H-M-S board approves contract settlement

The master contract for the 2024-25 school year was approved by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn School Board on Feb. 19, but terms of the agreement could be impacted by legislation under consideration in Des Moines.

The district and H-M-S Education Association (HMSEA) agreed to a tentative agreement that calls for a 3.8 percent increase in the wage base. Superintendent Patrick Carlin said contracts will be based on a $43,000 base salary; however, things could be "significantly impacted" should lawmakers approve a higher minimum salary for the state's teachers.

If that occurs, the district and HMSEA will have to "work out the details" for a revised settlement.

The 2024-25 calendar could also be a work in progress if the permitted starting date is changed by the Legislature. The first day of classes on the tentative calendar is Friday, Aug. 23. That could be changed to Aug. 19 if state law allows schools to begin classes on the Monday following the conclusion of the Iowa State Fair.

"We would have to adjust snow makeup days, spring break and professional development days," Carlin explained. "Student days take highest priority, but we still need to have meaningful professional development opportunities."

No action was taken at the meeting. The calendar will either be accepted as proposed next month or redone if the school starting date needs to be changed.

• Budget hearings, HVAC agreement

In other business, Carlin explained changes in the process of approving the 2024-25 school budget. According to state law, schools must conduct two public hearings before their budgets can be approved.

The first hearing at H-M-S is scheduled for Monday, March 25, the first day that hearings can be held. The second will be held during the board's regular meeting on April 15.

Renewal of an HVAC, controls and connected mechanical scheduled service agreement with Trane is being negotiated. Carlin explained that unlimited calls are not included in the agreement, and adjustments must be made so charges can be paid with PPEL funds.

"They seem to be receptive," Carlin said. "They're looking into how many remote hours we've had in the last year, and spelling out what is and is not covered."

A revised agreement is expected to be ready for board approval in March.

• Personnel vacancies

Filling vacant positions continues to be challenging, especially with the addition of several resignations on the agenda. Resignations were received from Jay Eilers for his teaching and coaching positions, Kirstin Moermond as an elementary teacher, Jaden Kleinhesselink as shared Human Resources Director, and Jenni Van Otterloo as head girls' basketball coach.

Kristin Thorn and Lori Queck are also retiring from their PK teaching positions. H-M-S is looking to expand the Little Hawks Preschool program from half-days to four full days, and Carlin is hopeful that doing so makes those positions more attractive.

A contract was issued to Libby Mwale as high school speech coach for this year. She replaces Carolyn Ward. Contracts were also issued to Russ Spier as assistant junior high baseball coach and Margeaux Gerdeman as high school cheerleading sponsor.