EACSD Board of Directors hears presentation on Work Based Learning program; Jim Mauss hired to return as Kee baseball head coach
by Susan Cantine-Maxson
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) was held at Kee High School in Lansing Monday, November 19. The meeting was called to order by Heather Schulte, Board President, with several staff members and student visitors in attendance.
After the adoption of the agenda, several FFA students from the high school chapter and their advisor, Ray Rankin, gave a presentation on their participation at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. For the first time in school history, four FFA students also participated in the national level Milk Quality and Products competition and ended with a final ranking of 33rd in the national competition.
Tiffanie Peters presented to the board an overview of the Work Based Learning program being introduced at Kee High School. The purpose of the program is for students to have an opportunity to develop better-informed career choices and employment opportunities after high school. The program, with its rigorous process of applying, training plan and weekly reporting, is designed for students to complete on-the-job work experience with a local business in an occupation that is of interest to them.
Band and vocal music instructors Elizabeth Peregrine and Felicity Eward, along with several of their music students, spoke about participation in leadership roles and section leader positions in the classroom for helping other chorus and band students. The students also talked to the board about taking part in concerts and solo and ensemble events and their involvement in clinics and how this has helped with personal growth.
The board approved the resolution authorizing the district’s administration to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committe (SBRC) in the amount of $20,136 for Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA). The amount is for the purpose of a one-time funding budget adjustment due to open enrollment out students on the Fall 2018 Certified Enrollment but not on the Fall 2017 Certified Enrollment, as well as for increasing enrollment.
Under personnel matters, the board approved contracts for James Mauss as varsity baseball head coach, Hunter Fink as assistant varsity baseball coach and the transfer of Quinn Brennan from varsity assistant baseball coach to JV baseball coach. Mauss had previously coached the Hawks during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The board also accepted the resignation of Patty Olson as Teacher Aide.
New Albin Elementary School Principal Chad Steckel said the elementary school had a good Veterans Day program. He advised that teachers are working on sending report cards home, and the new gym wall mats for behind the baskets have been installed.
Kee Middle and High School Principal Mary Hogan said final exams were last week and today (November 19) was the beginning of trimester 2. Middle school MAP testing was complete but test scores still needed to be review.
EACSD Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier said the presentation on shared superintendents at the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) convention went well. He said the three keynote speakers at the conference were also good.
