During the Madison/Virgil USD 386 board of education meeting on Monday, October 13, Superintendent Tammy Baird read the new Open Enrollment Policy and the board approved to adopt it, during a special meeting.
When the regular meeting resumed, the board accepted the resignation of Assistant Track Coach Fred McClain.
Board President Jeff Williams gave an update on the Cooperative Sports Agreement with Hamilton. Williams stated that he and Superintendent Baird presented the suggestion of a three-year contract for $550 the first year and $600 the following years. Madison is still waiting for a response from the Hamilton board. Williams stated he thought it had to be determined by January and was going to notify them of that.
Baird gave a KESA update. She also advised the board of progress to the Entegrity Project. Baird stated the lighting contractor finished their punch list. HVAC is waiting for the gym to be finished to have the thermostats installed and they will be repairing the sidewalk between the buildings. She stated that the roof should be done by Christmas.
Baird gave a report on Parents As Teachers, she stated that three children and two families have signed up. Board member Jennifer Watts stated that she would like to see this number increased and suggested the schools reach out to pre-3 and pre-4 families that would benefit from the Parents As Teachers program, since the school district currently has seven seats available.
Transportation Director Mark Adams attended the meeting via Zoom. Adams reported on progress pertaining to the new leased bus that had issues. He stated it was initially held up at the factory for an illegal weld in the frame. When the bus was delivered to the district it experienced issues on its first and was picked up for repairs. Adams stated that during this process, the Thomas Bus Company had originally been reluctant to provided a definite answer on when it would be completed, however finally advised that the district will receive a brand-new bus by next week. Because the new bus will not come with luggage space, this will be added over Christmas break.
Adams explained the passenger car rotation strategy he has devised for replacing vehicles in their fleet moving forward. This would include the mini vans, staff car, maintenance truck and transit vans. After experiencing difficulty selling the donated suburban on Purple Wave, Adams will start the process of selling it through sealed bids.
Adams suggested the district buy two IC buses coming off lease, numbers 21 and 22, for an approximate price of $86,000 a piece. This would include an extended warranty. In comparison, leasing two new buses would be $29,950 a year for 3 years. If approved, the purchase would be made out of the next fiscal year budget. In a 5-2 vote, Ty Gaines and Jennifer Watts voting opposed, the board approved the purchase of the two buses.
Baird gave a food service update and shared that OPAA hired a new individual for nutrition services. Board member Janette Luthi stated she wants OPAA to look at adjusting serving sizes so they are balanced by age. J. Luthi also asked if the new representative has food experience. Baird noted that they have several years of experience working for Braum’s.
In discussion about board positions, Williams stated that he would like to see the school board move all positions to be at-large. He previously asked Baird to look into this, and she gave an update on the process. Baird stated that there would need to be a resolution drafted for the next general election. The board will look at creating the resolution at next month’s meeting.
Baird gave an update on the Fire Marshal’s visit, findings and the district’s plan for resolving citations found. She stated that everything was minor, and included improper closure of the gym doors, exit signs not working properly, power strips, missing ceiling tiles, doors propped open and some emergency lights which did not work right. Williams stated that this is busy work that maintenance can conduct until the gym is complete. Gaines asked if the maintenance shop area was cited in the visit. Baird shred that it had received citations due to the clutter and ceiling clearance not being upheld.
In the Administration reports, Elementary Principal Amanda Schild gave an update on events. This included the provision of details on the “Bingo for Books” event held on November 15 and PAWs offered a hotdog dinner for a free will donation. She also stated that the elementary school is currently holding a food drive, and all items will be donated to the local bread basket in Madison.
Baird gave a high school update. In her report, she showed the golf schedule and drone photos of roof progress. When Gaines asked about roof drains, Baird noted that she will look into this. The high school is also participating in a food drive. Baird stated the high school will be having basketball games in the gym. She shared a recommendation to bundle up, as currently there is no heat in the gym due to the repairs.
Following an executive session, the board approved a one-time bonus for retention of staff and employees of USD 386. The board also approved hiring MaeLee Esslinger and Shannon McGrath as part-time teacher’s aides at the elementary school. The next board meeting is December 11 at 7 p.m.
