The district superintendent points to changes at Bettendorf Middle School a year after fights and teacher complaints We're back with Bettendorf School District Superintendent Michelle Morse. Huskey, project manager for John Deere and 1993 Bettendorf High School graduate, has two boys who are students in the district, and she currently volunteers for their youth sports teams. Randy Evans, the executive director of the Iowa FOI Council, said the authors of Iowas open meetings law recognized the important work journalists do in informing the public about the issues and problems government faces and the potential solutions. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. A district committee of community members, parents and staff recently completed a 10-year facility master plan including a phased modernization of the Bettendorf Middle School, and facility improvements at Bettendorf High School, Herbert Hoover Elementary, and Paul Norton Elementary. Officials said the plan also develops needed classroom areas for career and technical education opportunities to better prepare students for their futures. Nau is represented by Davenport attorney Heather Carlson, court documents show. The district would plan to use future SAVE (1 cent sales tax) revenue and other financial resources to fund the Herbert Hoover and Paul Norton elementary projects in 2028 2031. bill prohibiting the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation to students through sixth-grade. Some are making a change due to the intense pressures of working in education.. Scholarships can help families afford K-12 private schools. Within Bettendorf Community School District, 100.0% of teachers are licensed, and 91.2% have three or more years of experience. The district hosted two question-and-answer sessions this week to. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Huskey . Wednesday's protest is being spurred by Iowa youth who say they do not feel legislators are listening to the people most impacted by these bills: students. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Test anxiety is common, but parents can help their kids learn to manage it. You can cancel at any time! Moline leaders accuse rail company of holding Amtrak project hostage for money. The online petition at Change.org had 1,198 . The school board meeting also took place a day after district leaders, teachers and parents met privately in a work session at Waterfront Convention Center to discuss how to handle the disciplinary problems at the schools. Get good rest and prioritize questions that have answers you know, experts say. Former Bettendorf baseball coach and teacher Brandon Nau filed a lawsuit earlier this month in connection with an assault on a bus of high school baseball players. The monthly increase in property taxes for a homeowner with a $150,000 assessed value would be $17.97; the bill would increase $24.33 a month for a home worth $200,000, and $30.69 for a $250,000 home, the district said. Student and staff safety is of the utmost priority in our district and essential to teaching and learning. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. "Parents are the decision-makers for their children," Reynolds said at a talk for the free market Cato Institute. "Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience" will open May 20 at the RiverCenter in Davenport. You can cancel at any time! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Regarding Count VII of the complaint, intentional infliction of emotional distress, the suit states, "Through the times and acts alleged, defendants were aware of the physical illness and mental pain that (Nau's son) was suffering as a result of the defendants outrageous acts, conduct and omissions. The lawsuit also asks the court to fine members of the board who took part in the meeting. Nau is shown earlier this year. The 15-year-old was charged with two simple misdemeanors, indecent exposure and simple assault, after Nau took the case to police. 69-year-old suffered stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house left him there. Lawmakers are also considering legislation that would restrict gender-affirming care for minors this session. Bettendorf Middle School and Bettendorf High School were identified as the greatest need, officials said in a media release. The districts minority enrollment is 30%. Bettendorf High School is ranked #2,906 in the National Rankings.Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they . Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Category: BHS News Class of 1973 50th Reunion - Sept 22 & 23 2023 has arrived! Its a culmination of everything., Geifman said there was a huge disconnect between teachers at the middle school and the administration.. We also welcome all comments and suggestions about our websites. The coach, principal and athletic director all were mandatory reporters at the time of the assault, the lawsuit states, meaning they had a legal obligation to report the incident to the Iowa Department of Human Services. Randy Evans, the executive director of the Iowa FOI Council, said the authors of Iowas open meetings law recognized the important work journalists do in informing the public about issues facing government and potential solutions. Both groups track legislation at the state level. "With that right comes responsibilities such as not disrupting the education of students who do not participate in an event such as a walkout but we respect and support students when it comes to sharing their voices and ideas on topics important to their lives.". If a walkout occurs, the school district has plans to provide students with a place on school grounds where they will be supervised by the administration to ensure their safety, said Samantha Aukes, Ankeny schools spokesperson. School information is provided by the government. Uhde is currently an associate principal at Bettendorf Middle School. Kim Reynolds' bill: Library book 'removal list,' gender identity teaching ban. 2 Hoosiers, Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years. I do think that all these issues come from the top, Pyevich said as the crowd clapped its approval, and I do think this board needs to have a special meeting to talk about personnel. They did not report it. Dr. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Prep boys basketball: Freeman returns to previous home, Moline cruises to regional title, After 0-27 record, Geneseo won't retain Brad Storm as basketball coach, New Orleans-based coffee chain to open in Davenport this spring, Family-run Restaurante Sabor Catracho serves Honduran dishes to Moline, Clark's buzzer beater stuns No. Parents and grandparents, teachers and staff who attended the workshop all want change, and we want it now, Giefman said. Davenport man faces weapons charges after shooting Monday A Davenport man has. In addition, the plan develops needed classroom areas for career and technical education opportunities to help better prepare students for their futures. When school board members learned belatedly of the incident in February, Board President Adam Holland said he anticipated a third-party investigation. Going into the 2022-2023 school year, our goal is to center our work on our districts core values of community, integrity, lifelong learning, and empowerment.. Link to YouTube Channel. District News Category: District News 2023-2024 Registration Opens in February 2023-2024 Registration Opens in February: Feb. 1 - Kindergarten | Feb. 8 - New & Returning Families, and Preschool Read More Category: District Notice Police Investigation Regarding BHS BCSD received notice of a potential threat. Moving up a grade together can benefit both teachers and students. Nau moved his family out of the district following the assault and the disputes that followed related to Nau's position as coach and teacher. What to know: Kim Reynolds' bill: Library book 'removal list,' gender identity teaching ban. Bettendorf School District voters to decide $69.2 million school bond measure, Officials say the bonds are needed to help fund needed building improvements. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. A district committee of community members, parents and staff recently completed a 10-year facility master plan that included a phased modernization of the Bettendorf Middle School, and facility improvements at Bettendorf High School, Herbert Hoover Elementary, and Paul Norton Elementary. Student organizers are particularly concerned about bills that would require educators to notify parents and guardians if a student is transgender, as well as a bill prohibiting the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation to students through sixth-grade. Compared to last school year, Bettendorf had 18 more staff resign. She also has a masters of educational instructional leadership from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. More:Iowa GOP proposes ban on gender-affirming care for trans kids. It does demand a jury trial. It also includes demolition of the original 1960s building and its extremely outdated infrastructure and utilities. Davenport man charged with shooting at occupied vehicle. The letter also said that a meeting between parents and district officials " about the behavior of some Bettendorf Middle School students including bullying and injuries suffered by students not otherwise involved in the incidents does not fall within the meaning of deliberations on matters clearly within the scope of the Board of Educations policy-making duties.". The school district has grappled with LGBTQ issues in a high-profile way since last spring when images spread online of a student organization's after-school drag performance, which the district contended was unauthorized, and those involved faced harassment. Bettendorf Middle School and Bettendorf High School were identified as the greatest need. If you experience any difficulty in accessing information, please dont hesitate to contact us. Bresnan is currently the middle school dean of students at Cardinal Academy in the Maquoketa Community School District. But Nau and his son were not notified of any investigation, the document states, and the boy never was interviewed. Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm | Friday 7:30 am - 4 pm (563) 359-3681 2023-2024 School Year Registration Registration is now open! Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%. There was a problem saving your notification. It also includes the demolition of the original middle school building and its extremely outdated infrastructure and utilities, officials said. The facility modernization plan includes additions to the school to address the need for larger classrooms to meet current learning environment standards. The meeting was held the day after an elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 21 student and teachers were killed. Bettendorf School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Morse speaks during the 2021-22 New Teacher Breakfast at the Bettendorf Family Museum Aug. 11, 2021, in The Bettendorf Board of Education declined to move forward Thursday night with a parent petition seeking removal of Superintendent Michelle Morse. Bettendorf Middle School and Bettendorf High School were identified as the greatest need, officials said in a media release. There was a problem saving your notification. In addition, 6% of students are two or more races, and 0% have not specified their race or ethnicity. The Bettendorf Community School District strives to adhere to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability. The Quad-City Times and three other local news companies joined the Iowa Freedom of Information Council in a lawsuit filed Monday against the Bettendorf Community School District and its board of directors. The Bettendorf school board voted to provide 69.25 million dollars for renovations to facilities at Bettendorfs Junior High and High Schools Thursday night. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. Restaurante Sabor Catracho opened to hordes of excited customers Feb. 18 in Moline. More: Ankeny teachers sue school district for discrimination, punishment over student drag show. Breaking News. You have permission to edit this article. Another of our children will be removed after completing fifth grade next year., Fuglseth said he attended the workshop and was disappointed the media was not allowed in., A lack of transparency has plagued the district in the past, he said, and not letting the media into the meeting, was just a further example of that lack of transparency.. Officials hope to complete the projects in the next five years. If you experience any difficulty in accessing information, please don't . Data is based on the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years. The student body at the schools served by Bettendorf Community School District is 73% White, 8.6% Black, 2.2% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 10% Hispanic/Latino, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Feb 21, 2023 Check out the February 21st issue of the Bett District Update! On March 7, 2023, residents l It has an annual revenue of $61,759,000. That means this is the year for our 50th reunion. Previously, she taught language arts, social studies, and science at North Scott Jr. High. The plan adds activity and athletic facilities to help meet the needs of our students, athletes, and community. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Prep boys basketball: Freeman returns to previous home, Moline cruises to regional title, After 0-27 record, Geneseo won't retain Brad Storm as basketball coach, New Orleans-based coffee chain to open in Davenport this spring, Family-run Restaurante Sabor Catracho serves Honduran dishes to Moline, Clark's buzzer beater stuns No. Further, with unanimous support from our Board of Directors, 26 staff took advantage of an early retirement incentive as compared to only two retirements last school year. The program began at Southwood High School in Shreveport, La., after about two dozen students got arrested, expelled or suspended after a series of fights at the school. The lawsuit asks the Scott County District Court to find the school district in violation of Iowas open meetings law and to issue an injunction prohibiting the school board from violating the statute in the future. Officials said the district would use future one-cent sales tax and Physical Plant & Equipment Levy reserves to fund 32.8% of the total costs of projects and 20.7% of the high and middle school projects. From left are Jillian Bresnan, Allison Holland, and Chad Uhde. Contacted Tuesday, Holland said he is not permitted to make a statement on the status of an investigation or any aspect of the incident, given the pending lawsuit. He died Wednesday. 15 Indiana, Sisters open permanent location for QC boutique, HEADS UP Accumulating snow looking likely in the, Cook review: Solid Jesus Revolution is true 70s, INTERVIEW: What plate-reading cameras mean for QC, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Learn More Finnessy Grant Award Started to honor Dr. John Finnessy; Each year an Innovative Grant from the previous school year is selected for the Finnessy Award and awarded $500. The undersigned petitioners believe that the Superintendent has acted inefficiently, incompetently, and is a detriment to the Bettendorf Community Public School system and we request that she resign or be let go effective immediately, the petition says. After the difficulties we have experienced during COVID, and so many leadership positions leaving and the current lack of leadership, our district has suffered greatly. The complaint names the . Nau's petition and demand for a jury trial also cites anti-bullying and harassment policies, which require investigations. The case is related to the assault last year by a baseball teammate against Nau's son during a return trip to Bettendorf from a Burlington game. When ongoing legal matters are in play, officials generally are barred from commenting. Please register by March 3rd for placement. He then rose from his seat, sought out Nau's son, and slapped the teen's face with his hand, smearing semen into the boy's face and mouth. Bettendorf Community School District spends $10,463 per student each year. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We looked at what parts of the building that have good bones, Michelle Morse, Superintendent Michelle Morse said of the needed infrastructure improvements. Ive got another principal that is coming back, and Ive got other principals that are coming back that we need to discuss, he said. "Literally blocking journalists from a public meeting is unacceptable," Matt Christensen, editor of the Times, said. BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC) - Voters in the Bettendorf Community School District will soon decide whether they support a property tax increase of up to $2.70 to help fund infrastructure improvements at the high school and middle school. The Advanced Placement course will be widely offered at high schools in fall 2024. Regular school board meetings are live-streamed on YouTube. We are steadfast in our commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders to identify solutions and cultivate stronger relationships. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Shortly after, former Superintendent Mike Raso took leave of his post and so did former human resources director Heather Stocking. A Davenport man on parole until 2025 for a methamphetamine conviction is being charged again with selling the drug. Former Bettendorf baseball coach and teacher Brandon Nau reads his mail after arriving home at his Muscatine apartment earlier this year. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Additional administrative and security support have been added at both the high school and middle schools as well as a district social-emotional behavioral health coordinator. Took the case to police of 0 % have three or more races, and science at North Scott High... Parole until 2025 for a jury trial also cites anti-bullying and harassment policies, which require investigations a jury also... Were not notified of any investigation, the document states, and we want it now Giefman! Nau and his son were not notified of any investigation, the document states, and 91.2 have... President Adam Holland said he anticipated a third-party investigation the Bett District!... 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