The Northeast Hamilton school board received the proposed 2017 – 2018 school budget at its regular meeting on Thursday, March 23.

The proposed $2.5 million budget would include a levy of 10.69 and a surtax of five percent.

Superintendent Mike Sherwood told the board this budget is lower than the current levy of 10.73 and a surtax of nine percent. He also noted that next year, state aid to the district will be reduced by $81,938.

The board set April 20 at 6 p.m. for the public hearing on the budget.

Kim Schimp, chief negotiator for the NEH Education Association, presented the group’s contract proposal for the 2017 – 2018 school year. The proposal included a duration clause which brings all dates up to the current date, advances the salary schedule and increases the Generator Base

to $27,850. This proposal reflects a $300 base increase and an insurance increase of 4.70 percent. The total package amounts to a 2.38 percent increase. June 30 is the deadline for contract considerations.

The board approved changes to the 600 Policy Series. Those changes include:

• the school year would not begin sooner than August 23 and the school calendar would run 180 days or 1080 hours

• a public hearing would be held before the board adopts a school calendar

• the intensive reading program for children who are not proficient in reading would not begin until summer 2018

• a multi-cultural education program would encompass a diverse cultural group which would include Asian, Native American, Hispanic and Black cultures

• sets guideline requirements for independent, private instruction

• sets a Sept. 13 notification deadline for open enrollment students who wish to participate in district activities

In other business, Sherwood reported a premium increase of 4.7 percent for the district’s health insurance program offered by Iowa Schools Employee Benefits Association. After discussing the matter, the board directed Sherwood to research other health insurance options. The current plan expires on June 30.

Sherwood introduced an equipment breakdown insurance proposal to the board. The insurance offers a program for repair which covers technology systems and copy machine leases, according to Sherwood. The premiums would be paid from the Management Fund but reimbursements could be deposited into the General Fund, explained Sherwood.

The board directed Sherwood to review the district’s needs and develop a premium estimate before it would consider any action.

In administrative reports, Sherwood reported on school related topics currently being debated by the Iowa State Legislature that would impact the NEH district.

Up for discussion is category funding which would allow districts to transfer unused funds to other funds.

“This legislation shifts more control to local school boards,” Sherwood told the board.

Home Rule is also being discussed which would allow districts more flexibility to make decisions, said Sherwood.

An On-Line learning bill, a cap on tax credits and an equity formula are also being discussed, said Sherwood.

The statewide penny extension to January 2050 is being discussed and Sherwood encouraged board members to ask their legislators to support the proposal as if affects a school district’s ability to bond for building projects.

Sherwood also reported that due to four snow days, the last day of school will be May 31 with staff in-service to take place on June 1.

Regarding summer building projects, Sherwood reported that green house bids are being sought. The window replacement project will be postponed until an architect evaluates fire code concerns and existing caulking can be tested for asbestos.

Principal Mike Kruger reported that Iowa Assessment test results were received on March 22. After they are reviewed by staff, the results will be reported at the April 20 Board meeting.

“We like what is happening,” said Kruger after his preliminary review of the tests. “Our scores are increasing.”

Kruger also reported that NEH school nurse Cindi Sweedler supervised an Iowa State University team which recently conducted a Wellness Audit at the Blairsburg school. Participation in the audit earned the district a $500 stipend.

Coming in April, Iowa Falls Bank will visit NEH during Financial Literacy Month, said Kruger. A bank representative will speak to students in grades K-6 as part of the 21st Century Learning Skills program.

Kruger announced that the Mighty Trojan Day Care was awarded a $3,500 Enhance Hamilton County Grant. Kruger commended school office manager and Mighty Trojan Day Care Director Amy Pruismann for her work in securing the grant. Pruismann is also working on a Wellmark Foundation

grant application for the district.

The informal meeting of the Webster City, Stratford and Northeast Hamilton School Boards will take place on April 20 at 5 p.m. in the NEH Media Center. Two NEH board members will be in attendance.

Despite the volatile March weather, 91 percent of the students had at least one parent attend the NEH Parent/Teacher conferences, said Kruger. At one point, tornado and severe storm warnings forced attendees to seek shelter in the school basement, he reported.

The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. The next regular meeting of the NEH school board will be held on April 20 at 6 p.m.