Board Briefs for Monday, December 14, 2015 Regular Meeting

Below is a synopsis of the board meeting actions and discussions that took place at the December 14, 2015 regular board meeting held at City Hall:

1. Student Council updated the board on recent activities.
2. House Representative Gary Carlson provided information on the state’s budget.
3. Consent agenda was approved which included:
1. Minutes of November 9, 2015 regular meeting.
2. Employment Recommendations:
1. Resignations: Ann Goodman, principal at Mulberry (at end of school year); Michelle Haugen, Grade 3 at Washington (at end of December, 2015); Ryan Reifert – Middle School basketball coach; Wesley Phipps – MHS Assistant Forensics coach.
2. Schedule C Hires: Spencer Lloyd – MHS  Boys Assistant Basketball, Colin Hagerty – MHS Assistant Wrestling; Josh Battern – Model UN (shared); Elizabeth Thomas -  Student Council (shared).
3. Student Teaching Agreement with Western Governor’s University.
4. Bills and Claims against the district dated 12/14/15.
4. The board cast their vote for Tim Bower as IASB Board of Director Representative.
5. Approved the early retirement incentive program for FY16 which at this time includes only certified staff (teachers, administrators, and directors). The early retirement incentive is changed from previous years where the incentive is a flat amount rather than based on the retiree's salary.
6. Approved the Jefferson Elementary Deconstruction Plans and Specs.
7. CMS Principal Terry Hogenson, counselor Troy Kulland, At Risk ELA teacher Cara Shepherd, and At Risk Math teacher Micaela Haight presented Central's At Risk Student Program and the success they are seeing with the students. Student Ethan Russell spoke about the field trips that he was able to participate in as a part of this program.
8. Superintendent Riibe reported on the School Improvement Advisory Committee which met last month. He reviewed the student and staff survey results and how next year the district will be focusing on the culture of the district. He also shared that parents are being surveyed and those results will be brought back to the board at its next meeting.
9. The board set the date for the district’s policy review as Thursday, January 21 at 6 p.m. at the Administration Center.
10. Jean Garner reviewed the financial statements for October and November.
11. Alisha Eggers provided an update on the Food Service budget.
12. Superintendent Riibe updated the board on the Washington School Study and noted that there will be a forum for Washington parents and the community on January 7 at 6 p.m. at CMS Auditorium. Washington Study FAQ.
13. Superintendent Riibe provided information regarding the State Report Card which will be available to the public this Wednesday, December 16.  The intent of the report card is to rank each attendance center in the state of Iowa from Exception, High-Performing, Commendable, Acceptable, Needs Improvement, and Priority. He noted that the Report Card does not differentiate those schools with a higher percentage of free/reduced population students which he feels is unfair and does not show the entire picture. He commended our staff and administrators for all they do for our students every day.
14. Announcements of Upcoming Meetings and Events:
1. December 23 – Winter Break Begins
2. January 4 – School Resumes
3. January 7 - Washington Study Forum at 6 p.m. at CMS Auditorium.
4. January 8 – Last Day of First Semester
5. January 11 – School Board Regular meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall
6. January 18 – No School – Teacher Inservice
7. January 20 – MCSD Job Fair for Non-Certified Staff, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Administration Center
8. January 21 - Board Policy Review Work Session, 6 p.m. at the Administration Center. 
9. January 23 – MCSD Job Fair for Non-Certified Staff, 9 a.m. to Noon – Administration Center
10. January 25 – School Board Work Session – 6 p.m. – Administration Center

To view the board book for this meeting, go to: Board Book - December 14, 2015.