NL School Board Discusses Fundraisers, Bus Purchases, and Four-Day School Week

The New London School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 with all members present. The Board approved the agenda. The consent agenda included approval of fundraisers and donations. After some discussion, moving forward, the Board will approve fundraisers before they are initiated.

The following people were in attendance: Ron Miller, Mike Weigert, Erin Garvey, and Koral Fuson. The Board discussed the following: HS Girls Basketball Cupcake Fundraiser; the funding and eventual purchase of a skid loader with funds generated by business sponsorships of the Industrial Arts program and community jobs; a Citizen donation of $10,000 designated for trips; and a $7,000 Enhance Henry County Community Foundation Grant for an air conditioner for the food pantry and the purchase of a commercial grade refrigerator and cart.

Mike Weigert addressed the Board in open forum. He focused on the skid loader purchase. He questioned its need. The program has raised $26,274 from sponsorships and projects over the last year and a half. The Industrial arts instructor feels it is necessary to expand and enhance the program. The cost of the skid loader ranges from $28,000 to $35,000.

The consent agenda was approved. Its approval continues the process of fundraising for the eventual purchase of a skid loader. The Board approved the fundraisers and donations with Becky Hays dissenting on the skid loader.

Next up were reports. Student Ambassador Michael Raines shared that the student council has sold 2,000 candy grams, almost double what they sold last year. On Thursday, they will provide cookies for MS/HS students.

Elementary Principal Palmatier reported on the Winter music concert. Pre-K through fifth grade had a Christmas Extravaganza where each student decorated an ornament. It was organized by Mrs. Swailes with help from the PTO. Jan. 15 Professional Development (PD) will focus on CPR training organized by Officer Lopez plus Book Worms planning.

Secondary Principal Kracht also reported on the music concert and plans for the days leading up to Winter break. He reported on the semester ending on Dec. 22 and grades being in. He also discussed planning for MS/HS PD in January that involves schedule planning and post-high school planning.

Superintendent Wahls discussed the idea of a four-day school week that is a current “hot” educational topic in Iowa. Several Districts are taking a look at this including Districts near New London. He asked the Board what questions they would want to have answered before taking any action. The Board gave the Superintendent the go-ahead to gather that information.

The next topic was vehicle purchase. The transportation director feels two “new” used buses with around 60,000 miles would be a prudent purchase. They sell around $60,000.00. He also feels the District could cover its needs with four buses. Currently the District has three daily bus routes and has five buses. Other smaller vehicles were also discussed.

The last topic was health insurance. Plans, coverage, and District-contribution have changed over the years. Property and health coverage is a large cost and seeking more affordable options shows employees they are hearing their concerns and seeking the best options available at the best price. Property, health, and waste management will be put out for bids.

Under Board business they took the following actions:

Under Board policy, they heard and approved the first reading of Board Policy Series 100 as read by Lindsay Porter.

The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. The next regular session of the New London School Board will be Jan. 15, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the North Campus Boardroom.