Board waits for new supt.

A large group of students attended the school board meeting in support of the band program.

by Marcie Klomp

With a new superintendent starting the following week, few actions were taken at the Howard-Winneshiek School Board meeting on June 25.

Dianne Anderson, superintendent for the past two years, was not at the meeting, and the new superintendent, John Carver, didn’t start until July 2, so he was not in attendance either.

Many votes were put off until the board could get the guidance of Carver.

In contrast, two individuals had no problems stating their thoughts on perceived cuts to band during Open Forum. Other band members were also there to show their support.

Band mother Edna VanderVort and student Bree Blaess spoke in regards to the 2012-2013 Band Transportation costs and allocation of those costs through the line item budget.

VanderVort explained that if less money was given for trips the students would not get to attend contests to show off their talents. Blaess added, that without contests, “we could be practicing for no reason. Football has nine games to show what they can do. Without contests, we won’t be able to show off our talents outside of school.”

• In other business, Grounds Director (until June 30) Todd Knobloch updated the board on HVAC rebates.

He found from Alliant that air conditioning rebates were not eligible, but he was still in contact with others to find rebates.

• Board member Doug Berg had some questions about the Food Procurement Policy. He said the wording sounded like nobody, including a parent, could bring a pizza into school. He felt that was wrong and wanted verification. “I won’t vote on the new policy unless I have an answer.” Eventually the nine policies were approved for the first reading. Bergs concerns will be addressed at the next meeting.

A discussion on peanut butter then ensued. Cresco Elementary Principal Shirley Sovereign explained some students are so allergic even the smell of peanut butter can make them sick. “We encourage parents to send Sunbutter on sandwiches.”

• Three contracts were discussed.

~ The board (Berg, Karlos McClure, Duane Bodermann, Scott Fortune and James Kitchen) approved a contract for Justin Denner as an assistant wrestling coach.

~The contract for the Transportation Director (currently held by Bill Koster) was approved, with McClure abstaining.

~The contract for the Elementary P.E./High School Social Studies position was not as cut and dried. Kitchen asked High School Principal Tim Felderman how the position was awarded. It had tentatively been given to Oakleigh Natvig.

Felderman explained it was opened to those in the district and then put on a state-wide site. “We had some apply for the P.E. position who weren’t eligible for the Social Studies position, and some who applied for Social Studies who weren’t qualified for P.E. We only had one who was qualified for both.” That candidate was retired H-W teacher Natvig.

There was discussion regarding hiring back a retired teacher and setting a precedence with pay, benefits, etc.

When it came to a vote, Bodermann and Berg voted yes to his hiring; Kitchen and Fortune voted nay; and McClure abstained. The motion failed due to lack of a majority vote.

• Resignations were accepted.

~ Sara Peterson (Lime Springs-Chester first grade teacher)

~ Lydia Pacheco (9th grade volleyball coach)

~ Sarah Brynsaas (Cresco second grade teacher)

~ Anne Hartberg (Cresco Elementary Special Education teacher)

~ Gary Steffen (Junior High Wrestling)

~ Jill McConnel (Homecoming sponsor)-McClure abstained

~ Helen Westcott (Director of Technology/Instructional Coach)

~ Mary Vikre (Accounts Payable)

~ Renee Cuvelier (Cresco first grade teacher)

• The Choir field trip was approved.

• The Accountant position job description was accepted with only McClure voting nay.

• A cooperative agreement with UNI for student teachers was approved. The teacher whose class is being used will receive a $400 stipend, instead of the usual $200.

• The Grounds Director position, which has been held by Todd Knobloch, was tabled. Starting July 2, that position will be filled by the new superintendent until a suitable replacement or hire is found.

• CIA Insurance was named H-W’s Workers Compensation company.

• All payments made to NICC for the Cresco Center have been made. As per an agreement from 10 years ago, the school board agreed to pay one dollar for the building.

• No action was taken on increasing the Athletic Director’s salary.

• The board agreed to again approve a $5,000 stipend for the LS-C and Elma Elementary principal, Todd Knobloch.

• The board went into closed session. After coming out, the board approved the School Business Officials 2012-13 goals and contract. This included 10 days of paid vacation in lieu of a raise.

The next school board meeting will be July 23.