May is School Board Recognition Month with a theme of “School Boards: Leading Through Unchartered Waters.” Carroll Community School District Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, says they want to celebrate their board, who maintained a commitment to students, the school and the communities while they faced challenges and decisions they never could have anticipated. “While school board members are elected by the community, they serve as unpaid navigators who help students set sail by devoting their time to monthly meetings, reviewing board materials, communicating with citizens, exploring opportunities and attending school functions and activities,” Berlau says. “Most importantly, our school board has made tough choices that impact the health and safety of students, staff and the school community, while continuing to prioritize student achievement and educational equity.” The district will be shining the spotlight on the board at their meeting on Monday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m. a
The Carroll Community School District’s (CCSD) Return to Learn plan, which includes a mask mandate for students in the classroom, will remain in place through the end of the school year with a few minor changes. A review of the current plan was already on last night’s (Thursday) agenda, but the topic was broached by several parents during the public forum segment of the meeting. Tyler Nelson spoke for those in attendance and questioned why masks were still required in the district despite vaccine availability and the county’s low positivity rate. The district started the year by strongly recommending masks but switched to requiring them in November due to high student-quarantine numbers. Board member, Duane Horsley, says the parents’ concerns are understandable and explained why the mandate was instituted.
Earlier this month, the United Way of Carroll was thrilled to announce they were able to allocate over $34,000 in funding for this year to Carroll County charitable organizations and efforts. This total represented about $10,000 more than previous years, an impressive feat at any time, but particularly notable during a pandemic. Executive Director, Jen Munson, said at that time the extra proceeds came from the huge amount of individual and business support they have received. Their annual grill out was changed to a drive-thru event in 2020, but people and businesses came out in full force to show their support. They also held a 50/50 raffle last year that helped with raising their total donations received. Munson says they are holding another raffle now, but it will be a little different than last year.
The United Way of Carroll has announced $34,000 in funding for 2021 was allocated during their January meeting. Executive Director, Jen Munson, says they were surprised to see an increase in donations by about $10,000 over previous years; especially during a pandemic.
Munson says they are very proud that all of the money they raise stays in Carroll County. Westside State Bank, American Home Shield, New Way Ford and United Bank of Iowa pay the national fees, freeing up the money for local donations. Some saw an increase in service needs this year because of COVID.
Donations have been earmarked for more than 13 organizations. These include the Carroll County Nest, Carroll Area Child Care Center, Catholic Charities, Region XII for discount taxi tickets for the elderly and disabled and Carroll County Home Care Aid Services. Munson says the latter was one that saw increased need.
The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education approved applications from staff members interested in participating in the district’s voluntary retirement program at last night’s meeting. The board had previously set six as the maximum number of applications that could be accepted, but they also reserved the right to increase that number if it would free up money in the General Fund and not have a negative impact on classroom instruction. Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, shared financial projections from Director of Business Affairs, Gary Bengtson, on how these retirements would impact the district financially.
The voluntary retirement program aids district officials in shifting a portion of higher paid employee salaries from the more flexible General Fund to the Management Fund, which is restricted in its usage. Bengtson estimates nearly $146,000 will come from this fund to free up just over $149,000 in the General Fund. Berlau says they are well-positioned to