Sheldon, Iowa – The Sheldon Community School Board met in regular session on Monday, November 18th at 5:00 pm in the high school library.
Tracy Meyer administered the Oath of Office to the Board members beginning a new term, including Kecia Hickman, Jessica Brink, and Steve Waldstein. Kecia Hickman was sworn in as the Board President, and Susan Rensink as the Board’s Vice President.
Third grade students presented information on what they learned about the history of Sheldon. The SDSU Agreement for an intern high school counselor was approved. There was one student service agreement, one contract adjustment, and three contract offers, all which were approved. In addition, the Parent and Family Engagement Policy was approved, and a donation from MidAmerican Energy in the form of time and equipment usage for work on the baseball diamond, an approximate $1,700 value, was recognized.
Principal Groendyke reported that the elementary school’s literacy night was attended by 540 individuals and he expressed his thanks for all the support from staff and members of the community who helped make this annual event possible. At the middle school, 8th graders are gearing up for the science fair, and the public will be able to view their projects the evening of Tuesday, November 19th at the middle school. Twenty-one new members are being inducted into the National Honor Society at the high school this week, and Principal Zeutenhorst reported that ACT scores for 2019 are in, with a composite average of 23.3 which is higher than 2019’s state average of 21.6.
Superintendent Myer shared information on Iowa public schools, stating that the number of Iowa school districts is down 12.8% while the total number of public school buildings has decreased by 14.6% in the last year. He also stated that due to a teacher shortage they are aiming to project future staffing needs as early as possible for 2020-21.
In new business, Kecia Hickman and Jessica Brink were elected to serve as the School Disctrict Negotiation Team Representatives again this year and will work with Myer in that capacity. The Board also voted to submit a revised allowable growth application to offset the needs in spending for programs based on certified enrollment. Additionally, discussion was has in regards to offering early retirement packages to eligible district employees, with the thought that this option might not be made available again for between two and five years.
The next regular meeting for the Sheldon Community School Board is set for Wednesday, December 11th, 2019, at 5:00 pm in the High school library.
