A Split Vote From The School Board Over Fees

Oskaloosa School Board Member Nik Rule was one of two board members to vote against the fee schedule at Tuesday nights meeting

by R.D. Keep

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Fee structure for the school district was a key of discussion at Tuesday’s Oskaloosa school board meeting. Student body president Bob Leonard spoke on behalf of the student body for fees for the next school year during the public comment portion of the meeting. He brought to the attention a number of fees he paid as compared to the school district website. In particular, the parking fee of $25 was targeted.

Leonard stated the fee should be going to parking lot upkeep, but is not sure that is occurring. He asked the board to consider the fees and their usage in their deliberations.

Superintendant Russ Reiter asked Leonard to stay for the conversation on fees later in the meeting. After consideration and discussion, the board approved the fee schedule. The fees for towels and high school planner were dropped and the $20 fee at the middle school for parking was eliminated. The board approved the fee schedule on a 5-2 vote. Board members Nik Rule and Charlie Comfort voted against the schedule.

Members of the district’s leadership team made a presentation. The district administrators presented classroom supports for students. At the elementary level, Tim Millege said interventions begin with classroom supports. In other words the actions the classroom teachers are doing. Utilizing Professional Learning Community meeting times to assess the need for supports is one way of determining sources of intervention.

Andy Hotek from the middle school focused on the struggling learner. Some students come with lack of proficiency in areas based on test scores. For those in danger of failing, a seventh hour, focused learning allows for enhanced learning opportunity. Our after-school program is designated for those who are non-proficient.

High school principal Stacy Bandy presented the high school’s plan. We have credit recovery that might not have passed in the first or second trimester. We will place the student back into the class. If they have trouble then we can refer the student to tutoring before or after school. Team with a William Penn student during study hall or use a peer mentor.

Kindergarten teachers made a presentation on the Professional Learning Communities. The reading goal is for each student to improve in reading skill during each reporting period. The teachers use small groups based on skill sets needed by the students. Children meets in small groups during focused reading times. Ideas are shared and collaborated between teachers to assist all students, but in particular those who are struggling.

Dave Bower, who coordinates the building trades program. He stated the house is prepared for sheet rock, which is scheduled for Monday. Bower met with interior design class to finalize color scheme for walls and floor covering.

In other business:

Approved the addition of Dallas Center-Grimes as a member of the Little Hawkeye Conference.

Approved termination of contract with city of Oskaloosa for sharing of informational technology personnel.

Approved a waiver of state law concerning the first day of school. State law recommends last Monday of August as the start date. The waiver will allow school to begin on August 20.

Approved 2012-13 District calendar.