August 17, 2020 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Doug Molczyk read the Mission Statement. 

Discussion: 

Jo Suess, Chairman of the Red, White & Kaboom Event, Jeanne Schieffer, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President and Sandie Fischer, Chamber Events Planner and Entrepreneurship came to thank the Board and Administration for allowing the event to be held at CHS.  They said many of the surrounding neighbors enjoyed fireworks.  The event went smoothly in the short amount of time there was to prepare.    

Discussion:  Tami Altstadt and Suzanne Stevenson shared information on our new student information platform Synergy. There was some discussion regarding ParentVue and how that will look for our CPS families.

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz said we review this policy each year. The policy states the goal is to foster relationships with parents to establish common educational goals for students. There is an opt out form for any parent that has objections. 

Discussion:  Annual review for Parental Involvement in the Schools. Changes include adding families versus parent and/or guardian.

Discussion: 

Dr. Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, reminded the group that we talked about the enrollment study to get the information needed to be able to look ahead and continue with plans for the Kramer Early Childhood Center. A proposal was received from Denny Hill.  He has all the previous data from the last study that was done several years ago. The proposal is for $5500.00. The timeline discussed for the study is to be completed by November.

Discussion:  The Board granted permission to utilize the lease purchase agreement, not to exceed 5 million dollars to begin work on the Kramer Early Childhood Center.

Discussion:  There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda.

Discussion: 

Director of Business Operations, Chip Kay, gave a brief report on the financial reports. The fiscal period of 2020 has been closed except for payroll.  Depreciation is showing a balance below last year. All other accounts are in good shape.  Revenue has received 100% of what was expected. CPS will receive a State Aid payment in September, there is no state aid reimbursement in July or August. We receive property tax all year. He also shared information regarding grant reimbursements. Mr. Kay talked about a few of the expenditures.

Discussion: 

Financial Report M5 showed payments to Solution Tree for the summer PLC training and TC Ceilings for the Lost Creek project. 

Discussion: 

Mr. Luebbe found 2 teachers needed for Centennial. Dr. Loeffelholz said at this time there are 316 registered for kindergarten district wide.

Discussion: 

Mr. Kay shared that we still need some classified staff: 22 after-school staff, 1 para, 5 food service people, and 2 in bussing. Dr. Loeffelholz said he was disappointed to see so many leave after signing the work agreement to come back after the shut down last school year. A few we lost were fluent in Spanish, we have filled some of these positions. Ten paras have responded to the call to be local subs. Information has gone out to anyone in the community that wants to be considered. The Human Relations class can be taken through CCC, it is a 6 hour class to get the 1 credit needed. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz said there was not much travel, MANDT Training, AD meetings with NSAA and the Heartland Activity Conference, and PLC training.

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz said the summer has been quiet, $27,000.00 has gone out in scholarships. The Community and Family Partnership has received CARES funding of close to $1 million that will be passing through the Foundation.

Discussion:  Jay Spearman from Piper Sandler presented on the 2014 Bond refinancing, rates and explained the resolution.

Discussion: 

Mr. Kay commented on the CMS surplus not being salvageable.  Bob Hausmann, North Park Principal said the surplus from his building has not been used in 10 years. 

Discussion:  Milk prices have been raised to 50 cents per carton.

Discussion:  All applications for fundraising were approved. 

Discussion:  Mr. Kay presented the budget draft for 20-21. The draft shows an overview of where everything is for 20-21.  The final budget will be sent to the state in September.

Discussion: 

Mr. Kwapnioski shared the Trane contract, the amount has decreased, 4 boilers were removed from the Kramer Building. CMI shows a small increase. 

Discussion: 

Mr. Kwapnioski commented on the BCDM Agreement that included the anticipated costs of $348,165.00 for phase 2 and 3 of the Kramer Early Education Center.

Discussion:  The Safety Committee will remain the same for 20-21.

Discussion:  Mr. Kwapnioski talked about the pricing of electronic radios, the radios are for emergency services to work within the schools. He said he would share all the information for the board to see the costs on this system.

Discussion: 

Dr. Amy Romshek, Director of Curriculum asked the board to approve two new high school courses, Digital Media and Video Production. Digital Media will include lessons on how to create, and publish, along with copyright laws, and ethical and legal uses. Video Production will teach students to create videos, audio broadcasts and writing broadcasts. The students would do a lot of this work on actual high school events. The quote includes hardware and software.  Some of the funding will be taken from Perkins Funds, and some building funds. The teacher chosen for these classes is very creative and has a lot of ideas. Students could also help to produce lessons.  StrivTV would be part of these classes.  Dr. Romshek says students will have many ideas of their own. 

Discussion:  Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and SPED updated on the Synergy training for our SPED staff. There are 13 students that are requesting remote learning. He also shared some information about the IDEA grant approval, which gave CPS another section of preschool.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz reported that graduation ceremonies went well.  He has received emails thanking the board. He also talked about Acellus for remote learning, and staff and students that will be working remotely. Dr. Loeffelholz said we will identify our COVID level in three week intervals, and reminded the group we could have a building closed while all others are open. He also shared the kindergartners were in buildings and did very well. All community decisions that he becomes aware of will be shared with the board.

Discussion:  Board members shared that they really enjoyed graduation, the New World Singers video, very excited about the future of the Kramer Early Education Center. They also wanted to welcome everyone back, glad we are able to open our buildings to staff and students. Also thanked staff  for all the hard work over the summer. Shared their appreciation to all.