Sheldon, Iowa – The Sheldon Community Schools Board met in regular session on Wednesday, January 8th at 5:00 pm in the high school library.
First grade teacher Kim Buenger was recognized for being awarded the McTeacher of the Month from the local McDonalds. With winning this award Mrs. Buenger received a cash award, a plaque stating her honor, and 52 free McCafe̒ drinks. 7th/8th grade Science teacher Jim Gude provided background information on the 24th annual middle school science fair, in which all 8th graders create a comprehensive project that includes not only science, but language arts, math, and art. Three of the student groups were present and discussed the various aspects of their state qualifying projects.
There was one open enrollment, and two contract adjustments, both of which were approved. Changes to board policy regarding early retirement for teachers at the end of the 2019-2020 school year were approved during the December Board meeting. In addition to three staff resignations, the following teachers have declared their intent to retire at the end of the 2019-20 school year:
Gene Bomgaars – Vocational Ag
Joan Holles – Title 1
Chuck Johnson – High School Math/Science
Donna Nagel – High School Teacher
Lois Vreeman – Health/Art
There were several donations for the Back Pack Program recognized, including $1,000 each from DK Plastics and Iowa State Bank and $5,000 from the Sheldon First Reformed Church. Additionally, $250 was donated to the Saupe Memorial Scholarship.
The elementary school is gearing up for their 100th day of school activities at the end of this month, and the results of the 1st through 4th grade climate survey show that 97.7% of students have a positive attitude about school at East Elementary. At the middle school, staff will begin implementing Leader in Me activities with the students beginning on January 13th. Parents can expect report cards and newsletters by the end of this month from the middle and high schools, and finals at the high school will be taking place on January 16th and 17th. In addition, the Sheldon High School’s Student Leadership Team would like to invite the community to recognize Senior Master Sergeant Royd Chambers for his many years of service during an assembly on Friday, January 10 at 1:25 pm in the high school auditorium.
Superintendent Cory Myer shared a summary of the November 2019 School Board Election Results as well as information regarding special education fund balances for each district in the state of Iowa (see images below). The Board also voted to adopt the State of Iowa Seal of Biliteracy Award, which recognizes students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages (one of which is English) by high school graduation.
In new business, the soccer sharing agreement with Sibley-Ocheyedan was renewed. The 2020-21 High School Handbook updates, which included a few changes to classes being offered, were approved, as were various policies regarding licensed employees. Supplemental aid for the 2020-21 Dropout Prevention Program was discussed. The Board also voted to expel a student for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to a violation of the school district’s Code of Conduct before entering into closed session for the superintendent performance conference and collective bargaining strategy session.
The next regular meeting for the Sheldon Community Schools Board is set for Wednesday, February 19th, 2020, at 5:00 pm in the High school library.
