MINUTES
VAN- FAR R-I SCHOOL DISTRICT
High School Cafeteria
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Christy Nelson, President
Jim Hopke, Vice-President
Kevin Motley, Secretary
Larry Wheeler, Treasurer
Greg Frost, Director
Pete Nasir, Director
Kimber Nation, Director
PRAYER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Seven members were present.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion:
To approve the consent agenda with the exception of Item f. Elementary
Parent & Student Handbook.
Made by:
Dr. Frost
Seconded by: Mr. Nasir
Vote:
4 yes, 0 no, 3 abstentions – Mr. Hopke, Mr. Motley, Mr. Nasir
STAFF/PATRON/ VFTA RECOGNITION/INPUT
Mrs. Diemeke introduced Jane Craven, who is observing a board meeting as part of a
class she is taking.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Elementary Parent & Student Handbook
Mrs. Nation mentioned a section of the handbook related to MSBA Policy IGAEB –
Human Sexuality Curriculum and suggested curriculum be monitored closely.
Motion:
To approve the Elementary Parent & Student Handbook
Made by:
Mr. Nasir
Seconded by: Mrs. Nation
Vote:
7 yes, 0 no
Superintendent’s Reports
Summer Maintenance Update
Dr. Hunter reported on the following:
-the high school gym floor has been refinished by Luebbert Hardwood Flooring and
appears to be back in good shape.
-items are being placed back into the elementary pods and the carpets have been
shampooed, walls painted and liquid glue removed. The restrooms in the pods have been
reconstructed.
-the outside walk-in freezer at the elementary has been repaired.
-the new sump pumps at the high school have been working well during all the rain.
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MINUTES
VAN- FAR R-I SCHOOL DISTRICT
High School Cafeteria
Thursday, July 16, 2015
-one of the lawn mowers broke down and they are presently using a loaner mower. The
extended warranty is expiring soon and there was discussion on the next step to take for
the mower.
-the floor tile for the elementary library will be installed early next week.
-the elementary restrooms have been painted and Dr. Hunter had a sample of the resin
covering for the restroom floors. Hand dryers will be installed in the Kindergarten
restrooms for a cost savings to the district.
- Dr. Hunter asked Jon Berendzen, Porter Berendzen & Associates to explain the
proposed change order of $1,200 regarding the wall in the boy’s bathroom at the
elementary. After board discussion concerning the change, Mr. Berendzen agreed that the
firm would split the cost involved with the change.
-the exterior doors at the elementary will arrive to be installed July 27 and the interior
doors at the high school July 30th. The frames for all the doors will also be painted.
-Crawford Construction plans to start digging for the early childhood addition next week
as rain has delayed the ability to dig.
-the awning has been removed at the elementary.
-the parking lot project was discussed. Don Martin Construction has not signed the
contract due to concerns about delays in concrete vendor availability caused by the
weather. He is concerned about getting the concrete poured, followed by the asphalt
work, in the proposed timeline. Upon further discussion, the board suggested waiting on
the parking lot project and rebidding it next spring due to weather issues and the timeline
involved. The abatement will be bid early in the year, allowing better information on
project cost and time to complete the project.
Motion:
Spring.
Made by:
Seconded by:
Vote:
Due to weather related delays, to wait on the parking lot project until next
Mr. Nasir
Mr. Hopke
7 yes, 0 no
Notice of Tax Rate Hearing and Assessed Valuation
The tax rate hearing will be held on August 20, 2015 at 6:45 p.m., before the regular
board meeting.
Budget/Legislative Update
Dr. Hunter reported that the state money calculations continue to be a moving target.
Fine monies received in 2013 will effect local effort calculations in 2015-16 and
foundation formula receipts. He also reported on inquiries into interest rates for the bond
investments and will look into further options. Pay-down on the construction will start
next month, for a period of 5 months.
Federal Programs Allocation
Funding for Title I ($147,418) and Special Education Part B ($115,620) are down, while
funding for Title IIA ($30,079) is up slightly.
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MINUTES
VAN- FAR R-I SCHOOL DISTRICT
High School Cafeteria
Thursday, July 16, 2015
MSBA Fall Conference
The conference will be held October 1-4.
Elementary/Jr High Pool Party
The pool party, for K-8th grade, will be held Tuesday, August 11 from 7-9 p.m.
Principals’/Directors’ Reports
(see attachments)
ACTION ITEMS
Set 2015-2016 Meal Prices
USDA calculation results allow prices to remain the same as last year.
Motion:
To keep lunch prices the same at $1.70 and $1.90.
Made by:
Mrs. Nation
Seconded by: Mr. Motley
Vote:
7 yes, 0 no
REPORTS OF MEMBERS
Mr. Motley read thank you notes for memorials from the Amanda Lee Culwell family,
the Raymond Abington family and the family of Selena Bagley. He also read a thank you
from Teresa Klott for the retirement bell and the support she was given during her
teaching career.
Mrs. Nation mentioned the extra effort our teachers are putting in this year with the
remodeling project.
Mr. Nasir mentioned the proposed bill concerning No Child Left Behind and federal
funds. He encouraged members to support the Senate version of the bill.
ADJOURN
Motion:
To adjourn at 8:15 p.m. and go into executive session for the reasons listed
on the agenda.
Made by:
Mr. Motley
Seconded by: Mr. Nasir
Vote:
Mrs. Nelson–yes, Mr. Hopke–yes, Mr. Motley – yes, Mr. Wheeler – yes,
Dr. Frost – yes, Mr. Nasir – yes, Mrs. Nation–yes
________________________________
President
________________________________
Secretary
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