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Board of Education Muscatine Community Schools
Monday, January 9, 2012 The Board of Education of the Muscatine Community Schools will meet at 7 p.m. at City Hall in regular session.
AGENDA
I. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Welcome to Visitors and Media Representatives IV. Muskie Celebration!!
Grant student Emma Yerington and her “Coins for Christmas” Project V. Citizen Speaks VI. Student Council Update VII. Consent Agenda**
The following items are considered to be routine by the Board of Education and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Director so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence in the agenda. A. VIII Minutes B. X-‐A Bills and Claims C. XI-‐A Employment Recommendations C. XIII-‐A Field Trips
VIII. Approval of the Minutes of the December 12, 2011 Regular Meeting – action** (p. 4)
IX. Superintendent’s Action, Discussion, and Information A. Information and Discussion 1. Investing in Innovation Grant Recipient Report -‐ Bill Flowers, Judi
Amerine, and Jame Hayes 2. McKinley Elementary Building Report (p. 16)
3. Washington Elementary Building Report (p. 17) 4. Central Middle School Building Report 5. Proposed High School Project Design 6. First Reading on the following Policies: 402.05 Appeals to Administrative Rules and Regulations (p. 18) 405.02 Classifications –Non-‐certified Employees (p. 20) 501.12 Dual Enrollment (p. 21) 501.13 Student Transfers In (p. 22) 502.06 Student Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol Offenses (p. 23) 505.07 Athletic Insurance (p. 24) 506.02 Release of Student Information with Admin Procedures (p.
25) 506.10 Control of Student Activity Funds (p. 29) 600.01 Types of School Organizations (p. 30) B. Possible Action 1. Third and Final Reading on the following Policies:
403.08 Professional Organizations (p. 32) 403.14 Use of School Owned Equipment and Materials (p. 33) 403.15 Use of School Owned Vehicles (p. 34) 404.02 Conditions of Instruction (p.35) 404.03 Academic Tutoring (p. 36) 404.06 Substitutes for Teachers AP (p. 37) 404.07 Planning Time with Administrative Procedures (p. 38) 404.10 Contracts with Certified Staff (p. 40) 703.06 Travel Allowance AP (NEW) (p. 41) 2. Request Approval of the Change in the High School’s Schedule –
action X. Director of Finance A. Approve Bills and Claims Against the District – action** (p. 45) XI. Director of Human Resources A. Employment Recommendations – action** (p. 47) B. Approval of Early Retirees – action (p. 49) C. Middle School Student Communication Liaison position – action
XII. Director of Elementary Innovation and Instruction A. TAG Advisory Committee Report – information (p. 51) B. SIAC Meeting Information XIII. Director of Secondary Innovation and Instruction A. Field Trips – action** (p. 54)
~MHS Band to the ISU Honor Band in Ames, Iowa on February 2-‐4, 2012 as submitted by Jeff Heid. ~MHS Student Council to the L.E.A.D. National Conference in Lombard, IL on February 17-‐19, 2012 as submitted by elena bobay and Lauri Ford.
B. CARPE’ DIEM Project – Climate And River Protection Education, Developing
Investigative Environmental Monitors – information (p. 60) XIV. Director of Operational Services A. Approval to seek bids for the High School HVAC Project – action XV. Adjournment Future Meetings: January 23, 2012 6:30 p.m. Planning/Regular Meeting Admin. Ctr. February 13, 2012 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting City Hall February 27, 2012 6:30 p.m. Planning/Regular Meeting Admin. Ctr.
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UNOFFICIAL MINUTES MUSCATINE BOARD OF EDUCATION
December 12, 2011
The Board of Directors of the Muscatine Community School District, in the County of Muscatine, State of Iowa, met in regular session on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. President Tim Bower called the meeting to order. Directors Tammi Drawbaugh, Dennis Fox, Brenda Garcia-‐Van Auken, Penny Jones, Nathan Mather and Mary Wildermuth were present. Also present were Superintendent Bill Decker, Director of Special Programs Jan Collinson, Director of Human Resources Wes Fowler, Director of Finance Jean Garner, Director of Operational Services Walter Crowder, Director of Elementary Innovation and Instruction Shane Williams and Director of Secondary Innovation and Instruction Diane Campbell.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
President Bower welcomed visitors and media representatives.
Tonight’s Muskie Celebration included three groups: FFA National Champions, Mulberry’s Lego League, and the AMA Gara Project of MHS g2 teachers Cathy Kramer and Sarah Jacques.
Muscatine’s FFA program recently brought home three teams who placed in the Nationals recently. The Horse Judging team took first place in Nationals. The team consisted of Erin Lagone, Heather Burrows, Becca Ness, and Grace Seaba. The team thanked Kathy Weber for her help and support throughout the competition. The Sales team received 8th place in the national competition. Team members included Ashley Hansen, Danielle Chitty, Drew Rominger, and Rachel LoBianco. They thanked Lee Insurance, Chris Boar of Monsanto, Wayne Humphries, Kevin Guck, and Jean Broders of Grain Processing Corp. for their sponsorship, time, expertise, and donations. The Livestock Judging team placed 10th. Team members are: Ashley Tomlin, Ethan Wiegle, Chad VanderLinden, and Gideon Kappler. All three teams explained the process and the areas they were tested at the competition.
Director Jones congratulated them for a job well done and stated that as a district, they are extremely proud of the FFA program.
Superintendent Decker added that the FFA teams are a point of pride for the district and that they are considered student leaders. They are champions regardless of placement by the way they conduct themselves.
Mulberry student Betsy Becker introduced the two Mulberry Lego League teams: the 5th Grade Red Dragons and the 4th Grade Silver Builders. She thanked coaches Larson and Price as well as the United Way Small Grants committee for giving them the money for the Lego robotics and the money to participate in the competitions. Both Lego teams then demonstrated the robotics and explained to the board what it is they had to do in
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order to compete. Team members include: Fifth Grade Red Dragons – Thomas LoBianco, Brody Larsen, Blain Long, Will Zillig, and Tanner Nienhaus; Fourth Grade Silver Builders – Betsy Becker, Brady Holmes, Carter Holmes, Trevor Anderson, Olivia Bastin, Alex Oppel, Meg Manjoine, Dylan Shafer, Ethan Heth, and Caleb Hennings.
Cathy Kramer and Sarah Jacques, 11th grade chemistry and calculus g2 teachers, shared with the board the project: Addressing World Population Issues. Mrs. Jacques noted that the project came about when Holly Hanna’s last year’s g2 class read the book Strength in What Remains about Deogratias Niyzonkiza in which the class invited Deo to come and talk to them. Through the generosity of the Stanley Foundation, Deo made the trip to Muscatine. He talked about his work in Burundi called the Village Health Works which focuses on clinical, food security, education, and women’s health. She then shared the cross-‐curricular aspects of the project. The math department will be looking at population and issues that affect population. They will be analyzing the data and making predictions of what the population will look like and create relatable statistics. In government, the students will be looking at different population theories. The English department will be reading a Strength in What Remains, and chemistry classes will get to create something that will help the people in Burundi.
Cathy Kramer shared the project Ama Gara. Ama Gara means “health” in the dialect of Burundi. The teachers and students will be looking at a clinical project to reduce COPD by developing a community kitchen that uses ethanol to reduce the use of biomass by using a cellulosic ethanol plant development. Basically they will be taking garbage and making clean burning ethanol from that garbage. This is a project developed along with Deo when he was here last year. Staff and students will work with Deo’s agronomist as well. The students will also be looking at food security and nutrition and an indigenous water filtration system.
Mrs. Kramer also shared the exciting news that she and Mrs. Jacques were invited to work with the MIT D-‐lab. She thanked the Stanley Foundation for their generosity which allowed both Kramer and Jacques to visit MIT. They were able to meet Amy Smith who is one of the 100 most influential people of the world according to Time Magazine. D-‐lab is a group of people who has a wealth of expertise in these types of projects (Ama Gara). She noted that D-‐lab only does project-‐based curriculum and when they heard about Muscatine’s g2 program they were very interested in finding out how we are doing it and how we want to ramp it up. She stated that she is honored that the MIT D-‐lab is interested in mentoring Muskie students and staff throughout the next couple of years. For more information regarding D-‐lab go to www.d-‐lab.mit.edu
Superintendent Decker spoke to his personal experience in chemistry and noted that while he doesn’t recall the activities he did as a chemistry student, he was sure that students would remember this project. He stated that this is significant learning and one of the goals for the district, not just in g2, but in all parts of the district.
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Robin S. Krueger, 1305 Orchard Avenue, spoke to the board during Citizen’s Speaks specifically regarding the minutes of the November 14, 2011 meeting where there was 33 pages of notes with little amount of actual business that took place. She noted how this is an unnecessary expense. She highlighted the mission statement of the district and read policy 202.01 Ethical Code for Board Members and the IASB’s Code of Ethics for School Board Members.
Emily Smith, MHS Student Council Photographer, reported on recent student council activities. She noted that the council has been focusing on the food drive and has completed the tootsie pop competition, helped with Two Weeks of Love, completed Mr. Muscatine, and held the Bowls of Hunger event. The council is still collecting cans and raising money and will be dropping off cans and cash to the Salvation Army, the domestic violence shelter, the food pantry, and the Bags of Blessings program. She also shared that student council members have participated in ringing bells for the Salvation Army and has supported a Christmas family through the domestic violence shelter as well as helped Santa write Christmas letters for local 1st and 2nd grade students. She noted that once the food drive is complete, the council will move its focus to Senior Survivor and preparing for the National Leadership Conference and Leadership Week.
Wes Fowler, Director of Human Resources, thanked the student council and Mrs. Bobay for participating in Two Weeks of Love. The students donated over 1,500 food items.
A motion was made by Director Mather and seconded by Director Jones to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2011 regular meeting and the November 21, 2011 special meeting, the bills and claims against the district dated December 12, 2011, and the employment recommendations as follows:
The schedule C resignations of Ryan Castle as assistant high school football coach and Susanna Rivera as Central Middle School volleyball coach and the hire of Stephanie Aguero as assistant high school girls’ softball coach.
All ayes; motion carried.
President Bower noted that there were a number of discussion points brought forward over the last several weeks since the last meeting and asked that board members use this time to discuss whatever needs to be discussed.
Director Mather stated that after reading the 2011 Report Card, he was concerned that in every demographic and grade level scores dropped between 5 – 10% virtually across the board. He noted that Superintendent Decker addressed some of his concerns in the Muscatine Journal article regarding the test scores but that he has other concerns.
Superintendent Decker agreed that across the board every single test score went down. He shared that an emphasis on test scores causes test score inflation. The school district has a history of putting a strong emphasis on one test score. Teachers actually talked to him and others about how the emphasis on test scores took time away from real
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teaching and learning in order to focus on test scores. He stated that there needs to be a balance on summative tests, a once a year test, and the formative data that happens throughout the year. All are important, but one or the other should not be the sole focus. He noted that if you get to where only one test matters, then you take away from the others. When you focus on one test score, you review what needs to be done. Thus, the pressure is on for test prep to get more and more important. He stated that the district’s focus should be on students, teaching, and learning everyday, and once a year we stop and see how we are doing and then look at results and make good instructional decisions from it. In the past, the emphasis has been to build up to the test, get the score, and without any emphasis on the data collected with the tests. By moving the needle a little bit back to the middle where the summative tests are still important, but not over emphasized, allows us to now focus on the formative data that is also important. He noted that this is not a reduction in teaching and learning, it is a reduction in preparation mode. He didn’t realize how strong that was until teachers continually said that test scores are going to drop if not emphasized. Teachers knew that the emphasis was too far in that regard. They knew if we didn’t emphasize the review of the test, the test scores would drop. He stated that that meant to him that we did not have an accurate score. He believes the current scores are now a more accurate analysis of where the district is.
Director Mather stated that he understands and appreciates the explanation; however, he still has a couple of concerns. He asked what other specific standards are the district using for assessing student learning. He noted that to be responsive to the community, we should be able to point to evidence.
Superintendent Decker noted that at the October 24 meeting, the principals presented on many types of the criteria that each level is using. He noted that one assessment that matters the most is the ACT test in which the latest scores showed an increase in test scores from the previous year. This information would be in the October 24 minutes but will also be brought to the board again sometime in January.
He also shared that the assessments are differentiated by level, i.e. DIBELS is appropriate for the elementary which keeps track of reading. He stated that one of the real problems is that the tests, especially at the high school, have very little relevance to the students. Students feel there is no reason to do well. Students will tell you openly about the Christmas trees drawn using the bubbles. The community, however, feels that the test scores are important. He noted that the high school has gone to the PLAN test which is a predictor to students on how well they will do on the ACT. This is a relevant test because the ACT is what gets students into college and possibly scholarship/grant money.
Director Mather stated that he wants to make certain that the district is not cherry picking its data to present to the community.
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Superintendent Decker stated that the board and community has seen the data and can assure Director Mather that there is no cherry picking. He is hopeful that the Inform product will help teachers make relevant instructional decisions based on all assessment data.
Director Mather stated that he wants to make certain that it is a transparent process.
Superintendent Decker stated that it most definitely is a transparent process.
Director Garcia-‐Van Auken asked regarding the comments that Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass made when he was in town that if there is a significant dip of more than two points that there is cause for concern and asked if the district is saying that not teaching to the test is one of the reasons for this dip. She also asked if the district does any comparisons with other districts regarding test scores.
Superintendent Decker shared that the district does receive information as to how it compares to the AEA schools. Our scores are still very favorable. He noted that he respects Dr. Glass, but further noted that Dr. Glass is not aware of our district’s situation. He shared that if we felt like our scores are reflective of our students then Dr. Glass’ point would be very well taken. He stated that our district directors and principals have indicated agreement with this explanation and we can say that what we now have in front of us is more accurate data.
Director Jones asked if administration looked at the same cohort group and would we still see the dip in scores.
Superintendent Decker noted that more than likely we would because the same concept applies. Teachers knew the scores were going to drop because we haven’t reviewed the same way.
The board then discussed how best to ask and receive information that is needed and discussed open meeting laws and how emailing all members constitutes a meeting.
A consensus was made that communication is key in both directions and that board members should seek information from each other, call each other, and work together and/or ask for information from the superintendent. If questions are asked of the superintendent or administration that requires a significant amount of time and money expended to get the answers, then the question should be drilled down to determine what exactly is being requested or needed.
Superintendent Decker updated the board on the high school facilities. He noted that the architecture firm, FEH, has been in the district twice since the last board meeting. FEH met one day with individual teachers from different departments and different areas of the school. He stated that the goal is to not personalize the space to individual teachers but for the space to be a standard space. He shared that one of the topics that came up recently is the possibility of working with FEMA to provide storm shelters which would provide the ability to create more storage space at different ends of the
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buildings. With FEMA’s support, the cost would be distributed 75% by FEMA and 25% by the school district. This would affect the music department on one end and general school storage on the other end without a great deal of cost to the district. The architects spent time working with the engineering firm in respects to the HVAC and the roof and how this works together. He noted there were some complications with the existing air handling unit as it is right above where we wanted to open the space at the stairway but the architects felt that this could be worked around by flipping the air handling unit to the opposite end. The architects spent time talking about the boiler roof modifications and the different ways that would be done and the timing of the project. They also spent a large amount of time discussing what the classroom space would look like, the new and remodeled. Specifically: how would it be arranged -‐ how we learn now or just a square, some soft space, and more group-‐oriented space. It was also suggested that a vestibule could be created where buses pull up during the day and students can wait indoors and this can then be used in other ways. Discussion also focused on lockers and the students’ needs. More than likely they would be using the lockers to store their backpacks as this doesn’t work now because the lockers are long and skinny. The staircase conversation was also talked about. He noted that as FEH gets closer to putting a plan together that is doable, then the community forum will happen which would be sometime after the holidays.
Director Jones asked if the architects were looking for federal rebates and grants for energy efficient construction. Tyler Riley of FEH noted that Alliant Energy and Mid American both have programs for new construction that give pretty sizeable rebates but you also have to be a MidAmerican Energy consumer. Since the district is only a gas customer then the rebates drop significantly. He noted that FEH is looking into this with Alliant Energy. He also noted that the architecture firm will look at every rebate that is available.
Director Garcia-‐Van Auken asked if the district has considered the extra costs in maintaining the additional square footage.
Superintendent Decker agreed that when square footage is added, it will add cost. He stated that this, however, will not be an obstacle to the project. The district will plan for it once the square footage is determined.
Director Jones stated that there is a misconception out in the public that the district will be seeking a bond issue for the construction that will need to be voted on.
Superintendent Decker stated that no one has ever talked about a bond issue and that the construction will have no impact on the levy whatsoever. The community meeting will explain the construction design as well as the financial side of the project. This meeting will then be available on the district website for all community members to view.
Mr. Riley described the process. He noted that the architects are coming to Muscatine every two weeks to meet with the superintendent and the instructors. They will be
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using feedback from the individuals to work on the design. The first thing that happens is to figure out the size of the classrooms. He noted that there is a process in design development. Part of the community involvement is showing where the walls, doors, etc. are and to explain the whole process. He told the board that they could ask him questions at anytime.
The board heard a second reading on the following policies:
403.08 Professional Organizations 403.14 Use of School Owned Equipment and Materials 403.15 Use of School Owned Vehicles 404.02 Conditions of Instruction 404.03 Academic Tutoring 404.06 Substitutes for Teachers 404.07 Planning Time with Administrative Procedures 404.10 Contracts with Certified Staff 703.06 Travel Allowance Administrative Procedures
A motion was made by Director Fox and seconded by Director Jones to approve the following policies:
204.12 Complaints before the Board with Administrative Procedures 302.01 Classifications – Certified and Classified Administrators/Professionals 303.00 Code of Ethics of Administrators 401.05 Appointment of Personnel 401.07 Suspensions with Administrative Procedures 401.13 Professional Growth and Staff Development 403.01 Child Abuse by District Employees with Administrative Procedures 403.02 Substance Free Workplace with Administrative Procedures
All ayes; motion carried.
Director of Special Programs Jan Collinson reviewed the contract with Timberline regarding Medicaid billing. Muscatine is a Medicaid provider and is reimbursed for those services that are provided. The services need to be written in the IEP and parents have to give permission to allow Medicaid to be billed. Medicaid billable services are not instructional but are behavioral and/or physical (including health). She noted that the chart talks about how the district started with one student in 2007 and it now bills for 23 students. The average amount that remains in the district after reimbursing DHS is about $10,000/student. Thus, this is definitely worth district time to do this. A few years ago, Timberline was approved to do the Medicaid billing. Ms. Collinson’s administrative assistant currently does the billing and is at the maximum amount of time to be able to do this. Timberline is piloting taking over more of the duties and charging 2% to do this which would be well worth the district’s money. This would then allow us to increase the number of students that are billed which could result in the reimbursement of $360,000 -‐ $460,000, depending on the total number of students.
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Director Mather noted that it looks like the district would be able to expand billing up to 50 students which would be from $230,000 to $400,000.
Jean Garner, Director of Finance, specifically noted that this is reimbursement and not additional revenues. The reimbursement offsets the district’s special education costs.
A motion was made by Director Jones and seconded by Director Drawbaugh to approve the addendum to the Timberline contract regarding Medicaid billing. All ayes; motion carried.
Ms. Collinson shared with the board information regarding the Century 21 Grant, the Iowa Alternate Assessment, and demonstrated i-‐Guy technology.
Ms. Collinson gave a brief history of The Century 21 Grant and noted that it was initially written by Flickinger Center; however, they did not receive the grant. Now that Flickinger knows what is involved with the grant, they have a good chance to receive it. A grant writer worked with Ms. Collinson this past week writing the grant specifics.
Superintendent Decker noted that the CAMP program rolled into the Muscatine Y and those options are still available, however, this grant will greatly improve after school options for children.
Ms. Collinson noted that the grant’s RFP should have been out by now but it is not. As soon as it comes out, the board will receive a copy of it.
Ms. Collinson updated the board on the Iowa Alternate Assessment. She noted that many students cannot take ITBS or ITEDS but the district still has to assess them according to NCLB. She explained that the Iowa Alternate Assessment is for those students who have severe cognitive abilities. The teacher takes the current curriculum and adapts it down to the level of the student. She read an email from Brian Foy, Assistant Coordinator of Low Incidence Disabilities with AEA 9, that stated that all four Muscatine sites received perfect rubric scores on their building action plans. The district was also the only site that obtained this accomplishment and were invited to speak to the whole group at its January meeting. Those sites/teachers are: Deb Castle and Jeff Schmelzer at Muscatine High School, Erin Plemmons at West Middle School, Dottie Lawrence at Washington Elementary, and Tammy Holcomb at Jefferson Elementary.
Director Jones asked if that email could be forwarded to the board members so that notes could be sent to the teachers.
Ms. Collinson demonstrated a new technology called the i-‐Guy. The i-‐Guy is really an iPad II and the “guy” is the iPad case that is durable for kindergarteners. The district has a student that has speech issues. When teachers/paras cannot understand the student, the student gets frustrated, angry, and can act out or shut down. The i-‐Guy allows the non-‐verbal student to be able to communicate with others.
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Director of Finance Jean Garner reported on the November 2011 financial and treasurer’s balance for the General, Schoolhouse, Nutritional, Activity, and Payroll funds. Mrs. Garner invited any board member who would like to meet with her to review the financials to give her a call.
Mrs. Garner stated the an adjustment in the amounts submitted to the SBRC for modified allowable growth needs to be made due to late computer programming changes at the state level. The net is exactly the same. Therefore, a new motion with the new amounts will need to be acted on.
A motion was made by Director Jones and seconded by Director Wildermuth to approve on-‐time funding modified allowable growth for increasing enrollment of $69,419, for open enrollment out of $165,901, and for LEP beyond 4 years of $112,601. All ayes; motion carried.
Director of Human Resources Wes Fowler presented the negotiations schedule for 2012. He noted that the driver’s negotiations are 30 minutes longer and the reason for this is that last year a new driver contract was written and the added time is just in case there are more items that need to be adjusted. He further noted the teacher’s contract is just salary and benefits and not language unless there are items brought to the attention of both administration and the MEA.
Mr. Fowler stated that there will be at least one negotiation strategy session with the board prior to the meetings. This strategy session is a closed session.
Director of Elementary Innovation and Instruction Shane Williams reviewed with the board the customer service survey that was conducted during the week of parent-‐teacher conference. The survey was offered electronically and also in hard copy format. Overall the results were positive.
Director Mather stated that the numbers look overwhelming great. He asked who were surveyed. Mr. Williams stated that those who came to parent-‐teacher conference were given the survey. The survey was also available on the website so parents who did not attend conferences could also fill it out.
Mr. Williams gave an update on the bandwidth issue. As was reported at the last board meeting, the district has been maxing out its allowed bandwidth. In order to provide relief, something had to be done immediately knowing that there will be a long-‐term option brought before the board in the future. AEA 9 informed us that they had a slack in their bandwidth that they were willing to sell us through July 2012. The district now has 100 Mb of bandwidth available. Mr. Williams stated that without announcing the additional bandwidth to staff, the max thus far is 80 Mb. He stated that the district is in a better position now but for the long term we know we will need to be thinking about the bigger picture.
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Director of Secondary Innovation and Instruction Diane Campbell and Bob Weaton, high school principal, reviewed the MHS Schedule for 2012-‐2013. One of the areas that has proven to be a challenge is the schedule at the high school. Mr. Weaton noted that they are at a point in its history at the high school that they need to take a serious look at how they can get the schedule to fit the needs of its students. Currently, the high school has been in a 7-‐period schedule. The high school leadership team looked at different types of schedules and had visited schools throughout the state that have different schedules. The high school leadership team felt that they were not accommodating the needs of the students due to the opportunities that the high school now offers the student body. The recommendation is to move from a 7-‐period day schedule to an 8-‐period “Fat/Skinny Block” schedule.
Mr. Weaton explained that the team will be looking at which classes would be considered “fat” and which ones would be considered “skinny.”
Director Mather noted that his concern would be that this time would be used for homework. Mrs. Campbell shared that there is literature available that talks about what is meaningful homework. She stated that there needs to be a real purpose for homework that needs to be intentional and guided. Mr. Weaton noted that the issue is quality vs. quantity of time. He stated that he has never been an advocate of seat time equating to maximum learning and feels that it is the quality of instructional time that is important. He further stated that he is not overly concerned that a skinny is 40 minutes but what is done in that 40 minutes. He summarized the pros and cons. Basically the con is the timing of the change but feels that the necessity for change outweighs the crunch this puts on the time needed to develop the schedule. This schedule would give students additional options and would give staff room to be extremely creative in their instructional practices.
Superintendent Decker noted that even though timing is an issue, the fact that this has been brought to administration by the staff allows for a better chance of this working. The biggest positive is that the teachers are saying this will help them create a closer relationship with students.
Director Jones stated that one of the keys will be that the district provide good professional development. Mr. Weaton agreed and stated that upon board approval administration will go back and re-‐create the professional development for the second semester.
Director Garcia-‐Van Aucken asked if other schools are doing this. Mr. Weaton noted that the schedule in front of them is actually Linn Marr’s schedule. He further noted that in conversations that he has had with various principals across the state is that they are looking at moving to a modified block schedule. He stated that scheduling and schedules are like attendance policies because there is not one good one out there. You keep tweaking it until it works.
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President Bower asked how this schedule will line up with Muscatine Community College’s schedule. Mr. Weaton said that this will be a challenge. Superintendent Decker noted that this is challenge right now.
Superintendent Decker noted that this will be brought before the board in January for approval. Mr. Weaton stated that administration and the leadership team is going to proceed and do preliminary planning in hopes that the board will approve the schedule change.
President Bower noted that the board will be going into closed session per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) for the purpose of the superintendent’s evaluation. He updated the board and community on future board meeting dates which are: a Lunch and Learn session on Wednesday, December 14 on finance, a Lunch and Learn session on Tuesday, December 20 on special programs, a regular meeting on January 9, 2012 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, and a planning/regular meeting on January 23, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Center.
A motion was made by Director Wildermuth and seconded by Director Jones to go into closed session per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) for the purpose of the superintendent’s evaluation: Roll Call: Ayes: Bower, Drawbaugh, Fox, Garcia-‐Van Auken, Jones, Mather, and Wildermuth. There were no nays. Motion carried. Time: 11:14 p.m.
A motion was made by Director Jones and seconded by Director Wildermuth to return to open session. Roll Call: Ayes: Bower, Drawbaugh, Fox, Garcia-‐Van Auken, Jones, Mather, and Wildermuth. There were no nays. Motion carried. Time: 11:33 p.m.
A motion was made by Director Jones and seconded by Director Drawbaugh to adjourn the meeting, All ayes; motion carried. Time: 11:33 pm.
Tim Bower, President Lisa Mosier, Secretary
SUPERINTENDENT’S
DISCUSSION
ITEMS
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CAN YOU FEEL IT!!
} DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency grades 2-5 ◦ Goal: At or above benchmark 85% ◦ Aug 2011 benchmark results 74.3%
} Iowa Assessment (used to be ITBS): ◦ Compare new version results to current cohort groups ◦ 2011 April Data – Grades 3,4 and 5 collapsed (87.1%)
} Action Plan ◦ Use Response to Intervention (RTI) � Identify struggling readers � Match Interventions with student needs � Progress monitor to evaluate effectiveness of instruction � Increase writing in our instruction
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} New to McKinley this school year ◦ 16 ceiling mount projectors ◦ 9 Smart Boards � (5 from PTO, 2 from Microsoft Settlement,
1 from Hy-Vee, 1 from Donation.) ◦ 27 new Mac Books for teachers ◦ 25 laptops and cart for new mobile lab
} Action Plan ◦ Twice monthly training from MCSD Tech. Dept. ◦ Use Planning for Student Success Time (PSST) for
technology training and collaboration.
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} 2010-11: 95.1 % attendance but: ◦ 28 students missed 18 days (10%) or more
} 2011-12 after 88 days 96.3% ◦ 18 students have missed 10% or more
} Action Plan ◦ Increase communications with students and
parents in regards to attendance. ◦ School wide and classroom incentives ◦ Attendance goals in Student Data notebooks ◦ Positive phone calls for improved attendance
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} Leader in Me ◦ Integrate into McKinley culture and curriculum ◦ McKinley Student Beacons ◦ Other Student leadership roles ◦ Super-start � 5th grade operates projector and computer and
hosts “This week at McKinley” � 4th grade announces birthdays � 3rd grade announces lunch and words of wisdom � 2nd grade are greeters � 1st grade color guard for Pledge of Allegiance
} Data – 100 Walkthroughs in December
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Other new things this year Good to Great
} Art Club – After school 1 to 2 times a week } Music Club – After school 1 to 2 times a week } Writing Club - started by two 4th grade students } McKinley Messenger – Student newspaper
started by 5th grade students } Leader in Me parent blog } 5th Grade student blog
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WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY BOARD REPORT JANUARY 9, 2012
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Educating Today’s Students to be Tomorrow’s Leaders
#1 – Raise literacy achievement for all students. • DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency grades 2-5
• Goal: 80% at or above benchmark on DIBELS • Aug 2011 benchmark results 61%
• Iowa Assessments (used to be called Iowa Tests of Basic Skills): • Compare new version results to current cohort groups • 2011 April Data – Grades 3,4 and 5 collapsed (86.3%)
• Action Plan • Use Response to Intervention (RTI)
• Identify student needs based on multiple data points • Match instructional strategies and interventions with student
needs • Progress monitor students in order to evaluate effectiveness of
instruction and interventions • Increase writing in our literacy instruction
2
#2a – Increase the use of technology among students and staff. • New to Washington this school year
• 18 ceiling mounted LCD projectors • 3 SMART Boards and more being ordered soon • All teachers provided with a new MacBook • Mobile lab with 25 MacBook laptops for student use
• Action Plan • Technology training twice a month, provided by the
MCSD Technology Department • Use of additional Planning for Student Success Time
(PSST) for technology training and collaboration
3
#3 – Increase Student Attendance • 2010-11: 94.1% attendance but:
• 41 students missed 18 days (10%) or more • 2011-12 after 88 days 95.6%
• 33 students have missed 10% or more • Action Plan
• Increase teacher communication with students and parents/guardians in regards to attendance
• School-wide and classroom goals and incentives • Attendance goals in Student Data Notebooks • 1-1 mentor program strictly based on attendance, starting 2nd
semester • Attendance data on at a minimum one grade level collaboration
during PSST
4
#4 Increase Personal Responsibility and Leadership Capacity of Both Students and Staff • Leader in Me
• Integrate into the culture and curriculum • Leader in Me cadres which are responsible for building-wide
implementation; these include Interior Physical Environment, Exterior Physical Environment, Social Environment, Parental Involvement, and Students as Leaders
• Student leadership roles including morning announcements, door greeters, and many other classroom level roles
• Held a Leader in Me Family Night in October, that over 200 people attended and learned more about the program from students and staff
• Class pictures with “Class of…” in main hallway, to promote graduation thinking
• Data collection – 80 Walkthroughs in December
5
Muscatine Community School District
402.5 APPEALS TO ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND REGULATIONS
General
Any employee of the Muscatine Community School District has the right to appeal implementation of an administrative rule and/or regulation not grievable under a collective bargaining agreement.
An "appeal" is an allegation by an employee, or group of employees, that an administrative rule and/or regulation is unfair, has been misapplied, and/or misinterpreted as it relates to the employee(s).
Purpose
The purpose of the appeal procedure is to secure at the lowest possible administrative or policy level, proper and equitable solutions to issues involving administrative rules and/or regulations on matters not grievable under a collective bargaining agreement. The procedure establishes a formal procedure an employee must follow to bring an issue involving administrative rules and/or regulations to administration, and, ultimately, Board of Education attention for resolution.
Procedure
The number of days indicated at each level is the maximum allowable. Appeals should be processed rapidly, and every effort should be made to expedite the process. Established time limits may be extended only in writing and by mutual agreement of the administration and the employee involved.
There are four levels through which an appeal may progress:
Level One - An employee shall first discuss the issue with the immediate supervisor. Level 1 discussion must take place within ten (10) calendar days from the date of occurrence of the event giving rise to the appeal or from the date a reasonable employee affected by the administrative rule and/or regulation should have learned of the event.
Approved: 9/18/89 Reviewed: 1/8/07 Revised: 1/25/99
Muscatine Community School District 402.5 (2) Level Two - If the employee is not satisfied with the disposition at
Level 1, or if no disposition is made within five (5) work days after discussion with the immediate supervisor, an appeal may be filed in writing with the immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor shall give the employee a written response within five (5) workdays after receiving the written appeal.
Level Three - If the employee does not accept the written response given at Level 2 or if no response is given, an appeal to the superintendent may be filed in writing within five (5) work days of receipt of the Level 2 response or from the last day such a response should have been received. The superintendent shall, within five (5) workdays after receipt of the written appeal, meet with the employee to discuss the appeal. The superintendent shall provide a written response to the employee within five (5) workdays after the Level 3 meeting.
Level Four - Within ten (10) workdays after the superintendent's written response is received at Level 3 or from the last day such a response should have been received, the employee may appeal in writing to the Board of Education of the Muscatine Community School District. If practicable, a committee of the Board of Education shall meet with the employee within ten (10) workdays after receipt of the appeal to discuss the appeal. If formal action is required by the full Board of Education to resolve the appeal, the Board's decision shall be rendered in open session within ten (10) workdays after the employee meets with the Board committee or the full Board. The Board's decision, which need not be reduced to writing, shall be final.
Approved: 9/18/89 Reviewed: 1/8/07 Revised: 1/25/99
Muscatine Community School District
405.2 CLASSIFICATIONS
The following positions have been established as non-certificated personnel by virtue of local Board review.
Secretarial/clerical/aides Custodial/maintenance/mechanics Food service workers Bus drivers Approved: 12/9/91 Reviewed: 2/12/07 Revised: __________
Muscatine Community School District
501.12 DUAL ENROLLMENT
The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district. The student shall be considered under dual enrollment. The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the Board Secretary prior to the third Friday of September each year on forms provided by the school district. On the form, they shall indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating. The forms are available at the central administration office. A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the school district's extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the school district. The policies and administrative rules of the school district shall apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled in the school district. These policies and administrative rules shall include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of the fees required for participation. If a student is dual enrolled and the parent/guardian chooses standardized testing as the form of the student's annual assessment, there will be no charge for the cost of the test or the administration of the test. The school district shall notify the dual enrollment student of the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student wishes to participate. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
LEGAL REF: Iowa Code 279.8 (1991) Iowa Code 299A.8 (Iowa Acts 1991) 281 I.A.C. 31 Approved: 4/12/93 Reviewed: 2/12/07__ Revised: 8/12/96______
Muscatine Community School District
501.13 STUDENT TRANSFERS IN
Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district, with the exception of homeless students. Students who have previously attended public or accredited private schools must provide the school district with proof of grade level and a copy of the student's permanent records from the prior school. If the student has not previously attended a public or private accredited school, the student must provide curriculum and assessment information. The principal may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Grades earned from non-accredited and/or alternative education programs such as home school instruction or private tutorial instruction will not be counted in the studentʼs cumulative grade point average. The Board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the Board with the required information.
LEGAL REF: Iowa Code 139.9; 282.1,.3 (1991); 299A (1995) 20 U.S.C. 1232g (1988) Approved: _____4/12/93_____ Reviewed: __2/12/07____ Revised: ____5/13/02___
Muscatine Community School District
502.6 STUDENT DRUG, TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL OFFENSES
No student shall distribute, manufacture, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, or other intoxicating liquor or unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid or any other controlled substance, as defined under federal laws and regulations, at any school district location at any time. No student shall use or be in possession of any tobacco product on school premises at any time. "School district location" means in any school building or on any school premises; in any school-owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students and staff to and from school or school activities; or off school property at any school-sponsored or any school-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the jurisdiction of the school district. A student who violates the terms of the school district's Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Policy shall, at his or her own expense, satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the Board. If such student fails to satisfactorily participate in such a program, the student may be expelled from school at the discretion of the Board.
Approved: 12/10/90 Reviewed: 2/12/07 Revised: 1/27/97__
Muscatine Community School District
505.7 ATHLETIC INSURANCE
All athletes must carry adequate insurance. If a student chooses not to use the plan that is offered at registration, evidence of satisfactory coverage shall be provided.
Approved: 2/12/90 Reviewed: 2/12/07 Revised: 4/11/94__
Muscatine Community School District
506.2 RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION
Student records and rosters are to be used only for the welfare of the individual. Access to student records shall be to authorized personnel only. The Board will follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. An employee other than the superintendent shall not furnish lists of names of pupils to any non-school group, organization, or private individual. Restrictions imposed by this policy, however, are not intended to interfere with giving information regarding honors, awards, etc.
Approved: 2/12/90 Reviewed: 3/26/07 Revised: _________
Muscatine Community School District
Policy 506.2
Administrative Regulations Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act
Annual Notice The Board has stated that it declines to designate student records as directory information under FERPA. The school district will not provide access to directory information to the general public. However, the school district will provide such information for traditional uses, such as the yearbook, honor rolls, athletic programs and other school publications. In addition, the school district has also provided student's names and addresses to post-secondary educational institutions that desire to notify students of educational scholarship opportunities, and also to the armed forces for recruitment purposes. The school district intends to continue to disclose student information for these and other similar educational purposes. If you desire to withhold the use of information from the educational records of your child for even these limited educational purposes, please notify your child's school prior to September 15. If you have no objection to the use of student information for the educational purposes described here, you do not need to take any action. Approved: 5/88 Reviewed: 3/26/07 Revised: ___________
Muscatine Community School District
U. S. Department of Education Regulations Part 99 -- Privacy Rights of Parents and Students
99.3 Definitions "Education records" A. Means those records which: 1. Are directly related to a student, and 2. Are maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting
for the agency or institution B. The term does not include: 1. Records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and
educational personnel ancillary thereto which: a. Are in the sole possession of the maker thereof, and b. Are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a
substitute. For the purpose of this definition, a "substitute" means an individual who performs on a temporary basis the duties of the individual who made the record, and does not refer to an individual who permanently succeeds the maker of the record in his or her position.
2. Records of a law enforcement unit of an educational agency or institution
that are: a. Maintained apart from the records described in A above b. Maintained solely for law enforcement purposes, and c. Not disclosed to individuals other than law enforcement officials of
the same jurisdiction; provided, that education records maintained by the educational agency or institution are not disclosed to the personnel of the law enforcement unit
3. Records relating to an individual who is employed by an education agency
or institution which: a. Are made and maintained in the normal course of business; b. Relate exclusively to the individual in that individual's capacity as
an employee, and c. Are not available for use for any other purpose. Approved: 5/88 Reviewed: 3/26/07 Revised: ___________
Muscatine Community School District
4. Records relating to an eligible student which are: a. Created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or
other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in his or her professional or paraprofessional capacity, or assisting in that capacity;
b. Created, maintained, or used only in connection with the provision of treatment to the student, and
c. Not disclosed to anyone other than individuals providing the treatment; provided, that the records can be personally reviewed by a physician or other appropriate professional of the student's choice. For the purpose of this definition, "treatment" does not include remedial educational activities or activities which are part of the program of instruction at the educational agency or institution.
5. Records of an educational agency or institution that contain only
information relating to a person after that person was no longer a student at the educational agency or institution. An example would be information collected by an educational agency or institution pertaining to the accomplishments of its alumni.
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(4) Approved: 5/88 Reviewed: 3/26/07 Revised: ___________
Muscatine Community School District
506.10 CONTROL OF STUDENT ACTIVITY FUNDS
The Superintendent, through the Director of Finance and Budget, shall have custody of all funds of classes, organizations, and activities. A complete record of all receipts and expenditures shall be maintained and an audit of this record shall be made annually by a person selected by the Board of Education. Collection of any funds for school activities must have the approval of the superintendent and the recommendation of the building principal. All such funds shall be under the financial control of the Board. Records for any class shall not be maintained after their graduation and any monies belonging to said class shall be transferred to another account. School sponsored organizations are required to keep accurate records of their financial transactions and to compare balances with the monthly report submitted by the Central Office to eliminate any errors or questions.
Approved: 2/12/90 Reviewed: 3/26/07 Revised: ____________
Muscatine Community School District
600.1 TYPES OF SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
The schools shall be organized into levels of instruction as follows: 1. Elementary schools may consist of pre-kindergarten, kindergarten,
and grades 1 through 5. 2. Middle schools shall consist of grades 6 through 8. 3. Senior high school shall consist of grades 9 through 12. LEGAL REF: Iowa Code Sections 279.11; 280.14 Iowa Administrative Code 3.2(1) through 3.2(8) Approved: 3/14/88 Reviewed: 3/26/07 Revised: ____________
SUPERINTENDENT’S
ACTION
ITEMS
Muscatine Community School District
403.8 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
It is recognized that professional organizations are important to the development of any staff member. National, state, and local level organizations with their meetings, publications and mutual exchange of information are a worthwhile part of the employee's professional life. Individual members of the staff are encouraged to participate in such activities.
Approved: 2/81 Reviewed: 1/8/07 Revised: ______________
Muscatine Community School District
403.14 USE OF SCHOOL-OWNED EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
School-owned equipment and/or materials are not to be used by employees unless approved by the superintendent and properly checked out.
Approved: 2/81 Reviewed: 1/8/07 Revised: 4/10/95_______
Muscatine Community School District
403.15 USE OF SCHOOL-OWNED VEHICLES
School-owned vehicles shall be restricted in use to driving in connection with the classroom or extra-curricular program, unless otherwise approved by the superintendent or his/her designee.
Individuals transporting students in school-owned vehicles on a regular basis must hold a bus permit and a chauffeur's license as required by law.
School-owned vehicles shall be housed at the school or administration building lot. Exceptions are to be approved by the superintendent.
Approved: 2/81 Reviewed: 1/8/07 Revised: 7/13/98___
Muscatine Community School District
404.2 CONDITIONS OF INSTRUCTION
The Board of Education recognizes that adequate and proper classroom conditions are essential to good teaching and learning. It shall be the duty of all persons responsible for school services to share in establishing and maintaining conditions under which instruction and learning may advance.
Teachers are to be provided with sufficient equipment, supplies, and materials to maintain a good teaching program.
All buildings shall be kept in satisfactory condition in order to maintain the health and comfort of the pupils.
The school administration is mindful of the fact that quality education is difficult to obtain when teachers are burdened with overloads. An overload might consist of such things as over-size classes, too many preparations, too many class interruptions, insufficient teaching aids, excessive community demands, and the like.
Problems concerning adequacy of facilities or teaching stations to accommodate students enrolled may be called to the attention of the Board of Education.
Approved: 9/18/89 Reviewed: 1/8/07 Revised: 3/8/93____
Muscatine Community School District
404.3 ACADEMIC TUTORING
Personnel shall not render tutorial services for remuneration to students enrolled in their classes. No one, professional staff members or members of the community, shall use any facilities, equipment, or materials of the school district for tutoring pupils or other purposes not a part of the regular program of the school district unless approval has been obtained from the superintendent or his/her designated representative.
Approved: 2/81 Reviewed: 4/8/02 Revised: __2/12/07_________
Muscatine Community School District
Policy 404.6
Administrative Regulations Substitute for Teachers
The following pay rates will be used when hiring substitute teachers in the Muscatine Community School District. 1. A substitute teacher shall receive 80% of the BA generator step one for the 1st t
through the 29th day of service and 90% of the BA generator step one for the 30th plus days of service during the same school year.
2. A substitute teacher working twenty consecutive days for the same individual teacher shall receive 100 percent of the BA generator step one. 3. If a long term substitute is hired at the beginning of the school year in anticipation of working the entire year in the same position, the sub will receive 100 percent of the BA generator step one and will not receive benefits. 4. If a retired Muscatine Community School District teacher returns to take a long
term substitute position that the district cannot otherwise fill, they will be paid at the 6th step and at their actual educational lane on the Schedule D of the Master Contract.
Alternative Licensure
1. Certified para-educators who also hold sub-authorization certificates may sub in their special education 6-12 classroom for up to 5 consecutive days. They will be paid as per #1 above.
2. Persons holding BA/BS degrees who also hold sub-authorization certificates
may sub in any 6-12 regular education classroom for up to 5 consecutive days. They will be paid as per #1 above.
Approved: 1/10/05_____ Reviewed: _____ Revised:____________
Muscatine Community School District
404.7 PLANNING TIME
The School Board realizes that regular planning time aids in the effective instruction of students. It will make every reasonable effort, therefore, to provide for a minimum of 40 consecutive minutes of planning time per day for elementary teachers and one class period of planning time per day for secondary teachers. This policy applies only to full-time, regular classroom teachers. It does not apply to other certified teachers and staff.
Approved: 8/11/86 Reviewed: 2/12/07 Revised: __________
Muscatine Community School District
Policy 404.7
Administrative Regulations PLANNING TIME
A classroom teacher has the right to expect a duty free planning period similar in length to the typical teaching period in the grade level. An elementary teacher should get 40 minutes, a middle school teacher should get 44 minutes and an MHS teacher should get 48 minutes. The planning time should be established so that the full amount of time is consecutive. An acceptable exception is that planning time may be scheduled so that a teacher would get some planning time, then a duty free lunch time followed by some planning time so that the entire block allows the teacher to have the full allocation of duty free lunch time and duty free planning time. Travel time between buildings is not considered part of oneʼs duty free planning time nor is it to be considered part of their duty free lunch time. Travel time should include time to take-down and set-up at each building a teacher may use during the day. Less than full-time staff has a pro-rata share of planning time included into their contract percentage. Planning time is considered part of the teacherʼs contract day. It is not a time established for the performance of Schedule “C” co-curricular work. Department leaders or coordinators may receive release from some teaching duties to spend part of their contract day on department business. MHS teachers who teach credit classes over the ICN should be released from some of their other teaching duties to spend some of their contract day on such additional classroom preparation. Teachers who are shared by buildings shall be assigned to buildings by the coordinator of such services. The building principals then make their daily schedules. The schedule is submitted to the district office for approval by the directors of educational services and human resources. Teachers whose daily schedule is all in one building shall have their schedules developed by the building principal and are made available for review and approval by the directors of educational services and human resources. Any teacher may request a review of their schedule by the directors of educational services and human resources to verify compliance with this procedure. Approved: 7/1/99 Reviewed: 2/12/07 Revised: ________________
Muscatine Community School District
404.10 CONTRACTS WITH CERTIFIED STAFF
Contracts will be extended to certified staff members no earlier than the timeline of March 15. When the contracts have been offered, the employee will be required to return the contract by the date specified, which must be at least twenty-one days according to state statute.
Once the staff member has signed and returned the contract, the agreement is binding upon both parties. However, circumstances may arise that may cause the employee to request release from the contract before the agreement has been completed. The Board of Education recognizes that the release of an employee from an existing contract will place the school district at a disadvantage in trying to replace the employee. The Board shall accept the employeeʼs written resignation, delivered to the Board no later than May 20, if compelling reasons are shown therefore and if a suitable replacement is found, both in the exclusive and final judgment of the Board.
The Board of Education has determined that any and all employees who are released from an existing contract at the request of the employee, after May 20, will be required to reimburse the district for actual costs incurred in trying to find a replacement. The costs will include postage, phone calls, recruitment fees and advertisement(s). The cost charged to the employee will not exceed 4% of the BA generator ($25,141 times .04 = $1,005.64 in FY 02).
The costs shall be withheld from the final check of the employee. If the employee has already been paid in full, the employee shall pay the costs in full prior to being released.
If an employee does not fulfill the contract obligation, the Board of Education will request that the Iowa State Licensure Board take the appropriate action regarding the suspension of the employeeʼs license.
The School Board reserves the right to enforce or waive this policy in whole or in part in the exclusive and final judgment of the Board.
Approved: 10/08/01 Reviewed: 2/12/07 Revised: ____________
Travel Allowance Administrative Procedures
The following procedures are established for purposes of administering board policy 803.8 703.6. These procedures shall be periodically reviewed to assure that they have kept pace with inflation and applicable I.R.S. and state practices. A. Mileage:
Current rate equals $.36 Mileage reimbursement is determined by using the Internal Revenue Service mileage reimbursement rate less $0.10 or the State of Iowa mileage reimbursement rate for driving a privately owned motor vehicle for state business whichever is greater. State of Iowa mileage reimbursement rate for driving a privately owned motor vehicle for state business. per mile (subject to board modification).
1. Employees entitled to in-district reimbursement for mileage shall be paid at the Board
approved rate/mile. They must submit claims not less than five working days after the close of each semester.
2. Certified administrators are not currently entitled to in-district reimbursement for
mileage. Out of district mileage shall be paid at the Board approved rate. Claims must be submitted so that the employee can be paid in the correct fiscal year.
Certified Administrators are not typically reimbursed for local travel. When it is necessary to travel outside the district, administrators must complete a request to travel form. Out of district, mileage shall be paid at the Board approved rate. Administrators must complete these forms and submit them to their immediate supervisor -superintendent for approval. Claims must be submitted so that the employee can be paid in the correct fiscal year.
3. Selected classified administrators are entitled to in-district stipends for mileage based
upon rates established in their contract addendum. Out of district mileage is paid at the Board approved rate. Claims must be submitted so that the employee can be paid in the correct fiscal year.
Some administrators must travel a great deal for their jobs, in such cases the district issues stipends for set amounts of mileage per year at the Board approved rate. Please see the certificated or classified professional’s contract addendums for the specifics. In such cases if travel logs are kept the mileage will be issued as non-taxable monies, but if the stipends are issued without mileage logs the mileage will be submitted to the IRS as a taxable benefit. Claims must be submitted so that the employee can be paid in the correct fiscal year.
B. Meals & incidentals:
Employees are subject to any collective bargaining agreement procedures in effect.
Generally, employees and those traveling on behalf of the school district may not claim meal allowances while within the school district. Employees and those traveling on behalf of the school district that are required to travel outside the district may be reimbursed for the actual costs of meals not to exceed $30.00 per twenty-four hour period, provided they have receipts. The maximum reimbursement rates, without receipts, are breakfast at $5.00, lunch at $6.00 and supper at $9.00. High-cost localities and their rates shall be according to the applicable IRS Procedures 91-67, 93-50 and 96-64. [The term incidentals are meant to include parking fees, fares, and taxi charges; receipts are encouraged where feasible.]
C. Lodging: Employees and those traveling on behalf of the school district that are required to travel
outside the district may be reimbursed for the actual costs of lodging not to exceed $85.00 $200.00. You Employees must have receipts in order to be reimbursed. High-cost localities and their rates shall be according to the applicable IRS Procedures 91-67, 93-50 and 96-64. Lodging at conferences may exceed these rates. In such cases, the district shall pay the rate for a regular room at the nearest Holiday Inn.
D. Registration: Employees and those traveling on behalf of the school district may be reimbursed for
registration fees to conferences, but not for additional activities available at such conferences, which are unrelated to the primary educational purpose of the trip.
E. Advances: Expenditures must be actually incurred rather than merely anticipated. In other words, an
employee may only reimburse its employee the authorized expenses for which the employee has become liable and is thereby precluded (prohibited) for making advance payments to such employees for obligations, which have not yet occurred. This does not prohibit purchase of airline tickets or chartering buses of the payment of advance registration fees for conference on behalf of employees authorized to travel on school business.
F. Credit cards: The board shall have the authority to include in its rules provisions allowing school
corporation employees to use school credit cards to pay for the actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of work-related duties (279.8).
While payment for some travel expenses including transportation tickets and hotel
accommodations could be arranged by direct billing to the school district by the vendor, payment for other travel expenses including gasoline is not commonly and may not feasibly be arranged by direct billing. Although travel advances are not allowable because of the audit and allowance provisions of law, the use of credit cards differs from the use of advance payments in that payment is not actually made until after the expenses are incurred. Thus the governmental employer of a credit
card billing can make verification of the expense prior to payment. If the employer does not allow the expenses, the employer could recover expenses charged to the employer by the official or employee who made the trip (OAG # 83-7-3(L)).
The employee shall not charge any personal items, movies, alcohol, spouse, or dependent costs on district credit cards.
G. Spouses/dependents traveling: Any costs related to a spouse or dependent(s) that might travel with the employee or official
must be identified. Such costs shall be the responsibility of the employee or official for payment. District resources may pay none of these costs nor may they be charged to the district credit card.
H. Business Partnering:
Sometimes we collaborate the district collaborates with our businesses to fund travel, please notify the superintendent of such opportunities so that they can be coordinated with other efforts.
I. Carpooling:
In order to minimize travel expenses to the school district, all reasonable attempts should be made to carpool when traveling with a group.
J. Car Rental, Using Own Vehicle, Use of District Owned Vehicle:
In order to minimize travel expenses to the school district, employees should utilize the most economical way to travel by comparing the cost to rent a car, the cost of mileage reimbursement to the employee, and the use of a district-owned vehicle. Employees should normally choose the least expensive option.
DIRECTOR
OF FINANCE
To the Board of Education I hereby certify that the following is a true Abstract of Claims for the period of time ending
January 9, 2012 .............Director of Finance and Budgeting.
GENERAL FUND:
Total ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $403,059.16
EXISTING CONTRACTS:
Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $877,246.17
PREPAIDS- GENERAL FUND:
Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 25,729.59
NUTRITION FUND:
Total ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $121,516.06
ACTIVITY/AGENCY/TRUST FUND:
Activity Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 25,479.40
Trust Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 0.00
Agency Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 58,979.40
SCHOOLHOUSE FUND:
Total ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 128,168.52
MANAGEMENT FUND:
Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $133,931.55
Presented to and approved by the Board of Directors of the Muscatine Community School District, County of Muscatine,
State of Iowa, at the regular meeting of January 9, 2012.
________________________________________ ________________________________________
SUMMARY SHEET
Detailed Abstract is on the Computer Print-out
DIRECTOR
OF
HUMAN RESOURCES
January 9, 2012 EMPLOYMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
RESIGNATIONS – Schedule C
Dawnese Openshaw – Head Cheerleading Coach
January 4th, 2012 Tim Goodwin MHS Athletic Director 2705 Cedar St. Muscatine, IA 52761 Dear Tim, It is with sincere gratitude that I thank you for the opportunity I have had to coach the Muscatine High School Cheer Squads of 2011-‐12. It has been an educational and rewarding experience. It is with anticipation and some regret that I inform you that I will no longer be able to continue in this capacity beyond the end of our season on February 28th, 2012. The anticipation is a move across country with my husband’s employment, the regret-‐that I don’t get to see this program and the individuals within the program continue to grow and develop in a positive manner. I can assure you that when I accepted this position as head cheer coach, almost a year ago, I fully intended to be a part of this program for several years to come and will truly miss this opportunity. I sincerely appreciate your sensitivity to the concerns we’ve had this past year and for your support. I know that Nicky fully understands and supports the values we have worked to instill this year and shares the same vision in the potential and growth of the individuals within this program and the program itself. She has insured me and the current cheerleaders that she will assist you in finding the best person to help continue the development of the program. I am here and fully committed to the program and cheerleaders until the end of the season. We still have some great things to accomplish. I am excited to see the showcase (Saturday, February 25th) start coming together and to see the talents and skills built upon over the next couple of months. I truly appreciate your support over this past year and your continued support of the MHS Cheer program. Sincerely, Coach Dawnese Openshaw
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEESOPTING FOR EARLY RETIREMENT FY12
First Last Building Employee GroupJEANETTE MILLER WMS Food Service ManagerLINDA HARRISON MHS CustodianCHARLENE DUSENBERRY MHS ClerkMARY EICHELBERGER MCK Sp Ed ParaKATHLEEN KLOSTER MUL Media AideCATHY REIFERT ADMIN ClerkDANA LEWIS-BARTLETT GRANT SecretaryDELORES SELL MAD SecretaryLORI BAKER JEFF/MUL Teacher WANDA BARKEMA MAD/COL Teacher JENNIFER CASSTEVENS WMS Teacher JEAN CLARK MHS Teacher PATRICIA DOWNEY COLO Teacher JOHN EACH MHS Teacher JANE FOY COLO Teacher LOU HEIMAN JEFF Teacher JO ELLEN KILL GRANT Teacher PAMELA LEE WASH Teacher CRAIG MCCULLOUGH CMS Teacher CYNTHIA MEISTER MCK Teacher MOLLY NEWBURG FRA Teacher THOMAS RANDLEMAN WMS Teacher RICHARD SESSLER MAD/COL Teacher MARY STOTTS CMS Teacher CHERYL WEAVER JEFF Teacher CONNIE WILEY WASH Teacher
28
Director of Elementary
Education and Innovation
Talented and Gifted (TAG) Advisory Committee December 20, 2011 1. Introductions – Members present: Rudy Calderon, Parent; Betty Collins, Parent;
Brenda Garcia-‐Van Auken, Board Member; Penny Jones, Board Member; Stacy
Olson, Classroom Teacher; Lori Baker, TAG Teacher; Emily Goddard, TAG Teacher;
Joe Prosek, Elementary Administrator; Shane Williams, District Administrator
2. Role and Responsibility of the Committee – We discussed the items below and
opened the conversation for any additions. Please send additions, deletions,
and/or changes to Joe or Shane. We briefly discussed the role of the committee
and its importance to the continuous improvement process. Most of the time was
spent discussing possible items to include on a survey instrument for three
groups: Parents, Students, and Teachers/Administrators. Those items are
included below (at the end of the document) and will be shared with the TAG
Teaching Team for possible inclusion on surveys this year and in the future. We
discussed gathering feedback on a three-‐year cycle – one year Parents, the next
year Students, and the following year Teachers/Administrators.
a. Provide feedback/input about the TAG program
b. Generate possible items to include on a stakeholder survey
c. Advocate for the program
d. Increase Communication
3. Future Meeting Items – what would the committee like to know/do? – One
suggestion was offered, as noted below. Please send any others to Joe or Shane.
a. What can parents contribute to this committee?
If time permits: We did not have time for these items and will put them on the next
meeting agenda. The link to the Belin-‐Blank center is
http://www.education.uiowa.edu/html/belinblank/
View the NAGC website (the link to the site is http://www.nagc.org/)
Brief overview of:
a. Differentiation
*These suggestions are in draft form.
Suggested Parent Survey Items:
1. Are you aware of your child’s TAG services?
2. Have you received adequate communication regarding your child’s TAG
services?
3. How has curriculum been differentiated/modified to meet your child’s needs?
4. Do you think your child’s needs are being met?
5. What other information would you like to know about TAG programming?
6. What can we do to improve the TAG program?
Suggested Student Survey Items:
1. Are you being challenged in a) TAG/ELP and b) the classroom?
2. What else can we do to challenge you?
3. What was the best/most exciting learning experience you had in TAG/ELP this
year?
4. What really challenged your thinking this year?
5. How do you like to learn (we could give different options here)?
6. What was the least favorite experience you had this year in TAG/ELP? Why?
Suggested Teacher/Administrator Survey Items:
1. How do you meet the needs of high ability students?
2. What do you do when students already know the material you are planning to
teach?
3. How do you utilize the TAG Teacher/Program?
DIRECTOR OF SECONDARY
INNOVATION AND INSTRUCTION
Title IIA – Improving Teacher Quality State Grant Program Title IIB – Mathematics and Science Partnership Program
The Office of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, and the Iowa Department of Education call for grant proposals has been released. The joint program awards grants on a competitive basis to eligible partnerships to provide professional development to pre-‐K-‐12 teachers and improve student academic achievement in mathematics and science. Grants will be made for a multi-‐year project for 3 years. The request will be made for $150,000 per year for project costs. Project Team John A. Dunkhase, Ph.D. Mary Skopec, PhD. Science Education Center IOWATER Program Coordinator 771 Van Allen Hall Iowa Department of Natural Resource University of Iowa DNR Geological Survey Division Program Purposes
1. Increase student academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher quality.
2. Provide professional development activities to ensure that teachers of mathematics and science have subject matter knowledge, including computer-‐related technology to enhance student learning
3. Provide professional development in mathematics and science content which models the instructional strategies that will enable teachers to teach in a manner that will improve achievement.
4. Focus on the education of mathematics and science as a career-‐long process that continuously stimulates teachers’ intellectual growth.
5. Bring mathematics and science teachers in elementary and secondary schools together with scientists and mathematicians to enhance teachers’ subject matter knowledge and teacher skills.
Project Team John A. Dunkhase, Ph.D. Mary Skopec, PhD. Science Education Center IOWATER Program Coordinator 771 Van Allen Hall Iowa Department of Natural Resource University of Iowa DNR Geological Survey Division Project Period Year 1 4 teams of Muscatine Teachers (18 total)
• Summer PD • Academic Year Implementation
Year 2 Muscatine 2nd Cadre Year 3 Other Eastern Iowa School Districts