The Camanche School District’s Board of Education met on Monday, May 17th. 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:
- The month of May is “School Board Recognition Month.” Superintendent Parker thanked Board members for their service in supporting the education for the children in our community. He mentioned that being a school board member is one of the few unpaid positions to which people are elected. Also, he commented on the many challenges that this group of Board members has had to face during the past year. He stated that we are truly fortunate to have this group of people currently serving as school board members as they have shown the ability to rise to the challenge and provide the District with their leadership during these challenging times.
- The school district will celebrate the Facilities Enhancement Project with a “Groundbreaking Ceremony” on Thursday, May 27th at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony will begin at the elementary school and then continue at approximately 2:45 p.m. at the high school. We plan to conclude the ceremony around 3:00 p.m. Please place May 27th on your calendar and plan to join us to celebrate the enhancement of our school facilities for our community’s children.
- The Board passed a series of Resolutions to complete the sale of General Obligation Bonds for $13,435,000. Work on the Facilities Enhancement Project will begin this summer. We plan to complete the initial work on safety and security enhancements at the entries of the elementary and high schools by the time school begins this upcoming fall. Also, the high school gymnasium enhancement work will be completed this summer in time for the start of the upcoming school year.
- (Please Note: The District is now following the state law enacted on May 20th that does not allow schools to require face coverings. This item reflects the action taken during this meeting that occurred before this law was put in place). The school board approved continuing to require mask wearing in school buildings until the end of the current school year. They also will allow people attending outdoor events on school grounds who are vaccinated to choose not to wear masks. Given the current conflicting guidance being issued by the Center for Disease Control and the Iowa Department of Health regarding masks, the school board will review this situation again at next month’s meeting.
- Principal Justin Shaffer updated the Board about the mascot transition process. There are committees of students, school staff, community members and alumni who are working towards recommending a new mascot. During this past month, the committee has been narrowing the list down to three possible mascots. Much of this is based upon feedback received from the public. The committee plans to receive additional community input regarding the three final mascot options, with the goal of recommending a mascot to the school board in June.
- Superintendent Parker reported that the school administration is working on a proposal to use ARP ESSER funding provided by the federal government to add a teacher to each building. The purpose for doing this revolves around providing academic support for students who were negatively impacted by the pandemic. The administrative team plans to present the school board with the completed proposal at next month’s meeting.
- The school board amended the current year’s budget to reflect the influx of money received from the bond referendum and pandemic-related federal funds. This will not impact the tax levy rate.
- The Board approved financial settlements with the District’s employee groups for the upcoming school year.
- Mr. Shaffer reported to the Board that the band is looking to take a trip to Florida during the next school year over Spring Break. Mr. Skinner plans to be present at next month’s Board meeting to provide specific details to the Board and to look to receive Board approval.
- The Board completed the 2nd Reading of, and approved multiple school policies that will be revised, added, or deleted effective the next school year. Most of these changes are minor in nature and reflect the changes in law made by the state legislature.
- The Board renewed the District’s contract with Rock Valley Physical Therapy to provide athletic training services for our athletic teams. This service has been in place for the past several years and adds another layer of support and safety for our athletes.
As is usually the case, the school board completed the meeting by approving administrative recommendations regarding personnel.