[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6326573,"mediaKeyId","2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a","parentId",2323980,"title","Board reviews first reading of employee cell-phone and student-wellness administrative rules; members seek clarification on snack restrictions","audioSeconds",263,"startMs",2790000,"endMs",3053000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a&start=2790&end=3053","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a/thumbnail_2790000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6326573/Iowa/Board-reviews-first-reading-of-employee-cell-phone-and-student-wellness-administrative-rules-members-seek-clarification-on-snack-restrictions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326573-e92e8006885d7b1c769d9d14bca33355/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071818&Signature=fQKr1Xjpl3-QmzpBbF2XtrY3HjODjowOsAG0QrMjm5c0kobYGHHGcsMX-YFNlf6Lvj-04JakIbUM~Duz0ACJ9OxV1XmKyH0t2ImfEB9JrppjNI3yNMlA6tWFgHIAr7hACQarQFIeQhe0b8pBR8MrJVC-eo0vIbMCZCyFkDGYmZAaUhM-HCxHte5M4elSl6y48eYRKTreE89U2iwivcpZaHgoMTUULTHPwLLVTIM4bK11wG3ilo9Hh54Rcpq0cr-Fn-0ZxK5oZ4CPLflAGqeFunk4UpONEfMvg5aTkUgUVpoSs0xj~jGE9XwfdkUuHPTVn3ngV-R8FoWSosBdrwtLYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Muscatine Community School District","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Muscatine Community School District Board on Feb. 10 reviewed a proposed new policy (401.14) on employee use of cell phones and administrative updates to the district wellness regulations, including provisions that would allow only individually wrapped snacks in classrooms and apply USDA Smart Snacks standards to items offered during the school day.

Board members asked for clarification about how the snack language would work in practice. One board member said the change could bar homemade treats even if placed in a Ziploc bag; another member said the district's centralized food-service operation can produce approved items (for example, individually wrapped or produced in the central kitchen) and that those items appear on an approved celebration list. The wellness discussion cited an increase in students with food allergies and the difficulty of screening homemade items at the classroom level.

Members asked whether classroom celebrations that involve food can still happen, whether such items can be served outside lunch periods, and whether store-bought items that are not individually wrapped would be allowed if they carry nutrition labels that meet USDA standards. Staff said the USDA Smart Snacks standard applies to items served during the school day (a time window referenced in the meeting), that auditors have cited schools in past audits for noncompliant items, and that more clarification will be provided before the board takes final action.

The new employee cell-phone policy was presented as a first reading; board members did not adopt it at this meeting and asked staff to return with details on the relevant legal and USDA nutrition guidance.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Muscatine School Board Regular Meeting February 10, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","At first reading the Muscatine board reviewed a new employee cell-phone policy and updated wellness administrative regulations that would restrict noncompliant snacks during the school day; members asked staff to clarify what \"individually wrapped\" and \"smart snacks\" mean in practice.","taxTitle","Muscatine Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",55219,"location","Iowa","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6326579,"District reports roughly $132,000 in unpaid instructional-materials fees and examines collection options",374,1813000,2187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a&start=1813&end=2187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a/thumbnail_1813000.jpg","/articles/6326579/Iowa/District-reports-roughly-132000-in-unpaid-instructional-materials-fees-and-examines-collection-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326579-b309d964008c16532076935321c251d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071819&Signature=KhcTfFZ8FEikp7I9~Nr7pOHzSV5pHpiz2FVRvy-Sh28zjtaMMMgtRLOIZarHeQelCVQzcqAVOZLcJhK74hWm44vIbsPCjzsipjlGvZB2X495LKmWiTp~4webr6acSYmGXRMH5ZA4eqKnpsaePZ7xtJru~dz9iCbApz2ecBGMbJlFMsB10pI36VF7z9PqqI5d7~DN2HnklS3bvXVgTQLQPyRrYon1OsrOh2zJh7673r2YiJNtYrUqIoLnCRlFDLTPB6ot7HTy8DnVUnGqaj6d-Y3jdhaf0hCTNe36js8z1QDkSqLzLCJdCWpgmq1sKXEROZnyzWnU6G2DKHm0MCiQFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Muscatine Community School District reported Feb. 10 that it has a notable balance of outstanding student fees and is exploring collection options. A staff presentation showed about $132,000 in outstanding instructional material fees (about 70% from prior years) and additional unpaid busing and instrument-rental charges; the presenter said some outstanding records date to the 2015–16 school year.

The finance presenter told the board the district uses an electronic payments system (MySchoolBucks) and plans to use ParentSquare for notifications. He recommended inviting a representative from Municipal Collections of America (MCOA) to a future board meeting to explain how a collections vendor would operate; board members indicated consensus to invite the company.

Board members asked how existing processes work at registration and whether a parent could pay fees immediately; staff replied registration often opens before annual fees are loaded, so timing limits immediate payment but the process could be changed. Members also raised whether unpaid fees can result in loss of services (for example, optional busing to after-school programs), and staff said they could not confirm that as a regular practice and that Department of Education guidance limits some collection practices. The presenter said the district cannot withhold graduation or graduation ceremonies for students who owe fees; Department of Education guidance has restricted some prior collection methods such as senior obligation holds.

The presenter reported earlier figures in July showed about $164,000 outstanding (before adding fees for the new school year) and said outstanding balances have risen by roughly $20,000–$30,000 a year in recent years. The board asked for a representative from MCOA to attend and explain timing, fees charged to parents and whether the company would pursue former students who left the district with unpaid balances.

","The Muscatine board heard a report Feb. 10 that the district has outstanding student fees—about $132,000 in instructional material fees (70% from prior years) plus other busing and rental charges—and discussed inviting Municipal Collections of America to explain collection options.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6326584,"Superintendent briefs board on state funding, AEA changes, teacher-minimum-pay proposals and absenteeism rules",596,295000,891000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a&start=295&end=891","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a/thumbnail_295000.jpg","/articles/6326584/Iowa/Superintendent-briefs-board-on-state-funding-AEA-changes-teacher-minimum-pay-proposals-and-absenteeism-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326584-12ffa969eb2d1baeec576712315554dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071819&Signature=UgfYtZzIR2wo0fItu1gK7lNEG1-N0H1-PguAb7wn0MQW9IFmOy9R22EJcBwG9WTfA2k92ka2hopfm6E4qx6O4KD020U3qyF~18N48zpm-gTAMWT2I5CnGFnsER1Yyl3jDgLqhskjLNDn0jnpQlwzxtCcCAXKyjpDdCJ1IKToCCKMImA9pr5i7rAZ0iMswtn2Z8telSOQytH7dirMC6tIafCwt21XQwyqYtv-vS6hWK6nO3r9eZMweexvtX~u~Pu4ASG1IcLBIufzJNaPQUAAxp82xBs4-cuWPuBygtMSc50wtrKGnCPu5BoqYq2sWiq~mOdOJiLxlgiaqMDDHjBxPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Clint told the Muscatine Community School District Board Feb. 10 that the governor and Senate had proposed a 2% state supplemental student aid (SSA) increase while the Iowa House proposed 2.25%, and that “even at 2%, over half of all the districts in the state will be on budget guarantee.”

Clint said the district’s current financial model would need an SSA closer to about 4% to fully offset enrollment-driven revenue losses and that, under state law, if collective-bargaining impasse occurs the settlement default will be 3% or CPI, whichever is less; he cited an expected CPI figure near 2.6–2.7%. He stated, “we know if we're getting 2% funding, and we almost can, we're pretty certain that settlements would come in at 2.6 or 2.7,” and warned the board the resulting imbalance over time is a budget pressure.

Clint also briefed the board on changes tied to the Area Education Agency (AEA) funding model. He said that for the coming year the district would receive “100% of the non special ed funds” from the AEA, but the special-education funding picture remains unclear. The superintendent said the flow of AEA funds appears to be “one-time” in many respects and cautioned against counting one-time amounts for recurring staffing costs.

On pending legislation, Clint said lawmakers were considering changes to chronic-absenteeism rules that could remove a requirement to send certified mail and to modify county-attorney involvement; he called the possible changes “positive pieces.” He noted a bill that would treat phones and other devices as “personal electronic device” and restrict use during instructional time, which aligns with current junior-high and high-school practice. Clint also described a governor-sponsored omnibus bill that would adjust teacher-minimum pay calculations tied to the BEDS report and could restore a Teach Iowa vacancy-posting resource. He said the bill would allow certain retirees to return to work at a $50,000 minimum without affecting IPERS, while noting rehiring cannot be prearranged.

Board members asked clarifying questions about timing and the district’s ability to use one-time funds. Member John urged more statewide advocacy for public schools’ funding levels.

","Superintendent Clint updated the Muscatine board Feb. 10 on state funding proposals (SSA), anticipated bargaining outcomes, AEA funding transitions, and pending legislation on chronic absenteeism, personal electronic devices and teacher minimum salaries.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6326589,"Muscatine board approves 2025–26 calendar, buys two gas buses and OKs timekeeping system; retirees approved",1153,199000,1352000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a&start=199&end=1352","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2323980-6634b42e57baa3c369cf399d4a43a58a/thumbnail_199000.jpg","/articles/6326589/Iowa/Muscatine-board-approves-202526-calendar-buys-two-gas-buses-and-OKs-timekeeping-system-retirees-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6326589-3c748142d752bd4ffa0d35be6cad50bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071819&Signature=GmewguT-phgYxNccwQUEEmMv5Wgc~-V0kddiq-4QisiYycj6KPKLbeLTYrQgetPTM97q2wB1sBVoBqseslmqjnayXK9OnDXbO5XBMMqHkPyLm39MeTtIL7zfP97XSEIPn9p~b4RfHKcCzMcgWmJHjr374uSjGUmgVNq38zaY~cwqTgorB2n9SwEMqQUBY8hoXt555yPqRMtxRVLju6TZvn2uQ087aNgNq812KAzzviDEkGiX0V06OeOcfC3VotrJ3n9HMKWcypA55cyf9JYr~KR216~hStwiuiNLVPqsa2j4p2oDuCULHnjroHF3kINGLK6yaVBMsTMUMY8B~i6HGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Muscatine Community School District Board of Education voted Feb. 10 to approve the 2025–26 school calendar, authorize the purchase of two 2026 Bluebird gas school buses for up to $316,022, adopt a new automated time and attendance system, and accept a list of early retirees for fiscal year 2025.

Board members opened a public hearing on the 2025–26 calendar and, after receiving no oral or written comments, closed the hearing. The board then approved the calendar on a motion; board members voiced agreement that the district and Muscatine Community College would continue talks about aligning graduation timing and final grades for seniors before any calendar change is finalized. Superintendent Clint said the district will meet with MCC to “talk through how do we navigate this” and bring any graduation-date adjustments back to the board.

Most action items were grouped on the consent agenda and enacted in single motions unless pulled. The board approved a single consent motion that included minutes, employment recommendations, bills and claims, special-education contracts and routine policies. The board then approved these separate actions by motion or voice vote:

Votes at a glance
- Open public hearing on 2025–26 calendar — motion and roll-call vote recorded as all present voting Aye (roll call recorded at opening). (Transcript blocks starting 199.28)
- Close public hearing on calendar — motion and roll-call vote recorded as all present voting Aye (roll call recorded at close). (Transcript blocks starting 251.305)
- Approve 2025–26 school calendar — motion and voice vote; board approved (no opposition recorded). (Transcript blocks starting 1221.36)
- Approve purchase of two 2026 Bluebird gas school buses from School Bus Sales Company, up to $316,022 — motion approved by voice vote (no opposition recorded). Motion text in transcript: “I move to approve the purchase of the 2 20 26 Luper Vision Gas School buses for school, the bus sales company in the amount of $316,022.” The board discussed that gas buses are used mainly for out-of-town trips and that the majority of the fleet runs on propane; the board said grants for electric buses have been explored but upfront cost and cold-weather battery performance remain barriers. (Transcript blocks starting 1352.19)
- Approve field trip to Springfield, Illinois (dates given in transcript as “February 21 to the 20 third”) — motion approved by voice vote. (Transcript blocks starting 1615.255)
- Approve TimeClock Plus automated time and attendance system, $120,195 — motion approved by voice vote. (Transcript blocks starting 1646.7849)
- Approve early-retiree list for FY25 — motion approved by voice vote. Board members offered thanks to retirees; no individual retiree names were read into the minutes in the recorded discussion. (Transcript blocks starting 1679.115)

During discussion of the bus purchase, the board asked whether electric buses had been considered. The district said it had applied for grants that would offset upfront cost but had not received award notifications; cold-weather battery performance was cited as a current operational concern for longer trips. The transportation fleet size was discussed; a staff member estimated “about 40” buses in the fleet and said replacements are staggered.

The TimeClock Plus system was presented and approved at $120,195; a staff member answered questions but no substantive debate followed. The early-retiree motion passed with several board members thanking departing employees; board members noted the retirements affect multiple areas of the district and that hiring for those positions will begin after the action is final.

The board set several upcoming public hearings and meetings, including a Feb. 24 public hearing on the Central Improvement Project and MHS tennis courts, and noted there is no school on Presidents’ Day (Feb. 17). The meeting adjourned after the motions passed.

","At its Feb. 10 meeting the Muscatine Community School District Board opened and closed a public hearing and approved the 2025–26 school calendar, authorized purchase of two 2026 Bluebird gas buses for up to $316,022, approved a TimeClock Plus system for $120,195, and accepted an early-retiree list.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews first reading of employee cell-phone and student-wellness administrative rules; members seek clarification on snack restrictions

District reports roughly $132,000 in unpaid instructional-materials fees and examines collection options

Superintendent briefs board on state funding, AEA changes, teacher-minimum-pay proposals and absenteeism rules

Muscatine board approves 2025–26 calendar, buys two gas buses and OKs timekeeping system; retirees approved