He noted the budget with the Department of Local Government Finance creates the authority to spend, but the spending appropriations are higher than actual expenditures.
The new teacher salary requirements were also discussed, including state mandates requiring a minimum salary of $40,000 by 2022-23, the 45 percent expenditure requirement, the salary expenditure floor, and the limitations on the use of stipends for compensation in relation to that floor. Zylstra noted that all districts would like to provide the best compensation they can for teachers, but these requirements tied the hands of school boards and teachers to create compensation plans that fit the needs of each individual district.
The board voted to approve a motion to provide permission to advertise the 2022 Budget, Capital Projects Plan, and Bus Replacement Plan.
In other business, Zylstra reported the school nurse and principals will be working with students and staff members to implement any necessary actions for COVID-19 mitigation based on the school’s in-person learning plan.
Also in the superintendent’s report, the school board was told the interior aspects of the HVAC project were completed prior to students’ return to school from summer break. Mechanical upgrades and control upgrades are still in progress, resulting in variances in temperatures throughout the campus. These issues should be rectified as the project progresses.
In one more item, Zylstra noted he is waiting on information from the insurance carrier to determine the potential cost increase if the board were to adopt a policy allowing certain individuals to carry firearms on school property.
The board discussed future improvements, including renovations to the band/choir rooms, more HVAC-related projects, future roof replacements, plumbing expenses, technology upgrades and new devices, and other miscellaneous capital expenditures.
The pool area was also discussed at length. The current air handling unit is original to the building and functioning at suboptimal levels, causing excess humidity in the pool area. The estimated replacement cost is $175,000. The plumbing, mechanicals, and surface coverings in the pool area are also original and showing their age after 40 years. Board members noted the pool is a significant asset to the community and an attractive selling point for West Central. Zylstra will bring in several consultants to look at the air handler and how it may fit into potential larger-scale pool renovation in the future.
Personnel
The school board accepted the resignation of instructional aide Samantha Stasiek.
The board approved the following employments, as presented:
- McKenzie Boehning - Instructional Aide
- Laurel Linback - Temporary Elementary Teacher
- Bernard White - Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
- Bernard White - Special Education Teacher
- Brad Odom - PE/Health Teacher
- Benjamen Gudas - High School English Teacher
- Jennifer Mellon - Volleyball Coach, 8th Grade
- Brittany Baker - Volleyball Coach, 7th Grade
It was noted that over the course of the summer, administrators offered newly open positions to staff who were subject to the involuntary Reduction in Force. As a result of this diligence all staff members who desired a full-time position at West Central were able to maintain their full-time positions.
Principal reports
Elementary school principal Mike Carlson said the elementary is “off to a great start.” The first day was a success, and Meet the Teacher night was well attended. He thanked the PTC for sponsoring Kona Ice and the high school staff for preparing food; it was greatly appreciated.
There are several new students and enrollment is up from last year. They are looking forward to working with new staff members.
Carlson also thanked the West Central School Board for the addition of the full-time Title 1 and K-2 Interventionist positions. It’s already showing great promise to be a benefit to the students.
The new STEM lab training was held Aug. 9, and a lot of information was given. They are excited to witness the learning this will provide and all that will be created.
LifeWise Academy is scheduled to begin Aug. 23, and mentors will be returning to meet with students during breakfast and lunch.
Middle/high school principal Angie Radtke reported staff and students are excited to be back. She added it “was awesome” to see everyone at the Meet the Teacher Block Party on Tuesday with record attendance for the middle and high school.
Students started the first day with a pep session in the gym, and all staff wore their new t-shirts. Athletics have already started with the volleyball team traveling to Tri-County for a scrimmage, and the football team will host Lake Station on Friday. It’s been a great start to the year.
