Updated scoreboards still in the mix at H-M-S

Discussions regarding replacement of scoreboards at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn athletic facilities will continue, as the school board on Monday authorized Superintendent Patrick Carlin to explore the district's options with Daktronics.

Representatives of the company met with the board in October to discuss options and benefits of replacing scoreboards at Peterson Field, which was installed in 2003, and in the high school gym. Carlin asked the board if he should continue conversations with Daktronics and look at competitive bids, or if he should cease further conversations.

"I don't feel we are out anything to keep exploring this," said Board Member Kyle McCarter.

The board agreed and Carlin will contact Daktronics to gather more information.

• Agreements approved

Proposed amendments to the spectrum leasing agreement with Evertek were accepted. Under terms of the agreement, Evertek leases Educational Broadband Service channels granted to the district by the Federal Communications Commission for advanced wireless service. In return, the district receives free internet access.

The current amendment extends the initial term to March 20, 2033, with three successive 10-year renewals that conclude in 2063. Language changes were also made regarding capacity requirements, and assignment of rights and obligations.

The district will continue an agreement with Timeclock Plus, LLC for use of electronic punch-ins. The fee per user will be $45.44 for the first three years of the agreement, and increase to $47.26 and $49.15 over the last two years.

"This is how our employees punch in and out. We'd be pretty lost without it," Carlin noted.

Nolte, Cornman & Johnson, of Newton, will continue to audit the district's financial records for the next three years. The base proposals are $15,000 for FY24, $17,000 for FY25 and $19,000 for FY26.

An agreement with Digital Solutions for individual student photos was discussed. Carlin said he had not heard any negative feedback about the company but would recommend only extending the agreement for three years and not five.

In other business, the board approved applications to the School Budget Review Committee for additional budget authority for open enrollment out students ($15,887) and English Language instruction beyond five years ($11,913).

Resignations were accepted from Michelle Essing as an elementary associate and Cheryl Kroese as head high school volleyball coach. Emma Hamrick will serve as interim cheer coach.

• No changes in board lineup

No changes were made for the 2024-25 school year in terms of board officers, committees and schedule. Scott Vollink and Kyle McCarter will continue as president and vice president, and board members will serve on the same subcommittees.

Regular meetings will continue to be held on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

• Goals, academic progress

Each H-M-S second grader received the book "Just Like Caitlin." Over 40,000 Iowa students received the story of Caitlin Clark's life through a donation by Dickson and Luann Jensen.

Staff at the middle school established goals for 2024-25: Improve partnerships with parents and community; refine reading and math intervention time; and consistently implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports with students.

According to Principal Heidi Douma, the staff believes every child can learn and will work to ensure that students grow in knowledge, skills and behavior; use multiple resources, and build off each other's strengths; and be accountable for the successes and failures of each student.

High school students appear to be progressing in their academic work. Principal Blake Wendt said the intervention system appears to be working well, as there are fewer students with failing grades or with missed assignments compared to a year ago.