The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Community School District’s regular board meeting took place at the CGD District Office on Monday. The meeting was not live-streamed and was kept brief.
The board started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. During the Open Forum, Alison Marshall suggested that future meetings should be recorded for archival purposes, even if they're not broadcast live. The board did not offer comment regarding this request, per their policy.
The FY23 audit was reviewed. Beth Severson, Vice President of The Board of Education, questioned clarification on the corrective action plan. Anita Frye, Board Secretary, stated the plan ensures the separation of duties within the school’s cash handling. Clarification was not offered to the parties in attendance at the meeting, as they do not have the same handouts, but Frye stated, “I’m not touching money at all.”
Joseph Nelson, CGD Superintendent, had just returned from a trip to Junik, Kosovo, Clarion’s Sister City, and kept his monthly report concise.
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The new gym floor at the middle school was finished on June 1.
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Air conditioning will be added to the middle school in July.
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The old middle school locker room is being converted into a special education classroom and work will begin on that soon.
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Mr. Jared Carter, CGD Elementary Principal, and six teachers had a successful educational trip to Minnesota, which included attending a Twins game.
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The Superintendent shared insights from his recent trip. The trip, which was not school-funded, sent four students from CGD to explore cultural diplomacy.
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Summer school is “going strong” with 130 students with good attendance.
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Nelson, along with other leadership, will discuss the new truancy law in Iowa in an upcoming meeting.
Nelson touched on the most recent School Improvement Advisory & Advocacy Committee Meeting.
The board approved several items in the consent agenda, including bill payments, meeting minutes, resignations, contract modifications, and summer help. Various policies had their first and second readings, while some outdated ones were rescinded. Please visit the district website for a detailed list.
Vice President Beth Severson highlighted the affordability of the meal prices offered to students.
The board approved the fiscal year 2025 agreement with the Donovan Group, a marketing firm with roots in Wisconsin. Nelson praised the marketing group for its consistent and clear messaging throughout the school's social media.
According to the firm’s website:
“The Donovan Group is an award-winning school district communication, marketing, and public relations firm that focuses exclusively on public education. Our focus is on strengthening the connections between local public schools and their families, staff, students, partners, and community members. We believe that, through exceptional communication, school and district leaders can build a high level of trust within their communities.”
Board Secretary Frye shared a financial report that included preliminary aid and levy information for FY25 and data boosts from the IASB. On a positive note, she shared, property taxes will be reduced by four cents.
The board then entered a closed session to conduct the Superintendent's review. The next regular meeting is set for July 11, 2024, at 4:30 P.M., despite some scheduling conflicts with board members. The meeting also falls on the same week as the Wright County Fair.
