Changes to H-M-S website on the way

The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School's website will become more accessible to district patrons and other users in the coming months.

Following a presentation on Monday, school board members agreed to switch from Blackboard, the current website manager, to Apptegy. According to Superintendent Patrick Carlin, there have been issues with Blackboard and the agreement with them is about to expire.

"We have been investigating options for a district app and website platform. Apptegy seems to be able to tie both together," Carlin said. "If we are going to switch, I would rather not pay for [the renewal with Blackboard]."

Ayron Young explained during a virtual presentation that Apptegy will upgrade the website and make its content available through an app on people's phones.

"Most people get information through their phones," Young noted. "We want to create a really good user experience."

The changes will expand the amount of district information available through the website or phone app, and make it easier to access content so people will return in the future.

Young also said that parents should have access to JMC, a site through which they can track student progress and pay school fees.

According to discussion, the switchover to Apptegy should take from 60 to 90 days. H-M-S's website is expected to remain accessible during that time.

Also approved were purchases of a 2018 12-passenger transit van for $40,600 and a 2020 Dodge Caravan for $28,500. Both replace vehicles that are out of commission.

Discussion was held regarding the need for substitute and activity bus drivers. Carlin said the driver shortage is leaving H-M-S with a "very thin" transportation staff.

"If we became shorthanded, we would have to look at not having the town routes. That's a luxury we offer," Carlin explained. "We're really close to making tough decisions if we don't get people in the community to help us out."

According to Jeremy Niichel, who was named interim building, grounds and transportation director, the number of students riding town route buses "depends on the day," but can be high such as when school is dismissed early.

Northwest Area Education Agency has agreed to share a teacher librarian with the district. Carlin said H-M-S had no applicants for the position and neighboring districts were not interested in sharing. The arrangement with Northwest AEA will cost just under $6,000 compared to approximately $30,000 for sharing librarian with another district.

Resignations were accepted from Tom Lidiak, middle school baseball coach, and Kristina Bush and Nicole Philiph, middle school associates. Contracts were issued to Lesly Divas as middle school associate, Angel Juarez as an English Language Learner associate and Steve Varner as middle school custodian and bus driver.

The board also renewed a cooperative swim agreement with Spencer and the gymnastics program with Danette Block as the coach.

H-M-S is joining the Rural Educators of Iowa, which represents smaller, rural districts. The membership fee is $750. Carlin said the group gives rural schools a voice in decisions regarding education in the state. "We have had discussions in the past about joining this group. I think it might be a good time to join."