NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, February 8, 2021, in the NFV High School Library, 600 N Pine St, West Union, IA 52175
NFV Board of Education: Julie Ahrens, Stacy Cummings, Eileen Schlawin,
LaCreasha McNeese, Carolyn Roys, Marc
Rue, & Emily Koch. Student Members: Nathan Crooker.
Kailee Ginger, Baylie Shrubb & Madison Clausen were
absent.
Others: Superintendent: Joe Griffith, Business Manager: Sue
Thoms, Principals: Micah Gearhart, Travis Elliott, & Lori Westhoff, Curriculum Director: Betsy Nefzger, Staff: Kris Peterson, Mary Bilden, Shanda Miller, Quentin Quandahl, Ashley Becker, Public: Megan Molseed – media, and others by Microsoft Teams
President Cummings called the Regular Meeting of the NFV Board of Education to order at 6 p.m. and Julie Ahrens led the board and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call of Board members: Ahrens, Cummings, Schlawin, McNeese, Koch, Rue, & Roys.
The agenda was approved as presented. Schlawin/Roys Motion Carried 7-0
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
- Minutes of the January 11, 13, & 21, 2021 regular & special meetings
- Review/approve invoices
- Approve Financial Reports
- Approve Resignations: Robin Madole, MS Math
- Approve New Hire: Bayley Monroe – HS V Softball Coach, Julianne Meyer – MS Play
- Involuntary Transfers: Ashley Becker to Fayette 4th Grade & Joni Walvatne to Fayette 4th grade
- Voluntary Transfer: Angie Boehm to WUE Title 1
- Approve Volunteer:
- Gifts – None
Ahrens/Schlawin Motion carried 7-0
COMMUNICATIONS
Student Ex-Officio members reports were received. Nathan reported that the jazz band had taped their performances this morning for submission for the jazz band contest, FFA sub-districts will be on Friday, and the state speech contest is happening now.
Principal Reports were received. Principal Westhoff reported that she and Supt Griffith have met with NICC and UIU to discuss adding college courses over the next few years. Basketball tournament games will be hosted at NFV at the end of this week. 3 wrestlers placed at sectional wrestling and are advancing to districts. Tickets for boys’ state events – both basketball and wrestling – are sold online only. Tickets for girls’ events will still be bought at the door. Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the end of the month along with the Senior Capstone projects on both nights. Principal Elliott reported that Leader In Me coach Kim Nelson recently met with his teachers. FAST testing just finished up showing huge gains from the beginning of the year to now. Junior Achievement is in full swing and the kids are excited to have the volunteers back in the classroom. Principal Gearhart reported that LIM coach Nelson also worked with his staff focusing on data binders and Wildly Important Goals. MAP testing has been completed at the MS.
The curriculum report was received. PD has been focused on LIM as well as remote learning. Next Monday, Dr. Matthew Vaquez will present the complexities of trauma which will be the focus of the PD next Monday. Yoga, ACES, are also going to be touched on during this presentation. We are starting training for the staff in preparation for ISASP – statewide testing that will take place later this Spring. Students who are remote will be taking these tests onsite.
Business Manager Thoms gave an update of the CARES Act funds and certified budget preparation.
Superintendent’s report included the following:
Vaccinations: We have been working with the Fayette County Public Health to provide vaccinations. Staff have been surveyed and prioritized accordingly. The first 25% of staff are scheduled to be vaccinated on February 12th. A second group will have the opportunity to receive vaccines on February 26th.
SF160: A face-to-face learning option for parents is now required for all districts. Our current remote learning time of 90 minutes on Wednesdays cannot be considered instructional time. Our teachers need that time to support online and remote learners. We may need to adjust some times on Wednesday in the future to make up for weather late starts and early outs.
WUE project: The HVAC design is well underway. We are hoping to open bids in early April and sell bonds shortly after that. Work may start before the school year is completed – this will not be in students’ areas. The heating is going well so far. We hope to bring a finished set of designs for approval in early March.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Hearing on Proposed Issuance of Revenue Bonds: President Cummings opened the Public Hearing at 6:25 pm. Supt Griffith reviewed the need for the revenue bond funds to pay for HVAC needs at WUE. These will be paid back with the SAVE funds. No public comments were received and the public hearing was closed at 6:27 pm.
The Board approved the following resolution supporting the issuance of revenue bonds in the amount of $2,900,000. Schlawin/McNeese Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Ahrens, McNeese, Koch, Cummings, Schlawin, Roys, & Rue, Nays – None
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,900,000 SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE SALES, SERVICES AND USE TAX REVENUE BONDS
WHEREAS, the School District receives revenue from the State of Iowa Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund (“SAVE Revenue”) pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 423F and an election duly held in accordance therewith on February 7, 2017, approving a revenue purpose statement (the “Revenue Purpose Statement”), the Board of Directors is currently entitled to spend SAVE Revenue for school infrastructure purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is in need of funds for the following school infrastructure project(s): to construct HVAC and related renovations and improvements; lighting improvements; and fire sprinkler system and alarm system improvements at West Union Elementary School, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has deemed it necessary and advisable that the District issue School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, in the approximate amount of $2,900,000 for the purpose of providing funds to construct HVAC and related renovations and improvements; lighting improvements; and fire sprinkler system and alarm system improvements at West Union Elementary School, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser. Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has complied with the provisions of Iowa Code Section 423F.4 by providing notice and holding a public hearing on the proposal to issue such Bonds:
NOW, THEREFORE, it is resolved:
- The Board of Directors supports the proposal to issue approximately $2,900,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, for the purpose of providing funds to construct HVAC and related renovations and improvements; lighting improvements; and fire sprinkler system and alarm system improvements at West Union Elementary School, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund, if required by the purchaser. Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement.
- Eligible electors of the school district have the right to file with the Board Secretary a petition pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.4(2)(b), on or before the close of business on February 22, 2021, for an election on the proposed bond issuance. The petition must be signed by eligible electors equal in number to not less than one hundred or thirty percent of those voting at the last preceding election of school officials under Iowa Code Section 277.1, whichever is greater.
- In the event a petition containing the required number of valid signatures is filed with the Secretary of the Board on or before the close of business on February 22, 2021, the President shall call a meeting of the Board to consider withdrawing the proposed Bond issuance, or directing that the question of the proposed Bond issuance be submitted to the qualified electors of the School District.
If the Board determines to submit the question to the electors, the proposition to be submitted shall be as follows:
Shall the Board of Directors of the North Fayette Valley Community School District in the Counties of Clayton and Fayette, State of Iowa, be authorized to issue approximately $2,900,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, in the approximate amount of $2,900,000 for the purpose of providing funds to construct HVAC and related renovations and improvements; lighting improvements; and fire sprinkler system and alarm system improvements at West Union Elementary School, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser; with any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement?
Kris Peterson, NFVESPA, presented the opening proposal for negotiations. They propose to add all permissive topics of bargaining to be included as the language in the negotiated contract agreement, a 2.56% total package increase for one year, and then negotiate wages through June 2026.
Supt Griffith presented the NFV Board opening proposal for negotiations with the NFVESPA. This proposal includes omission of the current permissive language, a reduction of contract days for drivers, cooks, & paras, and no increase in wages for a 2-year contract.
Stacie Schroeder, NFVCC, reported on the telehealth services for our kids. This is an extension of mental health services available for our students. NFVCC has received a grant which has paid for devices for all buildings in the district that will allow the students to access telehealth services. The devices will be hosted in the counselor offices in each building. Schroeder also touched on the current services that are available through NFVCC.
Principal Westhoff presented the changes to HS Course Offerings. This will include requiring a full year of World History, requiring financial literacy as a math requirement during the senior year. Eliminate the Art Fundamentals course, expand the college courses, expand the Health Occupations offerings, as well as possibly offering a Foundations of Education course. The Board approved the changes presented. Ahrens/McNeese Motion Carried 7-0 Additional discussion was held regarding the Capstone project which currently receives no credit. Principal Westhoff reported that a committee is looking into the value of offering credit for this project. Board members expressed interest in having this be an elective credit as well as review requirements that colleges have for Capstone projects.
The Board held the 1st reading of the following Board Policies: #505.5 – Graduation Credits – and #406.5 R1 – Licensed Employee Group Insurance Benefits. A discussion was held on the requirements for the different types of diplomas.
Motion to adjourn at 6:55 pm. Schlawin/ McNeese Motion Carried 7-0
______________________________ _____________________________
Stacy Cummings, President Sue Thoms, Business Manager
The Board went into an exempt session to discuss negotiation strategies.