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Scott County Catholic Schools (SCCS) Board of Directors Meeting – February 24, 2025

Date:  Monday, February 24th, 2025 

Time:  5:30 PM 

Location:  Assumption High School 

Attendees:  Andy Craig, Rosie Barton, Linda Duffy, Beth Tinsman, Jim Hannon, Mike Byrne, Rosie Salazar, Rob Edel, Tammy Askeland-Nagle, Carol Foster, Father Crossen 

Absent: Beth Tinsman 

Guests:  Martha Korneisel, Chad Steimle, Connor Gauley 

Other:  

AGENDA:  

  1. Prayer 
  1. The group begins with a prayer for Pope Francis.  
  1. Approval of Minutes: 
  1. Both sets of minutes from the previous meeting are approved.  
  1. Reports 
  1. Mission & Governance 
  1. Education 
  1. Chad informs the group that the principals of SCCS have held discussions concerning the improvement of reading programs across the schools.  
  1. How many reading interventionists are needed? 
  1. How many aids are needed in classrooms? 
  1. Chad states there has been general discussion amongst the principals of their plans concerning summer school.  
  1. Chad states that the principals noted in their discussions that there has been an increase in behavioral issues amongst students.  
  1. Evidence of this increase is largely anecdotal.  
  1. It is acknowledged there is room for improvement in creating data and keeping track of these behaviors amongst the schools.  
  1. The search to fill the vacant St. Paul Principal position is ongoing.  
  1. Kindergarten enrollment is already higher than available seats at JFK.  
  1. Decisions concerning the excess enrollment will be made on March 3rd.  
  1. Assumption is currently at 113 enrolled freshmen for the next academic year. This is higher than normal and is expected to continue to increase.  
  1. Finance 
  1. Martha states second semester ESA deposits continue to come in with a modest amount of money still unpaid by the state.   
  1. January – cash and cash equivalents have gone up due to money from the state for ESA. 
  1. Increased participation in the ESA has caused receivables to go down.  
  1. Monthly income statement donation and grant revenue at Assumption was $160,000 
  1. Consisted of SEEK Conference and Homeland Security door grant. 
  1. $40,000 was received from the foundation which was paid out by US Bank.  
  1. US Bank made a mistake and will be sending additional money.  
  1. Technology expenses were $89,000 
  1. Consisted of:  
  1. Website work being done. An umbrella website is being set up for the whole district.  
  1. Blackbaud expenses.  
  1. Used for tuition, financial management, and RazorsEdge.  
  1. Work is ongoing for the 25-26 budget.  
  1. Human Resources 
  1. Human Resources will begin asking all principals what they anticipate they will need.  
  1. This process will be done more with the more inexperienced principals. 
  1. Discussions will largely concern staffing needs, etc.  
  1. Communications & Marketing 
  1. The creation of an umbrella website for the district is in process. The goal is to have all websites housed under one central website. There will be links to the individual parish websites.  
  1. Facilities  
  1. Linda, Andy, and Bridget Murphy met with the owners of Living Hope Community Church in consideration of potentially purchasing it. The church is looking for more space.  
  1. St. Ambrose is shutting down their Children’s Campus on June 20th. Andy met with St. Ambrose in consideration of the potential purchase of the building.  
  1. The building would require a great deal of renovation.  
  1. Location is good, extremely close to All Saints.  
  1. Issue: St. Ambrose wishes for the building to continue to be used as a daycare. This does not align with SCCS interests.  
  1. Level of interest is dependent upon how the next meetings go.  
  1. Jim and Andy met with Matt McDonald concerning the issue of the pipes at All Saints. The pipes are rotting from the outside in and are buried.   
  1. A copy of a study is needed from Roberta to determine if the rooftop option is viable.  
  1. Andy discusses the desire to conduct a facilities study of all the schools and buildings to analyze and anticipate any issues that may arise in the future.  
  1. Technology 
  1. Establishing a district-wide phone system in the coming year.  
  1. Estimated $50,000 cost will mostly arise from the need for new handsets within some of the schools.  
  1. The move towards unified technology amongst the schools continues. 
  1. Other 
  1. None  
  1. Unfinished Business 
  1. None 
  1. New Business 
  1. Tuition Revision – ACTION ITEM. 
  1. The Governor held a meeting with the Des Moines Diocese.  
  1. At which she expressed her discontent with their anticipated tuition increase. It is her desire that no tuition increases surpass 10%. 
  1. SCCS tuition increases have now been capped at 9.95%.  
  1. This will cause significant adjustments in the upcoming budget.  
  1. Capital Improvement Fund represents about $600,000-700,000 and can be tabled if necessary. 
  1. Linda states this will be presented to the community as a savings for the family due to an increase in enrollment.  
  1. Whether or not the Curriculum Director position will be filled will depend upon where the budget lands.  
  1. Further discussions are needed concerning the additional costs an increase in enrollment will require. 
  1. 6:41 PM – The board approves the Revised Tuition Plan and the motion passes.  
  1. The ESA number is still unknown.  
  1. Board Action: 6:41 PM – Linda Duffy moved and Rob Edel seconded a motion to approve the Revised Tuition Plan as presented by Andy Craig. The motion carried.  
  1. Adjournment 
  1. Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM 
  1. Next Meeting 
  1. March 24th, 2025 Assumption Board Room – 5:30 PM 

_______________________________________ 

Connor Gauley, SCCS Executive Assistant