February 22, 2021
The work session of the Board of Education of the Centerville Community School District was held
February 22, 2021 at 6:30 pm in the board room of the Administration Office, 634 North Main,
Centerville.  

Work Session

Call to order and roll call
Vice President Kevin Wiskus called the work session to order at 6:30 pm.  Roll call to determine quorum:
   Present:  Brooke Johnson, Kevin Wiskus, Mike Thomas, Bob Thomas, Kris Shondel
   Absent:  Mike Moore, Marty Braster
Also present were Superintendent Tom Rubel and Chief Financial Officer Lisa Swarts

Public Forum
There were no public comments.

Approve Agenda
It was moved by Bob Thomas and seconded by Mike Thomas to approve the agenda as stated.  Motion passed unanimously.

Work Session

Report on Preschool/Early Childhood Education
Julie Caraccio gave a presentation on Centerville preschool programming.  Her presentation touched on
the following items:
1. Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary Preschool program requirements
2. What the district’s current programming looks like - serving 3 and 4-year old students that are funded by the state, serving 5-year olds who aren’t funded by the state but are parent paid, holding a 28 E Agreement with our partner, Kid’s World serving 20 students.
3. “Transitional” Kindergarten – This was an option in past years.  If the district moves back towards offering transitional kindergarten, there would be funding from the state for those students.  Curriculum and testing is the same for transitional as it is for the traditional kindergarten class. If a child attends transitional kindergarten and doesn’t move on to 1st grade, it is important that parents understand that this is actually retention. 
4. Possible changes to the program for the upcoming 2021-22 school year.  Some of the proposed options included space for 3-year olds (both state funded and parent paid), 4 year-old rooms, as well as a transitional kindergarten room.     
The administration is continuing to work on different aspects of the funding as well.  Continued discussions and decisions will come at a future board meeting.  

Review of 2021-22 Calendar
The 2021-22 Calendar is modeled from the 2020-21 calendar and doesn’t contain any extensive changes.  The board will approve at the March 8th regular meeting.

Presentation on Esports Proposal
Mekca Wallace-Spurgeon gave a presentation on the Esports Proposal.  Esports is sanctioned by the Iowa High School Esports Association with currently 32 Iowa High Schools participating.  She spoke about the benefits of the program, focusing on the items: it targets a traditionally uninvolved student, emphasis on teamwork, possible scholarships, and possible career pathways.  She discussed equipment needed and possible financing options.
Rich Parker spoke about Centerville’s policy of clubs and sports.  Esports would be initially self-funded and then annually would be evaluated to determine whether the district would sanction and considered a sport/activity.

A survey has been sent to students with 103 students responding that they would be interested in participating.

Virtual Snow Days
The district has had quite a few virtual snow days already.  Matt Johnson and Karen Swanson spoke about how the High School and the Middle School have handled virtual snow days.  They both reported that both the attendance and engagement has been very good and that minus a few issues, it seems to be going well.  They also gave a tour through the district’s online program, Schoology.  

Reports
Administrator reports focused on:
1. Teacher Leadership Program
2. Student Achievement – South Central Conference honors, Iowa Performance Profile improvements, and FAST testing and data
3. PD Training and Development – Making Grades Matter book study, AEA analyzing FAST data, continued Schoology work, CPI training
4. Culture & Programs – Prom planning, PBIS activities, 100th day of school
5. Families & Community – virtual snow day impact on families, day of sledding, recognition of our staff working with students on their social and emotional needs.

Adjourn
It was moved by Bob Thomas and seconded by Mike Thomas to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 pm.  Motion passed unanimously.

_________________________                       		 ___________________________________
Board President, Marty Braster                           		 Board Secretary, Lisa Swarts