January 10, 2022 School Board Meeting Minutes

The South Winneshiek CSD Board of Education held its regularly scheduled board meeting on January 10, 2022 in the Music room in Ossian.  The meeting was called to order by board president Wendy Mihm-Herold at 5:30 pm. 

After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, roll call took place: Present: Ron Hemesath, Patricia Schissel, Don Schroeder and Wendy Mihm-Herold.  Absent: Craig Neuzil. 

Moved by Schroeder and seconded by Hemesath to approve the agenda but to strike new business A, first reading of board policy 403.7 series. Motion carried unanimously. 

President Mihm-Herold welcomed visitors. 

Administrative reports were provided.  Ms. Nefzger shared data from ISASP. Iowa School Performance Profile (ISASP) ratings and summaries have been published using results from the 20-21 school year.  Calculations are modified due to the pandemic and the lack of testing during the 19-20 school closures.  South Winneshiek buildings fell into the Commendable and the upper edge of Acceptable categories.  Celebrations include consistent overall math achievement, math proficiency and math growth throughout the district.  Other highlights include: success in 4-year graduation rate, post-secondary readiness index College level postsecondary or advanced coursework and post-secondary readiness index Career & Technical Education. The school board publicly thanked the teachers for their continued support to students figuring out ways to keep them engaged is commendable!

Mr. Halverson and Mr. Einck also shared reports with the board.

Review and discussion about previous board minutes, bills, appointments, resignations, open enrollments and donations took place.  Moved by Hemesath and seconded by Schissel to approve the consent items as presented which include: Resignations of Loren Straube – Assistant FB Coach – The board wanted to publicly thank Mr. Straube for his dedication to the football program! Retirement of Ervin Ott as bus driver – also a public thank you to Erv for his dedication to driving students and commitment to the district! Appointments: Dakota Gray – Head MS Boys Track; Kenny Mikota – Volunteer Wrestling coach; Jeffrey Todd – Volunteer MS Boys Basketball coach. Motion carried unanimously.

Old Business:  None

New Business: 

  1. First Reading of Board Policy 403.7 series was struck from the agenda. 
  2. Moved by Schroeder and seconded by Schissel to approve an out of state trip for SODA to Mt. LaCrosse in February. Motion carried unanimously. 

Announcements – the next regular school board meeting will be held in the boardroom in Calmar on February 14 at 5:30 pm. 

Moved by Schissel and seconded by Hemesath to adjourn at 6:35 pm. Motion carried unanimously. 

Respectfully submitted

Kris Smith                                           Wendy Mihm-Herold

Board Secretary                                  Board President