The meeting was called to order by chair Kersten at 6:33 p.m. with the elementary and high school principals and all board members except VanVleet present. VanVleet arrived at 6:37. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all in attendance. Motion by Kuechle, seconded by Laabs, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried (MC). Motion by Stenger, seconded by Laabs, to approve payment of the listed bills in the amount of $704,892.33, of which $583,297.80 was a payment of principal and interest on the high school bonds and $1,148.03 was construction-related costs. Final construction payments to contractors in the amount of $10,955.90 were also approved. Member VanVleet arrived during the review of the bills. MC. Motion by Laabs, seconded by VanVleet, to approve the consent agenda. MC. The consent agenda included: a. Approve minutes of March 11, 2004, board meeting. b. Approve request from Deb Bertram to return to .75 contract for 04-05 school year. c. Accept resignation received from Cathy Olson, Community Education secretary, effective April 15, 2004. d. Approve long-term substitute contract with Lance Becker to replace Melissa Winter beginning approximately March 30, 2004. Motion by Stenger, seconded by Serbus, to approve the request by the City of Kimball to use the school facilities for Kimball Days activities August 13-15, 2004, contingent upon availability. Unanimously Carried (UC). Motion by Kuechle, seconded by Laabs, to approve Doug Torgerson, long-term substitute for Gary Trimble for the remainder of the school year. UC. Motion by VanVleet, seconded by Laabs, to approve the request for maternity leave for Tracy Theis beginning approximately May 30, 2004. UC. Motion by Laabs, seconded by VanVleet, to approve the request for maternity leave for Nancy Bonnifield beginning approximately May 17, 2004. UC. Superintendent reviewed the following recommendations for reductions: 2.0 FTE classroom instructional staff, 1.0 FTE Kindergarten assistant, LPN nursing services, physical education (.2 instructional and assistant), gifted and talented program, fifth- and sixth-grade instrumental band, .1 elective class, .4 German I and II, .1 introduction to drama, .1 leadership development, .2 reading 7-8, .1 social studies (eliminate psychology), .1 weight training, .1 general music, .3 PE 9 or health, .2 study skills, .4 math, .2 PE 7-8, .08 science and music, one-act play, all sports teams to no more than 4 squads, speech, .2 special projects or guidance, 2 paraprofessionals, and instructional supply accounts. The total of the recommended reductions is $279,900. Jody Markgraf, Michelle Groinus and Rick Linn were present and spoke to the board asking that they re-think the decision to eliminate the speech program. Cheryl Wyatt and Lisa Wallwork spoke in support of the reading and study skills classes and the need for these to keep test scores up. Lori Rippentrop spoke as a parent with concerns of dropping programs and not getting them back and the suggestion that the board consider going to the residents for an operating levy. Seth Parent also spoke to the board in support of the speech program. All were thanked for their participation. After discussion, it was decided to prioritize the elementary band program, speech program, 7-8 grade reading class and the C-squad athletics. Dr. Thielman suggested that a public forum be held on Tuesday, April 6, to present the recommendations and get input from the public. This would then be followed by a special board meeting on Thursday, April 8, for further discussion. The necessary cuts would be made official at the regular board meeting on April 15. Celebration and successes of students and staff included the excellent band concert on March 15, article in the Tri-County News written by Frank Hancock, the success of the Chicken Soup for the Sole event held on March 23, an update on Gary Trimble, and the fourth-grade boys’ basketball team won a game. Mr. Clark reported on the MCA field testing and Iowa Basics testing, fifth and sixth grade completing the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds unit, Think Spring day sponsored by P.I.E., the DARE graduation held on March 18 and the unity of this particular class. Ms. Imholte reported on the upcoming math competition on March 30, the reading in-service held for staff on March 22, the good behavior as elementary students came through the building to view the art work displayed for the Chicken Soup event, the upcoming choir concert at 7:30 on April 1, prom to be held April 17 at the elementary school, the recently received Target donation given to the media center – the dollars are matched and books will be purchased, and a “thank you” received from the Kimball Food Shelf for the recent food drive and cash donation received. Superintendent Thielman reported on SEE activity, encourages attendance at the Speak Out and Visioning meeting to be held on March 30, and the Chamber of Commerce sponsored Business Expo on Saturday, March 27. Committee reports included Benton-Stearns Education District – Laabs, Negotiations – VanVleet. There were no other communications. Motion by Kuechle, seconded by Serbus, to adjourn at 9:26 p.m. MC. Marguerite Laabs, Clerk Published in the Tri-County News April 22, 2004.
