Minutes of the Meeting

Griswold Community School District

Board of Education

May 23, 2011

 

The Board of Education met for its regular meeting Monday, May 23, 2011 in the Library in the Middle School/High School Building. President Perdue called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Board members present were: Amos, Baier, Campbell, Hansen, Moore and Parker. Also present were Superintendent Kunze, Business Manager Blum, Board Secretary Taylor, Elementary Principal Johnston, Secondary Principal Dunphy, Diane Keiser, Gail Maxwell, Rich Mortensen and various visitors.

 

Hansen made a motion to approve the agenda as amended with the following change:     

      *    deletion of item #9 (Flippen Group Presentation)

Campbell seconded and motion carried unanimously.

 

Matt Leighton, patron, spoke on behalf of Bob Amos and himself regarding their concerns of the high school wrestling program.

 

SuperintendentÕs Report:

      *    Passed around thank you cards,

      *    Reported on 1 to 1 conference in Des Moines,

      *    Super Board Meeting (Baier commented on session attended),

      *    Diane Keiser reported on the 1 to 1 computer conference she attended with Kunze and Mortensen,

      *    Legislature has not moved on Pre School funding yet (two teachers have been laid off due to no funding),

      *    Spoke about Project Based Curriculum Conference attended in Muscatine.

Board Learning Opportunities:

      *    Board President Perdue reminded board of District Meeting June 23rd from 6-8:30 in Red Oak.

 

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Amos. Hansen seconded and motion carried unanimously. Included in the consent agenda were resignations of Rob Wedebrand (middle school science), Manda Thomas (high school science), and Jared Tucker (elementary physical education). Hiring of Seth Lembke (science teacher), and Emily Wilder (elementary behavioral disorders teacher). Also gifts from the Griswold Optimist of $450 for the three media centers ($150 for each building), and the Altrusa Club of Red Oak $150 for the Elliott Media Center.

 

Old Business: The board skyped with Rick Parades from Estes Construction and Paul Hueharth, vice-president of pre-construction, to receive an update on the previous facility assessments of the school district. After board discussion, prioritizing the list with the funds available will be the first thing to do. Mr. Parades will get with Matt Gillaspie of Piper Jaffray, who submitted a report on infrastructure financing options. Supt. Kunze asked the board to check their calendars for a special meeting for June 3rd regarding a student issue. Kunze reported (Meeting May 23, 2011 continued)

 

that vendors using school property during RAGBRI would be covered by their own insurance. Baier made a motion to allow vendors to use the Lewis school grounds, and buildings for shelter (if needed).  Moore seconded and motion carried all ayes, Campbell abstained. Campbell made motion to waive second reading of Board Policies 402.1 – 403.2. Parker seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

New Business: Amos made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with IWCC for all Concurrent Courses for 2011-12. Hansen seconded and motion carried unanimously. Rich Mortensen from MITS spoke to the board about technology support and handed out a proposal. After board discussion Moore made a motion to send out tech support bids for a minimum of 450 hours. Campbell seconded and motion carried unanimously. At 6:30 the board took a 10-minute break. Bids for a new van and bus were passed around for review. After some discussion, a motion was made by Moore to accept Transportation Director Al Hunters recommendation to accept the bid from Keast Chevrolet for a 2011 Chev. 1500 Express Passenger Van for $24,425. Campbell seconded and motion carried unanimously. Parker made a motion to accept HunterÕs recommendation for the 2012 Thomas CS bus for $73,434 from Thomas Bus Sales. Baier seconded and motion carried unanimously. Business Manager Blum reviewed the audit report for July 1, 2009 thru June 30, 2010 noting the general fund revenues increased, while expenditures decreased in fiscal year 2010. Campbell made a motion to approve the FY10 audit report. Amos seconded and motion carried unanimously. First reading of policies 403.3 – 403.8R1. Hansen made a motion to accept the bid from Control Management, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska to replace the pneumatic control system in the middle school to a digital control system for $59,460. Baier seconded and motion carried unanimously. After a lengthy discussion regarding the 1 to 1 computer initiative Hansen made a motion to proceed with the 1 to 1 computers. Baier seconded, all ayes with Amos and Parker voting nay. Baier made a motion to switch show choir to jazz choir. Hansen seconded and motion carried unanimously.

 

Superintendent Kunze reminded the board of the appreciation coffee for the volunteer drivers for the senior meals program on the 24th, and the staff recognition on the 25th.

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Baier at 7:40 pm.  Hansen seconded and motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

______________________________                                             ______________________________              

Nancy Taylor Board Secretary                                                  Mary Perdue President