At the PLT #3 Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, July 29th, Campus Principal Janet Barnhart reported on the memorial garden at the original entrance to the high school.
She thanked Spangler’s Landscaping & Garden Center of Morrison for design and installation services, which they provided for free. They had to wait for concrete installation but after that portion was finished, the landscapers planted lilac trees and perennials such as Bleeding Hearts for the spring and fall, as well as placing decorative stones and mulch. “They knew what it would mean and chose the plants accordingly,” said Barnhart. The company also provided instructions on watering and care.
Barnhart said it’s officially called the Memorial Garden and is intended to honor students who have passed. This was an in-house project, and they still have to design and install signage and benches.
Superintendent Heidi Lensing said the memorial garden is a great improvement to the school grounds. School officials are looking to do a dedication event for the community after they get a few more things in place. Photos of the new garden are included at the end of the article.
Reports and Correspondence
Lensing reported a few water line breaks on the ball field requiring some frequent repairs. The new floor cleaning equipment is more efficient, and maintenance crews are working on the concession stand build-out.
She received correspondence from the Ag Advisory Council about coursework and sharing insights and thoughts and how to build up the course pathway. She reported no board committee meetings in July.
The bus involved in the March accident has been sitting since then, with new estimates received from Miles Trucking after the insurance company looked at it. They did find some frame damage and leaf springs and other pieces of bus to be repaired. Transportation Director Dawn Fisk has been coordinating with the insurance company and Miles and is working to get it towed to another place to evaluate the framework damage.
Lensing also discussed the district receiving 2-3 FOIA requests each week, which are often time-consuming. Office Administrator Maggie Linden has “done a great job pulling reports and responding in a timely fashion,” said Lensing. The issue is unknown vendors requesting power bills and other data and not using the process for what it’s intended for, with the district responding by having them narrow the scope or prove they are human. If they don’t respond, then the request is moot. Attorney Tim Zollinger suggested copying the reports to The Data Branch. “FOIA is there for a reason, but it feels like it’s being exploited,” said Lensing.
Informational Items
Lensing reported that she received a resolution earlier this week for the land swap with Prophetstown Park District. She noted that both boards will have to vote on it next month, requiring a two-thirds vote for approval. Architect Mark Miller has been working with surveyors and engineers on the parking lot information and plans.
Crawford Company will be at the school next week to perform additional work on the boilers, including firing them up and checking operations. Based on asbestos testing results with Armstrong Flooring for the campus’s new flooring tiles, the contractor is filing a claim against the manufacturer, so replacement is still in process.
Other ongoing upgrades and repairs include fixing the piping in the ball field, concrete repairs at PES, new fencing on hold until fixed, and a new air unit installed at the TES principal’s office.
“We’re making good progress and Kevin and team are working hard this summer to get things done. The summer help and custodians are knocking it out of the park,” said Lensing.
Action Items
The board approved substitute and extra help pay, beginning non-certified salary rates, and high school course additions for the 2027-2028 school year, as presented.
They approved the hazardous bus routes; Lensing noted this is an annual reaffirmation required by the state. The school year 2027 Title Plan, discussed at the last meeting, was also approved as an annual requirement, as was the Title Parent Engagement Policy. The updated Elementary School handbook was also approved as presented.
Following discussions last month, the board approved Sunday, May 23rd at 2 p.m. as the 26-27 high school graduation date and time.
They also approved the FY27 Consolidated District Plan, which is another annual state requirement. Lensing said this plan looks at Title funds to ensure they’re “serving our students and allocating money appropriately,” said Lensing. The plan also helps with annual reports for grants to be approved.
Personnel Report
The board approved employment for a Special Education teacher, cook, and high school counselor, and the resignations of an elementary music teacher, PLT middle school track coach, EP co-op JFL coach, and Title I teacher.
The next PLT #3 Board of Education meeting will be on Wednesday, August 26th at the Unit Office, with the public session starting at 7 p.m.
New Memorial Garden at the PLT 6-12 Campus
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What makes this a memorial garden?