Sheldon, Iowa – The Sheldon Community Schools Board met in regular session on Wednesday, December 11th at 5:00 pm in the high school library.
The STEM and Problem-Based Exploration class at the high school presented information on and demonstrated robots they’ve constructed from kits received through a grant that instructor Levi Letsche obtained. The students also learn to write code and cover the applications of technology in our society (i.e. cyber security, bullying, current events, and artificial intelligence). Students work collaboratively in a problem-based environment to learn the content and to overcome various challenges.
There were four open enrollments, one resignation, and two contract offers, all which were approved. In addition, changes to board policy regarding early retirement for teachers at the end of the 2019-2020 school year were approved after a second reading. There were several donations recognized including an anonymous donation in the amount of $47,249 with $30,179 to go to the Band Program and $17,070 to Summer Theater, $25,000 was received for the Duffy Reading Program, $2,000 from Premier Communications Foundation, and 31 pairs of boots and 20 snow pants for students in need from the Sheldon Ministerial Association.
Board members Kecia Hickman, Susan Rensink, and Jessica Brink, along with Superintendent Cory Myer attended the IASB Annual Convention in Des Moines on November 21st and gave a brief report on their experience there. Eric Gilbertson, a partner with King, Reinsch, Prosser & Co. provided a review of the independent audit conducted on the Sheldon Community School District last fall.
The elementary school’s first winter concerts were reported as a big success, despite having to be rescheduled due to weather. As a note, Friday, December 20th will be the last day of school before Winter Break. Middle school staff and students adopted a family, and two senior citizens to promote giving back to the community and serving others for the holiday season. At the high school, students are holding a food drive during the month of December, and various clubs are donating money to support about 20 high school families this year. Members of the National Honor Society will shop for groceries, laundry soap, toiletries, as well as paper products and clothing items in an effort to help a few families who can use the support at this time of year.
Myer shared information on certified enrollment, school finances (see diagram below for breakdown), and the District Leadership Team’s November meeting, which focused on reviewing student achievement data, building level academic goals and school improvement action plans. Myer also presented information on the possibility of equipping school busses with six cameras, which would greatly increase monitoring and security both in and outside of the busses.
In new business, the 2020-2021 High School Registration Handbook was provided for review and the Board discussed adopting the State of Iowa Seal of Biliteracy Award for qualifying students.
The next regular meeting for the Sheldon Community Schools Board is set for Wednesday, January 8th, 2020, at 5:00 pm in the High school library.
