001school was in 1991. second generation. >> Um I'm actually I'm on the school board now. I came in a gentleman had off the board so I came in to to take his spot. We had a little bit of a vote and I got in just barely and so here we go. Um and my goal I guess is there's to finish the rest of the there's a two-year term left. Um, yeah. Uh, Brenda's mother is actually at in Jenny Head and I've got to get down to the hospital. Um, we pulled her off life support yesterday and, uh, she's still going. She's still fighting. Um, but, you know, about any time now, so, um, I'm I'm going to buzz down and and sit with her overnight tonight. So, but, uh, yeah. No, thank you. Um, I
002don't know if I'm I'm setting the stage for this or not. Um, I'm I'm betting I'm the old guy on the board and on this table, but that's okay. Um I graduated from Harlem in 1979. Um I served on the Harlem School Board for seven years. I was president for a couple. Um I think school board's great. I think this is a wonderful community. Um you guys are very fortunate. Um as a bit of an outsider looking in, um I I would love and I call Pringleville just for u just for the reasons I do I guess had to spend some time over in Exara a couple football games gotten to know the community over there as well and I think you guys have got some good folks um great questions um schools school serious
003business always has been always will be you want to make sure your your children and and the community are all part of this of this magic magic all your school district and with the superintendent, with the teachers, with everyone involved. Um, you know, it all comes together. Some pretty good questions. I'm just going to grab a couple questions and and go through them and then I'm going to pass the mic on and and I apologize for having to having to leave early. Um, but I'm sure you understand. Uh, first question as far as I was concerned, I just just picked a couple I thought were important. you know, it had something to do with, you know, how do you retain and get the best candidates for school? I don't know all the folks on this
004table, but I I know we've got great people over here. And I think defining goals and expectations of what a school board member, uh, being a schoolboard member is about, I think that's that's the key. I mean, I think it it's there's leadership qualities and I got a feeling that's what all of us are are here to do to help set some guidelines and know that that we care about the school and and we want good leadership, you know, at every level from from administration to teachers. Um, as far as the the pool, I mean, this is a great I mean, to see this many people wanting to be on the board, I mean, that's already answered the question. How do you get more people in the pool? How do you get more candidates? Again,
005I think there's a love and a respect for what you've got. You want to build on it and continue to to continue to have it grow. Um, another real quick question. Two or three, two or three strengths which our district can be proud of. I'm just going to say two or three names um that have come out of this school district. Um, everyone knows Jan Jensen basketball coach. Brendan knows knows Jan pretty well. I mean, that's that's a great example of of someone that's graduated from here and and Glenn and continues to lead. Another one um is a gal by the name of Cammy Christensen and Cammy again graduate here a good friend of Jans actually and the general manager of the westward out of Had at Las Vegas which is a big big hotel
006sits right beside the convention center um and just was voted just this last week general manager president CEO of all casinos in Las You know, again, this this is two small town gals from from Elra um that are leaders that came out of the school. You guys should be proud. Um student questions just to finish up students. Students are important and what they have to say, what they feel, things that are going through. Uh, I went through conferences today and just kind of talked to Johanna's teachers and told them what was going on. Of course, Mondays is off for off day for the school district for the school and she was with us yesterday with Shirley and just said something to them um about what was going on so they can help keep an eye
007on her this week, communicate with her um so that they know what's going on. I think that's that's huge. Um, couple of questions, just one Um, how do we ensure that students have access to reliable technology and up-to-date equipment? Um, I spent again I spent a few years on school boards and Iowa Association of School Boards is a great example is great leadership for the school board and and the district and making sure to advocate for district policies, making sure there's funding, technology is always changing. Um, doing some support initiatives. Um, I think we just voted on something as far as, you know, cell phone use in the school or not cell phone use in the school according to Iowa guidelines. Um, a lot of different things. Uh, a lot of different ways to to
008ascertain technology and and use it, but use it effectively and use it in the right ways, I think, is the key. And as long as everyone is communicating that, which again, I think the district because of its size, because of the the people that are in the district um the teachers um and ensure that that all the kids are are using technology correctly. So, but um other than that u it was nice nice to get here. Nice. I wanted to make sure I got here. I wanted to make sure I had some time. I'm going to pass on the mic and and head down the road. But, um it was nice nice being able to talk to everyone. I would love to listen to my fellow board potential members. Um, but again, I still got
009a still got another another month or so on the board and hopefully they'll get to meet a few. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. H. Um, moving on to our other candidates. Um, I don't know if it was said, but we're going to ask the question and then you'll uh explain your answer and then you'll just hand the mic down the line. So, our first question is, how can we continue to attract and retain the best candidates for our school? My name is Eric Kadishi. I am from Exra. I come to you on as a candidate for the school board. I am on the XYRA fire department. I've been a volunteer member for 20 years. I'm currently the secretary for the past three years. I am also on the Zyra library board which I have
010been for the past four or five years. Um so that's kind of my thoughts on what I've done as far as uh things that are related to what we are here for today. Uh I live like I said I live in Exara. I have a family of five. I have a wife Jennifer who works as a parent for the school in Exara. My daughter Paige right over here. And I have Polly is in ninth grade as a freshman and my son Riker is in sixth grade. So what we have for the question is what are >> number one? How can we attract and retain best candidates for our school? Um this year we did the four day school week. Um from what I did on the board, I went to the meeting last week I
011believe it was and they had talk on it on how far it's been going, how well it's been going, and I believe that is a great step in that direction. That is remains to be seen, but I feel that that's a start. Um, being new to the board, I really don't know direct ways to say how we can really attack and retrain retain other than that. Um, you know, as far as benefits and salary and leadership, um, have the the right culture, which I believe we have right now. So, I think if everybody else who would want to come into that school could experience that, then I think they would find that this is a great place to work and want to have their kids be here. >> Hello, my name is Cali Christensen. I
012live in Brighton. I am the mayor of and I have been for several years. Um, we have four children, my husband and I. We have an auction company that we do business locally. We have a building in Exyro, one in Brighton and we do sales from people's houses routinely. Um, we're pretty active in the community. We have four children. I have Piper who is a junior and then we have twins that are in seventh grade and I have Johny who's still in elementary. So um first question, how can we retain attract and retain? I believe that the 4day school week was a step in the right direction to to attract. Now we have to focus on retention. Throughout the years, I've seen that we seem to be able to fill positions yeartoear, but they don't
013stay for many years. I believe that we need to try to figure out why these individuals are leaving. Um, my name is Beth Larson. Um, I was originally in Earl Meyer. I was born and raised in this area. Um, my husband and I have been together since 8th grade. Um, we're in the same class. Uh, move went to college, came back. Um, I'm a nurse at the hospital in Atlantic. Um, we h own our own construction business and we have rental houses um, in surrounding communities. Um, I think Oh, yeah. I have three kids. um Brody, Piper, and Liam. And they're in we're in odds this year, so they're in fifth, third, and first grade. Um I think in order to retract teachers, it's going to be the best to um and students if we
014get a positive environment for our teachers, make sure they feel supported. How to do that, I don't know. hopefully them feeling welcome to come and talk to us if they have any questions or concerns and then we can talk about it as a school board and hopefully keep making it in the right direction. Also for students I think if the teachers feel well supported and our curriculum has positive outcomes and grades that more students are going to be coming to our area. Also I think sports are important um for a lot of people. Introducing the youth sports to third grade this year has been a great thing. Our kids really love it. Um They're learning so much more now that I didn't learn till I was in seventh grade. So, everybody else has been doing
015it forever. So, I think all of that is good. It makes their kids excited. Um, that's it. >> Hi. Um, my name is Anna Schlimer. I, um, have lived in the community since 2007. Um, and I have lived in this area. Uh, We have a sixth grader, Owen. Um, I have been in the military for coming up on 25 years. Um, and I will be retiring next year. Uh, which was my big push um to now um push myself into involvement within the community and to be more active um in the rural in the school board. Um, so we live in Elorn, just outside of Elorn, between Elorn and Kimbleton. Um, I don't know what I want to do when I grow up. So, if anybody has any ideas, um, as I retire into civilian
016life, I'm open. Um, but this is going to allow me a lot more time to be more involved in community and in our school. Um so as in regards to the question um I think it's very important that we continue to recognize um our teachers and our staff for their achievements make them feel supported um and then also continue to u get feedback both from current um staff and from our outgoing staff. find out why they're leaving. Um, I think that's the pathway to figuring out how we retain. Um, if you know why they're going out the door, you can help close that door. Um, if you if you wait until there's there's issues, um, that that's too late. Um, so if you help them feel supported while they're here, um, it's going to encourage
017them to want to stay. And I think that's that's a big part of what we can do um not only as community but also as board members. >> Hi everybody. I'm Nick Fredson. Um I am an almost lifer of the Elhorn Kimmelton community. I am a graduate graduate of Elhorn Kimlton High School. Um, I moved away to De Mo following high school for about 10 years, uh, where I met my wife and we moved back here in 26, excuse me, 2018. Um, because I was so fond of such a smaller school and a smaller community to raise my kids. Um, speaking of kids, I've got three daughters, one in seventh grade, one in eighth grade, and one in second grade. Um, as far as the question goes, I think in order to attract and retain
018staff members, we need to promote our small and tightknit communities. Um, I am also going to piggy back with what Beth said to um developing a collaborative environment between staff, school board, um, and community members to create, um, alignment of goals. Um, but it also increases communication and trust. Um that way staff and anybody can come to any board member um with any issues or feelings that they have and know that they're heard. Um >> All right. I'm Abby Rasmusen. Uh for those that don't know me, I grew up outside of Brighton. I attended the Exire schools for 12 years. I went on to a junior college, then went to Iowa State, graduated in community public health. I ended up marrying Joe Raspersonson. He was also anxiety grad and we moved back home in 2009.
019We were currently living in Lincoln. Um, and we wanted to be to be able to raise our kids around family and those small town values was why we came back. I have been selling real estate for the last 14 years here. Um, so sometimes I'm the first person that people, new families when they're coming to this community get to meet and it's an exciting job to get to tell them all the good things that we have going on here. It is one of my favorite things to do. Um, we have six kids. They are all very active in the district, second grade to senior. Um, so I definitely see and feel the importance of how important strong schools are to the heart of communities. Um, I've always believed in showing up, getting things done. I
020have been president of our entire uh, community club that's I feel plays an active role in a good partnership with the school. I' I'm a 4 leader. I've helped coach volunteer with the church. Um, so pretty active. Um, in regards to that first question, I'm going to repeat. I had down a lot of what some of these guys had. I had positive environment. I think if you have a positive, welcoming environment, um, it's going to automatically help get, you know, good candidates, keep them here. Uh, setting high standards for our staff and our students. Um, and with the community aspect, we have to be welcoming in our in all of our communities. Um, which I think we do a good job job of, but there's always room for improvement. And then obviously, you know, that
021competitive pay, those perks. I think the daycare supporting that here in Elhorn is good. And then I mean so far like the 4 day school week, I think that's been a positive, but I'm I'm waiting to see how that turns out. I'm Deborah King and let's see, we've lived here since 2004. I have four kids. one just graduated from here and then my youngest is in fifth grade. So I have seven more years of my kids being here. This is six year term. So I thought it's perfect. Um get involved and really give back to the community. Um I let's see um I'm on the library board in Elhorn and that's been really awesome to get involved with the community there. and worked with uh some children's ministry at church where it's picking curriculums and
022kind of familiar with that kind of a thing. I know that's a big uh big task uh to do and that's part of something that we do with the school board as well. Um I uh as far as keeping uh staff here, I think I would really love to see us and I think we already do a pretty good job. I've been to different teachers and asking them like what is it like to work here? Do you like it here? And I think they all have agreed that it's a really good positive uh work environment. Um I would love to see us empowering our teachers to work in their strengths to do what they love, what they're passionate about. Sometimes they teach one subject but they also really love something else that they want to
023be involved in. And I think just really supporting them and encouraging them in what they're good at and what they love so that when somebody's interviewing for a position, we can say, "Hey, this is a great place to grow as a person, to grow in this community." Um, we we are creative. We are reaching out. We're trying new things. And I love that about our community. And I think I'm excited to see how we're going to grow through this 48 week. We'll see how it goes. Uh, we're going to be flexible and figure it out. Um, And so whether I'm on the school board or not, I think my family really just wants to be involved with the community and help out and um be a resource. So feel like I'm facing my back to
024everyone. So turn around. Um my name is Emily Pollson and I um own operate between grow vegetables. Um I am also the library board like Deborah and um I have two kids. They're in first and third grade and so they're going to be here for a while yet invested in the school as well as believing that schools are just important part of the community even foramilies that don't necessarily have kids or that their kids graduated. I still think of the school as an impact um on the community as a whole. And um as far as retaining, attracting and training staff, um I think my the thing I would like to say is to be able to pay folks better. Um but I know that's not fully in our control. There's a limited amount that we
025can do in that regard. So then, um I think listening to um staff going out and asking um you know what can we do that um will make the work environment better for you um and creating the most um positive working environment we can have um and when we do find something good like the basically if this works well um you know make sure that that information is out there to the places where we have from um because if they don't you know, talk about good things that are happening that people don't know that they should come to us. So, um, and then in regards to the port, um, personally, I'm a fan of it. Um, and it seems to be going well, but I think that we're in a position where, um, we can
026make decisions that, um, because things will pop up, you know, here and there like challenges or new concerns. So we can either make decisions that support the 4 day week and make this a success or we can um you know make decisions that don't support it and make things fall apart. So um I think that that's an ongoing thing and um rather than take the let's wait and see what happens sort of attitude. I like to take the attitude of let's um work in a positive direction to make sure that this works. Another question too is what are two or three strengths in which our district can be proud? >> Um so something that I've noticed um as my kids so I I did not go to EHK. I grew up in schools um which
027is a little bit bigger school. But something that I've noticed as my kids have been in school is just the um positive way that um students interact with each other, the way that the teachers and students interact and then even just across all the grades. Um and you know even we come in for conferences or um school concert or something like that and teachers that my kids don't even have will you know greet them in the hallway and have a And I just think that that's um a really good environment for kids to be in especially when they're um communicating and um interacting across the grades. That's something that really impressed me, I guess. Um and I think that that type of element is good for our kids. Um, and then I think just the
028ingenuity and the willingness of staff and community to think outside of the box to solve some of the challenges that face small schools. Um, I think that that's a really good strength that we already have. So, I have been interviewing people for this question uh because I just wanted to hear what everyone What's what what do you see that is amazing about who we are? And a lot of the staff has said, "Your kids are not just a number. We know all of their names. They know each other. They have relationships with their teachers." Um the teacher can look at the kid and know if they're having a good day or a bad day or what they might need and recommend something very specific for that kid as far as an IEP or something that
029they really need. And I think that's really important for the kids to be able to trust their teachers and get to know them. And that's just not something you can get in a really big school. And so I think we need to really fight for our school and keep these small schools. We have challenges because we don't have a lot of the big opportunities, but we're also super creative that we are willing to reach out and say, "Hey, what programs are there in this area?" And there are a ton. And we've been able to reach out and say, "Okay, how do we do a jump? Let's take the kids to a job fair. Let's take them on field trips to see what there is around here and take advantage of all of the opportunities around
030us. We don't have to do everything ourselves. Uh we can use those other resources and teach our kids. If you don't know the answer, there's a place to find it. There's a there's a resource out there. And because they know the kids, they're like, "Let's find it together. Let's find that thing that you're interested in and get you plugged in so that you can be trained in the the thing that you really want to do. So, I love that. I think that's one of the best things about our schools. Um, also just that the teachers get along really well and are starting to bond with each other and support each other and encourage each other. I've heard a lot of that, too. And I think that's just really incredible to see. So, um, yeah, there's
031good things, lots of good things. um to be with them. Also, I had a family like atmosphere. That is the number one thing that I would say um and it's why again we chose to raise our kids here and we'll continue to do so. Um I also think for being a small smaller school um that we're able to offer quite a few extracurricular activities and I'm I'm a huge proponent of that. >> I'm in the same boat pretty much as these two girls. Um, prior to moving back to El Core, my oldest started kindergarten in the Anking school district. And in her kindergarten class, there was like 16,700 kids just throughout her class in multiple buildings throughout the city. So, um, we have a great small student to staff ratio, which allows students to get
032more one-on-one time with those teachers, especially students that may have a higher educational need that might need more one-on-one time. Um, Our kids are also able to be involved in more than one activity. They don't have to focus on one thing. They can play every single sport, but also be in 4. Um and and they're also encouraged to do so. >> So, uh again, a lot of the same themes. Uh the community engagement and involvement and the community traditions are like none other. Um I grew up in a small community also. Um so that was something that really drew uh me and my husband to raise our family here as well. Um the very first Halloween that we took Owen trick-or-treating in Elorn and I think he was what two three years old and there
033were older kids that were like hey and I was like how do they know who he is? Like He's not even in school yet. I I couldn't believe it. It the community aspect has just been unreal. And that's why I've been continuing to to to go here forever and ever. Um but that the the great part too is that we're able with these small communities, these small towns come together um always as a district and support each other. Um, I think that's probably one of our greatest strengths. So, so I had my three things as dedicated teachers, a strong community, and individual attention to every student. Um, all of our kids have had help before we even knew they needed it with math and reading because the teachers are paying attention and able to provide
034that to them. community is very supportive of our schools and our students. Um, and I would really hope to increase that involvement with I know we don't have a newspaper anymore and most things are shared on social media. I think it's important that we find a way to get, you know, the elderly people or people who don't use electronics as much notified. I don't know what that solution is yet, but I hope that we can find something to keep everybody up to date. Um, even if they don't have students in the district, they really enjoy supporting and coming out to see what's going on. And I think we need to increase that involvement a little bit because we have a pretty awesome community. >> Um, again, I agree with everything that's been said. Overall, our
035connection with the community seems to continue to improve. Co, I feel like hurt that a little bit, but the school has done a great job on working getting that back on track. Um, one thing that I wanted to speak on was our FFA program. It is very strong and I believe that is huge in a rural community. I currently have a daughter that is an officer and FSA FFA has given her numerous opportunities that she may have otherwise not had. One, we're all here as one school because of our school board. We started as two separate schools. We are now one because of our wonderful school board that has gotten us where we are today. School board transitions to the staff, the teachers, all of you guys here. I've listened to all my kids come
036home and talk, oh, this person and that person, how wonderful they are. You don't do that every day. When we were at school, I never went to my mom and said, "Hey, Mrs. Baylor, she was great." No, she wasn't. But uh but it just radiates from my kids and and how and like all these guys have said, you just it's just this culture and that's the word is culture we have. It's our teachers, it's our parents, it's our students. We are Spartans together as one. The Spartans, we're an army. We are two. That's the two to three things that we have. It's our school board, our teachers, and our community, our parents, all that. football. I mean, Friday nights is it's packed. I mean, if if we didn't care about our school, we wouldn't be
037there. All of our sports, volleyball, it transcends into everything. Our community and our culture as one. That's those are our strengths of our school. And I think that anybody that would want to come here would find that out and want to stay here. Thank you for your answers. Um, to save some time, we're now going to go to questions three through seven. Pick whichever question you think needs the most spoke on and give an answer on that question. >> Could you just read what questions three through seven are for the public? >> Thanks. and then we can also just know. >> Question three is how will we ensure transparency and open communication among the board school staff and the community. Question four is how can our districts ensure students are prepared for success in life
038after high school while providing equitable classes educational opportunities for all students including those with disabilities. Question five is what do you believe is the most important characteristic of a school board effective schoolboard members included. Number six is what is your vision for the district five, 10 or multiple years in the future from now? And number seven is what should our district be doing to address the challenges of declining? >> I choose number six, which is what is your vision for the district five or 10 years from now? Um, as I get on the if I were to get onto the board, I will I would like to sit under the learning tree and figure out how the machine works and what they do as the school board. Um, personally, five to 10 years from now,
039I would like us to still be Exh. I don't want to be with any neighboring schools. I want us to stay and do what we do now. I don't know if I can control that or if we as a board can control that, but that's my vision and that's what I would like to see. However, it has to happen to keep our core and to keep our culture amongst us. I don't want to share it with anybody else. It's too special to share. The only people I want to share it with is anybody that wants to come in and be a part of us. Not us be a part of anybody else. I will pick number three. How will you ensure transparency and open communication among the board, school, staff, and the community? So, as
040I have been the mayor of Brighton for several years. I believe that transparency and open open communication are key in a small community. As many of you know, Brighton and XY have been facing the current issue with regional rural water. We've been working together on grant funding, grant funding, and exploring all of our options to try and fix this problem. We have held open town hall style meetings and trying to keep the community informed to the best of our abilities. I just think communication is key. getting information from our communities to relay it back to the board and not only just community but students as well to make sure everyone feels heard. >> I'm going to talk about question number five. Uh what do you believe is the most important characteristic of an effective school
041board member and school board? I think that teamwork as a whole group is going to be um a priority. We have to be present in the community to know what we're making decisions based on. We need feedback from parents, teachers, and other schoolboard members to see if what we implemented has been effective or what needs changed and how we can improve it. Um the community needs to know that they can come to us and see us out and about like we do now and continue that and see if we can help maintain a strong environment in the school. Um I am going to cover question number four which is how can our district ensure students are prepared for success later in life after high school while providing equitable access to educational opportunities for all students
042including those with disabilities. Um, so I think by ensuring that our students have multiple avenues of approach after high school, um, whether that's for towards a traditional four-year degree, two-year degree, trade schools, or even the military, um, uh, or a pathway straight into the workforce. Um, every student should have a program that fits with their path needs. Um, to include our students with IEPs. uh as a smaller district that does become harder to achieve but it's not impossible. It requires effort on both the parenting teams and the educational teams to achieve a plan that will set the student up for success. Uh I think continuing to expand programs and offerings that are already in place and continuing to look at what um the future workforce is going to be needing is going to be important.
043Um I can go down a pretty big rabbit hole. um on this one because we do um with with what I do in the military. Um we work with recruiters and and schools and and shop programs to bring in like allied trades programs and the shop programs to to find different programs that work um you know that'll set them up for success. Um to kind of show what an auto shop program school like to those who have kids um what a military program would would work for them. Um so I've seen success with with those types of of programs. Um so like I said, I can go down the or rabbit hole um and and how those tie into to school settings. And um I can tell you too, recruiters usually bring in really great
044u loot as far as t-shirts and water bottles, too. So that never hurts. Um but I overall I would say you know just as a as a team because it's a team effort always is is building that plan um you know that that's going to work for each student individually but but also taking a look at since we are a smaller school that um you know there there are avenues for everyone I will uh touch on what is my vision for the district 5 to 10 years from now. Um I have kind of the same mentality as Eric. I'm very proud of this district. Um graduating from this district. I was talking a lot of life lessons growing up and I want that for my kids, my grandkids, my great grandkids, their friends and everybody
045to be able to experience that same um pride in the district that I now show as a parent. Um, and I also want to ensure that our kids receive the best overall education that they can in order to reach their full potential and that they're prepared for life after school. I think I'm going to go with number five, which talks about the important characteristics of an effective schoolboard member. I think number one, you got to be a real listener. Uh you have to be open to hear all sides, whether that's from staff, teachers, admin, community members, parents, and students. I think we need to help empower the employees of the district and to help hold um the administration accountable. I think you also have to have common sense. uh you have to be in the
046know those I think important things would be attending those school and community functions and getting out there uh talking to those kids teachers and to the public. I think it's all um comes down to listening. >> I love that. I think that we do need to be as a as a group. I'd love to see each of us in the school visiting and asking questions and asking questions and looking for long-term solutions. Um, I would love to see in five to 10 years, I would love to see that the kids that come out of here are hard workers, that they're creative in finding new ways to do things, that they reach out to their community, they they know how to volunteer, they know how to get their hands dirty, they care about what's going on,
047they're good citizens, and I would love to see some of them be entrepreneurs and say, "I would love to move back here and start something that needs to happen in this area and and give back to the community and figure out where is my place in the world, how can I give back and how can I find a way to if I don't know something, how do I find the answers to those things? I think hard work and creativity um even even more than what you know is being willing to find out and I think that's also what we need to do as a board is what we're willing to find out what do we need to what are the real issues? What are the long-term things? So, >> um I'll speak to the question
048about transparency and open communication. Um because I think that communication is the key to pretty much everything. You can have the greatest program in the world and if nobody knows about it, then they're not going to send their kids to it. And if we want, you know, parents and students to be successful, I think that timely communication um about all of the different things happening in the school um is critical. And uh I think that we can utilize social media better um as well as email and there is um the print communication is more limited now but there is um a monthly I think it's monthly um newsletter style thing comes out I'm sure they sure that they would be willing to you know put in for us um when we have important things to
049say um and keep the community involved in that way. Um so that is something that I would like to work on um as a board and as a school. >> Uh thank you. Uh moving on to our student generated questions. Uh we have three so is going to ask one. I will first ask, how can the school board help make sure students have access to nutritious and sufficient meals during the school day? >> Okay, so um food is my job. I raise uh vegetables. Um and so I'll ask you to dream with me a little bit here. Um, as a vegetable farmer, I know that there are programs out there to assist with getting fresh um, local foods into our school lunches and also for things like school gardens. Um, there was a federal program
050for a few years that was really um, really transformational. that program no longer exists, but Iowa, the state of Iowa did pilot a similar program last year and I um hope that that will be expanded. We haven't heard officially yet, but that's my hope. Um so I would encourage us to look into that. Um and then there are other scholar programs out there too and some of those things um like that funding for um fruits and vegetables and schools as soon as you get accepted grant and then other things like um putting the school time commitment but um I think it's a great experience for students um talk about as life skill right um >> so in terms I have a couple that work for me actually. So I I asked them um their experiences
051with school lunch program and they one was enthusiastic like actually I really like what we had at school. Um and then the other one said um that there was plenty of food but maybe it wasn't always that flavorful. So different perspectives but um I'm assuming this question is on here because there are students that feel like they're not getting enough to eat or they're not are seen with them. So, uh my thoughts on that would be that um I do think that our schools do a pretty good job. Um I'm usually pretty impressive when my kids come home with their fruit and vegetables on there. But, um in terms of like the high schoolers especially, I wonder if there's an opportunity to have um healthy snacks, fruit, vegetables, and protein nuts, cheeses, those types of
052things available in between throughout the day. Um basket. Obviously, that has to be paid for somehow. So, but again, there are grants um out there and I think that we work creatively on things like that. So, um and then I know we have vending machines. We could look at those and um I know candy and pop and things like that are popular. They're comfortable. They're familiar. Um and I wouldn't say take all that out or anything, but is there other healthier things that we can swap in there that has fiber and that will give those are the things that keep kids in school, right? Is um and gives them the nutrients that they need to have a successful day at school. So, are there some of those types of things that we can add in
053and make more accessible? Um I think that those are cool things. Um and I would actually be excited to work on things like that. So, I'm not sure exactly how where the money comes from or how all of that works for the food program or how much influence we have over that. I would love to see more locally sourced foods uh showing up and some partnerships that we could have with some local foods. Um, I think it would be awesome to incorporate some nutritional classes, some of the cooking classes, and teaching kids about why it's important to be healthy and then having them work on feeding their their classmates and but you know, some of the stuff is is I'm not sure how much we can do. And so, it's just asking some questions. What
054What are the options out there for us? I would like to see um the concession stands be able to have since that's like what we eat for months at a time as a family some vegetables or something on that list. Um so that kids are not always just um fast food type items but we'll see lots of options. >> Yes. So, this one I also have written down like as the schoolboard member, we're not here to micromanage those things. So, I do think that that's more of an admin um and school cooks, you know, job. Making sure that they're doing their job, I guess, is ours. But, personally, yes, I think I'm a proponent of less processed foods. It the more whole foods, homemade foods that the school can provide, I think, would be a
055positive. And I was also gonna um reiterate that I have had a dream of mine to increase some um options at concession stands just because if you're a student athlete that's a lot of times you don't have time to run home and get a whole meal or I mean and and so just increasing some of those options I think for that tail end of the day would be good. >> I know the food staff is uh working guidelines that are set by the state um for nutrition. So um I'm not saying it's not possible to get more fresh fruits and vegetables in here. Um we'll just have to do the research and see what grants what programs like Emily said are out there to you know have this option for these kids because as studies
056are showing pre-processed foods are are worse and worse for everybody as a whole. So, if we can make a little switch more towards more fresh meat, fresh produce, if possible, let's do the research and see if it'll work. >> I don't know if there's much more I can add. Um besides I would say just as a board uh continuing to make sure that we're doing our due diligence uh to ensure policy updates and disseminating information about food programs to families is getting healthy. >> Um my kids all enjoy the school lunches. Um figuring out if your kid is one that doesn't feel full or get full. I mean the they're providing adequate nutrition, but I feel like parents can also provide a little extra supplement, too. That's basically the only other thing that went down
057that wasn't said already. Um, they also did start the food pantry at the Zyra School. There's some here in town, too, for after school snacks or at home. Um, I don't know for sure what we could do for their meals during school, but those are the other two things that I added. >> So, I think everything's been said pretty much. Um I I think that the staff does a wonderful job already of what they are doing. So I would I mean as long as we keep doing that and look for um the potential for grants and stuff. I know there are some other programs but again that all takes money. Um I just yeah if we could do the research and answer the questions and try to get uh some more fresh stuff would be
058wonderful but it all has to be paid for some way. So that's the big kicker to it all. question like that being on the end. That's a rough one. I'm not a claim to be a professional in that question at all. I believe that in the capable hands of our staff, uh, like I said, outside of shuder and catering for the staff, I really have no information on that. Pizza. >> Unless it's pizza for everyone. >> What steps will you take as a board member to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and protected from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or gender identity? >> That's a triathlon based society. Uh everything is all over the place as far as all of that. The steps to take as a board member to ensure
059uh the students safety um is definitely education for one, not only for the staff and the students, as the community. Um I feel like we can't really get a handle on that on its own. I mean, we we we preach, we we talk, we educate. Um people are people people are going to be mean. Um that is a tough one but as far as ensuring everything that is listed I guess you just kind of start in a place of education and go from there have put the right people in place to that has the knowledge and the experience to teach on that and make sure that you know everything is being done as the best that it's can that it can be. Uh we're never going to erase any of that. Um but I really
060hope and I feel in our community for the most part. Um that it's it's we're doing a good job of it. Uh it's always hard not not to crack just because everything is everywhere. Uh it's just hard to explain. I mean we know as as just human beings that you can just never get a handle off. You think you do. It isn't. But Um, I think it starts with the education and the learning, um, the teaching. It's all we can do is just keep going and hope that it makes people better to where we can get away from all of that. So, my answer was um, just put the students first. Um, I will do best I will do my best to make sure that all students feel safe and represented in their given circumstances
061as those circumstances arise. I think each case of that would have to be handled differently um based on the what was happening with them. Um again like Eric said in this day and age some of those questions and concerns are things that maybe the board wouldn't even handle. It might be more of a personal issue than a board issue. So I think we would have to look at each case as they were presented. >> I think One way, one big way that they're currently doing right now is everybody starts the day with the pledge of allegiance united in one gym in both schools. I think that that needs to continue and then from there the teachers provide a safe environment in their in their rooms and um individual students could have difficulties. They have um
062programs set up for them. Um as a nurse, I know that we have some mental health um options for people, but you know, there's always room for growth. And I one of the number one ways that I find is um offering support to not only my kids but all also their friends when they come over or if we're at a sporting event. Um some people have hard times and getting to know each individual kid and what helps them um even while any of us are in the community will um help all of the kids thrive individually. Um, I think it's really important that as a board, uh, we're continuing to review policies, um, that there may prohibit discrimination and harassment. Um, education should always be the first line of defense. Um and then continuing to
063um ensure that our staff is doing professional developments that um encourage um you know continuing to to I just lost my train of thought to to yeah to to develop their knowledge on the subjects. Um so that way in the instance that those um occurrences do happen they are properly trained on how to um to adhere to the to the policies. Um and and apply those interventions uh when needed. Um and then ensuring that both students and uh parents/guardians know the proper uh reporting um procedures in the event that they We are in an everchanging society on a daily basis. Um, and we have a more diversifi diversified student population than ever before. Um, everybody has different interests, opinions, especially thoughts. Um, but at the end of the day, we're all humans. Um so if
064we can provide you know as much resources as we can for these kids um I feel that's you know their best interest um as a few before me said before too. It's going to be a continual conversation. It may not be a board um review or we may not even be involved but if we're part of that conversation maybe we can lend a little bit of of guidance and uh help to those situations. Uh I think we need to make sure that all staff continue to follow those same values that we expect from our students being taught being safe, responsible and most importantly respectful. Um so I think the staff has to help hold each other accountable as well as the students if anything like that is ever happening they they have to stop it
065uh right then. I also put down I think we need to take each kid you know at face value that day. um can't make any assumptions based on yes what they look like any of those protected classes but also to take it a step further like um not make any assumptions based on who their siblings are or who their parents are how they performed last year in class like you know treating each kid um with a fresh start each day and and being respectful >> I think this is a tricky one for all of us to to think about because it's so much um individually because we are a small school and we know each of our kids um it's a lot of it is an individual basis but I think as the as the
066teachers and the staff can model and teach respect for individuals and for their differences um but also addressing the safety of the school as a whole and what is good for the student body um I think that it's important have conversations around um speaking respectfully to each other and learning how to respectfully disagree with someone. I think that's super important right now. Um that we teach the kids and model for the kids how to disagree with somebody and still treat them with respect like a person that it's okay that we disagree and that you have a different perspective and I still value you as a person. Um, and there are hard calls that we will have to make, I'm sure, that have to do with the the group as a whole. Um, but I think
067that the the teachers and the community um would be good to be able to model some of those open conversations with um your we're allowed to disagree. This is what we're doing for the for the safety of everybody. Um, but just really respecting everybody and their individualities. Um, so I agree with what's already been said, but I would just add that from um perspective of a board as policies come across um just making sure that we're looking at and making those decisions with the lens of inclusivity and equity and that we're taking into account different perspectives and needs as we're making those decisions policies. guide what goes on. Thank you everybody for coming. It is 7:30. So if you guys have any closing remarks you'd like to say or anything specifically to talk about that
068would be that time. If not, you're all free to leave. >> I'll just say thank you for being here and looking forward to next year. >> Go vote. >> I get out there and vote everybody. And you know, I think it's amazing that there's so many people willing to do this. Um I was like, "Yeah, I'll volunteer. I want to help out." And I'm like, "Wow, this is great. There's so many people." Um, so all of us have a place to volunteer and to help out in the school, no matter how that is, whether that's on the board or somewhere else. So, and I would I would encourage all of you guys to find a way that you can volunteer and get involved in our school because it's the lifeblood of our community. So, thank
069you for coming out tonight.