H-W Supt. gives five-week update

CRESCO - Supt. Ted Ihns gave an update on the first five weeks of school at the Sept. 21 Howard-Winneshiek CSD meeting.

At the time, he stated there had been one positive case of COVID-19 at the elementary, one at the high school and one athletic coach. (As of Oct. 1, the numbers were unchanged, with all individuals recovered.)

“When we have a positive case, we are working with Howard County Public Health to determine who would need to self-quarantine due to direct exposure and for the length they would need to quarantine. We do have other students that are self-quarantining — not because of direct exposure from someone at school but outside of the school day. We continue to work with students and their families regarding their access to education.”

• On a more favorable note, the student population on Sept. 21 was at 1,001, which included 896 enrolled in the brick-and-mortar K-12 and 105 enrolled on-line (67 in grades 7-12 and 38 in K-6). “The count day is Oct. 1 and certified enrollment day is Oct. 15.  At the current rate we will be up 8.5 students from last school year.” 

Chris Rogne, 7-12 principal, added, “The kids will tell you they want to be back. The staff is working harder than ever to help students in school, in quarantine and online.”

First-year PreK-6 principal Doug Sickles named the five new teachers  (Emily Schmidt, Elementary Music; Leah Knutson, Elementary Special Education; Megan DeBack, ELL; Penny Vagts, Elementary Special Education; and Marnie Carlson, 6-8 grade guidance counselor) and stated all the teachers were doing a great job. Some were doing Zoom class on weekends.

“We started Crestwood Cares, a discipline initiative,” he said. The elementary is working on detailed plans on bullying and inclusion.

• Rogne then gave the fall 2020 update on Crestwood secondary.

He listed his new staff — Terri Brennan, Junior High Special Education; Marnie Carlson, Junior High  Counselor; Brett Daley, Junior High  and High School Science, American Gov.; Megan DeBack, ELL Coordinator; Denise Sheehy, High School Office Secretary; and Lance Thompson, Assistant Principal/Activities Director (AD). “In a lot of ways, when they started, they didn’t know the normal.” 

He noted the enrollment in 7-12 was up to 592 students. “That is the most in six years.”

There have been two reports made electronically for bullying/harassment. They were referring to the same situation from the junior high. Counselor involvement was requested.

The next 7-12 Parent Advisory Committee meeting was scheduled for Oct. 12. If anyone is interested in being part of the group, contact Rogne at the high school.

Some post graduation statistics showed 68.4% of Crestwood graduates enrolled in a college or university within one year of graduation, compared with state average of 66.6%. In addition, 19.5% of Crestwood grads had to take one remedial English or math class, compared with the state average of 15.9%

• Ihns stated free meals will continue to be served to children until further notice. The free meals began Sept. 14 and will continue through Dec. 31, 2020 or until further notice. 

On Sept. 16, the first Northeast Iowa Conference Superintendent meeting via Zoom was held. The discussion revolved around the opening of the school year, along with the current learning model districts are using and student/staff COVID updates. The meeting also consisted of the possibility of conference realignment. 

Ihns explained, “As you are aware, this is Oelwein’s last year in the NEIC and Charles City has indicated that they will be exploring the possibility of starting a new athletic conference. This will be a discussion that will be on-going and will have a direct impact on our school district. I will continue to keep the board and school community posted as this situation evolves.”

• Courtney Shimek reported on the financials of the All-Sports Booster Club. President of the School Board Alison Holten looked at the balance of $180,910 and asked, “Are you going to spend that down? I am donating money to be used by the kids, not to sit in an account.”

Shimek answered, “We rarely say no to anything. In my opinion, we’ve worked with the ADs and coaches.”

Thompson remarked, “We’re trying to find an estimate on some equipment.”

Board member Andy Ludeking was on the Booster Club at one time. “Coaches don’t want to spend money. They need to not be shy.”

Sickles added, “As a former coach, I was probably ultra conservative as a softball and basketball coach. [When I did ask,] the Booster Club may have turned down just once.”

Three other clubs turned in their financial reports. The ending balance of the Choir Boosters as of Aug. 24, 2020 was $22,106.72. Band Boosters balance for Aug. 31, 2020 was $34,771.59.

• Transportation Director Brian Swestka said it was harder and harder to find bus drivers. He recommended trading a 2016 Chevy Suburban for a 2019 Chevy Full-Size Van, plus $6,000 cash back. “With two vans, we can fit a team in there, with no need for a bus.”

The board approved the purchase.

• The 2020-21 GAT Program and K-12 LAU Plans were approved.

• The district approved a transportation agreement with NEICAC for a student going to Fillmore Central, which was IEP directed. The cost for transportation is $2.95 per mile. At 52 miles per trip, twice a day, the cost is $306.80 per day. The student goes three times per week.

Ann Smith, Director of Special Education / Student Services, said, “This is an IEP team decision. Our goal is to have the student come back. Right now Fillmore Central has the programming.”

• The first readings of the Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited, Sexual Harassment Procedures Manual and Form Bank were approved.

• The board agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with Howard County Public Health Department, allowing it to use How-Winn buildings in the case of a medical emergency.

• The board approved the Limited English Proficient (LEP) Allowable Cost. 

The next school board meeting is Monday, Oct. 19.