NEWLY ORGANIZED ALGONA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
April 10, 2023
The Board of Directors of the newly organized Algona Community School District, in the County of Kossuth, State of Iowa, met in session in the Boardroom, Performing Arts Center, 600 S. Hale Street, Algona, Iowa at 7:00 p.m. on the above date.
Present: Rodney Davis, Jay Limbaugh, Todd Louwagie, Tom Nugent, Brent Owen, Lany
Mitchell
Absent: Andrea Vinci
Others Present: Superintendent Joe Carter, Board Secretary Lisa Chapman, Gloria Bartelt, Kjerstin Brandt, Rod Beenken, Jason Bradley-PMC Advantage, Danielle Fett-PMC Advantage
The Pledge of Allegiance was said and President Davis reminded the audience of the vision and
mission statement.
BUDGET HEARING - 7:01pm
Mr. Carter reviewed the published budget including the 3 rates between the former Titonka and former Lu Verne districts and the newly reorganized Algona CSD. Rod Beenken inquired about why we did not refinance the Titonka debt in 2022. Mr. Carter informed Mr. Beenken that Piper Sandler was asked about the benefits of refinancing and the district was advised that it was not in the best interest of the district. There would be a small savings for the debt, but due to the small amount, the district was advised to not refinance at that time.
Budget Hearing ended at 7:15p.m.
All motions are unanimously approved unless noted.
Limbaugh moved to approve the agenda as presented. Mitchell seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Consent Items: Louwagie moved to approve the consent items and was seconded by Nugent. Motion carried.
Budget Guarantee: Nugent moved that the Board of Directors of the Algona Community School District will levy property taxes for the fiscal year 2023-2024 for the regular program budget adjustments as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa. Owen seconded the motion. Motion carried.
FY24 Budget: Mr. Carter explained the budget process and the rates as presented in the March 13 meeting. Total tax rate and maximum expenditures allowed are what will be up for approval. The board reviewed the reasons and factors driving the rate lower than the district has had in 14 years. Part of the reason includes reorganization which will come back in the future. Limbaugh moved to approve the 2023-2024 budget and Owen seconded. Motion carried.
Timberline Agreement: Timberline assists in processing Medicaid claims. Louwagie moved to approve the agreement and Owen seconded. Motion carried.
Bus Barn Lease: Owen moved to approve the Bus Barn lease agreement for $17,000 for one year and Nugent seconded. Motion carried.
Algona Association of Educators Tentative Agreement: The tentative agreement included a $2,000 increase to the hiring base, $2,150 increase for each teacher and an additional $500 for those in years of service 1-15. Fifteen hundred will be added to the extra duty base wage. Language changes for horizontal base wage increments, business leave and Schedule B language to include girls wrestling and winter cheerleading and finally $500 additional stipend for those who coach or sponsor at least two sports or activities. The total package increase is 4%. Owen moved to approve the tentative agreement and Mitchell seconded. Motion carried.
Algona Educations Services Association Agreement: The teacher associates tentative agreement is an increase of .67 cents or 4% with language changes to include paid days for the first 3 ‘No School’ days due to inclement weather and updates to business leave. Owen moved to approve the tentative agreement and Louwagie seconded. Motion carried.
All Other Groups not under Master Contracts: An increase of 4% was also given to all directors, secretaries and all under the Mitchell system, custodians, food service workers and technology employees. The 4% aligns with other groups. Limbaugh moved to approve the increase and Owen seconded. Motion carried.
Iowa Lakes Career Connect Agreement: Louwagie moved to approve the Iowa Lakes Career Connect Agreement and Mitchell seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Open Enrollment: Limbaugh moved to approve the 3 open enrollment applications submitted and Owen seconded. Motion carried.
Contracts: Owen moved to approve the following contracts pending completion of any and all certifications not already obtained and background clearing: Rachel Arnold-Library Associate, Trevor Arnold-Volunteer Football Coach, Jackson Miller-HS P.E. & Strengthening Coach, Justine Garman-5th Grade Social Studies, LaKaye Schutjer-Bryant Secretary, Lori Ludwig-MS Special Education, KaraAnn Reineke-Lucia Wallace Elementary. Louwagie seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Owen moved to adjourn at 8:00pm. Seconded by Limbaugh. Motion carried.
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Board Secretary Board President
