NUMEROUS STAFF CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE ISSUES UNDER DISCUSSION BY SCHOOL BOARD

The June 19 meeting of the Allmakee Community School District focused on staff salary concerns, equipment and operational details and staff hirings or alterations within the District.
Addressing the Board concerning their salaries at the meeting were Mary O’Neill, Waterville Elementary secretary, and Rita Irons, East Elementary library associate.
The women informed the Board they did not receive pay scale raises during the contract renewal procedures for the 2000/2001 academic year.
Due to budget constraints, the Board had previously ruled incurred raises to apply on a year-of-service scale, whereupon O’Neill and Irons, falling last in the seniority listing, were excluded from receiving a pay increase.
The two employees, however, have both served a number of years to the District, and felt the proceedings to be unfair and indicate a lack of appreciation for their labor. “When one of us doesn’t receive a raise, we don’t feel appreciated and it affects everyone,” they stated.
The Board has made no decision on their request at this time.
In other news, Superintendent Troyer recommended an increase in lunch and breakfast prices for the 2000/2001 school term. The additional funds, he proposed, would offset a declining balance in the lunch fund and allow room for needed equipment repairs, as he stated, “We have not been on an equipment-replacing cycle.” Superintendent Troyer has estimated an increase of 20 cents per student is necessary to cover expenses during the coming school season.
During discussion, Board member Gil Hunstad pointed out 20 cents per student to translate to $36 additional dollars per year, a sizable increase, percentage-wise.
The Board ruled to temporarily table the lunch price issue until all possibilities have been examined.
The Board has accepted a bid from Eric Siebring of Infotel Distributing, Inc., for the purchase of new computers at the Junior High.
Jerry Heck, prior technology director and newly renamed administrative technology coordinator, was present at the meeting to facilitate board questions concerning the matter. Heck cited Siebring to have offered a clear bid containing a solid warranty with reasonable cost to the schools. The District will move forward with the purchase of the new computers.
A diesel fuel bid pertaining to Waterville Elementary for the 2000/2001 academic year has been granted to Sweeney Oil of Waukon. Bus Supervisor Joe Egan informed the Board that the District must place a barrier in case of spill around the fuel tank where the busses are filled to remain in compliance with Iowa fire codes.
State rules mandate the supply barrier must be fenced in due to playground proximity and placed the proper distance from the school building. Superintendent Troyer reported plans concerning this issue to be already completed, with the necessary labor scheduled to commence this summer.
In addition, a bid submitted by Rockweiler Appliance for school appliance needs was accepted by the Board.
Concerning school personnel, the Board ruled to approve salary increases for 2000/2001 for the following employees: administrators, transportation director, food service director, school board secretary, school based youth coordinator and central office secretaries.
New hirings included Stacy Cooper, half-time senior high cheerleader sponsor; Terry Kleinow, half-time senior high cheerleader sponsor; Shaun Halland, high school vocal music instructor and spring musical director; Scott Iverson, junior high guidance counselor; and Faye Nolting, Tess Pladsen and Maralyn Welsh, cooks. Current cooks Denise Tysland and Cindy Egan were granted an increase of hours.
Rates were approved for current special education bus drivers Earl Schulte, Curt Hansmeier, Wayne Fish and Chris Weymiller concerning their summer routes.
Sandy Van Horn has been re-hired through the Allamakee School District as Alternative High School Instructor. Formerly, Van Horn served the District through Northeast Iowa Community College.
In addition, the Board has approved the resignation of Lisa Dittman from her junior high associate position.
Superintendent Troyer reporated the Facilities Committee is near to reaching a group consensus concerning the six submitted service options presented the District by Shive-Hattery. He added that the committee may be in a position to submit a proposed plan of action to the Board by next month’s meeting.