The Camanche School District’s Board of Education met on Monday, January 18th. Please note that these are not the official minutes. The official Agendas and Minutes from the Camanche Community School District school board are available and posted on our school district website (camanche.k12.ia.us).
Items to highlight from this school board meeting would include:
- Three community members provided their perspective regarding the district’s use of an “Indian” mascot during the Public Forum. Since this topic was an item published on the agenda, the Board discussed the topic of the district’s use of a Native American Mascot and Imagery during the meeting. Superintendent Parker informed the Board that the school district has been contacted by multiple Native American Tribes or Organizations requesting that the District discontinue the use of an “Indian” mascot. This includes a letter from the Fox & Sac Tribe in of the Mississippi in Iowa (Meskwaki Nation), which is Iowa’s only formally recognized Tribal government in the State of Iowa and a letter from the Oneida Nation. This also includes being contacted by the National Congress of American Indians. Previously, the Iowa Commission on Native American Affairs has requested that the school district end its use of the Native American mascot. During their conversation, the Board acknowledged that there are people with strong opinions on both sides of the argument about the use of a Native American mascot. Regardless of their opinion, most everyone does seem to agree that people don’t want to see their school mascot causing controversy or division. As the Board prepares to make a decision about this matter, they directed the administration to look for ways to provide the community with information about why this topic is an issue, so people can better understand the importance of their decision. The Board plans to discuss this topic as an agenda item at next month’s meeting.
- Superintendent Parker and the Principals updated the school board about the Hybrid Learning Plan. At the beginning of the 2nd Semester, the high school and middle school will adjust their schedules so students will attend in person every other day as opposed to the schedule that was followed during the 1st Semester. This will allow our students to have more regular contact with their teachers instead of going multiple days without seeing their teacher in person. The elementary school will continue to follow its current Hybrid Learning Schedule. Superintendent Parker shared with the Board that to this point Camanche Schools has not seen a significant spike in COVID-19 cases after the holidays. Hopefully, we will be in a position to consider a return to full in school learning yet this spring. Superintendent Parker also commended the Activities Department for the nice job they have done in implementing strategies to accommodate fans attending our events and to comply with the state’s changing expectations and guidelines.
- Matt Gillaspie, from Piper/Sandler provided the school board with information regarding the upcoming sale of bonds by the school district made possible by the public’s support of our facilities bond referendum. At this time interest rates are low which will work to the school district’s financial advantage and property valuation in the school district has increased which will work to the taxpayer’s financial advantage. The Board will start many of the formal procedures to issue bonds next month.
- The Board approved the recommendation to establish an Early Retirement Incentive for this school year in response to the economic challenges the Pandemic has caused.
- The Board passed a Resolution supporting Eastern Iowa Community College’s bond referendum that will provide enhanced Career and Technical Education training opportunities for our students and the students in several school districts throughout eastern Iowa.
- The school board approved extending the leave benefits of Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through March 31, 2121.
- Superintendent Parker provided the Board with a “Draft Copy” of a proposed calendar for the 2021-2022 school year. This calendar represents the concept of a “Common Calendar” with other school districts in Clinton County. A Common Calendar would allow schools to better coordinate vocational course offerings with Eastern Iowa Community College and one another. This includes the continuation of a one-week spring break in March. This break would correspond with EICC’s spring break and the spring break of most school districts in Clinton County. The proposed calendar will be brought back before the Board for their approval at next month’s meeting.
- The Board recognized and expressed their appreciation to the school district’s guidance counselors (Ms. Daniels, Mrs. Winslow, & Mrs. Sampson) upon hearing that they received a “District of Distinction” recognition from the Iowa School Counselor Association.
- Superintendent Parker notified the Board that he will present his recommendation for the 2021-2022 Staffing Plan and the Budget Estimate at the March 15, 2021 meeting.
As is usually the case, the school board completed the meeting by approving administrative recommendations regarding personnel.