JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of January 23, 2023
All attempts are made to be as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Questions, comments, or concerns can be emailed to the JCSD Communications department at jcsdcomm@johnston.k12.ia.us.
District News and Announcements
Zittergruen named new HR director; Burns interim JHS leader
Barta is sixth in Johnston to be named Coach of the Year
Johnston head baseball coach Michael Barta has been named Coach of the Year by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. His team won the state championship in 2022. Barta joins five other Johnston coaches — in football, boys and girls cross country, girls swimming and boys golf — named Coach of the Year this year.
Johnston 2023-24 Academic Calendar Approved
Waukee NW takes top award at Johnston's Showzam 2023
Thanks to everyone who joined us for Johnston’s Showzam show choir invitational this year! Congratulations to our grand champion EOS from Waukee Northwest, who also won outstanding vocals and visuals. Runners up: Urbandale Studio, Ankeny Centennial Spectrum, Cedar Rapids Kennedy Happiness Inc, Waukee Northwest Aurora and Norwalk Sound Revolution. See more photos.
Four JHS students named U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidates
Educators Recognized for Their Impact on Students’ Lives
Johnston places 2nd at Bettendorf wrestling event
Four teams advance to state in large group speech
Four Johnston groups advance to state after Large Group Speech Contest at JMS. Ensemble Acting-Little Women: Sophie Etnier and Riesa Kongshaug. Musical theatre-Mamma Mia: Grace Tutaj, Estefany Figueroa, Isabelle (Ali) Vuijk, Edie Musgrave. Group Improvisation: Emille (Oliver) VanWinkle, Samantha Jensen, Jacob Grauerholz. TV news-Aravind Balaji, James Foo, Alan Qi, Advik Bajpai with KQFB news.
Innovation wins grand championship in Lincoln
Johnston Varsity Dance Team advances to nationals
Basketball teams raise awareness, funds with Coaches vs. Cancer
#JohnstonServes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Five Johnston teams compete in FIRST Tech Challenge
Nominate for Iowa Teacher of the Year
Do you know a great teacher who motivates, challenges, and inspires you? The Iowa Department of Education is now accepting nominations for Iowa Teacher of the Year! Johnston is home to the 2010 National Teacher of the Year, Sarah Brown Wessling. It all starts with a nomination, so read more and nominate a teacher today!
13 ProStart students complete certification
Thirteen Johnston students recently passed the final ProStart exam reflecting culinary techniques, management skills and practical, transferable skills. ProStart is a nationwide career-building program created by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and Implemented by the Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
Interview this Saturday for Community Education jobs
Board recognizes state champion swimmers
The school board recognized Olivia Swalley and Faith Frantum for their state champion titles in swimming! Faith is the State Champion in 500 Freestyle; Olivia in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Breaststroke. Olivia has a career total of 7 state titles and one state record, and is Johnston's most decorated athlete of all time!
Davis honored for 26 years of service to Johnston schools
Board Highlights from January 23, 2023 Meeting
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer shared updates from the Iowa Legislature, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and on curriculum review for K-12 art and K-5 health.
REPORTS
- Proposed Additional Staffing
- Taxable Valuation Data for FY 24
ACTION ITEMS
- Recommendation for Termination (approved)
- Approval of Director of Human Resources (approved)
- Approval of Compensation changes for Human Resources Department Members (approved)
- Approval of Interim Student Support Facilitator at JHS (approved)
- Approval of District Negotiation Team (approved)
- Approval of New Club Request - SMS Rubik's Cube Club (approved)
- Approval of 2023-24 Academic Calendar (approved)
- Approval of Affirmative Action Plan (approved)
- Approval of FY22 Audit (approved)
- Approval of the 2023-24 JHS Course Selection Handbook (approved)
- Approval of Adjustment of FTE for Lawson Associate (approved)
- Approval of Student Transportation of America Contact (approved)
- Approval for Submission of Johnston's Portion of the Allowable Administrative Woodward Academy Day Costs (approved)
- Approval for Submission of Johnston's Portion of the Allowable Administrative Grandwood Costs (approved)
- Approval of School Budget Review Committee Application to Charge Administrative Costs (approved)
- Resolution to Establish Qualified Educational Assistance Program (approved)
- Approval of Policies 607.2 Student Health Services, 202.5 Student School Board Representatives and 407.1 Licensed Employee Resignation (approved)
- Approval of Policies 706.1 Payroll Periods, 706.2 Payroll Deductions, 706.3 Pay Deductions, 706.3R1 Pay Deductions Regulation (approved)
- Approval of Policies 707.1 Secretary's Reports, 707.2 Treasurer's Annual Report, 707.3 Publication of Financial Reports and 707.4 Audits (approved)
- Approval of Policies 707.5 Internal Controls, 707.5R1 Internal Controls Procedures, 707.6 Audit Committee and 709 Insurance Program
- Approval of Policies 711.1 Student School Transportation Eligibility, 711.2 Student Transportation for Extracurricular Activities, 711.7 School Bus Safety Instruction and 711.8 Transportation in Inclement Weather (approved)
- Approval of Policies 711.3 Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, 711.3E1 Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Notice to Employees, and 711.3E2 Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Acknowledgement Form (approved)
- Approval of Policies 711.10 School Bus Passenger Restraints, 712 Technology and Data Security, and 712R1 Security Requirements of Third Party Vendors (approved)
BOARD PRESIDENT REPORT
Katie Fiala reported that she is stepping down as board president at the end of this meeting. She will continue as a board member, just not in a leadership position. Vice President Alicia Clevenger will take over as president. A new Vice President will be appointed at the board's Feb. 6 meeting.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Board meetings are held in person at the District Office, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston. All public comments must be read in person. The board meetings are livestreamed and available on demand at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. The next board meeting will be held February 6, starting at 6 p.m.
CONTACT THE BOARD
Persons are encouraged to send questions, comments and suggestions to our board members. Each board member can be reached by email: Katie Fiala; Dr. Alicia Clevenger; Jennifer Chamberland; Deb Davis; Clint Evans; Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher; and Derek Tidball.
Johnston Community School District
JCSD Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Johnston Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Associate Superintendent, Dr. Nikki Roorda, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470, nikki.roorda@johnston.k12.ia.us.
Email: lynn.meadows@johnston.k12.ia.us
Website: johnstoncsd.org
Location: 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA, USA
Phone: 515-278-0470
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnstonCSD/
Twitter: @johnstoncsd