Summary of the Minutes of the Board
of Education Meeting
The regular meeting
of the Board of Education was called to order by Vice President Jim Spicer at
Vice President Spicer noted an addendum to
the agenda an addition to Agenda Item No. 136, Personnel Issues. A motion was made by Director Becker and
seconded by Director Young to approve the agenda. Ayes all.
A motion was made by Director Appelgate and
seconded by Director Becker to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
the Board of Education held
A motion was made by Director Young and
seconded by Director Becker to approve the payment of bills. Ayes all.
Director of Finance Ramona Jeffrey reviewed
the receipts, disbursements, and cash balance in each of the fund accounts for
the month of May.
Director of Personnel Martin Gordon reviewed
the following personnel changes: New
Hires Katie Long, Shelby Medsker, and Lisa Flaten; Resignations Kimberly Young, Cindy Baxter,
Christine Brandt, Shawn Miller, Alice Bredlow,
Elizabeth Lofing and Lisa Smith; and New
Hires/Supplemental Denise Schupick and Holly
Watson. A motion was made by
Director Becker and seconded by Director Appelgate to approve the personnel
changes. Ayes all.
Superintendent Keith Sersland reviewed dates for the calendar. August 13 will be the first day for new professionals. Superintendent Sersland invited the Board to the opening activities and reminded the directors of the Board of Education and Administrative luncheon on that day.
Superintendent Sersland shared correspondence from Dr.
Myron Welch, University of Iowa Director of Bands. Dr. Welch thanked Mason City High School
Director of Bands Russ Kramer and members of the Symphonic Band for
participating in a recording project for the Iowa High School Music
Association. The band prepared 22 works
for this project and the recordings will be used by teachers throughout
Vice President Spicer provided a report on the Iowa Association of School Boards ABLE II Building an Effective Board/Superintendent Relationship.
There were no requests to address the Board
during the Open Forum.
Assistant Superintendent Hal Minear reviewed
a list of recent accomplishments by students and staff members.
Dr. Kathryn Schladweiler, Director of
Instructional Programs, reported on the 2006-2007 Iowa Tests student
achievement data. The report included
the district goals for 2006-2007, a growth report for Iowa Tests from 2005-2006
to 2006-2007, Mason City School District achievement compared to state and
AEA267 Biennium Data 2004-2006 and Iowa Tests achievement trendlines
for grades 3-11. Dr. Schladweiler
provided a handout on the 2006 AYP status for the district. The district was placed on the 2006-2007
Watch List for reading based on district reading data for IEP students. This status report will change after the new
AYP data is completed and certified by July 15.
Director of Instructional Programs Kathryn
Schladweiler provided the Board with a report on the Title 1 program. A handout was provided with information
regarding the federally funded Title 1 and Reading Recovery program for the 2006-2007
school year. Title 1 funds are allocated
for staff salaries, training, supplies, and summer reading camp expenses. The district served 159 students through
Title 1 and 32 students were also assisted through a special reading program
provided for and funded by the district.
Reading camp, for students who have
completed kindergarten, first, second and third grades, is being offered for
three weeks this summer. Students
invited to attend are those served by the Title 1 program during the school
year and those who ended the school year with reading achievement data that
indicated they were at risk readers.
Lunch and transportation are provided free of charge for students
attending the camp. 205 students
registered for this summer reading camp.
Superintendent Keith Sersland reported on
the following: (1) 4-Year Old Preschool Update The
board received a draft copy of the grant proposal the district will submit to
the Department of Education for a four-year-old public preschool grant. The grant application proposal is for a no
cost to families, every day preschool experience. A morning session with breakfast and
afternoon session with lunch at
A motion was made
by Director Becker and seconded by Director Young to approve entering into an
agreement with Student Assurance Services, Inc. as the carrier for student
accident insurance for 2007-2008. Ayes all.
A motion was made by Director Young and
seconded by Director Becker to approve the agreement with Francis Lauer Youth
Services and Area Education Agency 267 for the 2007-2008 school year. Ayes all.
A motion was made by Director Appelgate and
seconded by Director Young to approve the agreement with Francis Lauer Youth
Services for the General Academic Program for 2007-2008. Ayes all.
Director Young left
the meeting at this point.
A motion was made by Director Young and seconded by Director Appelgate
to adjourn. Ayes all. The meeting was adjourned at
Susan A. Deike
Recording Secretary
James Spicer
Board Vice President