BENNETT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

PROCEEDINGS OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

JULY 8, 2024

 

The Bennett Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024 in the staff workroom of the Bennett Community School, Bennett, IA. Vice President Greg Reynolds called the meeting to order at 7pm. Directors Denise McGhee, Chad Giebelstein, and Nicole Wolf answered roll call and a quorum was declared. Also present were Superintendent Shane Knoche, Principal Jeremiah Costello, Board Secretary Kylee Yoerger, Jean Semsch, Ian Bjurstrom, Teresa Bjurstrom, Stacey Hennings, and Susan Stoefen.  

 

The mission statement was read.  

 

Staff/Student Forum: None

 

Public Forum: A member of the public brought up concerns about support staff turnover and the effect it has on students in the district with 504’s or IEP’s. 

 

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Knoche advised he will be attending the following trainings in the next month: Grundmeyer Learning Services 7/9, SAI Training for New Superintendents 7/10, Title IX Training 7/12, SAI State mandated mentoring, Leadership Team Building 8/6 12-4pm, SAI Annual Conference 8/7 and 8/8. Mr. Knoche also recommended to do a first reading for Title IX Discrimination Policies 106.1(5 Procedures) and then hold on the 2nd reading to see what the courts determine.

 

Principal’s Report: Welcome Mr. Knoche! Our custodian Mr. Deerberg has been working hard to get the school ready for the 2024/2025 school year cleaning rooms, getting ready to wax the halls, and preparing the gym. Mr. Deerberg and Mr. Hermsen put up the new Bomber gym pads and they look great. School registration is July 15th-August 9th and families can make online payments with no fee during this time. The summer lunch program is now serving over 160 meals each Tuesday. 

 

Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf to approve the agenda.  Motion carried 3/0.

 

General Business of the Board:  

8a: Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf to approve the minutes from June 10th, claims totaling $466,906.42 and June financials.  Motion carried 3/0.

B. Policy Review: None

C. Carpet bids: Carpetland, Martin Floorworks: waiting for an additional bid to compare pricing.

D. Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf to approve the milk bid from Prairie Farms Dairy.

E. EOP moved to August board meeting.

F. Contracts/Resignations: None

 

Announcements/Discussion: There will be a board work session on July 23, 2024 from 5:30-7:30pm. Denise McGhee suggested bringing back High Five Fridays. Nicole Wolf asked for an update on preschool bussing and an idea of the yearly cost for preschool bussing. 

 

Correspondence: None

Adjournment: Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director McGhee to adjourn the meeting at 7:3pm. Motion carried 3/0.

 

BENNETT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

PROCEEDINGS OF WORK SESSION

JULY 23, 2024

 

The Bennett Board of Education met for a work session on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in

the staff workroom of the Bennett Community School, Bennett, IA. President Dani Pratt called the meeting to order at 5:36pm. Directors Denise McGhee, Chad Giebelstein, and

Nicole Wolf answered roll call and a quorum was declared. Also present were Superintendent Shane Knoche, Board Secretary Kylee Yoerger, Principal Jeremiah Costello via Zoom, and Tammi Drawbaugh. Director Greg Reynolds was absent. 

 

Director Giebelstein motioned, seconded by Director Nicole Wolf to enter a work session with the Iowa Association of School Boards representative Tammi Drawbaugh. Motion carried 3/0.

 

The work session was focused on the roles of the board and board goals.

 

Director Giebelstein motioned, seconded by Director Wolf to adjourn the meeting at 8:04pm. Motion carried 3/0.

BENNETT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

PROCEEDINGS OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

August 12, 2024

 

The Bennett Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 12, 2024 in the gymnasium of the Bennett Community School, Bennett, IA. President Dani Pratt called the meeting to order at 7:02pm. Directors Greg Reynolds, Denise McGhee, and Chad Giebelstein answered roll call and a quorum was declared. Director Nicole Wolf was absent. Also present were Superintendent Shane Knoche, Principal Jeremiah Costello, Board Secretary Kylee Yoerger, SRO Officer Diercks, Ian Bjurstrom, Juli Miller, Heather Sivia, Stacey Hennings, and Susan Stoefen.  

 

The mission statement was read.  

 

Staff/Student Forum: None

 

Public Forum: None

 

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Knoche introduced Officer Diercks who will be Bennett’s SRO starting this year. Thank you to Ian and Teresa Bjurstrom for their feedback on safety plans as this feedback will help Officer Diercks as he reviews our EOP. Thank you to the school board members for the work session. Currently Mr. Knoche is continuing to meet with members of staff and the community for one on one meetings. 

 

Principal’s Report: The Summer Food Program served 12,000 meals. Staff has moved the safe security box to the bank in New Liberty. Amplify is all here and we will begin the year with three PD sessions. We are still finalizing the preschool class lists as new students sign up. Over the summer we moved offices. The music room carpet bids are on hold for now. Ms. Kress is beginning to work towards her administration degree this year. Mr. Knoche and Mr. Costello attended a leadership retreat and the SAI conference this summer. Unpack your backpack night is the 21st, the 20th and 21st are in-service days, and the 22nd is a planning day. Please see Mr. Costello after the meeting if you are interested in an apparel form for this year. 

 

Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director McGhee to approve the agenda. Motion carried 3/0.

 

General Business of the Board:  

8a: Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director McGhee to approve the minutes from July 8th, claims totaling $56,050.74 and July financials. Motion carried 3/0. 

-Open Enrollment denial: (requested after the deadline) 

8b: Policy Review: Attendance Policy 501.09 and 501.09 R (1), Title IX materials and Policy - court case is still in 8th Circuit.

-Board Committees:

Policy (Pratt, McGhee)

Facilities/Operations (Giebelstein, Reynolds)

Negotiations/Interest Based Problem Solving (Prett, Reynolds)

Finance (Reynolds, Wolf)

8c: Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director McGhee to approve hiring an afternoon custodian. Motion carried 3/0.

8d: Director McGhee moved, seconded by Director Giebelstein to approve instating three bus stops in the city of Bennett as well as the city of New Liberty. Motion carried 3/0.

8e: Emergency Operations Plan for review.

8f: Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director McGhee to approve hiring Maureen Dolan as the Preschool Teacher.  Motion carried 3/0.

Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Reynolds to approve hiring Curtis Wendel as a Paraprofessional. Motion carried 3/0.

Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Reynolds to approve hiring Kendell Durant as a Nutrition Aide. Motion carried 3/0.

 

Announcements/Discussion:

9a: An additional carpet bid will be obtained but the project will be on hold for now. 

9b: Review 200 Series for board members. 

 

Correspondence: None

Adjournment: Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director McGhee to adjourn the meeting at 7:59pm. Motion carried 3/0.

 

BENNETT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

PROCEEDINGS OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

September 9, 2024

 

The Bennett Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024 in the conference room of the Bennett Community School, Bennett, IA. President Dani Pratt called the meeting to order at 7:01pm. Directors Greg Reynolds, Nicole Wolf, and Chad Giebelstein answered roll call and a quorum was declared. Director Denise McGhee was absent. Also present were Superintendent Shane Knoche, Principal Jeremiah Costello, Board Secretary Kylee Yoerger, Juli Miller, Heather Sivia, and Jen Slater.  

 

The mission statement was read.  

 

Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf to approve the agenda. Motion carried 3/0.

 

Public Forum: None

 

Consent Agenda: 

A: Minutes from August 12, 2024 Meeting

B: Financial Report as of August 31, 2024 (including Nutrition Fund)

C: August Bills + $40,814.34 to Central DeWitt Consortium

D: Hires & Resignations-Betty Jo Schmitt as Head Cook

Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf to approve the consent agenda items. Motion carried 3/0.

 

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Knoche has been visiting the elementary classrooms, playground, and riding along for bus rides. The first “Fist Bump Friday” was great thanks to the Cedar County Sheriff's Department. Currently up to 75 individual meetings. Looking into a permanent stop sign by the school and flashing lights for pedestrians to cross the highway safely. 

 

Principal’s Report: Attended a statewide curriculum meeting about chronic absenteeism and persistently at risk. Asset tagging has been completed. Mr. Costello advised he has been supporting our new preschool teacher with IGDI’s, Gold, and Early Childhood LETRs. The staff professional development first day back was a large success thanks to Mr. Knoche! The first few days of school have been hot so students were all provided with water for bus rides. The building feels great with students back in it!

 

Committee Reports: None

 

Old Business: 

A: Title IX materials and Policy - court case still in 8th Circuit -second reading is not needed at this time.

B: Board Committees

1. Policy - Dani, Denise

   1. 2nd Monday of the Month 5:30-7pm

1. Facilities/Operations - Chad, Greg

   1. Sept 17 4-5:30pm, Oct 29 4-5:30pm , Feb 25 4-5:30 June 3 4-5pm

1. Negotiations/Interest Based Problem Solving - Dani, Chad

   1. Starting in January will try for Tuesdays

1. Finance - Greg, Nicole

   1. End of November 5 year look, early March upcoming budget

 

New Business:

A: Policy Review: 

i. Second Reading: 

1. Attendance Policy 501.09 and 501.09 R (1) 

Ii. First Reading 602.17 Open Enrollment will replace:  Wolf, Reynolds

1. 501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

2. 501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

B: Level I Investigator-Mrs. Sugar and Mr. Costello, Building Principal; Level II Investigator- Warren Wethington, Cedar County Sheriff’s Department; Title IX and Equity Coordinator-Shane Knoche, Superintendent; Homeless Liaison-Ms Koranda; District Attorney-Ahlers&Cooney  Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf to approve. Motion carried 3/0.

 

Board Comments/Correspondence: 

A: Board members reviewed the Board Policy 200 Series. 

B: Any board members available to go to the IASB Annual Convention let Mr. Knoche know by 9/23. Director Greg Reynolds volunteered to be the Bennett CSD Delegate.

 

Adjournment: Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf to adjourn the meeting at 7:43pm. Motion carried 3/0.

 

BENNETT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

PROCEEDINGS OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

October 14, 2024

 

The Bennett Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024 in the conference room of the Bennett Community School, Bennett, IA. President Dani Pratt called the meeting to order at 7:03pm. Directors Greg Reynolds, Nicole Wolf, Denise McGhee, and Chad Giebelstein answered roll call and a quorum was declared. Also present were Superintendent Shane Knoche, Principal Jeremiah Costello, Board Secretary Kylee Yoerger, John Hulick, Sharon Jamison, and Jen Slater.  

 

The mission statement was read.  

 

Director Wolf moved, seconded by Director Giebelstein to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4/0.

 

Public Forum: Bennett City Council member John H. discussed the possibility of adding a stop sign at Main St and 3rd St due to student’s crossing if the school is interested in partnering with the city.

 

Consent Agenda: 

A: Minutes from September 9, 2024 Meeting

B: Financial Report as of September 30, 2024 (including Nutrition Fund)

C: September Bills + $53,840.86 

D: Hires & Resignations-Wyatt Winters as Afternoon Custodian

Director Wolf moved, seconded by Director Giebelstein to approve the consent agenda items. Motion carried 4/0.

 

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Knoche met with Governor Reynolds to discuss preschool funding and sharing agreements with schools. He also attended Executive Leaders. Mr. Knoche met with the AEA about our alternative school agreement and the benefits to the school. Additionally he attended the Leading with Impact and attended the superintendent’s meeting. Mr. Knoche is continuing to work on state reporting with Mr. Costello. 

 

Principal’s Report: Thank you to Bomber Boosters for the conference meals as well as the FAST Testing treats for students and staff! Fall conferences went well. Administration met with the Cedar County Sheriff about our school’s reunification plan and all staff will be attending Run, Hide, Fight Training on Oct. 30th. Ms. Kress is currently working on receiving her degree in Administration. The school’s Therapy Dog Gilbert has successfully completed training. The second grade class tagged and released Monarch butterflies. All students and staff participated in the annual Healthiest State Walk. Thank you to both Tipton and Durant students for celebrating Homecoming with Bennett.

 

Committee Reports: 

A: Facilities - Next meeting Oct. 29th 4:00pm - 5:30pm 

B: Policy - Next meeting Nov 11 5:45pm - 6:55pm

 

Old Business: 

1. Board Committees

i. Policy - Dani, Denise

1. 2nd Monday of the Month 5:45-6:55pm

2.  Facilities/Operations - Chad, Greg

   1. Sept 17 4-5:30pm, Oct 29 4-5:30pm , Feb 25 4-5:30 June 3 4-5pm

3. Negotiations/Interest Based Problem Solving - Dani, Chad

   1. Starting in January will try for Tuesdays

4. Finance - Greg, Nicole

   1. End of November 5 year look 

   2. Early March upcoming budget

 

New Business:

A: Policy Review: 

I. First Reading: None

II. Second Reading: 602.17 Open Enrollment. Director Giebelstein moved, seconded by Director Wolf. Motion carried 4/0.

1. 501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

2. 501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

 

Board Comments/Correspondence: 

A: IASB Annual Convention - Nov. 20-22 2024, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines 

B: Bennett Delegate Greg Reynolds & CW Delegate Jay Ganzer

 

Adjournment: Director McGhee moved, seconded by Director Wolf to adjourn the meeting at 7:59pm. Motion carried 4/0.