Sarah Ford, AP Staff
The PLT #3 Board of Education only had two action items on the agenda at their meeting on Wednesday, August 23, but plenty of other items to discuss. The board gave unanimous approval for the creation of an EP Co-op 6th Grade Basketball program and the district’s strategic plan as presented.
For personnel, the board approved employment for Marvella Cumby- bus driver; Kadie Butts- media aide; Jennifer Ludin- teacher; and Marissa Stoddard- paraprofessional. Coaches approved were Caleb Naftzger- 5th/6th grade football; Jacob Reynolds- volunteer golf; Kyle Schipper- 8th grade track; and Dana Murphy- Scholastic Bowl.
Resignations accepted were teacher- Tara Flint, effective at the end of 2022-2023 school year; media aide- Taylor Poulter, effective June 27, 2023; and Kristina Hamm, effective July 25, 2023.
In administrative reports, Tampico Elementary Principal Jim Geer reported that 17 new members signed up for 5th grade band this year. Derick Cox, 6-12 Athletic Director, reported that most coaching positions are filled, and he hopes to have a Student Council Sponsor by the next meeting. Prophetstown Elementary Principal Kara Kullerstrand thanked Dawn Fisk for making sure the bus drivers had everything they needed through the August heat wave.
District Superintendent, Heidi Lensing also thanked Fisk for her working on getting new drivers in and ready to go for the new year, Josh Mosher on his hard work at making sure the buildings’ air conditioners were up and running through the heat wave, Laura Crisp for her hard work on getting all of the computer programs up and running smoothly, and Geri Lundquist for all the help she continues to give while the district continues their search for a new Food Service Director.
In board committee reports, the Personnel and Finance committee have been working on job descriptions for all positions to have on file to reference. They’ve also been discussing risk management and Tort, with the possibility of using it to support health insurance for an RN for the district. The Building and Grounds are continuing facilities planning discussions and next steps with the architects. The Board of Control noted that the numbers for this fall are looking good, especially for girls’ golf. They also discussed the heat and proper steps to take for sports practices, as well as discussions on the conference for the coming years.
Informational items:
- Lensing reported that the FY 2024 Tentative budget is on display during regular business hours at the district office.
- The board discussed the EP Coop extracurricular salary guide and what should be followed for the next two financial years.
- The school district does not have an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) in place at this time. An EAP would provide help to the employees in all different areas such as counseling, mental health support, and advising.
- New job descriptions were presented to have on file as reference for the positions that currently don’t have one.
- Discussions continue for facilities planning and what steps to take next. Staff are working on getting quotes for the high school roof and the resurfacing of the track, which will need to go out for bid.
- Mr. Geer provided an overview for the Pre-K – 12th Title Plan for the district.
- TIF discussions continue, with the board wanting to gain a clearer vision of the goals and how the decision process takes place.
- Ken Cocking with the Prophetstown Lions Club presented Dawn Huffstutler of the Art Department with a check from the Bud Thompson Memorial.
- Laura Crisp, PLTTA Co-President, reported that everyone is back, refreshed, and excited about the new school year.
The Consent Agenda with the following items was approved: Minutes of the July 26 regular meeting, August bills and payroll in the amount of $735,300.38, Treasurer’s Report/Investment Schedule, Activity Fund Reports, and approval of the split out of Middle School and High School Cross Country Activity Fund.
The next meeting of the PLT Board of Education will be on Wednesday, September 27 at 6 p.m. at the District Office at 6 p.m.
