Mission
“Preparing students to be responsible citizens and lifelong learners.”
Attendees

Voting Members
Gina Paulsen, Board President
John Beck, Board Vice President
Sue McCauley, Board Member
Richard Radtke, Board Member
Josh Rausch, Board Member
Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, Board Member
Dallas Jalas, Board Member
Non-Voting Members
Wade Riley, Superintendent
Aaron Giese, SBO/Board Secretary

A. Call to Order
Board President Gina Paulsen called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
B. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum
All members were present.  Quorum established.
C. Adoption of Agenda
Motion made by: John Beck
Motion seconded by: Richard Radtke
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
D. Public Hearing

1. Paullina Buildings Projects
   No public comments were received.
2. Primghar Building Project
   No public comments were received.
   E. Welcome and Delegation
3. Public Forum
   None.
   F. Consider Consent Items
4. Minutes of Previous Meetings
   Motion made by: John Beck
   Motion seconded by: Richard Radtke
   Voting:
   Unanimously Approved
5. 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: Dallas Jalas
   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: Sue McCauley
   Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
   Voting:
   Unanimously Approved
   G. Reports
6. Reports by Administration
   a. FFA Presentation
   Advisor Eric Kumm and members Brett Evans, Bode Bailey, and Ethan Schwarz presented to the board information regarding the Future Farmers of America program at South O’Brien.
   b. Directors
   Superintendent Wade Riley presented information to the board from the directors of the district including buildings, transportation, maintenance, nutrition, technology, and activities.
   c. 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 FAST data.
   d. Secondary
   Superintendent Wade Riley presented an update to the board from the secondary including 21st-century skills, positive climate and culture, high performance and growth, facilities, classroom visits and i-Ready math diagnostic results.
   e. Superintendent
   Superintendent Wade Riley updated the board on several issues including the bond project from FEH Design, academic calendar work for the 2024-25 school year, legislative happenings, the summer lunch program, and upcoming dates to look for.
7. Recognition of Staff, Students and Patrons
   Superintendent Wade Riley and board members congratulated the jazz band on being crowned Class 1A champions at the NWIBA District Jazz Festival.  Also mentioned was the upcoming district final game for the boys’ basketball team against MMCRU.  See the school website and SO’ app for other updates.
   H. Board Committee Reports
8. Finance/Negotiations Committee
   Members of the finance/negotiations committee briefly commented on issues relating to the negotiations process for the 2024-25 school year including salaries, benefits, State Supplemental Aid, and new money for the district.
   I. Unfinished Business
   None.
   J. New Business
9. Consider Approval of First Reading of Board Policy Code 800 Series
   Motion made by: Sue McCauley
   Motion seconded by: John Beck
   Voting:
   Unanimously Approved
10. Consider Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $8,935,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof
    Motion made by: John Beck
    Motion seconded by: Josh Rausch
    Voting:
    Gina Paulsen – Yes
    John Beck – Yes
    Sue McCauley – Yes
    Richard Radtke – Yes
    Josh Rausch – Yes
    Beth Sibenaller-Woodall – Yes
    Dallas Jalas – Yes
    Motion carried. Resolution is hereto attached and made part of the minutes.
11. Consider Approval of Disclosure Counsel Engagement Letter for Series 2024 General Obligation Bonds
    Motion made by: Sue McCauley
    Motion seconded by: John Beck
    Voting:
    Unanimously Approved
12. Consider Approval of New Bus Bids
    Motion to approve the new bus bid from Blue Bird Corporation.
    Motion made by: Sue McCauley
    Motion seconded by: Josh Rausch
    Voting:
    Unanimously Approved
13. Consider Approval of Nutrition Equipment Purchases
    Motion to approve the purchase of a dishwasher, fridge, and oven from Jess Food Equipment.
    Motion made by: John Beck
    Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
    Voting:
    Unanimously Approved
14. Consider Approval of Modified 2023-2024 School Calendar
    Motion to add May 24th as a makeup day for students and to table further discussion of makeup days to a later date.
    Motion made by: Josh Rausch
    Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
    Voting:
    Unanimously Approved
    K. Personnel
15. Resignations
    April Jurgens – Four-Year-Old Preschool Instructor
    Michelle Aberson – NHS Advisor
    Motion made by: Sue McCauley
    Motion seconded by: John Beck
    Voting:
    Unanimously Approved
16. Employment of Staff
    Kevin Poeckes – JH Track Coach
    Kim Poeckes – JH Track Coach
    Motion made by: John Beck
    Motion seconded by: Josh Rausch
    Voting:
    Unanimously Approved
    L. Communication
17. IASB Information
    Board members were encouraged to reach out to their representatives regarding current legislation.
    M. Talking Points
    Board members noted their appreciation of the FFA presentation and the continued success of the program.
    N. Consider Closed Session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i): To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
    Motion to enter into closed session at 7:15 PM.
    Motion made by: John Beck
    Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
    Voting:
    Gina Paulsen – Yes
    John Beck – Yes
    Sue McCauley – Yes
    Richard Radtke – Yes
    Josh Rausch – Yes
    Beth Sibenaller-Woodall – Yes
    Dallas Jalas – Yes
    Motion carried.
18. Closed Session
    O. Adjournment
    The Board of Education re-entered into open session at 7:36 PM.

Roll Call – Present: Josh Rausch, Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, Sue McCauley, Dallas Jalas, Gina Paulsen, John Beck, Richard Radtke.  Absent – None.
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: John Beck
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 PM.
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier Feb. 29, 2024