Brandon Valley School District - Minutes
Brandon Valley School District
_________ Minutes _________
The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 11th of May, 2020 at the Brandon Valley High School Community Room with the following members present: Renee Ullom (via phone), Gregg Ode (via phone), Dan Klumper (via phone), Ellie Saxer, and Gregg Talcott (via phone). Absent: none. Also present were Superintendent Jarod Larson and Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg (via phone), Brandon Valley Middle School Principal Brad Thorson, Director of Instruction Sherri Nelson, and Child Nutrition Director Gay Anderson.
Renee Ullom called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Saxer, seconded by Ode to approve the agenda as presented. On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Saxer, Ode, Klumper, Talcott, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Motion by Klumper, seconded by Talcott to approve the meeting minutes from the regular meetings of April 14, 2020 and April 27, 2020 as presented. On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Klumper, Talcott, Saxer, Ode, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Motion by Saxer, seconded by Talcott to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached). On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Saxer, Talcott, Ode, Klumper, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
The cash report for the month of April 2020 showed receipts of $3,143,028.33 and disbursements of $2,958,356.45 leaving a balance of $22,654,490.41. The General Fund had receipts of $2,121,615.51, received a temporary interfund transfer of $128,405.06 from the Special Education Fund, and a temporary interfund transfer of $130,664.09 from the Bond Fund, with disbursements of $2,383,944.70, leaving a balance of $5,674,166.20. Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $261,343.15, with disbursements of $79,245.02, leaving a balance of $455,649.90. Special Education Fund had receipts of $629,345.97, sent a temporary interfund transfer of $128,405.06 to the General Fund, with disbursements of $488,499.35, leaving a balance of $12,441.56. Pension Fund had receipts of $59.61, with disbursements of $0.00, leaving a balance of $54,092.99. Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $130,664.09, sent a temporary interfund transfer of 130,664.09 to the General Fund, with disbursements of $0.00, leaving a balance of $0.00. Enterprise Fund had receipts of 0.00, with disbursements of $626.78, leaving a balance of $75,350.35. The Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $0.00, with disbursements of $7,040.60, leaving a balance of $16,382,789.41.
The April 2020 payroll totaled $1,956,705.52 of which $1,049,85.64 was instructional, $456,649.49 was support services, $33,994.65 was co-curricular, $326,412.22 was Special Education, $89,613.52 was Food Service, and $350.00 was Driver’s Education.
Motion by Ode, seconded by Klumper to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of April 2020 as presented. On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Ode, Klumper, Talcott, Saxer, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Administrative reports were presented. Superintendent Jarod Larson outlined the Sparta Elementary School construction timeline:
Spring 2020: Construction has begun
° Dirt Work and footing work in progress
° Collaborative BVSD and City of Sioux Falls Playground/Park Development/Expense Agreement in progress
Summer 2020: Naming Facilities Committee
Fall 2020: Elementary boundary line committee meets
2020-21 School year: Construction continues
Fall 2021: School opens
The 2020-21 Budget process is underway with budget forms/documents distributed on January 6, 2020. The Business Office has compiled and reviewed all budgets in March 2020 and these budgets have been returned to all schools for summer requisition preparation. The 5-year plan was presented at the February 24, 2020 Board of Education meeting. On March 9, 2020, the preliminary Capital Outlay budget was presented for approval in order for major items to be bid in a timely manner. At tonight’s meeting, we will hold a preliminary budget presentation and in July 2020, we will hold the public budget hearing for potential action.
The Child Nutrition Services Department is planning a “Lynx Lunch Express”. This is a mobile feeding unit and a bus is currently being outfitted with a generator and air conditioner for this purpose. A Visual Art (wrap) of the bus is also in progress. The plan is for the “Lynx Lunch Express” to visit portions of our School District which have been identified by census data for eligibility for summer lunch programs.
The Professional Awards – Staff Recognition Banquet was held virtually this year on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 7 p.m. on Lynx TV and weblink. A special thank you to Bill Miller and all the other individuals that made this virtual presentation happen. There will be a re-run of the Banquet on Friday-Sunday May 8 – 10 at 7 p.m. on Lynx TV. Congratulations to all our retirees, years of service honorees, and the Brandon Valley School District Teacher of the Year, BVIS instructor Jeremy VanHeel.
COVID-19 CARES Act Funding has been in the news lately. This is a funding allocation provided to each school based on Title I funding. We have only received preliminary information thus far. A basic overview from the US and South Dakota Department of Education is for this funding for the prevention, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19. It will focus on budget needs and student learning recovery and advancement. Evaluation and recommendations remain in progress, but the estimated Brandon Valley School District allocation is $260,000.
COVID-19 Update. Superintendent Larson continues to send staff/parent/community emails with COVID-19 Information as well as maintaining the BVSD COVID-19 Website as the Central Community hub for the Distance Learning Plans and Grab & Go Lunch updates. A change to Grab & Go lunch has taken place, distributing a week’s full of meals one day a week only (continuing through the month of June) to reduce exposure to staff and students while maintaining the service. All BVSD & SDHSAA events (spring & winter postponed) are now cancelled. Information on locker clean-out and equipment return is on-going. The Brandon Valley School District Pandemic Response Plan continues to prevent-prepare-mitigate-respond plan with two strategies: reduce the spread and sustain educational functions and operations. We will abide by recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Health.
In regard to the 2020 Graduation Ceremony, the Brandon Valley Administration utilized senior student and parent focus groups via a survey. The strategy going forward is as follows: Graduation postponed to Sunday, July 19, 2020 with a back-up date of Sunday, August 2, 2020 if needed. If the August 2, 2020 doesn’t allow for an in-person ceremony, a Virtual Graduation will be held on August 2, 2020.
Brandon Valley Summer programming and outside facility use remains closed through May 31, 2020. A decision regarding summer programs and outside facility use for the month of June will be made on Friday, May 15, 2020. That decision will be communicated through our established platforms.
We have begun proactive planning for the 2020-21 school year in regard to the COVID-19 Pandemic, continuing to focus on safety, preventative and response members. We will continue to collaborate with Public Health Officials, BVSD Administration, and BVSD Student Health Services.
Larson stated that the recent South Dakota “Special Legislative Session” originally scheduled for June, 2020, has been deemed not necessary. There is a potential session that may happen in September.
The upcoming 2019-20 school year important dates to remember: Current closure dates March 16 – May 22, 2020 and all days included in the Academic Calendar remain unchanged.
Brandon Valley Middle School Principal Brad Thorson thanked the Board of Education for their support during his recent absence and also especially thanked Assistant Principal Amanda Nelson for the extra time that she put in during his absence. Welcome back, Mr. Thorson!
Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg presented the 2020-21 preliminary district budget. (See attached)
Superintendent Jarod Larson presented the Child Nutrition Services Shared Services Program. The purpose of this CNS Shared Services program is to enhance and improve the Brandon Valley CNS program, all while supporting and providing industry expert leadership and service to neighboring rural school districts. This will allow BVSD to obtain a Registered Dietician and provide shared services to participants. This will also provide CNS Directorship services to these small districts in need of industry expert leadership, allowing approximately one day per week of CNS Director time allocated to participants, approximately one day per week of Registered Dietician time allocated to participants, while allowing BVSD to gain three additional days per week of CNS support and leadership. This program will enhance BVSD CNS productions and services, increase training opportunities, and increase community education nutrition offerings and services. The participating South Dakota School Districts are as follows: Chester Area, Colman-Egan, Deubrook, Howard, Lake Preston, Menno, Montrose, Oldham Ramona, Rutland, and Sioux Valley. Each of the participating school districts has provided a “letter of commitment” to participate in the shared services program with the annual $2,000 fee for the two-year pilot. The group would be utilizing a $65,000 “Share Our Strength” Grant for each school year 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years. We anticipate all annual program expenses would be paid by this grant and participant fees. Motion by Saxer, seconded by Klumper to approve preliminary approval of the CNS Shared Services program to authorize “Share Our Strength” Grant application and Memorandum of Understanding, formation of Shared Services Memorandum of Understanding, and initiate the hiring process for a Registered Dietician as presented. On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Saxer, Klumper, Ode, Talcott, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Superintendent Jarod Larson presented the K-12 2020-21 Swing Year Curriculum Delivery Model at a cost of $57,687.16. Director of Instruction Sherri Nelson also reviewed this Swing Year Curriculum. Motion by Talcott, seconded by Ode to approve the K-12 Swing Year Curriculum Delivery Model as presented. On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Talcott, Ode, Klumper, Saxer, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Motion by Saxer, seconded by Ode to approve the following General Business:
1. Approve agreement by and between the Brandon Valley School District #49-2 and Quam, Berglin & Post, PC, for the 2019-20 Fiscal Year audit for the approximate amount of $13,700.00
2. Cast ballot for the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) East River At-Large Representative for Dr. Kelly Glodt (Pierre School District), effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2025.
3. Cast ballot for the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) Division 1 Representative for Dan Conrad (Sioux Falls Washington High School), effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2025.
4. Cast ballot for the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) Small School Group Board of Education Representative for Marty Weismantel (Groton Area School District), effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2025.
5. Cast ballot for the South Dakota High School Activities Association SDHSAA) Amendment No. 1 ~ Yes.
6. Approve contract by and between the Brandon Valley School District and Behavior Care Specialists for services for one student in the amount of $6,460.47/month, effective June1 - August 31, 2020.
7. Approve 2020-21 School year breakfast and lunch prices with a $0.10 across the board increase, due to the federally mandated paid lunch equity requirement.
8. Approve purchase lease agreement by and between Apple, Inc., and the Brandon Valley School District #49-2 for computer hardware (MacBook Air laptop) and support, in the amount of $402,300.03/year for four years (total $1,609,200.12) as presented.
9. Approve the Administrative Recommendation to waive the annual physical evaluation requirement, as outlined I JHCA, due to COVID-19, for the 2020-21 school year and allow the usage of a biennial physical evaluation.
On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Saxer, Ode, Talcott, Klumper, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Motion by Klumper, seconded by Saxer to approve the recommendation to hire the following summer 2020 grounds workers effective May 26, 2020: Morgan Mashlan ~ $12.00/hour; Carson Mork ~ $11.50/hour; and Evan Talcott ~ $11.50/hour. On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Klumper, Saxer, Ode, Ullom; Abstaining: Talcott; Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Motion by Klumper, seconded by Ode to approve the following personnel items:
1. Approve recommendation to hire Melanie Sittig, BVHS Spring Musical Director, Extra-curricular Step 10 ~ $2,870.00, effective for the 2020-21 school year.
2. Accept retirement notification from Merlyn Bosch, BVHS Custodial Supervisor, effective May 8, 2020.
3. Approve recommendation to hire Lindsey Abens, BVIS Computer Teacher, BA Step Base ~ $46,754.00, effective for the 2020-21 school year.
4. Accept amended retirement notification form Wayne Hansen, District Mechanic, effective June 30, 2020.
5. Approve resignation from Daniel VanDeest, BVIS Night Custodian, effective May 8, 2020.
6. Approve recommendation to hire Malle Driscoll, BVHS Junior Class Advisor (Prom Coordinator), Extra-Curricular Step Base ~ $1,017.00, effective for the 2020-21 school year.
7. Approve recommendation to hire Robert Boecker, BVIS Night Custodian, $15.30/hour plus $1.00/hour night differential pay, effective May 18, 2020.
8. Accept resignation from Kendra Litka, BVMS Special Education Educational Assistant, effective May 22, 2020.
9. Approve recommendation to hire the following summer 2020 custodial employees effective May 26 2020:
Susan Fritz (MS) ~ $12.00/hour; Jolene Roozenboom (VSE) ~ $12.00/hour; Jocelyn Sperlich (RBE) ~ $12.00/hour; Sherri Pickthorn (FAE) ~ $12.00/hour; Alison Statema (BE) ~ $12.00/hour; Ardis Lippert (BVIS) ~ $12.00/hour; Britton Elkin (RBE) ~ $11.50/hour; Colter Elkin (FAE) ~ $11.00/hour; and Jeremiah Donahoe (BVIS) - $11.00/hour.
On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Klumper, Ode, Talcott, Saxer, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
The following information was presented to the Board of Education for information only:
1. Request for maternity leave by Stephanie Jorgensen, BVSD Psychologist, effective on or around August 10, 2020, for 10-12 weeks.
The following communications were presented from the Central Office and Board of Education:
1. Building Permit Applications – April 2020.
2. Thank you from Judy Tschetter for continued payment through COVID pandemic.
3. Thank you from Child Nutrition Staff (Lori Crumb, Lori Daniels, Patsy Terveer, Laurie Veld, Linda Schoby, Kristi Gregerson, Becky Peterson, and Kayla Lubbers) for continued support and generosity from BVSD.
4. Thank you from Child Nutrition Staff (Cheryl Hartog, Erin Ashby, Michelle Brady, Angel Dunham, Jennifer Roemen, Becky Smith, Anita Hume, Gail Grace, Karen Lenz, and Joanne Bennis) for continued payment.
5. Thank you from Child Nutrition Staff (Traci Meyerink, Sarah Gruber, Staci Anderson, Chris Erickson, Kelly Matzen, Laura Reinsch, Kayla Houser, and Crystal Reimers) for continued payment during such a stressful situation.
Motion by Klumper, seconded by Talcott to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Klumper, Talcott, Saxer, Ode, Ullom. Voting nay: none. Motion carried.
Signed
Business Manager
Approved by the Board of Education this 8th day of June, 2020.
Published once at the approximate cost of $150.43.
May 20, 2020
