Carroll Rotary Meeting Minutes 2/7/22
 
Meeting called to order by Chris at 12:08 PM at Family Table Restaurant.
 
Attendees: Catti, Chris, Hubert, John, Steve, Mike Pogge-Weaver, Bob F., Adam, Aaron, Ron, Ann
 
Brag bucks:
  • Adam’s wife celebrates a birthday this coming weekend
  • Bob has a handful of Super Bowl squares left that he is selling for the Breda Legion
    • $100/square
  • Chamber Coffee this Friday from 8-9 AM is at Michael’s Shoes celebrating 40 years in business (Bob has had it for 38.5 years)
    • Stop down and show support for Bob if you are able
  • Social event on 2/3 at Kerps was a good turnout.
    • It was nice to get out and catch up with everyone.
Speakers:
Carroll = Casey Berlau
Kuemper = John Steffes
Carroll Update:
  • Facility study underway
  • Working to align curriculum – making it visible and accessible
  • Teacher Leadership Program
    • $33,500 minimum salary
    • Creates career ladder
  • 4-year old voluntary pre-school program in the works
    • Talk of a T2K program
  • Adding more science to elementary levels
  • COVID #’s are better
  • Increase in sickness after holidays
Kuemper Update:
  • Softball/baseball schedules have been shrunk making field sharing difficult for both schools
    • Working with city to use city fields
  • 3-year old preschool program in the works
    • Talk of a T2K type program
    • 4-year old preschool program will remain
  • A lot of compliments with the Kuemper Cares program that is offered now
  • High school windows will begin to be replaced
    • Pella Corporation contributed to this project
  • St. Angela’s will have restrooms remodeled
  • Kuemper Foundation is working on the Kuemper Ball
    • Last Saturday in April
    • Alumni play a big role in foundation work
Enrollment:
Carroll: down 35 students from last year
Kuemper: up 25 students from last year
 
COVID:
  • Gaps in certain age levels – elementary
  • Increase in needs for social and emotional needs
  • Staffing shortages – many leaving across the profession
  • Shined a light on the importance of K-12 programs offered
Openings:
Kuemper: advanced Spanish
Carroll: librarian, HS teacher, 3 special education instructors, social worker/therapist
  • Not seeing a lot of teachers coming to rural areas
  • HS students are not choosing teaching as a career path
  • Bus drivers are always a need – this was before COVID even came about
  • Administrative positions at larger schools aren’t being filled by surrounding area small school administrators
  • Teacher burnout definitely playing a role
    • Students are misbehaving b/c they aren’t ready to be in a full classroom
    • Parent out-reach programs are being tried to get parents more involved
  • Recruiting has its challenges:
    • Housing in Carroll is scarce
    • Just getting them to come and see the community is difficult, but it is important.
 
School calendar is up for vote on 2/21 and then will be available.
 
Meeting adjourned at 12:56 PM by Chris.