Highland Community Schools
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, October 14, 2024
5:00 p.m. – High School Board Room
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by President Nate Robinson.
Roll call was taken with Joslin Schott, Johnny O’Leary, Karen Fink, Monica Jepson, Rachel Longbine, Dan Ruth and Nate Robinson present. Also in attendance were Ken Crawford, Superintendent, Autumn Moyer, Board Secretary, Sue Rich, Retiring Business Manager, Jane O’Leary, Elementary Principal and Angela Hazelett, Secondary Principal.
Ruth made a motion to approve the agenda, as presented. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Consent Agenda Items:
Minutes: Approval of the September 9, 2024 regular meeting minutes.
Approval of the September 23, 2024 work session meeting minutes.
Financial Reports: Approval of the September financial reports.
Payment of Bills: Approval of the following October bills.
General Fund - $77,380.29
Prepaid General Fund - $3,108.74
Schoolhouse Fund - $40,582.26
Activity Fund - $13,650.59
Prepaid Activity Fund - $1,162.44
Lunch Fund - $14,280.10
Schott made a motion to approve the items on the consent agenda. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0 Receive Visitors: None
Fourth & Fifth grade students Beckham, Bennett, Lain, Cora, Ben, Emalyn, Adia, and Gaia spoke about The School of the Wild that was held at Marr Park and Lake Darling in September. They learned about the prairie, wetlands, woodlands, and survival skills. Some of the activities they participated in were canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, kayaking, a scavenger hunt and catching crawdads. On the last day they got to build a fire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. The School of the Wild would not be possible if it wasn’t for the businesses and parents who donate money and food.
Schott made a motion to approve the Special Education Delivery Plan as presented. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Ruth made a motion to approve the SIAC Committee members as presented. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Retiring Business Manager Sue Rich presented the official certified annual report for the 2023-24 school year. This is the comprehensive financial report of the school district for the year ending June 30, 2024. Total general fund revenues for the year were $7,829,244.03. with 49% local sources (property taxes); 49% state sources and 2% federal sources. Total general fund expenditures were $7,930,883.88 with 70% salaries & benefits; 27% purchased services, supplies, equipment and 3% AEA pass-thru and transfers. Our estimated spending authority is $4,159,672.
Ruth made a motion to accept the Certified Annual Report for fiscal year 2024. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Retiring Business Manager Sue Rich then presented the special education supplement for the 2023-24 school year. The total revenues were $1,098,220.46 and the total expenditures were $1,622,264.50. This resulted in a negative special education balance of $524,044.04 which can be recovered through allowable growth and supplemental aid from the state.
Longbine made a motion to accept the Special Education Supplement for fiscal year 2024. Seconded by Schott.
Motion carried 7-0
Ruth made a motion requesting modified allowable growth and supplemental aid for a negative special education balance in the amount of $524,044.04. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Retiring Business Manager, Sue Rich then presented the Transportation Report for the 2023-24 school year. Total net transportation costs were $351,573.56 with an average cost per mile traveled of $5.07. The average cost per pupil transported was $1,113.12.
Longbine made a motion to accept the Transportation Report for fiscal year 2024. Seconded by Schott.
Motion carried 7-0
Ruth made a motion to approve the supplemental amount for EL excess costs for serving EL students in a limited English Instructional Program during the 2023-24 school year in the amount of $52,811.51. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Longbine made a motion to approve the 7 students for early graduation pending all requirements are met. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Longbine made a motion to approve the FFA National Convention trip to Indianapolis from October 23-October 26, 2024. Seconded by Schott.
Motion carried 7-0
Mr Crawford went over changes on board policies 406.05, 406.06, 406.07, 407.01, 407.02, 407.03, 407.04, 407.05, 407.06 and 910.01. These policies will be brought back to the next meeting for the second reading.
Ruth made a motion to approve the below listed board policies. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
200.04 Board Member Social Media Engagement
401.06 Limitations to Employment References
402.03 Abuse of Students by School District Employees
406.01 Licensed Employee Compensation
406.02 Licensed Employee Compensation Advancement
406.03 Licensed Employee Continued Education Credit
406.04 Licensed Employee Compensation for Extra Duty
Ruth made a motion to approve the following resignations & appointments. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Resignations:
Sonya Stanerson- JH Track Coach
Modifications:
Courtney Dietze- BA to BA+8
Board of Directors:
-Homecoming week was great
-BOOM Night was very well ran and attended, all around a successful event
-Homecoming football game atmosphere was awesome
Jane O’Leary, Elementary Principal:
-School of the Wild was awesome
-Building leadership working with the AEA to plan future professional development
Angela Hazelett, Secondary Principal:
-Homecoming was great
-The 4 day week with shorter class periods has had a positive impact on students
Sue Rich, Board Secretary:
-The IASB Convention will be held on November 20th and 21st. Discussed who all would be attending.
-Attending IASBO/ISBI School Business Official Fall Conference this week scheduled October 15-17th.
Ken Crawford, Superintendent:
-YES Committee Meeting to take place this week
- Speaking at IASBO Fall Conference on 4 day week with WACO and Cardinal
-Bond Issue Information session to take place in Ainsworth and Riverside
A work session will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the high school board room.
Longbine made a motion to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Reports and documents and the full text of motions, resolutions, or policies considered by the Board at this meeting are on file in the Board Secretary’s office, 648-3822, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENT, NATE ROBINSON SECRETARY, AUTUMN MOYER
Published in The News, Thursday, October 24, 1024 L-213
