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Board approves policy updates, threat‑assessment MOU, special‑education supplement and awards HVAC contract
Summary
At its Oct. 7 meeting, the Lewis Central board approved 100‑series policy updates, a Potawatomi County threat‑assessment MOU, a $673,874.94 special‑education allowable‑growth supplemental request, awarded a $1,660,300 high‑school HVAC contract to Ray Martin, and revoked one student's open enrollment after closed session.
The Lewis Central Community School District board approved a package of action items on Oct. 7, taking votes on board policy updates, an MOU for a county threat‑assessment team, a special‑education funding request and a high‑school HVAC contract.
Board policy updates (100 series): A board member moved to approve the IASB‑recommended updates to the district's 100‑series policies (second reading) and the board voted to adopt the changes.
Potawatomi County Threat Assessment Team MOU: The board approved an MOU to participate in a county-level threat-assessment reporting and response program that would route reports (including anonymous reports) to local jurisdictions and convene a multidisciplinary team of school and public-safety staff to review concerns. The superintendent said the program is at an early stage and that participating jurisdictions must sign the MOU before the program can proceed.
Special‑education allowable growth supplemental request: The board approved an allowable‑growth supplemental request of $673,874.94 for fiscal year 2023–24 to address a special‑education deficit the superintendent said totaled approximately $673,000 last school year. The superintendent said districts face recurring special‑education deficits because state and federal funding often falls short of actual costs.
High‑school HVAC contract award: The board voted to award the high‑school mechanical/HVAC contract to Ray Martin for $1,660,300. District staff reported Ray Martin submitted the low bid (about $13,000 over planned budget) but savings from recent roof work reduced overall project costs. Staff said equipment lead time is about 8–10 months and major installation work is planned for the next summer break.
Open‑enrollment revocation after closed session: Following a closed session invoked under "Iowa code 21.51 a" to review confidential records, a board member moved to revoke open enrollment for "student A" as discussed in closed session; the board voted to revoke that student's enrollment. No student‑identifying details were released in open session.
Motions and outcomes at a glance: • 100‑series policy updates — approved (motion moved and seconded). • Potawatomi County Threat Assessment Team MOU — approved (motion moved and seconded). • Special‑education supplemental request — approved; allowable growth request $673,874.94. • High‑school HVAC contract — awarded to Ray Martin, $1,660,300. • Open‑enrollment revocation — motion approved following closed session; details discussed in closed session and not disclosed publicly.
The board also noted future meetings: the next regular board meeting is Oct. 21, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., and the bond election is Nov. 5.
