EACSD Board of Directors hears options for district’s Return to Learn plan, approves fees and bids for upcoming school year
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 Tuesday, June 16. Board member Kelli Mudderman was absent and Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier was present via telephone later in the meeting.
The board unanimously approved the purchase of 93 Lenovo 100e Chromebooks for the New Albin Elementary third through sixth grade students. Kee High School and Middle School Principal Mary Hogan reviewed the district’s safety procedure in cases of a tornado, fire and an intruder for either a lockdown or an evacuation.
The board also reviewed the district’s training policy for suicide prevention and postvention, and both procedures were approved. In addition, the board approved the Policy for Carriers Concerning the Misuse of Alcohol and Use of Controlled Substances. Further action approved Board Policies 403.6E1 and 403.6E2 which updated policies regarding testing for the alcohol and use of controlled substances for bus drivers, and the changes to the 2020-21 Parent and Student Handbook which included the changes in staff and the addition of video security cameras for student safety.
In personnel matters, The board approved a new contract for Allison Fitzwater to be the full-time National Honor Society sponsor. Regarding monetary matters, the board approved the transfer of $4,043.46 to the Activity Fund for safety equipment purchased during the 2019-20 school year. The board also approved the following food service and registration fees for the 2020-2021 school year:
For Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade students: Breakfast $1.95; Lunch $2.85; Extra milk $0.60; Book fees $55.00; Activity Ticket $50.
For seventh through 12th grade students: Breakfast $1.95; Lunch $2.95; Extra milk $0.60; Book fees $65.00; Activity Ticket $50; Drivers Education $275.00.
For adults: Breakfast $2.45; Lunch $3.85; Activity Ticket $70.
The board accepted the low LP gas bid from AgVantage FS for $0.870 per gallon contingent upon the installation of the tanks at the bid winner’s cost. The other bids were Amerigas at $0.940 per gallon, Farmer’s Union Coop at $0.940 per gallon and Consolidated Energy at $0.9850 per gallon.
The board authorized the issuance of bread and milk bids for the 2020-2021 school year, as well as bill payment through June 30, 2020.
In his Superintendent’s report, Dr. Crozier discussed the Return to Learn plan document for the State of Iowa and Eastern Allamakee Community School District. The district has three plans for the start of classes in the fall: 1) Return as normal with classes; 2) Not return at all and have classes via Zoom or online; and 3) a hybrid of the first two.
Dr. Crozier has been working with staff to be ready for the coming school year. Personal protective equipment has been purchased (masks, disinfectant, sprayers, wipes, etc) and procedures for sanitizing desks, handles, keyboard, etc. have been discussed.
Dr. Crozier stated, “There is no deadline (to decide) - this situation is very fluid, and to say we have the answers would be wrong. What we do know is that we completely intend to and will educate our kids one way or another. We will need to wait and see how the governor deals with the situation.”
