January 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Resources shared information regarding ESSER/ARP Funds. There is a requirement to review and give an opportunity for the public to comment. This is the last year these funds will be available and must be spent by September 2024. CASSETTE House is our last project utilizing funds from ESSER/ARP dollars. 

Andy Luebbe, Principal of Centennial Elementary shared information about the academics and events in his building. Mr. Luebbe commented on the 13 new staff at Centennial. He talked about the non-negotiables, trust accelerators, and school rules. Mr. Luebbe said for Tier 1 they are using Well-Managed Classroom. Tier 2 moves them to the use of BIST, which is the bottom line, teaches goals for life. He also talked about how positive consultant days are and the training with paras. Mr. Luebbe said they use Star Tickets to reward students who are showing how to be safe, responsible, and respectful. Students can also earn special lunches, or activities during Gold Coin Weeks. Centennial has a quarterly assembly to present awards and have CHS groups come and visit to show students all that they have to look forward to as a high school student. Mr. Luebbe discussed behavior tracking data and how that is handled. He also shared a snapshot of recovery vs. office referral data. AQuESTT Data shows Centennial is in the Good category. Testing data was included, and Mr. Luebbe talked about chronic absenteeism and how the data is very positive after the spike during COVID. He said an attendance monitor has been added full-time, the social worker is hard at work on attendance and early intervention. Mr. Luebbe said they are using "Data into Action" to develop strategies based on data. He said his staff is focused on ELPA data and they receive training from ESU 7. He said EL strategies have been improved with a much bigger focus. 

Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal, shared some information with the Board on activity costs. He selected a variety of activities and included student costs, program costs and broke down spending. One part of the discussion was based on the dance team and cheerleaders uniforms and the fact that they are made for each participant. Color Guard was included in the discussion and Jeff Peabody, CHS Band Director, discussed uniforms and costumes and the resale market he uses for the items. Mr. Hiebner said there are payment plans created for certain items or events. Marching Band and Percussion was discussed along with their big fundraiser in the summer of selling fireworks. The group discussed managing these costs for students along with the costs of officials for contests.  Concerns regarding students being unable to participate because of financial expectations were also discussed. Mr Peabody said he has never turned a student away that wanted to participate. There is assistance to navigate the financial piece. Mr. Hiebner said that's why it is important to approve the fundraising when requested from each group.

Mr. Peabody gave a brief testimony on this field trip to Yankton, SD and Orange City, IA. He said they see a wide variety of teams. 

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Resources said the M2 financial report is showing bit ahead. He said he is anticipating property tax revenue in the next month. Dr. Kay said any building improvements will be paid through the general fund, not the building fund. The M3 report for revenue shows revenue received at 34%. The M5 report is showing payments made to Tucker Masonry and Midwest for some finishing work at Kramer.

The report has 3 certified hires and a resignation for end of school year. 

Dr. Loeffelholz said $1,005,495.08 came back to our organizations in 2023. Post-prom will have more activity as they are gearing up. The month of December total; $64,552.35.

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Curriculum, Instructions and Assessments, shared District AQuESTT Data.

Discussion on district chronic absenteeism, Mrs. Hausmann said CPS continues to work on this concern. Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and SPED is looking into the coding of absences, and how they are counted. What is being reported to the state? Cumulative tardies will turn into absences. 

Dr. Kay spoke about the Negotiated Agreement. It is a 2-year agreement. He said the base would increase by $1100.00 in 24-25 and $900.00 the following year. Step 15 was added. The agreement has been approved by CEA. 

Leonard Kwapnioski gave an update on snow removal. He also commented on the challenges bus drivers have with the streets. Mr. Kwapnioski mentioned that he will be requesting a replacement vehicle soon. 

Mr. Harris requested that the Board approve the Interlocal Agreement with the new ESU #7 Autism Program that will be opening during the 24-25 school year. He said the first year tuition would be required up front, he reminded the Board that the money would be reimbursed at the end of the school year. The following year, it will be paid monthly. The program would accept up to 10 students. This program would be for severely autistic students. 

Dr. Loeffelholz said he is excited to get kids back into class and normal routines and get the second semester started again. He also mentioned working on contact hours for snow days.  

The Board said kudos to all staff dealing with the weather and making those hard decisions to protect students.