New London School Board has marathon meeting

The New London School Board met on April 17, 2023, with all members present. They started the evening with a public hearing on the proposed FY budget for 2023/2024. Hearing no citizen questions or comments, the public hearing was closed. They then approved the FY 2023/2024 proposed budget.

No one addressed the Board in public forum. The next item was a presentation of the Iowa Professional Leadership Award by Mary Beth Fast, the Executive Director of the Iowa Association of School Business Officials (IASBO), to Jessica Boyer. It is the highest award given by the IASBO, and Jessica was one of two recipients in the state to receive the award this year. With this award, Jessica will receive a $1000 scholarship to give to a New London senior.

The Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda. They then moved on to Board business. Mina Fitzpatrick nominated the school to receive America’s Farmers Grow Communities $5,000 Grant. It will be used for STEM projects in the MS/HS. The Board approved acceptance of the grant.

The next item was a discussion about a school resource officer (SRO). In attendance were the Mayor, representatives from the City Council, the New London police department, and the Henry County Sheriff. The Districts of New London, Winfield-Mt. Union, and WACO are the only Districts in the area that do not have an SRO presence.

The Mayor discussed a police presence provided by the NL Police department. Dan Berner, City Councilman, agrees that something should be done as does Councilman Scott Campbell. The School Board is in agreement.

Jennifer Campbell, MS/HS teacher, spoke to the need for an SRO for all kinds of situations that arise. She feels it would improve the school culture.

The school will form a safety committee to enhance communication among the entities represented to hopefully have something in place by the next school year.

The District was aware that the tennis court was in bad shape. Driving on it has exacerbated the problem. Overlaying the tennis court with asphalt will not be a sound decision, and they were advised that a new parking pad would be the best use of the District’s money. The Board approved the change for $92,006.26

A bigger issue is the unsuitable soil. It was checked before the gym project started and was deemed suitable to build on. The soil has proved to be insufficient due to being constantly wet during to the mild winter. Before the floor can be poured, new material will have to be put in from six inches up to 18 inches so the floor will not move. This plus some other unforeseen issues comes to $48,122.94. This cost will be covered by the money recouped from construction being well ahead of schedule. The Board approved these changes.

The Board took the following actions:

•Approved sharing agreement with Great Prairie AEA for social worker services @ $16,000 for the 2023/2024 school year.

•Approved Kevin Christensen Construction for $14,500 for concrete work.

•Approved 49 Seniors for graduation.

•Tabled the Opaa! Food service management extension agreement.

•Approved the following personnel: Resignations: Tina Mullin-HS Social Studies teacher; Jena Watts-2nd grade classroom teacher; Anissa Nelson-ESL teacher; Cassidy Schmidt-Asst. HS VB Coach; Cassidy Henle -Asst. MS girls basketball coach; Brady Schmidt-Head MS wrestling coach, Head MS football coach, and groundskeeper. Appointments: Jill Parker-4th grade classroom teacher; Cory Reid and Jackie Housman-Co-NHS Sponsors; Donna Carlson-K-12 Teacher librarian; Austin McBeth-Asst. HS Baseball coach; Paula Bliven-MS Track clerk@ $75; and Damon Loyd-Volunteer HS Softball coach.

After discussing IASB business, the Board went into exempt session to discuss negotiations. Then they went into closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual.

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The next regular meeting of the New London School Board will be May 22, 2023 at the North Campus boardroom at 6 p.m.