by Mari Radtke
Amy Schmidt and Priscilla Jenness spoke to the Board of Directors about the South O’Brien Career Student Organization (CSO) becoming Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). The move is a requirement by the Iowa Board of Education. It adds technical career opportunities. Both teachers gave examples of how they have added the technical component.
CTSOs hhave limited funding by Perkins V. A CTSO “Is an organization that engages in career and technical education activities as an integral part of the instruction program. CTSOs provide opportunities to develop and refine the skills students need in their chosen occupational area. Conferences, competitions, workships, community service and other activities encourage leadership development an dcareer exploration.
Mrs. Schmidt, high school business teacher, uses the Future Business Leaders of America resources to incorporate the requirements of CSTO learning opportunities. Mrs. Jenness, 7-12 Fellowship of Christian Athletes teacher, has included involvement in a program from her own high school experience, Family, Career and Communit Leaders of America (FCCLA) into her programing.
Aaron Giese, School Business Officer, shared with the board during the financial report that they district has received its funds from the sale of bonds based on approved PPEL revenue. The $5.7 million revenue bond was put into interest-bearing accounts at approved financial institutions.
Superintendent Wade Riley was please to announce to the board that South O’Brien’s School Performance Review Profile placed South O’Brien as a “High Performing” district. According to Riley, this is the second highest rating an Iowa district can earn. He also noted that this is the first time South O’Brien has achieved that rating. High performing schools account for 18.50% of the schools in Iowa. South O’Brien scored 646.85 points out of a possible 900. Key assessment changes based on the accountability review were seen in attendance growth. Attendance growth is the change in student attendance by those formerly considered chronically absent by percentage. Likewise, chronic absenteeism, defined as present at school for 90% of the days enrolled, was below the state average. Workplace readiness were other notable assessed areas. Two areas of measurement are in the post-secondary index: Work-Based Learning and College Credit. The percentage of students participating in workplace learning experiences while attending high school are well above state average. Students earning college credits, however are well below state average.
A final decision was made about replacing the HVAC system in the 20-year old high school library. The two bids were about $10,000 apart. Both were from Thompson Controls, as they have control of the operational system of the high schools HVAC. The primary difference between the two bids was belts used on the motor or not. Riley reported that the district has a large suppy of belts and that personnel know how to change belts. The board opted for the lower cost system at approximately $72,000. The board also approved the replacement of the high school freezer side panels at a cost of roughly $25,000. Both projects are to be paid from PPEL or SAVE funds.
The O’Brien County Fair board presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the South O’Brien School District. The MOU outlines the entities involved in the planning and execution of the annual fair and the qualified participants. The board approved the MOU.
The fitness center is open and has about 15 family memberships. At the time of the meeting there were about 15 family memberships paid. The cost is $300 per family per year and are being prorated to July 1.