Model discipline policy approved by H-M-S school board

A state-mandated policy to address threats or incidents of violence is now in effect at the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District.

Legislation signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds in May required the Iowa Department of Education to develop a model policy for public school districts and charter schools. Final language released in September is intended "to help districts develop policies that describe how they may discipline a student for making a threat of violence or causing an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage or assault."

Three levels of "escalating responses" were created to address those types of situations. Levels of response are established for grades PK-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

"All of those things are already at our disposal," Superintendent Patrick Carlin said during Monday's board meeting. "It's kind of a three strikes and you're out proposal."

The district must post the policy on its website and attempt to have each parent or guardian acknowledge receipt of it in writing or electronically.

H-M-S will attempt to get as many parents as possible to acknowledge receipt of the policy during upcoming conferences. Up to three documented attempts will be made to contact those who do not acknowledge receipt of the policy at that time.

"The fear with this new policy is interpretation," Carlin acknowledged. "The main thing is the safety of our students."

• Ball diamond project moves forward

The high school ball diamond improvements are progressing. According to discussion, most of the major construction and groundwork are finished, and masonry work for the dugouts is nearing completion.

Carlin said delivery of the baseball bleachers has been delayed, but they are expected to arrive in the next few weeks. An adjustment to the location of the visitors' bullpen at the baseball diamond has been made because of its proximity near the bus barn.

"We continue to move forward," Carlin noted.

• Enrollment, SPED deficit

H-M-S's certified enrollment for 2023-24 remains stable. The district is down one resident student but also saw a reduction of four students open enrolled out. The latter is a sign that the gap between the number of students open-enrolled into H-M-S and those going out is closing.

"Our goal is to try and make those numbers more even," Carlin noted.

The district's special education program ended the past fiscal year with a deficit of $27,738. That amount is lower than in previous years due to increased special education revenues and reduced expenditures.

Districts with a negative special education balance may apply to the state for allowable growth and supplemental aid for the current year.

"We still have to do the application because we have an overage, but it's much, much less than in past years," Carlin said.

In other business, Madison Jungers was offered a contract as a part-time associate, and Jaden Kleinhesselink will be the head middle school track coach.