They are commendable

One snapshot of performance by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School's attendance centers has district officials smiling.

Scores for all three buildings in the 2021 Iowa School Performance Profiles fall in the "Commendable" category. Overall results are based on scores in several categories, including assessment participation, average school achievement, conditions of learning survey, graduation rate, proficiency growth, actual proficiency and a post-secondary readiness index.

Buildings scores (out of 100) are: Elementary school – 57.86; middle school – 57.54; and high school – 57.02. According to the report, the state average is 54.91.

"All three of our buildings are showing growth. That's the trend we want to see," Superintendent Patrick Carlin said during the December board meeting. "I hope it's affirmation that what we're doing districtwide shows we are on the right track."

Principal Nate Hemiller is especially pleased that high school student proficiency scores are above state averages for math, English/language arts and science.

"I'm proud of the teachers, proud of the students and proud of the results," he said.

While the elementary building scored the highest of the three, it retains a targeted status. That indicates the building has had a student subgroup whose score is as low as the lowest 5 percent of those in the state. The targeted status is for a three-year period so the school can develop an effective plan to correct deficiencies.

"We are excited with the growth our students are showing and know that we are on the right track with what we are doing," said Principal Ashley Benz. "As we move forward, we will continue to find areas where we can set goals and improve."

• Street status near middle school

The City of Sanborn has asked for clarification of the district's intentions and snow removal responsibilities for a portion of West 5th Street. The area is located south of the middle school.

Carlin asked if the district should consider returning the street to the city, due to the change in the new building's design.

"I see no advantage for us to keep it," said Board Member Ryan Haack.

Vice President Scott Vollink suggested waiting until the district has a better idea of traffic flow in that area.

"That is what I would recommend," responded Board President Scott Heetland. "It's in our possession now. Let's leave it be."

Sanborn city officials have indicated willingness to cooperate with the district. Discussions will continue to clarify liability and maintenance responsibilities of the respective parties.

• Challenge to find vehicles

Efforts to purchase a 12-passenger van have failed so far because of the demand for them. State regulations allow a van purchased used by a school district to be driven by someone not having a commercial driver's license, while a driver operating a van purchased new must have a CDL. As H-M-S officials have discovered, those vehicles don't stay long on dealers' lots.

"It would be nice to get a used one so we don't need to have a CDL," Heetland noted.

Suggested ways a 12-passenger van could be used include transporting football cheerleaders, wrestlers and smaller groups for field trips.

Board members agreed the administration should be allowed to act quickly if a van becomes available.

"I don't think they should have to call us," said Haack said. "If it makes sense, it makes sense."

• Officials' pay, memorabilia request

Referees officiating two non-varsity games per night will now be paid $90. That rate is up from $75, which has been paid so far this winter.

Information provided by Athletic Director Mark Petersen indicated most neighboring districts pay between $85 and $95 per night.

"I'm fine with doing it if we need to, but we need to do it before the season starts," Heetland said.

The Hartley Historical Society submitted a request for all memorabilia from the former elementary school. Carlin noted that district policy gives the board discretion to donate historical materials to a single entity.

"It's kind of nice to have it all together," he noted.