South O’Brien School DistrictBoard of Education Regular Meeting 09/25/2023 06:30 PM Paullina Site Conference Room MEETING MINUTES
Mission
“Preparing students to be responsible citizens and lifelong learners.”
Attendees
Voting Members
Gina Paulsen, Board President
John Beck, Board Vice President
Brenda Kruse, Board Member
Sue McCauley, Board Member
Richard Radtke, Board Member
Josh Rausch, Board Member
Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, Board Member
Non-Voting Members
Wade Riley, Superintendent
Aaron Giese, SBO/Board Secretary
Denise Phillips, JH/HS Principal
Jean Steen, Elementary Principal
A. Call to Order
Board President Gina Paulsen called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
B. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum
All board members were present. Quorum established.
C. Adoption of Agenda
Motion to adopt the amended agenda adding item O. Consider Approval of Tentative Settlement Agreement Negotiated by EMC.
Motion made by: John Beck
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
D. Welcome and Delegation
- Citizens who have a place on the agenda may address the board on an issue of their concern during the discussion of that issue. Citizens who do not have a place on the agenda may address the board on any issue of their concern during the open forum of the regular meeting.
- Open Forum: The board may allow up to five minutes for citizens to discuss school matters with the board. Personnel matters are not to be discussed by or considered by the board until adequately considered by the administration.
- The open meeting law requires the posting of the board agenda more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Topics not included on the agenda may be added only if good cause exists requiring expeditious discussion and/or emergency action on such matters.
E. Consider Consent Items - Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Brenda Kruse
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Financial Reports
a. Financial Statements
Board Secretary/SBO Aaron Giese provided the board with commentary on the school financials including receipts and expenditures, fund balances, and upcoming items to look for.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Josh Rausch
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
b. Consider Payment of Invoices
Board Secretary/SBO Aaron Giese highlighted some invoices and expenditures for the month and answered questions posed by board members.
Motion made by: John Beck
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
F. Reports - Bullying and Prevention Plan Update
Elementary principal Jean Steen and secondary principal Denise Phillips delivered a bullying and prevention plan update from the elementary and secondary buildings. The principals highlighted student activities for the month and the overall objectives and goals of their plans. - Reports by Administration
a. Directors
Superintendent Riley presented information to the board from the directors of the district including buildings, transportation, maintenance, nutrition, technology, and activities.
b. Elementary
Elementary principal Jean Steen presented an update to the board from the elementary including 21st-century skills, positive climate and culture, high performance and growth, facilities, and a recap of Spring 2023 ISASP data.
c. Secondary
Secondary principal Denise Phillips presented an update to the board from the secondary including 21st-century skills, positive climate and culture, high performance and growth, facilities, and a recap of Spring 2023 ISASP performance.
d. Superintendent
Superintendent Wade Riley updated the board on a number of issues including the Paullina bathroom remodel project, certified enrollment, the December board meeting, EMC Insurance, an upcoming special meeting/work session in October, and other upcoming dates to watch for. - Recognition of Staff, Students and Patrons
See the school website and SO’ app for updates.
G. Board Committee Reports
None
H. Unfinished Business - Consider Approval of Second Reading of Board Policy Code 300 Series
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of Second Reading of Board Policy Code 705.01-R(1), 705.01-R(2), 705.04, and 705.04-R(1)
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Josh Rausch
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
I. New Business - Consider Approval of First Reading of Board Policy Code 104 and 104-R(1)
Motion made by: Brenda Kruse
Motion seconded by: John Beck
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of First Reading of Board Policy Code 503.08
Motion made by: John Beck
Motion seconded by: Richard Radtke
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of Out-of-State Travel
Motion to approve out-of-state travel for the FFA program for various events across the United States.
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of Iowa Drug and Alcohol Testing Program (IDATP)
Motion to approve the Iowa Drug and Alcohol Testing Program for school transportation employees.
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of New Bus Barn Garage Door(s) at Primghar
Motion to approve the bid from D&K Door to replace three overhead doors at the Primghar bus barn.
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
J. Personnel - Resignations
None - Employment of Staff
None
K. Communication - IASB Information
Board president Gina Paulsen encouraged board members to check out the resources on the IASB website.
L. Talking Points
Board members appreciated all of the activities for homecoming and noted how much the students enjoyed the week.
M. Consider Closed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c.): To discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation.
Motion to enter into closed session at 7:15 PM.
Motion made by: John Beck
Motion seconded by: Brenda Kruse
Voting:
Gina Paulsen – Yes
John Beck – Yes
Brenda Kruse – Yes
Sue McCauley – Yes
Richard Radtke – Yes
Josh Rausch – Yes
Beth Sibenaller-Woodall – Yes
Motion carried.
N. Closed Session
O. Consider Approval of Tentative Settlement Agreement Negotiated by EMC
The board re-entered into open session at 8:07 PM.
Roll Call
Present: Josh Rausch, Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, Sue McCauley, Brenda Kruse, Gina Paulsen, John Beck, Richard Radtke
Absent: None
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Richard Radtke
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
P. Adjournment
Motion made by: Brenda Kruse
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 PM.
Gina Paulsen, Board President
Aaron Giese, SBO/Board Secretary
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier October 5, 2023
