Allamakee school board approves Chromebook RFP, gym floor repairs and sets calendar hearing; kindergarten team outlines "WIN" instruction

The Allamakee Community School District Board met Jan. 21, 2025, in the high school library and conducted routine business including approval of a consent agenda, multiple procurement requests and the first reading of several policies. Board President Erik Helgerson recorded members present and the meeting concluded with a 6:30 p.m. adjournment.

The kindergarten professional learning team — Joey Lapel, Heather Lange, Lisa VanderKolk and Katrina Collins — presented the goals of their professional learning time and described "WIN (What I Need) Time," a daily practice that groups students into smaller instructional cohorts by proficiency so teachers can target standards-based support.

"WIN (What I Need) Time" is used to break students into smaller groups based on their proficiency in recently taught standards, the presenters said, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to student needs.

Superintendent Jay Mathis told the board the district is coordinating with the Area Education Agency to identify needed educational services for next year, provided a brief legislative update and discussed a recent meeting about the possibility of purchasing a backup generator for district facilities. High School Principal Jen Garin said staff are reviewing the course handbook and college-offering options for 2025–26 and preparing for ISASP testing. Assistant Principal and Activities Director Brian Hilsabeck described a busy winter activities schedule and gave "a big shout out to all of the event workers and Booster Club members for all of their support for our student athletes." Middle School Principal Luke Steege and Elementary Principal Samantha Thornton said staff are analyzing FAST test results to design interventions and to plan preregistration for preschool and kindergarten.

Facilities and operations updates included Buildings and Grounds Director Bill Hennessy reporting completed quarterly sprinkler checks and minor heating repairs; Technology Director Andy Reichard reporting a completed server-refresh project and noting the Chromebook RFP on the agenda; Food Service Director Jess Keenan reporting normal operations; and Transportation Director Justin Piggott saying School Bus Sales expects new buses to be delivered between April and June and thanking Tina Cooper for assistance in pursuing a possible LP fuel credit from the IRS.

On new business, the board took several formal actions, each approved unanimously: it set a public hearing on the 2025–26 school calendar for Feb. 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.; approved the list of students for contracted and PICC classes for the second semester; authorized a request for proposal for the financial audit covering fiscal years ending June 30, 2025–2027; approved a request for proposal to purchase 160 Chromebooks for first and second grade; and approved H2I Group's quote to repair and refinish the Middle School and East Elementary gym floors for $23,949 net of insurance proceeds. The board also approved the first reading of policies including 102 (Equal Educational Opportunity), 401.1 (Equal Employment Opportunity), 401.6 (Limitations to Employment References), 501.9 (Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy), and several child nutrition complaint and nondiscrimination forms and procedures.

Personnel items approved in the consent agenda included recommendations to hire Robert Johanningmeier as a Middle School paraprofessional; Brianna Meyer as an elementary night custodian; and part-time elementary paraprofessionals Emma Hatlan and Ella Dehli. Resignations recorded included John Lawerence (elementary night custodian) and Charles Larson (crossing guard). Several internal transfers were also approved.

The board adjourned at 6:30 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the high school library.