Lone Tree Community School
Board Workshop and Exempt Session
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 6:30 PM
School Library
Superintendent, Tyler Hotz
SBO, Sheila Tharp
Board Secretary, Renae Williams
1. Call to Order: Board President Sladek called the workshop to order @ 6:31PM.
2. Roll Call: Present- Robert Sladek, Alex Ogren, Jenni Eden, Gordon Viers, Michael Hotz.
3. Approval of Agenda: Viers motioned to approve the agenda, Eden seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Public Comment: Brent Parizek/24-25 calendar option, Jacob Hoyle/24-25 calendar option, Joel Herman/24-25 calendar option, Barb Danielson/24-25 calendar option, Hunter Luttrell/out of state field trip.
5. Principal Reports
a. MS/HS Principal Report: Principal Koshatka reported on student achievements, office referrals, subbing shortage, Homecoming 2024 tentative schedule, Assessment Calendar, Peer Tutoring Program, reassessment procedures.
b. Elementary Principal Report: Principal Jacque reported on 100th Day of School celebration, Cognitive Abilities Test, Just Right Reader pilot program, office referrals, professional development needs from teachers, staff/student attendance rates.
6. Old Business
a. HVAC Update: Supt. Hotz updated the board on the potential energy usage cost savings based on the schools current meters. Discussion from the board on whether an emergency backup generator is needed in the event of a power outage for an extended period of time.
b. Mailer Survey: Supt. Hotz provided a sample mailer survey, provided by Shive Hattery, that would be distributed to the resident’s in the Lone Tree School District. This would help inform and gauge the interest of the community on the proposed HVAC system update.
c. School Calendar
i.2023-2024: Supt. Hotz discussed the current 23-24 calendar and the snow days that need to be made up. One suggestion was to not have school go past Memorial Day.
ii. 2024-2025: The School Board heavily discussed the 4-Day Calendar Option. The 3 Public Forums, surveys, data and public comment were part of the discussion.
d. The board reviewed policies 409.4-414.9.
e. The board reviewed policy primer vol. 32 #2 (First Reading). These policies reflect on the use of Artificial Intelligence and School Finance. There is a growing concern on the use of AI in schools. Principal Koshatka shared the policies and procedures that the district currently has in place.
f. Booster Club member, Ashley Zaruba, requests that the District match the Booster Club’s $7000 for the proposed upgrades to the schools weight room and equipment.
7. New Business
a. Wellness Center as Shelter (Emergency Management): Dave Wilson with the Johnson County Emergency Management is looking for a place in Johnson County for an emergency shelter place and has proposed the Wellness Center. EMS would provide all of the materials, reimburse any expenses that may occur and put the facility back to its original condition.
b. Out-Of-State Field Trip: Science Teacher Hunter Luttrell asked the board for approval to take the Marine Biology class on a field trip to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Luttrell provided information on cost, student benefits, itinerary and projects to be done during and after the trip.
c. The Board reviewed the Policies: 503.8, & 503.8 R1 (First Reading)
d. The Board reviewed the Policies: 705.1, 705.1 R1, & 705.1 R2 (First Reading). Supt. Hotz shared that the District was approved for a safety grant. Each building was awarded up to $50,000.
e. Budget Process: SBO Sheila Tharp reported on the Budget Planning Calendar. Public hearings will need to be set for the April 3rd workshop and the April 17th Regular Meeting to approve the FY2025 Budget.
f. SBO Tharp reported on a few of the findings from the FY23 audit report.
g. Board Meeting Agendas: The board discussed keeping the Principal reports at the Regular Meetings.
h. Future Agenda Topics: The board would like an update on the use of cell phones from Principal Koshatka’s previous report.
8. Adjourn: Ogren motioned to adjourn the workshop, Viers seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned @ 9:35 PM
9. Exempt Session
Negotiating sessions, strategy meetings of public employers or employee organizations, mediation and the deliberative process of arbitration. Iowa Code 20.17(3).
Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Published in The News, Thursday, February 22, 2024 L-145
