Minutes - 2022.01.24

January 24, 2022

The Board of Directors of the Webster City Community School District in the counties of Hamilton, Webster and Wright, State of Iowa, met in regular session, August 23, 2021, in the School Administration Office Board Room, Webster City, Iowa.

ITEM 1. – Open Comment to the Board – There were none.

ITEM 2. – Call to Order – The Board President called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ITEM 3. – Roll Call – Members answering roll call were Ms. Clarken, Mr. Stoakes, Mr. Patterson, and Ms. Van Diest.  Mr. Pruismann was absent.  Also present were members of the media and other interested parties.

ITEM 4. – Approval of Agenda – It was moved by Mr. Patterson, seconded by Ms. Clarken, to approve the agenda.  Motion carried. 

ITEM 5. – Discussion Items -  

  1. Elementary Enrollment and Registration – Mrs. Hector, NEH Elementary Principal, representing District elementary principals, updated the Board on plans for enrollment and placement of elementary students.  Elementary principals will work to balance classrooms based on student needs and class size. 

ITEM 6. – Action Items –

  1. Resolution to Set Public Hearing on Sale of 203 2nd Street, Blairsburg, Iowa – Motion by Ms. Clarken, second by Mr. Stoakes, to approve the Resolution to Set Public Hearing on the Sale of 203 2nd Street, Blairsburg, Iowa.  Motion carried. 
  2. Final Reading of Board Policy 212 Public Complaints – Motion by Mr. Stoakes, second by Mr. Patterson, to approve the final reading of Board Policy 212 Public Complaints.  Motion carried. 
  3. Gifts to District – Motion by Mr. Patterson, second by Ms. Clarken, to approve the monetary donation to Boys and Girls Golf Fundraising; monetary donation to Sunset Heights Elementary; and a monetary donation to Northeast Hamilton Elementary.  Motion carried. 
  4. GEER II Mental Health Supports for Public PK-12 Schools Grant Agreement – Motion by Ms. Clarken, second by Mr. Patterson, to approve the GEER II Mental Health Supports for Public PK-12 Schools Grant Agreement.  Motion carried. 
  5. Donovan Group Contract – Motion by Mr. Stoakes, second by Ms. Clarken, to approve the Donovan Group Contract.  Motion carried. 
  6. Negotiation Teams – Motion by Mr. Patterson, second by Ms. Clarken, to approve Ms. Van Diest and Mr. Stoakes to represent the District in WCEA negotiations, and Mr. Patterson and Ms. Clarken to represent the District in WCESA negotiations.  Motion carried. 

ITEM 7. – Personnel – Motion by Ms. Clarken, second by Mr. Stoakes, to approve the following:

  1. Transfer:  Jennifer Elsberry, Paraeducator, from Sunset Heights Elem to the High School
  2. Contract Resignations:  Curt Smith, Head Middle School Custodian; Rebecca Blair, NEH Elementary Counselor; Carrie Turner, Regional Business Office Accountant
  3. Contract Recommendations:  Vanessa Lopez, Paraeducator

Motion carried. 

ITEM 8. – Other

  1. Items from Dr. Ross
    1. Dr. Ross recognized Maddi Pulis and Bryanna Croy for being pioneers in girls wrestling and participating in the girls’ state wrestling tournament last week.  She also applauded Maddi Pulis for being a voice in advocating for girls wrestling at Webster City High School.  
    2. Dr. Ross recognized Cam Phetxoumphone for becoming the 11th four time NCC Champion. 
    3. Dr. Ross pointed out upcoming events on the Board Planning Calendar. 
    4. Dr. Ross shared that in opening day remarks to the legislature, House Majority Leader Matt Winschiti claimed teachers had a “sinister agenda”.  Dr. Ross said those in public education are committed to teaching children and providing a quality education.
  2. Items from the Board – There were none.

ITEM 9. – Consent Items – It was moved by Ms. Clarken, seconded by Mr. Stoakes, to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2022 Board Meeting.  Motion carried. 

ITEM 10. – Closed Session 21.5(1)(i) To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.  Motion by Mr. Patterson, second by Mr. Stoakes, to go into closed session at 6:30 p.m.  Roll was called and those answering aye:  Ms. Clarken, Mr. Stoakes, Mr. Patterson, and Ms. Van Diest.  Members answering nay:  none. 

The Board came out of closed session at 7:33 pm. 

ITEM 11.  – Adjournment - A motion was made by Mr. Patterson, seconded by Ms. Clarken, to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 p.m.  Motion carried. 

The next Regular Board Meeting will be Monday, February 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the School Administration Office Board Room.  Board Meetings are subject to change dependent upon need.

Attest:                                                             Attest:

Kathy Biere, Secretary                                     Beth Van Diest, President