Blairstown area families given input on proposed moving of their students
By JIM MAGDEFRAU
Star Press Union editor
Action was tabled on Benton Community’s new sectioning plan for lower elementary grades at their meeting Wednesday, Jan. 18 in Van Horne.
The plan had called for moving Blairstown area students in lower elementary grades to the Van Horne Center, and eventually to the Keystone Center to balance class sizes and address declining enrollment.
Board president Dan Voss prefaced the decision by reading a statement at the start of the meeting, stating, “It has been clearly communicated through our board of directors that our community value neighborhood schools and there are some concerns about students being transitioned from current enrollment centers. Compelling data has been presented that has identified several considerations and concerns that need to be addressed regarding declining enrollment in the district. Based upon all of the information that has been presented to the board, it appears that the best course of action at this time is to postpone making any decision regarding sectioning, and to take some more to review and address the considerations and concerns that have been identified throughout this process.”
Voss thanked the patrons and personnel who helped define the issues. He concluded, “The board looks forward to continuing to work with the district’s patrons and school personnel to best address the ongoing issue of declining enrollment in the district.”
The motion to table was made by Wayne Reinhardt, Blairstown director, and Pat Stepanek, Watkins director. All but Van Horne director Brian Strellner approved the motion. Reinhardt’s motion called for strategic planning to deal with declining enrollment, incorporating the work of the ad hoc committee on sectioning.
Input was given from Blairstown area parents prior to board action.
Jamie Wendel, Blairstown, felt that at the work session the week before, what was best for the kids was never really talked about. Instead, they talked about what would be convenient and best for the families. “These kids are the ones that will have to be switching to a whole new environment. When you’re in an elementary school, that can be a lot.”
She also questioned if it was fair to move Blairstown kids, as opposed to Newhall kids.
She said people chose to move to Blairstown because they knew their children would go to Norway, K-6.
She added people are moving closer to Cedar Rapids, as people move closer to their work places.
She concluded, “We want this to be least amount of upset for the kids, parents and teachers.”
Kevin Gauthier, Blairstown, said he was appalled that the board would make a decision after a few short meetings on something that impact kids greatly. He was happy to see the board postpone the decision. He felt Blairstown area parents didn’t get a say in where their kids attend school.
Jeremy Kulbartz., Blairstown, said it was evident the district will have a problem with the number of teachers in relation to the number of students. He felt the secondary effects of any recommendation hasn’t been researched enough.
Bonnie Lueckenotto, Blairstown, said she checked with families in Blairstown and most of the families were upset of being transitioned to the Van Horne center. She said she didn’t understand why the board would vote on something that most families were unclear about what would happen to their children. She added that families were informed after the final sectioning meeting was held in December. The families were “snowballed,” she said.
Justin Miller, Blairstown, questioned why some families can open enroll to attend the Norway center, but not Blairstown area students, since local families are the ones paying for the taxes and services. He said his family moved from Elberon to Blairstown, to use daycare at Frontier Products and so his son could go to the Norway Center.
He had concerns about busing kids from the daycare in Norway to the Van Horne center with older kids on the bus.
Miller felt his family had set up a good system in using the daycare and attending the Norway Center. “Now people that I don’t know or have never even met are telling me that I’m going to have to change all that.”
He added daycare at Frontier is cheaper than anywhere else, everyone works in Cedar Rapids and everyone is moving to that region. He concluded, “There ain’t no jobs in Benton County.”
Megan Wright, Blairstown, closed the public input by warning, “If kids are forced to go to Keystone or Van Horne that there’s a chance a lot of kids could leave and enroll in other communities … Parents who work in Cedar Rapids would find it more convenient to take their kids to Cedar Rapids.” If the school is concerned about lower enrollment, this might lower the enrollment further.
Staff action
The board accepted several early retirements from staff members.
- Nancy Notton-Stumpff, K-6 media specialist, 36 years of service.
- Judy Pieper, fifth grade teacher at Keystone, 28 years of service.
- Ann Howell, third grade teacher at Norway, 34 years of service.
- Sara Wessling, fourth grade teacher at Atkins, 29 years of service.
The board also accepted the resignations of Kim Lanning as tech associate at the Atkins Center, and Deidre Carney as assistant junior high girls’ track coach.
Other business
The board approved a resolution of intent to participate in the Instructional Support Program for next fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Specifications were approved for a new school bus. The board will look at a 77-passenger bus, as well as a 71-passenger bus.
The budget for the Touch of Class show choir festival was approved. It totals $24,450.
Zittergruen gave an update on the Eastern Iowa Compact.
The board reviewed and approved policies on audits, district records and transportation.
An early graduation request was approved for Stephanie McCloskey.
The board heard a report on pilot reading programs, which will be covered in an upcoming issue.
You must log in to post a comment.