New school board members welcomed, former SMS first-floor study approved

(Photo by Kris Todd) Sharon Slawson administers an oath of office to new Spencer school board members Todd Korbitz and Marti Bomgaars. [Order this photo]

Following an oath of office being administered to Korbitz and Bomgaars, the new board re-appointed Dave Schlichtemeier as its president. It also appointed Ed VerSteeg as its vice president.

Board members also voted to keep the fourth Tuesday of each month as their regular meeting date and 5:30 p.m. as the regularly-scheduled time during the 2008-09 school year.

(Photo by Kris Todd) Superintendent Greg Ebeling, right, presents outgoing Spencer school board members Dean Mechler, center, and Les Zobrist with a handshake and plaque signifying their dedication to the district over the last three years. [Order this photo]

Superintendent Greg Ebeling reported that representatives of the Spencer Area Activity Center, formally referred to as the Spencer Senior Center, recently placed their space in the Gateway North Center for sale.

"They have to move out of there regardless. We would very much like them to move into the first floor of the old middle school, if we can make that happen," Ebeling said.

"(There are) a couple things that we need some guidance on to be able to make that feasible for them. One, a big hurdle, is the air conditioning and trying to look at a way to do that as inexpensively as possible. ... But, to help facilitate that, we need an architect to look at that and give us some cost estimates to have some idea of whether it's feasible or not. We're going to be faced with that issue regardless."

As Ebeling outlined that Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates would provide architectural services for this at a $140-an-hour basis, he also said the building's restrooms, accessibility and fire marshal requirements would be looked into, estimated for cost and completed as they are deemed "needed" things to accomplish.

"What we're trying to do is a very scaled-back approach as to just the absolute minimum to make it a very workable space," Ebeling assured.

But even at the minimum, he estimated the firm's study could cost $5,000. This would be paid for with Physical Plant and Equipment Levy funds.

With a smile, Ebeling then hinted, "If the senior center would buy that first floor for $1, that would be great."

In other action, the board approved Spencer FFA group members attending the Oct. 21 - 24 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Along with Charity Mueggenberg, a district teacher/media associate who is currently serving as Spencer's "substitute sponsor" for the FFA group, and Brian Lantz, the Rockwell City-Lytton FFA advisor, eight students are expected to attend. They include: Peter Buchan, Jake Hill, Victoria Foerster, Tim Juza, Taylor Anderson, Katie Miller, Daniel Vosberg and Tom Hagedorn. Fellow Spencer High School students Sydney Anderson, Raymie Foester and Megan Hoy are currently listed as potential alternate attendees.

During this portion of discussion, Ebeling also informed board members that a new agricultural education instructor is expected to be hired Nov. 1.

Eric Johnson, the district's technology director, also requested the district distribute its "The Source" newsletter differently. While he suggested the newsletter still be created, Johnson proposed the board scale back its production. His proposal also proffered that it be accessible online, on the district's Web site.

While Assistant Superintendent Kathy Elliott suggested the mailed newsletter become "more streamlined," board members agreed that patrons who still wish to have it mailed to them should be allowed that option.

"What we're going to do is, over the next few months, ask for anybody who wants a printed copy to contact the district (at 262-8950) and give us their address to make sure that we get them a copy," Ebeling said following the meeting.

It was also pointed out that the August newsletter, which has registration materials and other legally-required notices, will be among those to continue being mailed to district residents.

In other action and discussion, the board:

* Was informed that a "Bullying and Cyber-bullying" family forum will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 in the Spencer school district's central offices. A meal will be provided at 5:30 p.m. Childcare will also be available throughout the evening.

* Approved a 2008-09 district professional development plan and district goals offered by Mary Jo Smith, chairperson of the local School Improvement Advisory Committee. It was noted that all the student achievement goals at the building level tie back to literacy and reading, which have been identified as the area most in need of improvement districtwide.

* Sanctioned a list of 2008-09 fund-raisers.

* Appointed Schlichtemeier to serve as its delegate at the Nov. 19 Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) conference. School board representatives across the state provide input on IASB's legislative platform during this conference.

* Authorized a new coach and activity sponsor evaluation tool. It mimics what is currently used for support staff and complements additional evaluation instruments used for the district's teachers and administrators. The evaluation piece will be used with coaches this fall.

* Opted to schedule a 5:30 p.m. work session on Thursday, Oct. 16 to review progress made on board goals, review progress made on the superintendent's goals and to discuss district communication.