The Eagle Grove Board of Education spent some time discussing the holding of the Graduation ceremony. According to Superintendent Jess Toliver, the directors needed to make a decision on this now. “I’ve had several conversations with Sandra McGrath at Public Health,” stated the head administrator. “With the rising numbers the question is could we do an outdoor graduation, keeping in mind distancing. Parents only would be allowed. I would only need two board members on the stage. What guidance do you want to give me?”
Toliver went on to say that Public Health won’t recommend it, but wouldn’t necessarily stand in the way either. “I would like to have a ceremony, but don’t want to go against their wishes,” he said. The Board spent several minutes in discussion and weighing their desire against the safety of everyone involved. Director Darren Robinson then made the motion to hold Commencement on Saturday, June 20 starting at 2 p.m., with Sunday, June 21 being a rain date. It was also added that if either doesn’t work there would be no rescheduling. The motion was seconded and approved. Toliver also wanted a decision on Prom. “I don’t see having it,” he said. “It would be irresponsible to try to have it,” said Robinson. He made a motion to cancel Prom for this year, which was also seconded and approved.
The Board also heard of plans for next school year, at least if it happens. “We held a meeting with the EGEA and the EGESA Leadership Team and administrators to discuss our return to traditional classes and what we could do to prepare our staff and benefit our students,” said Toliver. “We also want to start earlier to increase our educational time. We are very blessed to have association leadership who are student-centered, so they were very supportive.”
Toliver went on to say that, basically, they will trade four contract days at the end of this year for adding four earlier days to the next school calendar. “It will allow one additional week to work with students, or to prepare for online education if schools are not allowed to open at that time. The question is very fluid, so it could change again.”
Under the plan, there will be four days of voluntary Professional Development (PD) August 11-14 with the final day allowing teachers to prepare their classrooms for students arrival. If they miss those days, they will have to make up the PD training online on their own time. Classes will start on August 17, with the first three days as half-days with PD time to follow. “The 17th and 18th will replace the two flex-days that are on our teacher calendar,” said Toliver. “Non-certified staff will be paid for additional days worked. If the Governor doesn’t allow schools to open yet, we will use these as PD days to prepare for online education. However, right now we are planning on having school as normal next fall.” Toliver added that the ‘return to learn’ plan required by the state would remain on the agenda every month until then, due to changes that may have to occur.
The Board reviewed and approved a proposal for design services for the Emerson Building. This would allow for classrooms to be utilized on the second level. “We are out of room at the high school,” said Toliver. “We can put some classrooms upstairs starting with the 21-22 school year. We will use the $1 million we received in TIF money to do this.” Down the road, he stated he eventually sees the lower level also being used as the building is then connected to the high school. The Board approved accepting a proposal for phase 1 of $70,000 from SVPA Architects of West Des Moines.
In other action the Board:
-tabled the awarding of bread and milk bids until the July meeting;
-approved a resolution designating Toliver for first signature, and Nicole Verbrugge as alternate or second signature, for any payments for the Activity or Nutrition Fund or electronic transfer of funds as provided by law;
-approved extension no. 3 of pandemic pay for hourly employees;
-approved suspension of the driving portion of driver’s ed until after July 4 (classes online), and will re-evaluate it at the July meeting;
-set a special meeting for Tuesday, June 30 at noon for any end of fiscal year business that comes up;
-approved revisions to the Policy Manual. Following revision, the entire manual will be approved next month as required by the IASB;
-approved contracts for Shelby Jacobson (First Grade) and Faith Slinger (Third Grade) as new teachers, Beth Carder as new RN and for Jaci Lochray (TLC Leader) and Lanny Parrott (assistant football (with Aaron Parrott abstaining from vote));
-approved contract changes for Emily Clausen (to BA+8 – Step 6), Geri Winge (MA+15 – Step 12) and Angela Anderson (MA – Step 16).
