EACSD Board of Directors introduced to new staff, approves personnel and other matters prior to start of new school year
by Susan Cantine-Maxson
The Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) met at Kee High School in Lansing Tuesday, August 22. All members of the board were present, including Tony Becker, Bobbie Goetzinger, Melanie Mauss, Kelli Mudderman and Arla Wagner. New Albin Elementary Principal Donna Thomas, EACSD Superintendent and Kee High School/Middle School Principal Dr. Sarah Murray and Board Secretary Michele Martin were also present, along with new EACSD staff members Megan Schwartzhoff, Tim Johnson, Misty Lemon-Rogers, Kaylee Klaes and Hailey Harms.
The meeting agenda was adopted and the following authorizations were approved: minutes of the July meeting, bills for August, Secretary’s Financial Statement, Student Activity and Food Service Reports for July. New staff members introduced themselves to the board, sharing their backgrounds and positions they will occupy for the school district this year.
In other personnel matters, the board approved the resignation of custodian Mark Seng. Approval was also given to the following contracts: Faye Schluter as bus driver and teacher aide; Wanda Waters as custodian; Misty Lemon-Rogers as English teacher, newspaper sponsor, yearbook sponsor and girls junior high track coach; Shauna Ashbacher as teacher aide and varsity volleyball; Kaylee Klaes as elementary teacher; and Tim Johnson as temporary art teacher.
In financial and business matters, the board approved the following banks as depositories for the 2023-2024 school year:
Kerndt Brothers Bank - $6,250,000.00
New Albin Savings Bank - $2,000,000.00
ISCAP - $1,000,000.00
ISJIT - $500,000.00
Bankers Trust - $3,500,000.00.
Ahlers & Cooney was approved as the school district’s attorney, and the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) contract for the 2023-2024 academic year was also given approval. An interfund transfer from Management Fund 22 to PPEL Fund 36 in the amount of $3,741.97 was approved. The board agreed to attend the annual Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Conference in Des Moines from November 14-17 this year.
Principal Thomas reported the family picnic in New Albin was a huge success. She reported that CRASE (Civilian Response Active Shooter Events) Training was held for staff and said it was emotional but very informative. They also participated in Stop the Bleed training. New Albin Elementary was assessed for safety and a plan will be made to continue the safety of staff and students.
Dr. Murray informed the board that the family picnic and registration in Lansing had a great attendance this year. She said the coronation event for Homecoming 2023 will be held September 24 in the evening this year. Dr. Murray said that new legislation (SF496) requires schools to have an online posting of all curriculum and library books. This legislation includes a process of how to petition to remove a book or use an alternative. Teachers are in the process of cataloging all books used in the system.
“Believe” is the theme this school year for district staff, based on the “Ted Lasso” television series. Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) funds will be petitioned for next July. A Special Education Director Sharing Agreement with the Decorah Community School District is forthcoming at a 20% service ratio for EACSD, and the school district will gain three students. Afterschool care was discussed, noting there is always a need for it. The concrete in front of the high school building on Center Street will need to be repaired following completion of the water main break.
The board approved a time and date change for the September board meeting to Wednesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. at Kee High School, Room N110.
