Play area extension suggested to H-M-S board

To expand outdoor play opportunities for students, retiring Principal Cathy Jochims suggested that additional space be created for both playgrounds at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary.

In her final report to the school board, Jochims noted more green space is needed for students to play. She acknowledged that doing so will require planning and obtaining cost estimates before the project can be approved.

"At this time I am just asking the board to think about offering this improvement to the playground areas for our students," she said.

Jochims suggested that additional space be added to the north playground by relocating two fences and utilizing fences on the south side of Peterson Field and along the east boundary of the school property.

Expanding the early childhood playground would require relocating the existing fence while using the elementary building as a boundary on two sides of the playground.

No discussion regarding the suggestions was held during the meeting.

• Wellness, nepotism policies

The board held the required review of H-M-S's wellness policy. Its language calls for the district to provide "a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors."

Federal law requires all schools to have at least one wellness goal in each of three goal areas: nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and other school-based activities that promote student wellness.

Board members also received updates to the 400 policy series, which addresses district employees. Most discussion focused on nepotism. A policy allowing more than one family member to be employed by H-M-S was approved in 2015. Its language allows, subject to board approval, an employee to supervise a family member who is also employed by the district.

A notation from the Iowa Association of School Boards recommends that one family member should not be allowed to supervise or evaluate another "unless the superintendent or board approves it."

"Board discretion gives you some flexibility," said Superintendent Patrick Carlin, adding that if an employee were to become an administrator, his or her spouse would no longer be able to work in that building.

"They can work in another building under the supervision of someone else," said Board President Scott Heetland.

Board members discussed alternate wording, but agreed their approval was necessary.

"You want to write the policy for the rule not the exception," said Board Member Ryan Haack. "But keep in the line about board discretion."

• Consistency in handbooks

Drafts of the 2021-22 student handbooks for all three buildings contained few changes. Board comment focused on more uniformity in the handbooks.

"My only concern is consistency," said Board Vice President Scott Vollink. "It would be nice to see some consistency across all three."

A specific suggestion was inclusion of a listing of staff members in each handbook. The updated handbooks will be approved next month.

A second section of preschool will be added next year. According to Jochims, early indications are that TK-4 enrollment will exceed 200.

High school students who are behind on credits can participate in a program offered through Edmentum. Counselor Kim Spier is coordinator for the program.

According to Principal Nate Hemiller, those who are enrolled in the program can recover credits over the summer months, provided they complete the required work.