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
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Policy - Dani, Denise
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2nd Monday of the Month 5:30-7pm
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Facilities/Operations - Chad, Greg
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Sept 17 4-5:30pm, Oct 29 4-5:30pm , Feb 25 4-5:30 June 3 4-5pm
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Negotiations/Interest Based Problem Solving - Dani, Chad
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Starting in January will try for Tuesdays
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Finance - Greg, Nicole
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End of November 5 year look, early March upcoming budget
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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
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501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District
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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.
