Becky Thorson, representing the South High Pride board, discussed new ideas to promote school spirit. The board approved a request for the sale of some new spirit items as a fundraiser and also granted approval for Pride to move forward with plans to sponsor a golf tournament. The board was asked to consider installing a restroom facility at the baseball/softball fields with SH Pride providing the financial support for such a project. The board directed the administration to seek professional advice on options to consider for this project

Laura Marcott from the district's Character Ed Committee provided the board with a brief summary of their activities throughout this year and asked permission to hold a silent auction at the Willis Welp Relays for the grade level quilt projects completed by the students during the year. The board approved the request.

The board adopted a resolution to submit an Early Start Calendar Waiver Request with the Iowa Dept. of Education.

The board reviewed and held a first reading for a series of revised Board Policies and the several new policies recommended for adoption as a result of the IASB review of the board policy manual earlier this year. The policy on smoke-free environment was expanded to ban the use of tobacco or tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, on all school property. The board will hold a second reading and take action on these polices at the May meeting.

The board reviewed the current early retirement polices for certified and support staff. The board approved the renewal of these policies for 2003-04.

The board reviewed two examples of a policy on naming of school facilities and continued discussion on the development of a new policy for the district. The board will review a draft of such a policy at its May meeting.

Approved an Open Enrollment Request into the district for the 2003-04 school year for a kindergarten student from Northeast Hamilton.

Approved two overnight requests:

• The Future Problem Solving team (eight students from grades 6-8) will participate in the state competition on April 25-26 in Pella.
• 6th Grade Trip to Springbrook, May 12-13

Accepted the resignation of Lori Petrie as assistant speech coach.

Received official notification of those teachers who have been served notice of intent to terminate contracts due to declining enrollment and budgetary considerations.

Approved the issuance of teacher contracts for the 2003-04 school year.

Approved the recommendations from the support staff salary committee.  Support staff salaries will increase 2.68%, the same salary increase that was established for teachers during negotiations earlier this spring. The sick leave/personal leave trade option established during teacher negotiations will also be made available to support staff.

Discussed the date for 2004 commencement. It was the consensus of the board to leave the date as originally set on Saturday, May 29. The final day for seniors will not be determined until next spring.

Voted to renew the contract with Burton Tracy and Co. from Clarion to conduct the annual district audit. The contract length is three years.

Approved a temporary transfer of funds from PPEL to Debt Service to pay the principal and interest payment on the elementary school bonds. The funds will be repaid as property tax revenues are received. 

Approved the repainting of the ceiling grid and replacement of the ceiling tile and light grids in the north hallway of the MS/HS building and replace the ceiling tile in the two bathrooms at the north end of the building. All work will be completed by school staff.

Approved the establishment of the Bill Taylor Memorial Scholarship as a new $500 scholarship to be awarded each year. 
Elementary Principal Paul Hemphill reported on the successful spring parent-teacher conferences and the tremendous support for and success of the school carnival. Mr. Hemphill alerted the board to some staff realignment issues that will be addressed in the coming weeks.

Secondary Principal Steve Gray reported that parent-teacher conferences for grades 7-12  will be held on April 24 and indicated a letter to all parents will be mailed regarding this opportunity. He also provided an update on interviews currently underway to fill coaching vacancies.

Curriculum Coordinator Carroll McLuckie provided a brief overview on the progress being made in the development of grade level expectations and the alignment of assessments to our benchmarks.

Superintendent John Kinley provided the board with an update on discussions with Webster City, Southeast Webster, and ICCC regarding regional vocational program opportunities that are being considered with the assistance of an Iowa Development Grant. If the program is established, classes would begin in the fall off 2004.

The board entered a closed session to conduct the superintendent's evaluation.