of board policies was held for the following policies: 505.1 Student Progress Reports and Conferences, 505.3 Student Honors and Awards, 505.4 Testing Program, 505.5 Graduation Requirements and 710.3 Negative Lunch Balance.. The second reading will be held in September.

 

Board Policies First & Second Reading: The first and second readings of board policies 206.3

Secretary-Treasurer, 401.06 Limitations to Employment Reference, 402.03 Abuse of Students by School District Employees, 501.09 Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy, 501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers-Procedures as a Sending District, 501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers-Procedures as a Receiving District, 505.02 Student Promotion-Retention-Acceleration, 607.02 Student Health Services, 603.12 Postsecondary Education Counseling, 710.01 School Nutrition Program, 801.03 Educational Specifications for Buildings & Sites, 803.02 Lease, Sale or disposal of School district buildings & Sites, 905.03 Weapons in the School District, 106.1 Title IX-Discrimination & Harassment Based on Sex, 708 Care, Maintenance & Disposal of School District Records was held. Administration is asking for an approval for the first and second readings at the same time so that the legislative changes would be in effect immediately. Owen moved to approve the first and second readings and was seconded by Vinci. Motion carried.

 

Approve Fundraising Requests: Louwagie moved to approve the following fundraising requests, Football-Value Cards for equipment, sled, bags, pants with an anticipated profit of $7,000, FFA Plant Sale, FFA Pancake Feed & Labor Auction, FFA Test Plot, FFA Fruit, Cheese & Sausage Sales, High School mental health awareness and t-shirt sale, Bertha Godfrey-annual cookie dough in the fall and spring with anticipated up to $5,000 profit for playground expenses, Bryant will hold their annual Cherrydale Fundraiser with a $3,500 anticipated profit for playground expenses, Middle School annual fundraiser with Clubs Choice with anticipated profit of $6,000 for student field trips, activities, playground expenses, Top Dawg activities and mini courses. Owen moved to second the motion. Motion carried.

 

Approve Handbooks: Owen moved to approve the following handbooks for the 2024-2025 school year: High School, Middle School, Elementary, Preschool Staff Handbook, Preschool Parent Handbook, Classified Employee Handbook, Elementary Staff Handbook. Seconded by Nugent. Motion carried.

 

Boys Swimming Sharing Agreement: Owen moved to approve to share boys swimming with Garrigan. Seconded by Vinci. Motion carried.

 

Calvin & Kjerstin Brandt exit at 7:38pm.

Kristi Roberts exited at 7:40pm.

 

Kossuth Regional Health Center Trainer Contract: Vinci moved to approve a contract with Kossuth Regional Health Center for a trainer to be present at athletic activities. The annual estimated cost is $8,525. The trainer will also aid the Activities Director in guidance regarding the budget for supplies. They will also be available on Wednesdays to meet with/evaluate athletes who may have injury. Louwagie seconded. Motion carried.

 

Open Enrollment: There are eight (8) open enrollment applications filed. Owen moved to deny the 2 applications that were not filed timely. Seconded by Nugent. Motion carried. Owen moved to approve the six (6) applications that were filed timely. Seconded by Nugent. Motion carried.

 

Resignations:   Louwagie moved to approve the following resignations: Jake Adams-Assistant Football Coach, Lindsay Carter-Assistant Varsity Softball Coach, Mindy Vitzthum-At Risk Teacher Associate, Kaitlyn Teepe-Teacher Associate. Seconded by Nugent. Motion carried.

 

Contracts:  Nugent moved to approve the following contracts pending completion of any and all certifications not already obtained: Wyatt Struecker-Night Custodian, Taylor Elvington-MS Teacher Associate, Alyssa Gremmer-MS Teacher Associate, Amber Limbaugh-Volunteer Volleyball Coach, Jordan Limbaugh-Volunteer Football Coach, Jay Limbaugh-Volunteer Football Coach, Ben Gatton-Volunteer Football Coach, Jeremy Rummel-Volunteer Football Coach, Rudy Wieck-Volunteer Football Coach, Mike Dunlap-Volunteer Football Coach, Randy Erpelding-Volunteer Football Coach, Seth Schlenger-Assistant Football Coach, Corey White-MS Teacher Associate, Amie Schlenger-HS Teacher Associate and Jayne Bartrom-MS Teacher Associate.  Seconded by Owen. Motion carried.

 

Vinci moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45p.m. Seconded by Owen. Motion carried.

 

_______________________________ ______________________________

Board President Board Secretary

 

ALGONA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Regular Meeting

September 9, 2024

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

The Board of Directors of the Algona Community School District, in the County of Kossuth, State of Iowa, met in regular session in the Boardroom, Performing Arts Center, 600 S. Hale Street, Algona, Iowa at 7:00pm. on the above date. 

 

Present:              Tom Nugent, Brent, Owen, Rodney Davis, Jay Limbaugh, Todd Louwagie, Lany Mitchell

Absent:                Andrea Vinci

Others Present: Superintendent Joe Carter, Secretary Lisa Chapman, Janie Eischen, Devon Curry, Brooke Kramer, Jill Schutjer, Brad Sudol, Molly Montag

 

All motions are unanimously approved unless noted.

 

Approve Agenda:  Louwagie moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

Consent Items:    Nugent moved to approve the consent items and Louwagie seconded. Motion carried.

 

Superintendent Report: Carter informed the board of preliminary enrollment figures. October 1st is count day and certified enrollment figures will be shared after that day. Last year the board approved an early retirement program. It was the intent last year to offer the program again in fiscal year 2025. The early retirement program will be on the agenda in October. The organizational meeting will be held in November as it is done each year. The board will need to set the date and time of future meetings. A survey will be conducted to determine the best time and day for our public and staff.

 

COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD 

School Resource Officer (SRO): Conversations have been held over the past year with Chief Bo Miller about bringing a School Resource Officer into the district. Legislation to help fund this did not pass this year, but conversations are continuing and there is hope to see this subject brought up in the next legislative session. 

Behavior Lead Positions: Jill Schutjer and Brad Sudol, Elementary Principals, presented the program and introduced the Behavior Lead associates Brooke Kramer, Lara Cram and Devon Curry. These associates will assist teachers in classrooms with behaviors, build positive relationships, check in with identified students, provide student breaks, work on goals and be ready to assist with any major situations. Data will be collected to track the benefits of the program. Cram, Curry, Kramer, Schutjer and Sudol exited at 7:34pm.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Board Policies-2nd Reading: Limbaugh moved to approve the second reading of the following policies: 505.1 Student Progress Reports & Conferences, 505.3 Student Honors & Awards, 505.4 Testing Program, 505.5 Graduation Requirements and 710.3 Negative Lunch Balance as presented. Seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Board Policies First Reading: The first reading of board policies was held for the following policies: 506.2 Student Directory Information and 506.4 Student Library Circulation Records. The second reading will be held in October.

 

Approve Fundraising Requests: Louwagie moved to approve the fundraising request for the middle school band. The purpose of the fundraiser is to provide funds for instruments, equipment and Adventureland Festival of Bands. Nugent moved to second the motion. Motion carried.

 

Open Enrollment: There are nine (9) open enrollment applications filed. Limbaugh moved to approve the nine (9) applications that were filed timely or with cause. Seconded by Mitchell. Motion carried.

 

Resignations: Mitchell moved to approve the following resignation(s): Alyssa Gremmer-MS Teacher Associate. Seconded by Limbaugh. Motion carried.

 

Contracts: Louwagie moved to approve the following contracts pending completion of any and all certifications not already obtained: Brittany Phillips-MS Teacher Associate, Jason Moser-Bus Driver and Bob Arnold-Bus Driver.  Seconded by Owen. Motion carried.

 

Limbaugh moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:38p.m. Seconded by Owen. Motion carried.

 

_______________________________ ______________________________

Board President                                   Board Secretary