The Des Moines Independent Comm School District board handled routine and organizational business at its Nov. 25 session, approving agenda and consent items, processing personnel and budget motions, and conducting the swearing-in and election of leadership.

Early in the meeting the board approved the meeting agenda (motion by Miss Alonso; second by Mr. Dix) and voted to accept the consent agenda, which included previously authorized bills and payments totaling $4,171,180.60. The board then held one public hearing on C13635 (Central Academy exterior and structural repair); with no public speakers the board approved the plans and specifications prepared by BBS Architects & Engineers (motion by Director Martorano; second by Miss Alonzo), vote 7 to 0.

Superintendent Smith introduced a personnel item recommending termination of a continuing teaching contract for reasons "stated within." Mr. Dix moved and Ms. Campos seconded acceptance of the file and recommendation; the board approved the personnel action 7 to 0. The board also approved two requests to the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC): G2, a request related to increased open-enrollment costs with figures read in the transcript (including "$4,716,000 and $504,716,579.15" as presented), and G3, a request for modified allowable growth of $3,672,770.88 for increased LEP program expenditures. Both SBRC requests were approved 7 to 0.

The board accepted the Polk County Board of Supervisors' canvas of the election and declared Maria Alonzo (at-large), Sarah Hopkins (district 2), Ryan Howell (district 4) and Skyler Mayberry Mays elected. Following a short recess the new directors were sworn in. The board then elected Kim Martorano as chair (5 yes, 2 abstentions) and Dr. Skyler Mayberry Mays as vice chair (5-0), with members Ryan Howell and Sarah Hopkins explaining abstentions as a practice while new to the board.

Votes at the meeting were recorded on the record; most formal motions passed unanimously by voice or tally, and staff were asked to follow up on questions raised during presentations.