MACS looking into CTE center
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The Mount Ayr board of education learned of a potential CTE center partnership, and two early retirement requests at their regular meeting on Monday, January 13 at 4:30 p.m.
CTE Partnership
Superintendent Jason Shaffer reported that he has been in contact with Southwestern Community College (SWCC) about utilizing the Iowa Department of Education grant that was awarded to SWCC in December of 2022 for the expansion of career and technical education (CTE).
The grant funds have not yet been allocated towards a specific project, although SWCC did explore constructing a CTE center in connection with the Gold Center project in 2023.
Superintendent Shaffer presented the board with initial concept renderings for a 60 x 100 foot shop that meets SWCC’s requirements for CTE education.
While they are in very early stages of discussing the project, he noted the potential location of the CTE building would be south of the middle school doors.
The new building would have three overhead garage doors that would need to be at least 14’ high, and would primarily be used for auto mechanics, diesel mechanics and healthcare/CNA education.
He asked the board whether they would like him to proceed with looking into potential costs associated with this project. The board recommended moving forward with getting cost estimates.
Superintendent Shaffer noted they could look at funds budgeted for capital projects, and potentially utilize Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) funds. The school board may annually certify a regular PPEL in an amount up to 33 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.
Personnel
The board approved three 95-day elementary associate contracts for Chelsey Clymer, Monica Walters, and Tiffany Chishala. Each associate will be paid a total of $12,030.80 for their assistance through the end of the current school year.
The board approved extending the E-sports program for the winter season, with Isac Vos earning an additional $1,086 as head coach. Matt Starmer was also approved as a volunteer E-sports coach.
Ryan Victor was approved as the girls wrestling coach, as Tiffany Bolles requested to resign from her coaching role.
The board also approved two early retirement requests for Scott and Tracy Giles, who plan to move on to other pursuits at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Scott currently serves as the activities Director and Industrial Technology Instructor. Tracy is currently teaching first grade.
Elementary Report
Elementary principal Chris Elwood reported that due to a recent separation from Head Start, the MACS preschool program has switched to Iowa Quality Preschool Performance Standards (IQPPS). The Department of Education will be making an on-site visit to the preschool program the week of April 21 to make sure MACS is meeting the IQPPS requirements.
Callie Poore has joined the school staff as our elementary guidance counselor. She will be providing classroom, small group, and individual guidance services for our students.
He reported that during two early outs in January (17th and 29th), elementary staff members will continue to work on Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). This training will help staff be literacy and language experts in the science of reading.
LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language. There are a total of eight units to complete the LETRS training. They plan to complete four units this year and the other four units next year.
Just Right Reader Science of Reading decodable books were supplied to schools by the Iowa Department of Education, for all 1st grade students throughout the state. The books were sent home with 1st grade students to help build reading skills and confidence.
Students in 3rd-5th grade who were able to meet their 2nd quarter Raider Reading goal will have the opportunity to enjoy a movie at the Princess Theater at the end of January. The Margaret Ricker Endowment will pay for student admissions and S.O.S will pay for concessions.
Elwood also reported that Tracy Giles will be the Junior Raider morning supervisor for the 3rd quarter and Jody Greene will be the supervisor for the 4th quarter.
Mount Ayr Elementary had 77 students participate in the I-Smile program this year. The program provides cavity identification, fluoride treatments, and sealants. The estimated value of services provided to our students was just under $8,000.
Secondary Report
Secondary principal Josh Vanderflught reported that approximately 74% of all middle school students earned an opportunity to see magician, Jonathan May, at the school on the afternoon of January 15. All MS students that had greater than 85% attendance, no D or F grades, and less than three discipline referrals qualified for the quarterly incentive reward.
Nicole Thomas has done a great job leading the flexible education program. They are up to 13 students in the program this semester.
Mr. Vanderflught noted he would be working with Tess Rinehart to develop a schedule for next year. He noted they will need to develop a completely new schedule again this year to make sure we can make things work.
They are also continuing to review the current “work program” set up. This year the work program was limited primarily to seniors because of the high number of students, trying to keep Mrs. Thatcher’s supervision load manageable. They are looking at adding second semester work program as an option for juniors, which could also include some possible internship work. Mr. Vanderflught is also creating a committee to look at our program and offerings, and offered board members an opportunity to join the committee.
Mr. Vanderflught is also planning to discuss our graduation requirements to see if we can change them to offer more flexibility for junior/senior students. MACHS currently requires several courses that are no longer state required. This locks our students into schedules with little flexibility and choice for courses as they progress through high school. Principal Vanderflught also offered board members an opportunity to join this committee.
Other regular business
During regular monthly business, the board approved:
- IASB Policies:
– 102 Equal Educational Opportunity
– 401.01 Equal Employment Opportunity
– 401.06 Limitations to Employment References
– 501.09 Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy
– 501.09R1 Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Regulation
– 710.01R1 School Nutrition Program
– 710.01E1 School Nutrition Program Notices of Nondiscrimination
– 710.01E2 School Nutrition Program Civil Rights Complaint Form - A depository resolution moving funds from US Bank to City State Bank;
- A Memorandum of Understading (MOU) with Western Governors University as the TPRA grant to help associates get a teaching license was extended;
- An out of state travel request for FFA to go to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO during 2026, so the FFA chapter can begin planning for next year;
- FY2024 Audit Report;
- Various fundraiser requests.
