Board Briefs for Monday, April 24, 2017

The Muscatine School's Board of Education met in work session on Monday, April 24, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the high school in the media center. Those present were board members Bower, Dabeet, Drawbaugh, Mather, Naber, and Wildermuth. Director Finn was absent. Also present were Superintendent Jerry Riibe, Assistant Superintendent Mike McGrory, Director of Finance Tom Anderson, High School Principal Jared Smith, High School Athletic/Activities Director Andy Werling, Facilities Supervisor Jeff Miller, phys ed and strength and conditioning teachers Ann Edkin and D.J. Hawkins, and community member and past athletic director/MHS principal Chuck Van Hecke.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the needs of the high school as it pertains to the MHS Phase II Construction Project.

1. Ann Edkin and D. J. Hawkins spoke of the need for extra gym space for students and athletics as well as extra space needed in the weight room.
2. Andy Werling shared that one initiative the high school has worked on the past two years is increasing student participation in activities and athletics:
1. boys and girls soccer, boys golf, and volleyball have nearly doubled their participation numbers since 2012. 
2. This puts added strain on the current gym space when teams practice year round.
3. Chuck Van Hecke shared his thoughts on North Scott's stand alone weight room/gymnasium/and conditioning area and how something like this could positively impact our students and community.
4. Mr. Van Hecke suggested to revitalize the swim entrance for a more handicapped accessible entrance for the community.
5. Mrs. Edkin also shared as a parent and coach the need to have practices until 9 p.m. due to lack of gym space to accommodate all teams and how this puts a strain on families and students. 
6. Jeff Miller, Facilities Supervisor, offered two dates for board members to visit North Scott to see their new weight room/gymnasium building. 
1. Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m. and Monday, May 1st, also at 6 p.m. 
7. Mr. Miller shared a document that lists all of the outside organizations that utilize the district's gym facilities.
8. The board then discussed the various phases of the high school and next steps.
9. Director of Finance Tom Anderson reviewed the current PPEL budget.
10. The board will take action to give FEH Architects authority to proceed with the design phase of the project and to schedule a design meeting for board members and staff.
11. The board went into closed session at 7:40 p.m. to for the superintendent's evaluation.
12. The board returned to open session at 8:10 p.m.
13. The board approved to extend the superintendent's contract as per current contract language.
14. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
15. Next meeting: Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.