School board considers pandemic response

School board members still have business to take care of even though Newton campuses are closed for four weeks.

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, will still be a topic of discussion. Earlier this week, the Newton Community School District announced it will close its campuses’ doors until April 13, following Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ recommendations to reduce spreading the illness.

At a recent special school board meeting, members were separated farther from each other to comply with social distancing standards. Seats in the audience section were also separated six feet apart.

After roll call, the school board will have a brief communication or update about COVID-19 and its impact on the school district. Later on during the learning, leadership and district business portion of the meeting, the school board will consider a resolution related to the COVID-19 concerns.

The NCSD Board of Education will discuss and decide whether to approve a resolution in support of the Pandemic Response and Emergency Suspension of Policy. Newton Daily News will update the public about this action after the school board meeting, which begins 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Property purchase public hearing

At the previous regularly scheduled school board meeting, an agenda item to set a public hearing for a property purchase was tabled. Now, the item has been placed back onto the agenda.

School board members will consider setting a public hearing 6:50 p.m. April 13 at the E.J.H. Beard Administration Center. NCSD Superintendent Bob Callaghan will present the action to the board.

The property in question has not yet been disclosed.

Certified FY21 budget

A public hearing — which was scheduled at the March 9 school board meeting — will be open by 6:45 p.m. Once school board members open the public hearing regarding the adoption of the proposed fiscal year 2021 certified, anyone may provide input.

When board members close the public hearing, they will revisit it at a later point in the meeting. Tim Bloom, director of business services at the school district, will present the item again for approval.

School board members may discuss the budget once again before casting their votes.

In other action Monday, the school board will:

• Receive an update from Bloom, Jeff Maki, Jana Belle and Jane Underwood about self-funded insurance. No action will be required.

• Set a public hearing date 6:45 p.m. April 13 at the E.J.H. Beard Administration Center to consider expending funds from the flexibility account for math curriculum.

• Cody Muhs, vice-president of the school board, will further discuss the school board protocol handbook.

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