March 19, 2024

School board to discuss special education, vote on $10 million in bonds

The Newton Community School Board of Education will conduct its regular meeting Monday evening at the EJH Beard Administration Center.

The board will discuss special education follow-up plans with Director of Special Programs Tina Ross. A discussion of the Denison Culture Survey update will be led by Board President Travis Padget.

Director of Business Services Gayle Isaac will ask the board to consider $10 million in general obligation school bonds for 2017. The bond, which is part of the $26.9 million resolution passed last fall, will go toward the new Berg Middle School, Isaac said.

Superintendent of Schools Bob Callaghan’s report will include reports from district principals and a legislative update.

The superintendent’s report will also address current student information with an enrollment summary, attendance data and a transiency report. In addition, Callaghan will address discipline data from Berg Middle School and Newton High School.

During the communications portion of the meeting, the board will acknowledge a Chamber of Commerce Key Award for the Preserve the Pride Committee. Sarah Prendergast will present student artwork, and excellence in education will be discussed.

Isaac is set to deliver the business service report, which includes the approval of bills, budget preparation update and upcoming bond sale timeline.

The consent agenda features a fundraiser request from the NHS Art Department and Art Club to sell candy bars.

After new business and old business are reviewed, the board will go into a closed session for a superintendent evaluation. The professional competency of an individual will be considered during the closed session.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com