August , 2009 Minutes
August 23, 2009
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Anita Board of Education
Monday, August 17, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
The Anita Board of Education was called to order by President
Randall J. Rabe for the regular meeting on August 17, 2009 at 7:35
p.m. in the media center at the high school. Members present for
opening were Jeff Gregersen, Phyllis Nichols, Randall J. Rabe, Dr.
Gerald Wessels and Julie Williamson. Others present were
Superintendent John Brazell, High School Principal Dominic
Giegerich, Secretary Linda Edwards, and visitors, Nick Kauffman
with Jody Rudolph arriving later.
POSITIVE COMMENTS: Positive comments were received by the
board.
AGENDA CHANGES: No changes were made to the agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was given by Director Nichols that was
seconded by Director Gregersen to approve the agenda, minutes of
the regular meeting of July 20, 2009, and the bills. The motion
carried with a 5-0 vote. The bills were approved in the amount of
$59,237.85 from the General Fund, $6,374.08 from the PPEL Fund, and
$4,279.13 from the SILO Fund.
APPROVE FINANCIAL REPORTS: July financial reports for the funds of
General, PPEL, PERL, SILO, High School Activity, and Hot Lunch were
offered the board. After reviewing the financial reports, Gregersen
motioned to accept these financial reports. This was seconded by
Williamson. The motion carried 5-0.
RESIGNATION: Jody Meyer, assistant softball coach, submitted her
resignation for the 2009-2010 school year. A motion from Williamson
to accept her resignation with regrets was seconded by Nichols. The
motion carried with a 5-0 vote.
CONTRACTS:
a. Elementary Para-Educator: Dana Harris has worked as a substitute
para-educator and has completed the necessary course work. Director
Gregersen motioned to accept the recommendation to approve the
contract for Dana Harris as elementary para-educator. This motion
was seconded by Director Williamson. The motion carried with a 5-0
vote.
b. High School Assistant Cook: Director Gregersen motioned to
accept the recommendation to approve the contract for Suzanne Vacek
as high school assistant cook. This motion was seconded by Director
Williamson. The motion carried with a 5-0 vote.
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT LEVY: A reminder was given to the board that
this is the third year of the five year instructional support
levy.
FACILITIES:
Update on projects:
a. Shop building: The welding hood vents are being installed in the
shop building and work is expected to be completed by the first day
of school Thursday.
b. Football field lights: The cement pillars have been poured and
the lights should be installed and ready to go by Friday.
c. Fire safety code updates: The safety glass window in the Family
& Consumer Science room was replaced today. Some windows at the
elementary that had been damaged by pellet guns were also replaced.
Work on a sprinkler system test valve that needed to drain outside
has been completed. A gas shut-off valve that needs to be installed
is being held up because the installer is waiting for a response
from the Fire Marshall’s office as to what type of valve is
needed.
NEGOTIATIONS: Mr. Brazell met with Mr. Hunt and Mr. Mehrhoff to
review negotiations. An agreement was reached that would include a
5% total increase over the next two years. The master contract will
need to be revised and a special meeting held to approve the
2009-2010 Master Contract.
ACTION PLANS FOR 2009-2010: The Board reviewed the Action Plans for
2009-2010 that were presented by Mr. Brazell. The goals are the
same for all of the buildings but the approaches to meet the goals
are different. Director Gregersen motioned to approve the school
improvement plan for the 2009-2010 school year as presented. This
motion was seconded by Director Williamson. The motion carried with
a 5-0 vote.
SUPERINTENDENT GOALS: Mr. Brazell presented the following goals for
the 2009-2010 school year:
General District Goal:
To improve student reading and math proficiency through quality
professional development for teachers.
Specific Goals:
a. Provide K-12 professional development to full staff based on
strategies learned in reading institute and those specific to both
elementary and secondary.
b. Math department (6-12) will begin the alignment process to
current standards and benchmarks, assessments and instructional
practices to the Iowa Core Curriculum.
c. Improve the financial position of the district.
A motion was given by Director Gregersen that was seconded by
Director Williamson to approve the Superintendent Goals as
presented. The motion carried with a 5-0 vote.
TRANSPORTATION REPORT: The 2008-2009 Transportation Report was
presented to the Board for review.
PRIORITIES FOR PPEL AND SILO FUNDS: The priorities for the PPEL and
SILO Funds for 2009-2010 include the football lights and the
one-to-one computer program. These funds will also be used when
possible to help the general fund. No other priorities were
designated at this time.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: The Superintendent’s/Elementary Principal’s
report included: A total of 103 elementary students are anticipated
for the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. The IASB delegate
assembly will be held November 18. Chris Carns, insurance agent for
the district, reported that the district’s premiums had increased
from approximately $38,000 last year to $44,298 this year, with the
biggest increase in workers’ compensation premiums.
Secondary Principal’s report included: Project Lead The Way and
will report on Larry Hunt’s new role at the next board meeting.
LOOKING AHEAD: Looking ahead items are September organizational
meeting with final activities of the retiring board, swearing in
new board members, election/swearing in of president and vice
president, and a meal after the board meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: President Rabe declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40
p.m.
(signed)Randall J. Rabe, Board President
(signed) Linda Edwards, Board Secretary
