Wellman

At the board's previous special session, members focused on the future of Alternative Kindergarten (AK) while also approving the addition of a fifth kindergarten teacher. Although the teaching position was approved, the board tabled the discussion on AK until its June 8 meeting.

When the topic returned Monday night, board members once again debated whether the district should continue offering the program.

The discussion centered on enrollment. At the moment, only seven students are signed up for AK for the 2026-27 school year, compared to 104 students enrolled in kindergarten.

Superintendent Brian Stone stressed that eliminating the program would not necessarily be permanent.

"This isn't the end of the program. It's about being financially responsible. If enrollment grows in the future, we can always bring Alternative Kindergarten back."

Several board members expressed support for keeping AK if enrollment increases. Board Vice President Jake Snider said he believes the district should continue offering the program.

"My position is that we add another kindergarten teacher and continue offering AK. I believe it's important that we keep providing that option."

Snider also said some students benefit from having an additional transition year before entering kindergarten.

"I think there's a significant gap between preschool and kindergarten, and some students need that transition year before entering kindergarten."

Board member Kirah Johnson said she values the program but is willing to rely on the recommendations of East Elementary Principal Robin Foster and West Elementary Principal Kristan Hunter.

"I'm comfortable trusting Robin and Kristan's assessment for next school year since they are the ones most familiar with the situation and the information available."

Stone told the board that both principals recommended discontinuing AK for the upcoming school year.

Rather than make a final decision, the board chose to table the matter until July 13 to allow for additional consideration. 

Members also expressed interest in hearing more from parents, with Denise Chittick suggesting the district reach out for additional feedback.

LifeWise Academy

LifeWise Academy returned to the board's agenda Monday night after being discussed at several previous meetings.

Board President Randy Billups said he did not support formally acknowledging the organization after reviewing guidance from the district's legal counsel.

"Based on legal counsel's advice, I don't think it's in the school's best interest to formally acknowledge Lifewise Academy because it could create expectations for other groups seeking similar recognition."

Snider disagreed, saying the decision should ultimately be left to parents.

"Even if a group holds views that some or all of us disagree with, I would still support it because the decision ultimately belongs to the parents."

Johnson also shared information she gathered after reviewing district policies and comparing them with those of neighboring school districts.

"I compared our Policy 501.11 with those of other nearby districts and found that many have more detailed policies that include a list of reasons students may be excused from instruction, including for religious instruction."

After further discussion, the board took no formal action on the matter.

Hawk Highlight

The Mid-Prairie girls golf team was recognized during the meeting following its third-place finish at the state tournament.

Representing the team at the meeting were Olivia Swartzendruber, Paiton Chittick and Ariel Kaufman, who shared some of their favorite memories from the season.

Head coach Tracy McArtor also reflected on the team's accomplishments during his 18th season leading the program.

"The kids had an outstanding season, setting school records, winning conference, reaching state, and excelling in the classroom. I'm proud of everything they accomplished."

Transfers

Stone informed the board of several staff transfers for the upcoming school year, including Jessica Schwartz moving from middle school science to middle school art, Taylor Weber from East Elementary interventionist to middle school interventionist, Sadie Barber from fourth grade at West Elementary to middle school health and careers, and Emma Henry, Tonya Reed, Kelly Krebs and Remington Avalon taking new paraprofessional assignments between East and West Elementary.

Superintendent Contract

School board secretary Jeff Swartzentruber provided an update on Superintendent Brian Stone's contract. Under the proposal, Stone's salary would increase from $167,250 to $172,450 for the 2026-27 school year, a 3.11% raise.

Swartzentruber said Stone did not want a raise larger than what district administrators received.

Board member Ryan Schlabaugh later said he reviewed salary data from districts across Iowa and felt the proposed salary was appropriate.

"I looked at salary data from other districts and found that our superintendent's salary is around the 72nd percentile statewide, while our district is about the 82nd percentile in size. Based on those comparisons, I felt the proposed salary was a reasonable fit for a district of our size."

The board later approved the contract.

Other Business

With the College World Series beginning Friday, Stone requested that the board approve the baseball team's annual trip to Omaha. The board unanimously approved the request.

In other business, Swartzentruber informed the board that a public hearing is needed for the district's flexibility account before funds can be spent. The board approved holding the hearing during its June 22 meeting.

Swartzentruber also informed the board that Grant Wood AEA will be shifting from monthly payments over 10 months to a quarterly payment schedule. The board approved the new payment structure.

Next Meeting

The next Mid-Prairie school board meeting will be held Monday, June 22, at 6:15 p.m. in the Central Office Community Room.