Individual Career Plan approved by H-M-S board

A plan intended to help high school students map out career and academic goals was approved by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn school board on Monday.

The Individual Career Plan is mandated by the State of Iowa, and requires that students' individual and career academic planning (ICAP) will happen within the framework established by the district plan.

According to Superintendent Patrick Carlin, the career and technical education advisory committee met April 7 with parents, business owners and students to discuss and develop the plan. It outlines "who is expected to do what, when and how."

State administrative rules require the plan to include activities for each grade level; integration of the career guidance plan with the district's comprehensive school improvement plan and guidance counseling program; and creation of a team to implement, review and coordinate activities.

ICAP is intended to ensure that students are prepared for successful completion of core curriculum; identifies their post-secondary education and career options and goals; identifies coursework needed to achieve students' goals and prepare them to successfully complete their goals prior to graduation.

An overview of H-M-S's plan sets out the schedule of academic and career education-related activities for students in grades 9-12.

• Resolution to correct debt service levies

Action was taken to amend the resolution approved in March that authorized Series 2021 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $460,000. The amendment was necessary to correct debt service levies for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2022 and July 1, 2025.

"It doesn't affect the levy rate whatsoever. It only affects the amount it generates," Carlin explained.

The resolution sets out the following levy amounts to be collected: FY22 - $85,946.67; FY23 - $86,700; FY24 - $84,450; FY25 - $87,200; FY26 - $84,800; and FY27 - $82,400.

Corrected amounts will be certified to each auditor of counties in which property taxes are collected for the district.

• Seniors' last day, personnel

In other business, the board approved May 12 as the last day for seniors. Since snow days will extend the end of the school year to more than five days past that date, board approval was requested. The board also approved the list of seniors for graduation, pending all requirements are met and confirmed by Principal Nate Hemiller and Counselor Kim Spier.

The high school biology class was granted permission to go on a field trip to Great Plains Zoo at Sioux Falls, S.D. on May 6. According to instructor Margeaux Baskin, the trip ties in with the students' study of genetics.

Additional personnel changes include resignations from Vella Smith, elementary associate who is retiring; Jenny Nassif, part-time PK teacher; Jacob Riedemann, middle school math and assistant middle school baseball; Lester Tessum, high school girls' basketball; Steve Waechter, high school assistant football; Kory Voss, high school flags; and Ashley Tessum, middle school assistant softball.

Emily Widvey was issued a contract as the district's business manager/board secretary.

Contracts were also issued to Lindsey Meyers, high school Ag teacher and FFA advisor; Jonathan Rozeboom, 5/6 social studies; Lauren Walz, part time elementary counselor; Kristi Wingert, high school flags; and Korey Ebel, part time elementary custodian. Rozeboom and Walz are employed by the district but will transfer to new assignments.

Tadd Knobloch was approved as a volunteer with the high school softball program.