SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Pledge of Allegiance
Adoption of Agenda
The September 21, 2023 board meeting was approved as presented.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Regular Board meeting of September 7, 2023 were approved as presented.
Public Hearing
A public hearing was held on the 2024 Budgets, Bus Replacement Plan and Capital Projects Plan. Mr. Brown went over the budget timeline and advertising information. He looked at the proposed 2024 budget along with the best guess for the budget. He presented a tax rates comparison and gave important definitions of the budget process. There were no questions or comments on the budget.
Reports: Superintendent – Mr. Timothy Brown
1. Mr. Brown informed the Board that the first synchronous eLearning held on Wednesday, September 20th was a success. While eLearning days certainly have their limitations, this was a great day for our students as well as our teachers with an afternoon of differentiated training offerings available. Mr. Brown appreciates the amazing staff we have at Cowan. Our Cowan family once again came together to support each other during this difficult week. A chlorinator has been installed at the high school which has allowed the building to move back to regular water use operations. IDEM requires a plan submitted and designed by an engineer to use the chlorinator. We have hired a vendor to do this for us. After some discussion from the board, the board has recommended that we also replace both pressure vessels and replace the resin in the water softeners at the high school. A recommendation for 8th and 9th students to go to Washington, D.C. is up for approval later in the agenda. Due to lack of interest and expense, the senior trip to New York will not take place this year. Mr. Adams is working on another plan for the seniors to go on a short trip at the end of the year. Mr. Brown talked to the Board about the consideration of a position that would involve working with students in the resource room along with helping Shelby Groves repair Chromebooks. This recommendation will be on the agenda in October.
2. The first bargaining meeting was postponed at the request of the teachers. The next scheduled meeting will be on Monday, September 25, 2023. Kim Campbell and Rick Jones are the Board representatives on the bargaining team.
3. Mr. Brown shared with the Board a summary of the construction bids received on September 14. He is recommending approval of the lowest bid along with the alternates. Approval for the bid is later in the agenda. The Bond Sale will be on October 3, 2023. There was discussion about additional projects that could be completed with the remaining money.
4. The ISBA Fall Regional Meeting is on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The public board meeting scheduled for this date, will start at an earlier time for the Board Members to be able to attend both meetings.
5. Professional leave requests approved by the Superintendent as of Tuesday, September 19, 2023 were presented.
Opportunity for Public Comments
(No negative comments toward Corporation employees are permitted during the public meeting. Alleged misconduct by a Corporation employee is to be addressed in an Executive session of the Board following meeting with appropriate members of the Administration.)
Gavin Kidd and Autumn Romack were in attendance for the P.I.G. (Participation in Government) class project with Mr. Groves’ government class.
Sara Nichols was in attendance and gave her presentation (from her journalism class) on the Dress Code.
Business Office Recommendations
Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Claim Docket
The claims #23290 to #23367 and the payroll of September 15, 2023 as listed in Appendix #2296 were approved for payment.
Construction Bid Approval
The Board accepted the construction bid for the elementary school renovation project from Whisenhunt Construction including the base bid and all four alternates for a total sum of $583,910.
Donations
The Board accepted the donations of School Supply Backpacks from the Anderson’s Grain Elevator and a gift card from Harbor Freight Tools as outlined in Appendix #2297.
Personnel
Reassignment
The Board reassigned Daryl Bays from a High School Special Education Aide to a Junior High Special Education aide beginning October 16, 2023.
Employment
The Board approved Amberly Riley as a High School Special Education Aide beginning on October 16, 2023.
The Board approved Laramie VanSkyock as the Winter Guard Instructor.
The Board approved the returning winter coaches for the 2023-24 school year as listed in Appendix #2298.
The Board approved Josie Byrd as the Girls 7th Grade Basketball Coach.
The Board approved Blake Burton as the Girls 8th Grade Basketball Coach.
The Board approved Logan Byrd as the Boys 7th Grade Basketball Coach.
Volunteers
The Board approved Andrea Stoughton as a Volunteer Girls Basketball Coach.
The Board approved Austin Jones as a Volunteer Wrestling Coach.
The Board approved Chelsea Dugger as a Volunteer Cheer Coach.
The Board approved Allison Sears as a Volunteer Cheer Coach.
Field Trip
The Board approved a field trip to Washington, D.C. for the current 8th and 9th grade students from March 13-March 16, 2024.
Opportunity for Board Communication:
Mr. Rick Jones thanked Sara Nichols for her presentation regarding the dress code. He also thanked Sara for coming to the board meeting.
Mrs. Kim Campbell asked about when any changes to the dress code could be made. Mr. Brown replied that any changes would be for the 2024-2025 school year.
Mr. Vick Conway very much enjoys the students coming in and engaging with the Board. Thank you for coming.
Mr. Alan Wright thanked Sara Nichols for her presentation. He mentioned that it was not easy to stand up in front of a group and she did a good job.
Mrs. Kim Campbell thanked the community and the staff along with everyone who supported the students during this week!
Adjournment
The September 21, 2023 regular board meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
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