Board expels freshman for possession

Spencer school board members not only agreed to purchase several new things for the district this week, they voted to expel a freshman girl for a Sept. 5 possession of marijuana and paraphernalia in Spencer High School (SHS). The 15-year-old female, who will be expelled for the rest of the first semester, is not in a treatment facility now, but is receiving counseling, Superintendent Greg Ebeling reported Thursday night.

Her possession was uncovered at the same time SHS Assistant Principal Jade Beehler was investigating several thefts that had occurred in the building.

The girl's parents opted to not have a hearing and signed an agreement for the board to take action on the matter.

While the student will be given the option to earn "learning center credits" through Iowa Lakes Community College, as well as the chance to finish some of her classes via independent study, Ebeling noted the district's counselors will be assigned to her after she returns to SHS.

As board president David Schlichtemeier brought up drug testing, board vice president Ed Ver Steeg responded, "The best thing we could do is find $60,000 and bring back the SRO (school resource officer)."

This marks the second SHS student expelled within two months. Board members expelled a SHS senior male on Aug. 25 for the first semester for a second possession of marijuana.

As the board transitioned to the topic of snow removal, Ebeling outlined two problems with the way the district's system currently works. The amount of time that maintenance staff spends moving snow during an average winter limits the amount of maintenance tasks actually being completed was the first problem the superintendent outlined. The district's addition of five parking lots since 2005 ranked as the second problem.

Next, Ebeling outlined three different alternatives: To outsource snow removal; to purchase a 12-foot Strongbox snow pusher and lease a tractor with loader from a local implement dealer; and to hire additional staff to run the district's current equipment or continue to pay maintenance staff overtime.

Ebeling indicated the district's four maintenance men were paid just under $4,000 in overtime wages from December 2007 to March 2008 for snow removal.

The superintendent then reported one quote received to remove two inches or more of snow from the high school, middle school and one elementary building's parking lots could cost the district $1,800 per snow.

Board members leaned more toward the second option, which was recommended by Ebeling and included the purchase of a $5,475 Strongbox snow pusher to attach to a tractor loader. Of the two quotes received for the leasing of a tractor with loader, the first, from Northwest Equipment, was for a used 2008 John Deere 7810, which could cost $12,500 per year for up to 200 hours of use. The second quote received, from Spencer International, was for a three-year commitment for a new Case-IH tractor, which could cost $12,788 per year. To purchase both tractors, Ebeling said, could cost the district $81,500 for the used John Deere and $85,750 for the new Case-IH tractor with loader. The superintendent estimated to hire additional staff or to pay current staff overtime to remove snow 12 times for snowfalls of two inches or more, the third option considered, could cost the district $9,540.

According to Ebeling, who now oversees the four maintenance members responsible for this task, Brett Vanderhoff, the district's grounds supervisor, has stated the "right equipment can move the snow quicker." Vanderhoff and Ebeling have also discussed bringing two men in from 4 - 6 a.m. and the other two maintenance staff members in from 6 - 8 a.m.

While board members eventually voted to purchase the 12-foot Strongbox snow pusher and to have district staff look for a tractor with loader "costing up to $12,500," it was noted the one-year lease option with Northwest Equipment "would give us (district representatives) some time to find a deal" at a farm sale. Ebeling then assured, "If this works, we'll be diligent" about attending farm auctions and looking for something to purchase.

Board members also authorized district staff to seek quotes for a new or used one-ton, four-wheel-drive truck and plow from area dealers. Ebeling suggested a $25,000 - $35,000 cost estimate for a used truck to replace a 1994 Ford pickup with a lift and 78,000 miles on it.

Quotes on the truck and plow are expected to be considered by the board during its Oct. 27 meeting.

Board members also also approved the $45,100 purchase and installation of acoustic materials in the SHS fieldhouse. While the Tailtwisters have already committed $15,000 to this project, the remainder will be taken from the district's Physical Plant and Equipment Levy fund.

"Mr. (Robert) Rediger (of Rediger & Associates, Inc. of Lincoln, Neb.) told me he's 99 percent sure this is going to solve (the sound issues). If it doesn't, you have partial hearing loss," Ver Steeg told his peers around the board table.

The acoustic tile installation, which will be done by Carey's Electronics of Spencer at a cost of $5,000, is anticipated to occur during a three-day period over Christmas vacation.

In other action, board members set an Oct. 27 public hearing to consider an innovative calendar and a school start before Labor Day for next school year. During this discussion, Todd Korbitz mentioned he was concerned with school years starting early because of the lack of economic activity and tourism in the area.

"Let's do something radical: Let's go year round," Barb Van Wyk facetiously said to Marti Bomgaars' approval around the board table.

In other discussion Thursday night, the board reviewed three goals set for Ebeling last spring. They include:

* Presenting a recommendation for a revised vision and mission statement and a new district motto for the board to consider by January 2009.

* Having monthly "coaching conversations" with administrators from November 2008 to May 2009 to help improve their skills around guiding teacher improvement and implementation of professional development.

* Completing 20 walk-through classroom visits and four extended stay visits with teachers each month focused on the districtwide implementation of literacy.