WORK SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

 

 

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in the Administrative Office, Tama, Iowa on December 04, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

 

On call of the roll the following were present:    Alan Upah

                                                                        Donald Wacha

                                                                        Jackie Dvorak

                                                                        Margaret Kubik

Mark Fetter

 

Others present: Larry Molacek, Steve Burr, Greg Darling, Jim Tekippe, Susan Schafer, Roger Higginbotham, Joyce Wiese from the local newspaper and other interested citizens.

 

Motion by Kubik seconded by Wacha to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes.

Motion by Dvorak, seconded by Kubik to approve the minutes of the 11/20/06 regular session, bills and financial reports as presented. All ayes.

 

Presentation by High School Points of Pride:

Paula Neyens, Chemistry, Physics and General Science teacher at the High School discussed problem solving approaches, building and testing bridge concepts, studying car crashes, and other topics taught in her class. She stated that there are currently 12 students involved in individual research topics.

She reported there is a need to replace the student science tables and chairs in her room. She believes the tables have been used since the school opened. Approximately $8,000.00 is needed to replace the tables and chairs. It was agreed to put the item on the agenda for action at the next meeting.

Mr. Burr, High School Principal, was present to report on the high school dropout prevention program implemented this fall. He reported that an afternoon and evening study table has been implemented. The afternoon study table is held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The evening study table is held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The study table is open to all students who wish to attend and receive extra help in any class subject. Attendance has varied from 0 to 10 students. The morning study table has yet to be implemented. Mr. Burr anticipates starting the morning study table sometime in December. Mr. Burr reported that he requires that the teachers provide him with a list of students receiving a D or F in their class. The liaison staff is then informed that the student may need assistance and hopefully prevent the student from failing the class. The Drop out program authorized the hiring of two school liaisons. Some of the duties of the liaisons are to work with students to assure that assignments are being completed, help with assessment of student skills, and increase parent contact. He feels the program has been successful and stated that the number of students on the academic ineligibility list may illustrate the impact of the program. Last years ineligibility list was based on a student who was failing two classes. This year as dictated by State requirements a student is ineligible if they failed one class. A total of 62 students failed to meet the eligibility requirements this year. Using last year’s criteria there would have only been 9 students ineligible.

At the September 18, 2006 board meeting Board member Margo Kubik asked administration to review the effectiveness of the Block Scheduling. To determine the effectiveness of Block Scheduling Mr. Burr asked the teaching staff at the High School to respond to the following question. Do you believe that block schedule is the most effective system for STCHS students? Why or Why not? The results of the teacher comments were provided to the school board. Of 39 teachers responding 22 favored the system, 11 not sure or mixed opinion and 6 favored returning to the previous or traditional method. In recap Mr. Burr stated that in his 38 years of working in education that there is an inescapable fact that the schedule of classes is incidental in its importance when compared to the importance of the teacher. Good teaching can occur during any time frame. Good teachers constantly create opportunities for students to learn regardless of the time frame in which they work.

 

Motion by Dvorak, seconded Kubik to approve purchase of 3 aluminum bleacher sections for $2,341.00 from American Aluminum Seating, Inc. All ayes.

 

Motion by Wacha, seconded by Dvorak to approve $436,136 for the At-Risk Program for the 2006-2007 school year with $250,000 coming from local tax levy and balance from non-local sources. All ayes.

 

Routine Action Items: None

 

Public Comments: None

 

Discussion Items:

Mr. Burr reported that the Music/Vocal/Band departments need more tables and chairs because of an increase in participants this year. Approximately 100 chair and several tables are needed at a cost of $5,493.00. After discussion it was agreed to place on next meeting’s agenda for action.

Tim Downs, maintenance/transportation director, stated he would like to have the lunch transport van repaired. The frame is rusted out and needs to be rebuilt. He feels that the frame can be repaired at a substantial saving over buying a new vehicle. He provided a bid of $5,106.38 to repair the frame. After discussion it was agreed to place item on the next meeting’s agenda for action.

Mr. Downs handed out a vehicle inventory list. It identified the vehicles, age of vehicle, type and mileage of each vehicle. It was reported from 2005 to 2006 that 217,882 miles were driven by the school buses transporting students.

Mr. Downs discussed the Geo-thermal heating system at the Elementary school. He stated the circulated water temperature is lower than expected and may need a supplemental heat source until the problem can be resolved. It was agreed to do what is needed to assure continued operation of the system.

Mr. Darling, Business Manager, provided a report of funds generated from the Local Option sales tax and income surcharge. He stated the funds are to pay the new school construction cost and Physical Plant and Equipment Cost.

Mr. Darling provided a report of school district Certificate of Deposit that had recently matured. He stated that he had contacted each of the local banks. The State Bank of Toledo has offered the higher interest rate. The funds will be reinvested with the State Bank of Toledo.

 

Old/New Business:

Mr. Downs provided a bid for a new pick-up and topper to the school board. He is recommending the purchase of a new 2007 Silverado 4-wheel drive-pick up for $22,028.00 from Austin Motors. He stated that this vehicle has the capacity to tow the music department trailer. After discussion, it was agreed to have item placed on the next meeting’s agenda for action.

 

Superintendent’s Report:

Mr. Molacek provided a list of South Tama School District students that are enrolled

out-of the district. Discussion followed.

 

Motion by Wacha, seconded by Dvorak to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m. All ayes.

 

Next meeting scheduled for 12/18/06 at 7:30p.m.

 

 

________________________________                    ______________________________________

Alan Upah, Board President Date              Mark Fetter, Board Secretary Date