April 15, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal, shared information about CHS. He said the new staff are doing well. Kaitlyn Meyer joined the staff in the second semester. Mr. Hiebner said the staff is a very positive group and are looking forward to next year. The CHS AQUESTT classification is noted as GOOD. ELPA21 testing is showing progress towards proficiency, Mr. Hiebner said that is attributed to the EL staff and all the people working with these students. He said they have had a very large number of newcomers this year. Mr. Hiebner commented that they continue to work with students to help with the EL ACT and ACT. Juniors that take the test and it is often the first test they take of this magnitude. 

Mr. Hiebner shared information about chronic absenteeism. He said even when protocols are followed, students can still be considered chronically absent. This is measured on attendance that we can not control. Across the state, you would likely see the same at other schools in our array. Mr. Hiebner talked about our graduation rate and that we have kids come back and finish, this is a great opportunity that we provide for CPS students. 

Mr. Hiebner touched on a few of the UpBeat Staff Survey questions; percentages have risen in autonomy, principal/teacher trust, instructional leadership, appreciation and resources and facilities. Mr. Hiebner showed the list of all the certifications our students have opportunities to work for post-graduation. He talked about the career pathways with percentages of student interest. One pathway we do not currently offer is law and public safety.

Mr. Hiebner shared his excitement about the Bowling Team, NSAA State Champions and Unified Bowling-NSAA State Runner-up, along with our State Wrestling Champions, Brenyn Delano and Mason Petersen. Mr. Heibner said that CHS had a great visit from Congressman Mike Flood. 

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Resources talked about the financial reports. Financial Report M2-the Nutrition Fund is $378,000.00 behind last year, there is $89,000.00 in unpaid bills. The bill was not passed to turn these bills over to the collection agency. Dr. Kay said LPS just adopted a new policy for collections that he plans to review. CPS will need to look at a way to serve alternative meals. The revenue report is where it should be at this time.  There were a couple of curriculum payments and facility purchases that were paid from depreciation. Dr. Kay said there will be a bond fund payment coming soon. We have received less than half of the property tax that is expected, state aid runs out after June, and federal reimbursements have started to come in. M4 Expenditure report reflects the bulk of payments paid to payroll, Initiative One for the NexGen Leadership Academy, also noted a payment to Clay Hills Ag for fertilizer.

Dr. Kay said principals are very busy hiring and getting people back. CPS is hiring Jason Schapmann for Dr. Kay’s job. He said the focus right now is to get through the end of the year without the paras. Many resign at this time of the year.

Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, reported $148,318.41 year to date; $44,604.30 for the month of March.

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment talked about a new partnership with ADM and Tallgrass. She updated the group on the pilot program for adult literacy. Mrs. Hausmann shared information on the new teacher orientation and training in July.

She talked about all the work that is being done to prepare next year for the CKLA curriculum. She was able to attend the SkillsUSA competition. She said it was awesome.

Dr. Kay gave an update from a session he attended at the school board national convention and thanked the school board for allowing him to attend the event.

Leonard Kwapnioski, Director of Building/Sites and Technology gave information regarding the Lifetouch Contract. CPS was up for a new contract. Four companies submitted contracts. LifeTouch offered a good price along with a printer for making identification cards. This is a 4-year bid with 1 year contracts.

Mr. Kwapnioski said the public notice was published in the Columbus Telegram for the boiler project at CMS. He has heard from three companies.  He will have them walk through next week. CMS is down to 2 of the 4 boilers. He gave an update on the fence project at Kramer. It is being replaced because of a city ordinance. Mr. Kwapnioski said the company will start the two-day process of spraying the rubber material on the two playgrounds at Kramer.

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education is requesting a $100.00 increase for special education tuition. This is to meet all daily costs and incorporating all prices into one cost.

Mr. Harris presented the BIST Service Agreement. This is for the positive intervention support team. This includes a consultant meeting with all 7 buildings 5 times per year. In the past, this was budgeted from their building expenses. This year some of the cost will be budgeted from Title 4A funding. 

Mr. Harris shared information about the projected enrollment numbers for special education. He explained how the state counts, and how the risk factors have changed. Requirements have changed for birth to 3 years. In the last state report, 18.1% of our student enrollment was special education. 

Dr. Loeffelholz said the sessions were good at the national convention. He told the board that one SRO is back at CMS and the elementary buildings, the other one will start back in the fall at CHS. He reminded the board of the emergency response drill on Friday, April 19th. Dr. Loeffelholz congratulated Dr. Kay for his Business Official of the Year Award. He also reminded the board of the Top 10% Reception, Honors Night and CHS Graduation.

Mark Brown was able to join the meeting via ZOOM. All happy to see Mr. Brown and he was glad to be part of the meeting. Positive feedback from all on the National School Boards Conference. Mention of the ballots and the election on May 14th.