West Central Reporter

Carthage Elementary School District 317 Board of Education Met Dec. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Truth in Taxation hearing of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Board President Brent Ufkes.

Roll call: Brandon Gooding/present; Trish Markley/present; Amy Graham/present; Brent Ufkes/present; Luke Burling/present; Robert Menn/present; Andrea Jones/absent.

Review of proposed tax levy – There were no additional comments or questions.

There were no individuals present wishing to address the board regarding the proposed tax levy.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Graham to adjourn the truth in taxation meeting at 7:01 p.m. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.

Regular Meeting

The regular meeting of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Board President Brent Ufkes.

Roll call: Brandon Gooding/present; Trish Markley/present; Amy Graham/present; Brent Ufkes/present; Luke Burling/present; Robert Menn/present; Andrea Jones/absent.

There were no additional agenda items.

There were no visitors present wishing to speak on stated agenda items.

Administrative Reports – Mrs. Hardy gave Ms. Nason and Danielle White the floor to discuss technology. Erin Biery expressed her frustrations with issues related to the one- to-one technology and students not being able to use their personal devices at school.

Mr. Snowden reviewed his report. Updated numbers as of today: 10 students quarantined.

Ms. Nason reviewed her report. Updated numbers as of today: 1 positive case, 10 students quarantined and 0 staff. She currently has 22 full-time remote learners. She noted that their recent Butter Braid fundraiser generated over $4,000 in revenue, which will be used for future class trips.

It was moved by Mr. Gooding and seconded by Mrs. Markley to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.

District Health Insurance Plan – The insurance committee met recently and agreed to request a bid from Ramsey Financial for group Blue Cross/Blue Shield to compare to our current policy/premiums. Jenny White will be sending out a survey to staff for input. Kent Wildrick is willing to find ways to reduce the current premiums, but noted that prescription drug costs would increase dramatically.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mr. Gooding to approve the tax levy as presented. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mr. Ufkes to enter into executive session at 7:36 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Graham to exit executive session at 7:54 p.m. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mr. Burling to approve the employment of Brittany Aanenson as assistant cook at the non-certified support staff contract rate. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Graham to approve the employment of Allison Baumann as elementary teacher at the certified contract rate beginning second semester of the 2020-2021 school year, pending successful completion of her certified teaching credentials. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.

It was moved by Mr. Ufkes and seconded by Mr. Menn to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Roll Call: Mr. Gooding/yes; Mrs. Markley/yes; Mrs. Graham/yes; Mr. Ufkes/yes; Mr. Burling/yes; Mr. Menn/yes; Mrs. Jones/absent. Motion carried 6-0.