The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows School Board met Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. In public input, Alison Marshall, representing the Music Boosters, questioned the board regarding plans for an auditorium. Marshall mentioned that the boosters have volunteers on board to write grants and conduct research to accomplish this. Joe Carrow expressed concerns from the public about the potential misuse of school vehicles by the administration. Carrow requested the board to provide him with the car usage policy and Mr. Joe Nelson’s contract for review. During this meeting, no action was taken to address either request, in accordance with board policy.
Superintendent Joe Nelson informed the board that the new middle school gym has been completed. He conducted a tour of the new facility for a small group interested in building a recreation center in Clarion. Nelson also reviewed the district’s “Goal Setting” report schedule for the 2023-2024 school year. Various administrators within our district are planning to present their goals and actions taken to achieve those goals in rotation. The board was encouraged to prepare questions if they wished to ask any. While the public is always welcome at school board meetings, it's important to note that this is not an open forum for addressing administration; rather, it's an opportunity for administrators to share their successes. A summary of the 2023 Spring Conditions for Learning survey was shared by Nelson. This survey collects results from grades 3-5 in our district. Various topics were polled with the highest in satisfaction being student-to-student relationships at 92% and the lowest being emotional safety at 19%.
Nelson mentioned that the district is in need of coaches. Hagie is providing fruit for students to collect from the office, and Nelson extended the district’s gratitude for this. Observant individuals might have noticed that the school's social media content differs from what it used to be. The district has hired the "Donovan Group" from Cedar Falls to manage their communications, resulting in a change in content. Mr. Nelson concluded his report by noting that CGD's homecoming is scheduled for September 29th.
In the personnel report, Jenny Smith submitted her resignation, which was approved by the board. Contract modifications for Erin Halverson, Whitney Dahlgren, Teri Godby, and Logan Holmes were also approved. For the 2023-2024 school year, CGD will share a counselor with Eagle Grove High School. This arrangement is due to the need for Eagle Grove’s counselor to work under a licensed professional to formalize their role. This collaboration will require a minimum of 36 contacts between the two professionals throughout the year. Additionally, CGD will share a cross-country coach with Belmond-Klemme for the same school year.
In education news, the school board approved LETRS training for specific staff members within our district. The board packet provided the following explanation for the request: "The training aims to enhance the language skills necessary for teachers of reading and spelling. The cost for the first year of the course is $10,475. Mr. Carder has requested compensation of $25.00 per hour for coursework completed outside of regular scheduled professional development time. This additional work, estimated at around 40 hours, will involve 26 elementary teachers (PS-3rd grade), title, special education, ESL, and the instructional coach. The approximate total cost is $30,000, which includes wages and FICA/IPERS."
Katie Greving, Executive Director of Decoding Dyslexia of Iowa, expressed her thoughts on the new training: “Completing LETRS training would be an excellent step for CGD educators. The LETRS program equips teachers with the science of reading, enabling them to deliver direct, explicit, research-based reading instruction regardless of the curriculum or program they're using. This type of instruction is best practice for all learners, especially vital for students with dyslexia and English language learners.”
The school board must periodically approve and revise policies to align with standards set by the Iowa School Board Association. The board approved the first reading of the following policies: Philosophy of Education, Legal Status of the School District, Mission Statement, Core Values, Educational Objectives, Equal Education Opportunity, Long Range Needs Assessment, Educational, and Operational Planning Needs, Anti-Bully/Harassment Policy, Assistance Animals, Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited, and Insurance Leave Vacation for Classified Staff. While Clarion-Goldfield-Dows does not appear to have a policy advising how rules or policies are adopted, the Iowa Code outlines general rulemaking procedures for government agencies, allowing public input and a public reading.
Regarding new expenses, the request from choir director Granzow for overnight travel expenses for All-State Choir students was accepted. The travel director, Alex Rothman, received approval for the lease of a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica (annual cost of $10,867.56) from Ruan Leasing. This vehicle will be used for Driver's Education and for "behavior and preschool routes" during the day.
Mr. Nelson briefly discussed the need to comply with current legislative bills, 482 and 496. Senate File 482 prohibits individuals from using school restrooms and facilities that don't match their biological sex. While Senate File 496 is a sweeping education bill that covers library operations to teaching standards.
School board elections are scheduled for this year. Prospective candidates need to reside within the Clarion or Goldfield district boundaries. The boundaries were recently redrawn. Candidates can acquire the necessary forms, Affidavit of Candidacy and Nomination Petition, from these offices. Aspiring candidates are required to collect 35 signatures from citizens within our district to have their names listed on the November 7th ballot. Completed forms must be submitted to the Board Secretary, Anita Frye, by 5 p.m. on September 21st. School board elections occur every two years, with four-year terms. The next school board meeting will be held on September 14, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and available for live-streaming on the district’s website.
