Newton school board to consider new bus cameras, GPS routing

Buses in the Newton Community School District could receive two new safety measures, pending school board’s decision at its meeting Monday night.

The NCSD Board of Education will consider approval of a public education agreement with Synovia Solutions to install a GPS routing program, as well approval of a $91,753.51 bid for bus cameras.

NCSD Superintendent Bob Callaghan said every bus in the school district will be equipped with the new camera equipment and GPS routing program if approved. Of the numerous cameras to be installed in the buses, Callaghan said the ones stationed near the front of the bus will include audio.

Curt Roorda, transportation supervisor, will assist in presenting both items to the school board.

Music teacher report

At the previous meeting on March 11, a number of students pleaded with school board members to reverse or reconsider the district’s decision to downsize one teaching position in the music department. Callaghan’s superintendent’s report will address those students’ concerns.

A certified personnel update nearly a month ago included a single reduction in force effective June 30. Chas Beeler’s position as an assistant director of bands was the target of the reduction.

Students considered Beeler like a family member and praised his abilities to connect with students. The music instructor told the Newton Daily News he was “shocked” to learn of the students’ efforts.

Public hearing for budget

As budgeting processes come to a close, the NCSD Board of Education is anticipated to set a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. April 8 to adopt the proposed fiscal year 2020 certified budget.

Near the end of the school board meeting, NCSD Director of Business Services Tim Bloom will hold a discussion about the fiscal year 2020 budget information and inform board members of the upcoming finances.

NCSD acknowledgments

To kick off the school board meeting, members and district administrators will acknowledge students and teachers for their achievements.

Callaghan said students from the Newton High School speech team and the Pacesetters dance team — both of which received All-State recognition — will be honored alongside student Rachel Rhoads for earning the E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship.

The school board will also acknowledge the seven recipients of the Excellence in Education Awards. Teachers who received an Excellence in Education Award this year include:

• Taylor Marsho, a kindergarten teacher from Aurora Heights Elementary

• Sara Shockey, a kindergarten teacher from Emerson Hough Elementary

• Melissa Bennett, a second-grade teacher from Thomas Jefferson Elementary

• Heidi Holley, a first-grade teacher from Woodrow Wilson Elementary

• Gary Larsson, a social studies teacher from Berg Middle School

• Tracy Swanson, a math teacher from WEST Academy

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com