The Webster City School Board approved the first reading for a district-wide smoke-free environment policy at its regular meeting this week.

The smoke-free environment policy addresses not only tobacco products but also electronic cigarettes and the vapor they produce.

The board also approved the Four-Year-Old preschool agreements which establishes the budget for each of the district’s preschool locations.

An amendment to the Riverview Early Childhood Center lease contract was approved. The amendment gives the Riverview Early Childhood Center board first-right-of-refusal if the Webster City CSD choses to sell or alter the building.

The board approved an addendum to the YSS Mentoring contract which clarifies how the district will pay those administrative costs. The board’s action adopts a monthly installment plan.

Webster City School Superintendant Dr. Mandy Ross presented her annual Professional Growth Plan to the board for consideration. The annual report outlines Ross’ goals for this fiscal year.

A lengthy portion of the meeting was spent reviewing the board’s policy 700 series. The policy establishes good practices dealing with financial issues, school transportation procedures, non-instructional operations and business services such as bookkeeping, transportation and payroll.

Teachers Quality Committee members were approved. These professionals help to oversee the program for the Iowa Department of Education which develops teacher leaders who in turn set district initiatives and oversee the distribution of funds.

TQ members include Dan Johnson, Rachel Daum, Jerry Buseman, Jeff Lyons, Kelli Reis, Diane Bahrenfuss, Mindy Mossman, Brandy Williams, Jessica Hector, Kim Schimp, Trish Bahrenfuss, Cathi Hildebrand and Jama Hisler.

The board temporarily tabled the formal approval of support for the Career Academy until the Webster City district and Iowa Central can coordinate their partnership agreement.

Education contracts with Fort Dodge Community School District, North Central Consortium School and the Johnston Community School District were approved.

Board members approved contracts for Jessie Bailey and Beth Meyer to serve as Co-Middle School Student Council advisors.

Fourth grade students from Sunset Heights Elementary School gave a presentation to the board on the progress of the recycling project they had started last year. The students asked for the board’s permission to place a box near the office which will be used to collect recyclable plastic bottles. Their request was granted.

The board also approved of three fundraising requests. Fundraiser approval was granted to: WC Rockertry to sell embroidered plush Lynx toys at the Oct. 18 home football game and at the Dec. 13 home basketball game; the WC High School Spanish Club to sell puff pastry products; and to the WC Middle School Band to sell shaved ice at the group’s Tailgating Party.

Josh Lacey asked to be added to the agenda of a future board meeting in order to address damage to his property.

In her report, Ross told the board that she has been speaking to community groups about the approaching PPEL vote on Nov. 5. Ross met with the Rotary After Hours, Noon Kiwanis and the American Legion on Oct. 8. She will speak to the Morning Kiwanis next week and will be discussing the PPEL vote during her staff “Chats with the Superintendent.”

Ross also distributed brochures to the board members about the upcoming PPEL vote and asked them to distribute them to the public.

Ross and Board Secretary Cathi Hildebrand reported that the district’s auditing firm Nolte, Cornman and Johnson of Newton visited the district office from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 for the state mandated audit. It was noted that few formal comments were issued during the exit interview. Those comments cited the negative lunch account balance and the existence of dormant student activity accounts which could be moved to active accounts in order to be used.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. The next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at the School Administration Office Board Room.