Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
May 13, 2024 – 6:15 p.m.
www.mid-prairie.k12.ia.us
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jake Snider, and Jed Seward.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Jed Seward moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Add Future Problem Solvers International Competition trip to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Seconded by Ryan Schlabaugh. Motion carried 7-0.
Recognition of Retiring Teacher Karen Bender, Fourth Grade Teacher at West Elementary – Superintendent Stone welcomed the group to the recognition time for Karen Bender. There was a time of telling stories and honoring Bender during her teaching career at Mid-Prairie. Superintendent Stone presented Bender with a plaque for recognition of 40 years in education. A time of refreshment in the lobby was enjoyed by guests.
Hawk Highlight – Volunteer Iowa Presentation by Jacob Flynn and Brylee Gearhart – These students shared their experiences of Volunteer Iowa with the Board. They introduced their sponsor, Andy Miller with the Washington County Extension. They discussed the purpose of their groups—raising awareness of students for elderly supports, replenishing food to food banks in the area. Their request is to put the food drive boxes in each classroom at the schools, transportation from the schools to Pleasantview Home to help with activities at the Home, which were described to the Board through interaction with the Activities Director at the Home. The Board asked questions for clarification about the program funding, timing. The Board affirmed the ideas and efforts presented.
Superintendent Stone presented the board with lit plaques as part of IASB’s Board Appreciation Month.
Public Forum
A staff member expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the middle school principal interview process. She did express concern about the potential for nepotism in the building depending on the person hired. She wants the best for the District and the students. She asked the Board to consider the impact of the person hired and the relationships.
Reports
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked.
CTE, Computer Science, and Fine Arts Curriculum Spending
Kristan Hunter, Curriculum Leader and Staff—Heather Herschberger, Luetta Ropp, Collette McClellen, and Glenda Seward – from the various areas of Fine Arts, Computer Science and CTE presented the work they have done with reviewing and planning for curriculum over the next seven years. The teams have spent the past year in review of curriculum and visioning what the future content consists of and how technology is utilized. The teachers described the various aspects of the curriculum that have been selected for each of their teaching areas.
•The total outlay for the curriculum work for the next 7 years for the 4 areas for updated curriculum and software is $94,852.25. This is part of the curriculum review cycle and would need approval by the Board to move forward beginning in the 2024-2025 School Year.
The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding. The Board thanked the group for their work on their particular teaching areas and especially the collaboration between buildings and groups.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Jake Snider voiced his concerns about nepotism in the building in the hiring of the Middle School Principal. The Board discussed the Nepotism Policy 401.3 as it relates to this hiring decision. Superintendent Stone described the hiring process for the Board. The Board discussed the situation.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the following consent items including the hiring of the Middle School Principal.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of April 8, 2024, April 18, 2024; and April 22, 2024;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for April 2024;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for May 13, 2024; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 4 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 2 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Tim Bartels, Middle School Principal, $109,500 per annum;
Contract issued to Cassie Wolinsky, Middle School Fifth Grade Teacher, $47,500 per annum;
Contract issued to Ryan Cortum, Middle School Special Education Teacher, $47,500 per annum;
Contract issued to Rebecca Ryder, Middle School Special Education Teacher, $47,500 per annum;
Contract issued to Grant Hoffman, High School Social Studies Teacher, $51,928 per annum;
Contract issued to Michelle Koller, Middle School Softball Coach for Summer of 2024, $1,876 per season;
Resignation of Tori Lybarger, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $14.98 per hour, effective End of 2023-2024 School Year;
Resignation of Carleen Miller, High School Assistant Volleyball Coach, $3,151 per season, effective 5/7/2024.
TLC Model Teacher Assistant Coaches ($2,000 Stipend, each) for 2024-2025 School Year
Tracy Rusch, Middle School; Jenny Sexton, Middle School; Ashley Bartels, Middle School; Rachel Foubert, Middle School; Melanie Steinhart, Middle School; Stephanie Schlabaugh, Middle School; Lisa Fontaine, Middle School; Mercedes Specht, West Elementary; Kelsey Stumpf, West Elementary; Hannah Mougin, West Elementary; Elizabeth Dehogues, West Elementary; Grace Andreassen, West Elementary; Paula Buckwalter, East Elementary; Kara Troyer, East Elementary; Jill Poock, East Elementary; Melissa Gerot, East Elementary; Hallie Whitten, East Elementary; Makenzie Kos, East Elementary; Elsa Schmidt, High School; Traci Zahradnek, High School; Sara Puttmann, High School; Sarah O’Rourke, High School; Jessica Jones, High School; Collette McClellen, High School;
Fundraising Requests
Baseball requests approval to raise funds by hosting an Alumni Baseball Game on June 22, 2024, along with a silent auction, concessions, and admissions to be contributed towards the baseball program for equipment and field maintenance;
Home School Assistance Program Parent Partners requests approval to raise funds throughout the upcoming School Year with a number of efforts like a Bake Sale, Fundraising Letters, Soup Supper, and Free-will donation box to be used for the Home School Assistance Program for programming of events, staff appreciation, and other community building activities for families and students of the Home School Program;
MPHS Graduating Class of 2023-2024
James Thomas Allen, Haydon Paul Bailey, Hugo Banuelos, Jr., Bowen David Burmeister, Christopher Michael Burnham, Jacob Michael Carrillo, Nevaeh Jean-Marie Chrzan-Decker, Anthony Raymond Culbertson, Emily Ranee Curtis, Madison Rae Davidson, Elliott Kate Debler, Jacob Dylan Donaldson, Parker Brian Ehrenfelt, Abigail Eleanor Fleming, Beau William Flynn, Lindon Wade Fox, Noah James Freeman, Alivia Lynn Garvey, Aaron Mitchell Gearhart, Harlie R. Gehling, Laurelin Elizabeth Geno, Taylor Bryce Gingerich, Reese Elizabeth Good, Jackie David Greiner, Simeon Oak Groff, Karson Rickey Grout, Joseph Robert Hall, Brock Thomas Harland, Ashley Nicole Harmsen, Lenox Michael Harr, Dylan Jon Henry, Sawyer John Hough, Hayden Douglas Jamieson, Colin Reno Jennings, Joshua Riley Keaough, Antone Arthur Larimer, Jasper Donald Larimer, Emma Jacqueline Lueck, Clarissa Helena Luerkens, Evangeline Grace Marner, Selena Marie McGaffey, Jackson Dean Miller, Tucker Jay Miller, Grady Kendal Miller, Dalton Lee Miller, Kali Ruth Miller, Josee Lynn Muller, Tobias John Olson, Blake Joseph Peck, Libby Jo Peiffer, Carson Jiles Pence, Ava Mae Pence, Nora Suzann Pennington, Drake Alexander Price, Lukin Simon Rediger, Gabrielle Gwendolyn Robertson, Daniel Parker Rodgers, Justice Darlene Roselund, Paige Elizabeth Safly, Drew Cody Schlabaugh, Behla Marin Schmidt, Kurt Michael Schneider, Hannah Lee Sellers, Malachi Earl Sexton, Phoebe Ailien Shetler, Mason Joseph Sieren, Milo Ralph Sieren, Greta Mae Sieren, Avery Marie Slabaugh, Shelby Taylor Stacey, Landon James Sullivan, Maggie Sue Swartzentruber, Jarrett David TeBockhorst, Jarron C. Thomas, Ella Rose Titus, Luke Matthew Traetow, Olivia Catherine Utzinger, Kailey Ranae Warnstaff, Michael Steven Watkins, Case Lawrence Whetstine, Duncan Philip Winters, Madison Olivia Witthoft, Henry Orval Yoder, Claire Arlene Zirkelbach,
MP Virtual Academy Graduating Class of 2023-2024
Isabelle Allyn Krueger, Madeline Mae O’Donnell, Jordan Elizabeth Poisel
MP Alternative Learning Center Graduating Class of 2023-2024
Nile Bruce Latcham
MP-HSAP Graduating Class of 2023-2024
Matthew Aloysius Teets, Jair E Owen, Micah J. Tu, Peter David Le Sage, Alicia Anne Coblentz, Annika Amelia Poll, Susanna Vakulich, Isadora Clare Goode, Hanna Nisly, Arthur Warren Murphy III, Grace Lois Hatch, Gabriella Rippell, Naomi Yelena Nafziger
Gabrielle Frederick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
Trip to Future Problem Solvers International Competition
Superintendent Stone described the request by Denise Busch for approval for two students to compete in the Future Problem Solvers International Competition to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on June 5 to 7, 2024.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the Future Problem Solvers International Competition trip to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana for June 5-7, 2024. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Trip to College World Series for the Baseball Team
Superintendent Stone shared that the Baseball Team requests permission to travel to the College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska the weekend of June 14, 2024. Since this is travel out of state, the Board needs to approve the trip and use of school vehicles.
Randy Billups moved to approve the Baseball Team trip to Omaha Nebraska the weekend of June 14, 2024. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0 with Jed Seward abstaining.
CTE, Computer Science, and Fine Arts Curriculum Spending
Superintendent Stone and Kristan Hunter reviewed the total outlay for the 4 areas for updated curriculum and software is $94,852.25. This would be spent over the upcoming 7-year period. This is part of the curriculum review cycle and would need approval by the Board to move forward beginning in the 2024-2025 School Year. Additional time was allotted for the Board to ask questions.
Randy Billups moved to approve the 7-year curriculum spending plan of the CTE, Computer Science and Fine Arts curriculum spending of $94,852.25 as recommended. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Second Reading of Board Policies 402.2 and 402.5
Superintendent Stone noted the two policies: 402.2 Child Abuse Reporting and 402.5 Required Professional Development for Employees passed on First Reading at the March 11, 2024, Board Meeting with no changes. Both deal with Mandatory Reporting requirements and training. A time for questions and additional conversation was provided. There were no additional questions.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve on Second Reading both Board Policies 402.2 Child Abuse Reporting and 402.5 Required Professional Development for Employees. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
First Reading of Changes to Board Policies in Chapter 200
Superintendent Stone noted the Board Work Session of March 25, 2024 where the Chapter 200 Policies were reviewed as part of the renewal schedule. During the review the following policies were changed: 200.3 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors, 200.4 Board Member Social Media Engagement (add to a future work session), 202.4 Vacancies, 206.1 President, 206.2 Vice-President, 210.8 Board Meeting Agenda, 212 Closed Sessions, 212.1 Exempt Meetings, and 216.2 Board of Directors’ Member Development and Training. A time for questions and additional conversation was provided. There were no additional questions.
Jed Seward moved to approve on First Reading changes to Board Policies 200.3, 202.4, 206.1, 206.2, 210.8, 212, 212.1, and 216.2 with titles as noted above. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
School Fees for 2024-2025
School Business Official Swartzentruber shared the proposed changes to School Fees for the upcoming school year. It is proposed that the student lunch and breakfast prices increase by 5 cents. This takes into consideration rising food costs borne by the District. An increase in prices has not been done 2022 in anticipation of the 2022-2023 School Year. While the Nutrition Fund remains healthy, there is evidence that some erosion of funds is beginning to occur. The other fee changes are with the Band and Choir Uniform Cleaning Fees where the proposal is to raise each $1.00 for the upcoming school year. Cleaning fees have also continued to increase. The Board asked questions to clarify the document.
Mary Allred moved to approve the 2024-2025 School Fees with the increases as presented. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance
OPN Architects Professional Services Contract for the Wrestling Room
Superintendent Stone and SBO Swartzentruber shared about the Contract Document. It is the portion of the project that contracts OPN Architects to perform the Design functions for the Wrestling Facility. Total fees for this portion of the engagement are on page 22, article 11 and totals $160,000. It is recommended that this contract be signed. It is part of the overall project budget paid with the GO Series 2024 Bonds.
Randy Billups moved to approve the Professional Services Contract for the Wrestling Room with OPN in the amount of $160,000 as presented. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
West Elementary Parking Lot Bid Review and Acceptance
Superintendent Stone discussed the West Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project. Bids were opened on May 7th by Axiom Consultants. Axiom compiled the bids from the 9 companies that submitted bids. Dave Schmitt Construction is the low bidder for the base bid of $544,152.75. They are also the low bidder on the two alternates that total $657,887.75 before Soft Costs. It is recommended that the base bid and the Alternate 1 for the extra parking be considered at a construction cost estimate of $629,352.75 [with soft costs the total is $700,299.75]. The board discussed the base bids and alternates. With both West Elementary and East Elementary recommendations with soft costs the bids are under the anticipated budget of $1,700,000.00 by $143,980.00.
Jed Seward moved to approve the West Elementary Parking Lot Bid by Dave Schmitt Construction and Alternate 1 for $629,352.75 as presented. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
East Elementary Parking Lot Bid Review and Acceptance
Superintendent Stone discussed the East Elementary Parking and Traffic Flow Project. Bids were opened on May 7th by Axiom Consultants. Axiom compiled the bids from the 9 companies that submitted bids. All American Concreate, Inc., is the low bidder for the base bid of $730,429.50. They are also the low bidder on the three alternates that total $829,150.50 before Soft Costs. It is recommended that the base bid and the Alternates 1 and 3 for the extra parking and paving between the parking and bus loop be considered at a construction cost estimate of $777,773.50 [with soft costs the total is $855,720.50]. The board discussed the base bids and alternates. Again, with both West Elementary and East Elementary recommendations with soft costs the bids are under the anticipated budget of $1,700,000.00 by $143,980.00.
Jed Seward moved to approve the East Elementary Parking Lot Bid by All American Concrete, Inc. and Alternates 1 and 3 for $777,773.50 as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Salaries for Principals, Directors and Central Office Staff for the 2024-2025 School Year
School Business Official Swartzentruber recommends a 3.0% package increase for Principals, Directors and Central Office Staff for the 2024-2025 School Year. This is consistent with the 3.0% package approval for Teachers and Support Staff passed at the April 18, 2024, special School Board Meeting. He shared the documents showing the individual changes. The Board asked questions about the packages of the administrators.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the District Administrators, Directors, and Central Office wage and package increases of 3.0% for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) Compensation for 2024-2025 School Year
School Business Official Swartzentruber and HSAP Administrator, Rachel Kerns shared the HSAP 2024-2025 Compensation Proposal. The total increase from 2023-2024 is 22.9%, or $178,125. While this is more than the 3.0% total package, it includes a new full-time Coordinating Teacher and includes the $60,000 minimum state salary requirement for teachers with 12 plus years of experience. The median increase for part time teachers is 2.22% taking into consideration that the part-time teachers receive a similar wage raise to other staff in the District.
Jed Seward moved to approve the Home School Assistance Program 2023-2024 wages and packages as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Football Press Box Proposal
Pete Cavanagh, Activities Director, presented the proposal for the Football/Track Press Box Renovation. Included in the proposal is a new roof, new siding with trim, gutters, and downspouts, carpet, windows, entrance door, lighting, electrical upgrades, and the installation of a HVAC mini-split. The proposed work will be performed and overseen by Rediger Construction. The estimated cost of the project is $65,892 to be funded by MP Athletic Booster Funds of $50,892 and the MP Annual Matching Funds of $15,000. The exterior upgrades will be color coordinated with the Indoor Practice Facility. The Board asked questions about the process and the project, and then discussed the impact.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Renovation of the Press box at the High School Football/Track as presented for $65,892 performed by Rediger Construction. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0 with Snider and Allred abstaining.
2024 GO Bond Resolutions
SBO Swartzentruber presented the final paperwork on the General Obligation Bonds Series 2024 sold on April 22, 2024 that will close on June 4, 2024. Ahlers & Cooney, Bond Attorneys, performed the work to finalize and revise the bond resolutions after the final numbers were in place after April 22, 2024. Once the resolution paperwork is finished, the documents need to be filed with the Washington, Johnson, and Iowa County Auditors’ offices. Once filing documentation is finished Ahlers & Cooney will be able to finish the legal filings and full transcript of the transaction. As a result there are four resolutions that need to be approved by the board.
Resolution Appointing Paying Agent, Bond Registrar and Transfer Agent,
Approving the Paying Agent, Bond Registrar and Transfer Agent Agreement, and
Authorizing the Execution of the Same
Randy Billups moved to adopt the Resolution appointing UMB Bank, N.A. of West Des Moines, Iowa to serve as Paying Agent, Bond Registrar and Transfer Agent Agreement and Authorizing the Execution of Same. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes ; Mary Allred – yes; Jed Seward - yes; Ryan Schlabaugh - yes; Randy Billups - yes; Jake Snider - yes; Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Approval of form of Tax Exemption Certificate
Jed Seward moved to approve the form of Tax Exemption Certificate be placed on file and approved. Mary Allred seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes; Mary Allred – yes; Jed Seward - yes; Ryan Schlabaugh - yes; Randy Billups - yes; Jake Snider - yes; Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Continuing Disclosure Certificate
Jed Seward moved to approve the form of Continuing Disclosure Certificate be placed on file and approved. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes; Mary Allred – yes; Jed Seward - yes; Ryan Schlabaugh - yes; Randy Billups - yes; Jake Snider - yes; Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Amended Resolution for the Issuance of Bonds
Denise Chittick moved to adopt the Resolution Amending the Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of not to exceed $8,700,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024 and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes; Mary Allred – yes; Jed Seward - yes; Ryan Schlabaugh - yes; Randy Billups - yes; Jake Snider - yes; Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Auditor RFP Review
SBO Swartzentruber reviewed the RFP Spreadsheet Analysis of the three responses to the Request for Proposal for audit services for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2029. He reviewed the details of each firm and the audit fee proposals given. There are pros and cons to the low fee proposal by the firm of Nolte, Cornman and Johnson as well as the middle fee proposal by the firm of Bohnsack & Frommelt. Swartzentruber covered the pros and cons in some detail. A recommendation to go with Bohnsack & Frommelt even with slightly higher fees is made to the Board. The Board asked questions to clarify the differences and considerations.
Mary Allred moved to approve moving forward with Bohnsack & Frommelt CPAs for the District audited financial statements for the five-year period starting with FY2025 and continuing through FY2029. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Fuel Bid Advertisement
SBO Swartzentruber shared with the Board the advertisement document to be sent to The News to be run over the next 3 weeks. The advertisement solicits bids for Propane Fuel, Diesel Fuel, and petroleum products for the 2024-2025 School year and potentially 4 successive 1-year extensions. While no action is to be taken this evening, the proposals will be returned by June 4, 2024. A recommendation for the vendor(s) of the products will be presented at the June 10, 2024, School Board meeting.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Tammi Drawbaugh, consultant with IASB will be providing a training event to the Board on July 29th from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The Board discussed topics for Drawbaugh to address with the Board.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
A Special School Board meeting will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room to complete the 2024 Superintendent Evaluation. This will be a Closed Session meeting.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room.
Board Highlights – None shared due to the late hour.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
President, Jake Snider
Secretary, Jeffrey C. Swartzentruber
Published in The News, Thursday, May 23, 2024 L-698
