Existing crossing is choice for RRFB location
School board cites convenience, safety as main reasons
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NICK PEDLEY/SENTINEL-NEWS
As oncoming traffic approaches, an H-M-S Elementary student quickly pedals through the Highway 18 crossing south of the school Tuesday afternoon.
Citing safety and convenience-related reasons, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn school board members are recommending that a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) be installed at the existing pedestrian crossing on Highway 18.
Monday's discussion was in response to a presentation in April by the Hartley Recreation Trail Committee. The committee has been awarded a grant to fund installation of an RRFB and wanted the board's input as to where it should be located.
According to that discussion, the site of the existing crossing could not accommodate a sidewalk connecting to it. The committee indicated that a location farther east, near St. Joseph's Catholic Church, could be another option.
Superintendent Patrick Carlin said the City of Hartley has since indicated the current crossing site would meet grant requirements.
"The city did confirm that the existing option is a viable option," Carlin noted.
In response, board members recommended to the trail committee that the RRFB be installed there.
"From an overall safety perspective, I would like to see one less crossing," said Board Member Becky Stoltz.
"It adds safety features to the existing crosswalk and ties in with the existing sidewalk," noted Board Member Ryan Haack. "I would prefer where it is currently."
Board President Scott Vollink agreed, saying it would be better to "use what we have."
• Slight change in director district boundaries
The redistricting resolution approved last month to establish new boundaries for the five director districts did not meet state requirements. In response, the board adopted a new resolution that makes a slight adjustment in the boundary between two director districts.
With the change, the population of Director District 2 will increase by 10 residents while the population of Director District 5 will decrease by 10.
• Other business
In other business, the board approved having middle school baseball and softball practices and games at the high school diamonds. Practices will be held at the diamonds in Sanborn while school is still in session to reduce travel time.
Resignations were accepted from Debbie Gaard, high school business teacher, and Haley Enger, middle school administrative assistant.
Contracts were issued to Kirsten Taylor, high school special education (pending approval of a conditional license); Carly Ward, high school speech coach; Julia Bottjen, middle school administrative assistant; McKenna Jacobson and Korey Ebel, middle school track coaches; and Russ Spier, middle school assistant baseball coach.
Initial results of various student assessments are being reviewed. Data from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) indicates high school students improved their proficiency in three core areas.
According to Principal Nate Hemiller, the percentage of students proficient in science improved 2.5 percent, and the percentages of those proficient in English and math increased 7.5 and 7.2 percent, respectively.
"I am very happy with our performances," Hemiller said. "I think we got the kids' best effort."
