March 29, 2024

School board to discuss starting 2013-2014 school year earlier

The Newton Community School District Board of Education will meet Monday at Emerson Hough. This will be the first board meeting since the controversial NHS Confessions page went up on Facebook.

Currently, there are no plans on the agenda to discuss it; however, as usual, there will be an open forum for parents and concerned citizens to bring up any matters they feel are important.

Two local principals will be participating in the meeting. Aurora Heights Principal Carol Farver will present the board with information on the school’s improvements plan. Newton Senior High School Principal Bill Peter will update the board on the 1:1 digital learning update, the district’s initiative to supply all NHS students with iPads.

During the last meeting, the board approved the 2012-13 fiscal year budget amendment and the 2013-2014 fiscal year budget. Board Secretary Gayle Isaac will present a new financial resolution to the board with a proposed five-year capital improvement plan.

Typically, CIP’s serves as a guide for the efficient and effective provision of public services and facilities. It proposes the development, modernization or replacement of public physical assets over a multi-year period, arranges these projects based on priorities and assigns an estimated cost and anticipated method of financing for each project.

Another action item of note will be the board’s vote on starting the 2013-14 school year early. The current first day of school is set at Aug 21.

In his report, Superintendent Steve McDermott will update the board on the appraisal of the Maytag House. He will also address a timecard system study and board members’ utilization of their iPads.

McDermott will also seek the board’s approval for cooperative sponsorship of girls swimming with the Pella Community School District.

Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.