Board Agenda - 2023.1.16

CRESTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board of Directors Regular Meeting

January 16, 2023 – Meeting 6:00 p.m.

Boardroom, 801 N. Elm, Creston, IA

 

The vision of the Creston Community School District is to provide the foundation for students to become lifelong learners and positive, confident, and compassionate citizens.

 

In accordance with Iowa Code Section 21.4(1)(b) the school board shall meet and conduct the regular board meeting electronically when it is impossible or impractical. Please call this toll-free number 1-312-626-6799 to access the board meeting to participate in the public hearing. Please click on this link or visit this address https://is.gd/vmnZsQ to access the board meeting.

 

  1. The public is welcome to join remotely and observe school board meetings. Remote access information is provided above.
  2. To help facilitate the Public Forum, participants must contact the Board Secretary by noon on the day of the board meeting. The Iowa Association of School Boards advises school board members to listen to constituents and refrain from commenting during public forums. The practice of the district is for board members to listen and to direct administration to follow up with the participant(s).
    1. Participants shall provide their names and address.
    2. Participants shall indicate the topic they wish to address.
    3. Participants shall indicate which administrator they have addressed their concern with.
    4. Participants are asked to limit their time to three minutes.
    5. Please see Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings for more information.
  3. Board meetings are recorded and available to the public on the district website for one month.
  4. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact Board Secretary Billie Jo Greene at 641-782-7028 bgreene@crestonschools.org

 

Meeting number (access code): 874 4594 6574

Meeting Password:   Creston

Join by phone:

1-312-626-6799

Agenda

 

  1. Call to Order by _______________ Time: ___________

The President will call the meeting to order using the gavel if necessary. The President will request those with communication devices to either turn them off or place them on silent mode. This may be a good time to introduce any special guests. A binder labeled Public Copy of Board Materials and containing board meeting materials is available for public review at the table at the side of the room. Meeting agendas are available for the public at the table at the side of the room. Meeting agendas, materials and minutes are also available on the district web page.

 

Don Gee, President

 

Dr. Amanda Mohr, Vice President

 

Dr. Brad James

 

Galen Zumbach

 

Sharon Snodgrass

 

Deron Stender, Superintendent

 

Billie Jo Greene, School Business Official

 

Bill Messerole, High School Principal

 

Scott Driskell, AP/Activities Director

 

Lesa Downing, Middle School Principal

 

Casey Tanner, Elementary Principal

 

Callie Anderson, ECC Principal
  1. Pledge of Allegiance

The president will ask the members and audience to face the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.

  1. Approval of Agenda

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

  1. Public Forum

The President will ask the Board Secretary if any requests for public comment have been received. The Board will listen to public comments and in accordance with district policy 213, will direct questions to the Superintendent or the appropriate staff.

  1. Consent Items

The President will ask for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented or amended. With a motion and a second, the President will call for the vote.

    1. Minutes of December 19, 2022
    2. Financial Reports
      1. All Financials
    3. Bills
      1. All Funds Report
    4. Contracts
      1. Contracts and Resignations
    5. Agreements
      1. MBA Plugin for Fees
    6. Donations

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

  1. Communications and Reports
    1. David Vollmar, Alliant Energy
      1. We have been meeting with Alliant Energy to review and discuss solar energy options Alliant supports.  Alliant Energy has a program in which they would lease the land from the district and hold all responsibility and risk. The lease provides a fixed amount (estimated $35,000) annually for 20 years.  Alliant is the responsible agent for the grid and maintenance of the grid and grounds. Simply put,the district receives a guaranteed revenue stream annually through a lease agreement.  The lease could begin in 2024.
    2. Teacher Leadership Committee Report
    3. Early Childhood Center Principal’s Report
    4. Elementary School Principal’s Report
    5. Business Manager’s Report
    6. Superintendent’s Report
    7. Solar energy discussion
      1. There are several providers who offer solar energy options.  Each is a little different and all have some complexity, responsibility, and risk.  The goal is to generate revenue with the least amount of complexity, responsibility, and risk. We seek input from the school board to help guide us.
    8. Projects
      1. ESSER III Funded Positions & Programs
      2. Capital Projects FY 24
    9. Board Discussion
  2. New Business
    1. Consider approving an agreement with Red Lion for solar exploration.

ACTION: The district is exploring opportunities to increase efficiency and solar power provides a minimal/no cost option that can generate long term savings.  The agreement has been reviewed by the district attorney and this is a formal process needed by Red Lion to proceed with grant applications.  If the grant(s) is not received there is no cost implication to the district and the relationship ends.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve agreement with Red Lion for solar exploration intent for Power Purchase Agreement - solar + battery scope.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving a solar energy partnership with Alliant Energy.

ACTION: Alliant is interested in creating a partnership with the district for a lease agreement.  Through the lease agreement, Alliant holds the responsibility and risk while the district receives a fixed amount annually.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve partnership with Alliant Energy.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving amended 2023-2024 Modified Supplemental Allowance (MSA) At Risk Summary.

ACTION: The At Risk program is designed to focus on attendance, mental health, behaviors, and students who may be identified as at-risk.  Administration and staff identify and work with students to help them develop positive relationships, acceptable behaviors, and academic completion.  We offer an alternative program for students who are at risk of dropping out of school. This is one of the few ways the school board can impact the local levy.  Like most funds, there are significant restrictions on how these funds can be spent. The total MSA is $517,798. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2023-2024 Modified Supplemental Allowance At Risk plan and budget for $517,798.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving the purchase of a new bus for 2023-2024.

      ACTION:   The district requested bids for one new route bus to replace an existing bus to maintain the fleet. The district followed district policy and Iowa Code in the bid process. The bid prices reflect the net price with trade in.  Maintaining a replacement cycle ensures our students and staff are being safely transported and the transportation fleet is well maintained. Buses and vehicles can be purchased from PPEL and/or SAVE funds that are designated to equipment and facility improvements (these are FY 24 purchases and will be paid by PPEL/SAVE). Mr. Fariss received three  bids and recommended the low bid from School Bus Sales for $125,500 from the 2024 budget. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

      1. School Bus Sales Bid
      2. Truck Center Bid (Thomas Bus)
      3. Hoglund Bus Company Bid

RECOMMENDATION:   Approve the bid and bus purchase from School Bus Sales for $126,000 for 2023-2024.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider setting public hearing for the proposed 2023-2024 school calendar.
      ACTION:        As required by Iowa Code, the district shall notify the public and hold a hearing on the proposed school calendar.  Administration recommends setting February 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Office Board Room as the date, time, and place for the public hearing of the proposed 2023-2024 school calendar.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve setting public hearing for February 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Office Board Room as the date, time, and place for the proposed 2023-2024 school calendar.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving out of state travel and leave for Superintendent Stender for 2023.

ACTION: Per the superintendent's contract, travel and leave to attend business out of the state require school board approval.  While the school board supports and has previously approved Mr. Stender’s three year term and role on the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Executive Board, he wants to be transparent. AASA covers expenses for all travel and expenses expect the National Conference. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve out of state travel and leave for Superintendent for 2023.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

  1. Adjournment: Time: ____ pm.
    Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

Future meetings in Creston boardroom at 801 N. Elm Street, Creston, unless otherwise noted:

  • Monday, February 20, 2023, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting
  • Tuesday, February 14, 2023, IASB Day on the Hill
  • Monday, March 20, 2023, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting