ACSD Board of Directors hears updates on school district’s first virtual learning snow day, approves software budget

by Brianne Eilers

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met Monday evening, January 18 for its regular monthly board meeting. Board member Erik Helgerson was absent from the meeting.

Under the Consent Agenda, the board approved after-school programming staff, pending the completion of a satisfactory background check. Adam Hooten and Sarah Hagen were approved as volunteers for this year’s musical production and Kasie Criswell was approved for hiring as an elementary paraprofessional.

John O’Neill was approved as an assistant varsity boys track coach. The board also accepted the retirement resignation of Cindy Wuebker from her position as a first grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The board approved one open enrollment as well.

During the Communications portion of the meeting, ACSD Superintendent Jay Mathis reported that COVID-19 numbers in the school district have remained fairly low, despite higher numbers on the national, state and county levels. He also noted that building principals and activities directors have been working hard to host events during the ever-changing regulations from the state level. Mathis also said that ACSD fans and players have been very cooperative with recommended measures.

Mathis also reported that, according to public health officials, ACSD staff will be offered the vaccine in the next week or so. He has also been working with East/West Elementary Principal Samantha Thornton regarding signage for elementary classrooms. Mathis noted that hopefully they will be able to hold an open house for the public to see the renovations to the elementary buildings sometime soon.

Waukon High School Principal Jennifer Garin was absent from the meeting but noted in her report submitted to the board that the Construction class house project is continuing on schedule and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members are preparing for Regionals.

She also noted that she has completed a Secondary Career and Technical Report Application and that first semester grades have been calculated. Principal Garin and Waukon High School Guidance Counselor Amy Wasson will be meeting with members of NICC to look at course offerings for the 2021-2022 school year.

Waukon High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director Brian Hilsabeck reported that the high school is down to 24 students learning remotely from home. He also noted that the first virtual learning snow day (Friday, January 15) had about an 85% participation rate from high school students. There were a few call-ins regarding internet issues and technical issues. Hilsabeck also reported that they have been working to follow the protocols and mitigation strategies for winter sports, noting that activities have gone well with spectators and participants following protocols. He also thanked everyone for being flexible with the changes that are made.

Waukon Middle School Principal Luke Steege reported that he talked with the middle school staff and they were very pleased with how the first virtual learning snow day went. The middle school had around an 86% participation level, there again being some technical issues and internet issues. The middle school also hosted a dual wrestling meet with Decorah after the Christmas break. Steege explained that they don’t normally wrestle after the Christmas break, but due to meets being canceled and things, this was a way for parents to be able to attend a home meet.

The middle school is down to 13 remote learners. Steege also noted that due to the middle school gym being smaller than the high school gym, they kept some of the protocols in place for an extra week regarding attendance at events, but will be implementing new protocols.

East and West Elementary Schools Principal Samantha Thornton thanked everyone who contributed to the Holiday Book Drive. Between book and money donations, they were able to provide a book for each student at West and also have additional books for the Indian All-Star of the Month. Mr. and Mrs. Claus visited West Elementary to hand out books and candy to students prior to the holiday break. The elementary schools have also received some monetary donations from the Good Fellas Riding Club.

At the elementary level, administration and staff are in the process of forming a Grading Committee and an MTSS Team. Winter FAST testing begins this week. There are 16 remote learners between both of the elementary buildings. Kindergarten and Pre-School Round-Up dates will be pushed back to May in the hopes that families may actually be able to attend the event in person.

ACSD Curriculum Director Eliza Philpott noted in her report submitted to the board that  they have been working on professional development. Math teachers will be spending time at Riceville to observe a new math curriculum. Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) testing will be taking place this spring.

Buildings and Grounds Director Bill Hennessy reported that during the Christmas break, two gym floors and all of the hallways were waxed. The custodial staff was also busy cleaning and sanitizing areas thoroughly. He noted that they are still waiting on the attic hatches/entrances at West Elementary.

Technology Director Shawn Gordon noted that ACSD will be filing for its Category 1 ERATE services (internet) within the next month. They are also hoping to add Allamakee-Clayton REC to the bidder pool. The software subscription list has been completed for the year and was approved later in the meeting. Gordon also said that his department is preparing for the upcoming ISASP testing.

Food Service Director Julie Magner reported that student numbers for breakfast and lunch have increased after the return of students from their break. There were a few kitchen staff members out for quarantine in December, but everyone is healthy now. She also noted that despite the challenges of this school year, the food service department is having a good year.

Transportation Director Andrew Eberling informed the board that he is still waiting to hear back from the Iowa (Department of Transportation) DOT regarding the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant. He also reported that they are looking for individuals interested in part-time bus driving positions and they will train the individuals to get the license needed.

Under Old Business, the board approved the second reading of a number of Board Policies. Those policies dealt mainly with administration and benefit matters regarding employees.

Under New Business, the board approved second semester contracted and Placement in College Credit (PICC) classes. It was noted that many students are taking advantage of these classes. The board then approved the 2021-2022 budget for software and subscriptions at a grand total of $173,243.38. They also approved a request for proposal for ERATE network upgrades. These will be Category 2, which involves equipment. The district is looking at doing an equipment upgrade in order to add access points and make necessary upgrades to keep up with the demands of digital learning.

A public hearing was set for the board’s next regular meeting, Monday, February 15, 2021 at 5:30 p.m., for the 2021-2022 school calendar. Board members also voted to approve a resolution extending FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) Leave to go through March 31, 2021. This is also the current ending date for the extension at the Federal level. Superintendent Mathis noted that he felt this was a fair thing to do, as employees in the fall were able to utilize this if needed and he felt it would be good for the district to extend the leave offering should employees need to utilize it at this time.

Prior to adjournment, the board approved the first reading of other Board Policies. These policies focused on student conduct, attendance and enrollment matters.