By Clara Osten,
clara @wayneherald.com
Presentations by representatives from the city of Wayne and the district's counseling staff were part of the regular meeting of the Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education meeting on Dec. 13.
Wayne City Administrator Wes Blecke and Mayor Cale Giese were in attendance to discuss the possibility of an interlocal agreement with the school district.
The agreement would allow for the city to put the option of having a one-half cent sales tax on the ballot for voter approval.
The funds would be used for the construction of gym space at the Community Activity Center (CAC). It was noted that the city is not tied to the design for this project that was presented and the CAC would need to be remodeled in the future, whether or not a new gym is built.
The proposal would not cost the district any money, although the two entities could enter into some type of lease agreement for use of the facility and use of a parking lot, which could result in neither providing any funding.
"We can go after sales tax so all those in the city would be paying for the project. We are looking to see what benefits the citizens of Wayne," Mayor Giese said.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan told the board that the school would like to be able to see both girls and boys teams practicing after school and that having additional gym space at the CAC would allow for better parking for games than is available at the elementary school.
City Administrator Blecke said estimates indicate the one-half cent sales tax could generate $7.5 million over the course of 15 years. If a sales tax is approved, it would remain in effect until the project is paid off.
Board member Lynn Junck said that while this was an opportunity to get funding for the district, he would like to see an Early Learning Center constructed in the area and said "we have more needs than a gym."
Counselors Kim Lubberstedt and Lindsey Knutson spoke to the board on their current workload.
Both said that they strive to meet the "social, emotional and academic needs of the students" and showed lists and charts of how their time is currently being spent.
"We are not able to adequately address the needs of all of our students and often are reacting rather than being pro-active," Knutson said.
The American School Counseling Association recommends a 1 to 250 student ratio for counselors. However, at Wayne Community Schools, the ratio is 1 to 475 students.
"We need help to address the needs of our students and are open to suggestions," Lubberstedt said.
Both counselors said that having an in-house mental health counselor would help, as that person would be able to provide a number of resources for the students.
In other action, the board approved the hiring of two staff members.
Maggie Gubbels was hired as a 7-12 Special Education teacher. She will begin her duties the second semester of the 2021-2022 school year. She has been student teaching this past semester at Wayne Community Schools. The exact location of her classroom is still being worked out.
Jason Trautman was hired as an English teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. High School Principal Tucker Hight told the board that "three strong candidates" had been interviewed, and Troutman, a Wayne High alum, was chosen for the position.
In new business, the board approved a superintendent's contract for Dr. Lenihan. The contract, which includes a 1.5% increase in salary, runs from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025.
Discussion was held on the district's Safe Return to School COVID-19 Review and the use of ESSER III funds.
Dr. Lenihan told the board the school is doing things to "keep kids in school and communicating with parents on plans."
He shared a chart with updated plans in each of the three categories of COVID-19 spread and the timeline for students returning to school.
ESSER III funds will be used in the future to upgrade the district's internet server, purchase teacher work stations, help fund the After School Program and allow for work on the HVAC system.
The board gave its approval for the hiring of an Assistant Director of Food Service.
Judy Poehlman, Director of the program, spoke to the board on the benefits of having one person at each of the school buildings and having someone to assist her in a variety of ways. She said that at one time, there was an assistant position for the district.
This would be a full-time, 10 month position with benefits. It would be paid for with funds from the lunch budget.
Board members voted to move forward with entering into an agreement with Heartland Counseling Services to provide services to the school.
The service would provide a person to serve on the staff at Wayne Community Schools. The costs associated with this position are 100 % reimbursable.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m.
