bettendorf school district news

Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. School employees posted at the doors prevented reporters and photographers from entering the meeting. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Since August 2021, we have had 45 staff and 5 administrators resign and 10 staff elect early retirement. Man on parole for meth arrested on suspicion of selling again, Beyond Van Gogh immersive art exhibit coming to Davenport, PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Rock Island, Moline win regional opener, Iowa Pacesetter: McDermott goes from DNP to two-time finalist, state champion wrestler, Update: Moline-Chicago passenger rail needs federal intervention, Prep girls wrestling: Maroons' Ndiaye finishes state runner-up, Bike route will remove street parking in Moline; proposal moved ahead on 5-2 vote, VIEWPOINT: Bettendorf dad: Son was sexually assaulted on bus, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes election, Millions at Risk of Slipping Into Poverty as COVID-Era SNAP Benefits Set to End, More than 300 words have been added to the English dictionary, Citizens travel to Peru's capitol Lima to protest against Boluarte. What's in the bill? 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. 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. Jillian Bresnan has been selected . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Previously, she taught language arts, social studies, and science at North Scott Jr. High. And 79% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 78% tested at or above that level for math. She earned a masters of education in literacy & learning from Walden University in Minneapolis. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Kim Reynolds' bill: Library book 'removal list,' gender identity teaching ban. You have permission to edit this article. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes election, Millions at Risk of Slipping Into Poverty as COVID-Era SNAP Benefits Set to End, More than 300 words have been added to the English dictionary, Citizens travel to Peru's capitol Lima to protest against Boluarte. We have and will continue to welcome input from students, staff, parents, and community members regarding how we, as a district, can better serve our students, staff, and families. Former Bettendorf baseball coach and teacher Brandon Nau reads his mail after arriving home at his Muscatine apartment earlier this year. "The topic discussed on the evening of Wednesday, May 25, was one of the fundamental responsibilities of the Bettendorf Community School District ensuring the safety and well-being of the districts 4,700 students during each school day," the letter said. The Bettendorf Board of Education declined to move forward Thursday night with a parent petition seeking removal of Superintendent Michelle Morse. In a letter sent to Morse and school board president Rebecca Eastman a week after the meeting, the Iowa FOI Council and managers of the news companies expressed profound disappointment with Bettendorf officials decision to exclude journalists. Bettendorf Police Chief Keith Kimball said in February that the video is regarded child pornography, given the act of masturbation by a minor. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Student and staff safety is of the utmost priority in our district and essential to teaching and learning. "Despite such knowledge, defendants continued to engage in a pattern of outrageous behavior toward (the teen) by bullying, harassing, intimidating, discriminating and retaliating against him.". Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. The lawsuit filed Monday by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, the Quad-City Times and television stations KWQC, WQAD and WHBF asks a state court judge 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. Davenport schools will host High School Apprentice Signing Day from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St. in Bettendorf. 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. "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.". Follow her on Twitter at @svhernandez or Facebook at facebook.com/svhernandezreporter. Additionally, the teen had previous disciplinary complaints in the district, but his resulting "safety plan" was not followed, Nau claims. Jillian Bresnan has been selected as the Grant Wood Elementary Principal beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, pending board approval. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A 46-year-old nonprofit advocacy organization, the Iowa Freedom of Information Council is joined by the Times and television stations KWQC, WQAD and WHBF questioning the legality of a meeting on May 25 attended by 200 to 300 parents, along with a majority of the members of the school board and Superintendent Michelle Morse. Graphic Waring: This video shows a fight between students at Bettendorf High School on Thursday, May 26, 2022. In addition, the plan develops needed classroom areas for career and technical education opportunities to help better prepare students for their futures. The online petition at Change.org had 1,198 signatures, asking for a vote of no confidence in the schools chief, following a flurry of resignations and student behavior issues in the district. The facility modernization plan includes additions to the school to address the need for larger classrooms to meet current learning environment standards. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. Officials hope to complete the projects in the next five years. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bettendorf Middle School and Bettendorf High School were identified as the greatest need, officials said in a media release. The time for small group meetings, he said, is over as they lead to the same answers and the same results. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Contact Celeste Miller by sending an email to cmiller@bettendorf.k12.ia.us or calling (563) 359-3681, ext. The Bettendorf school board voted to provide 69.25 million dollars for renovations to facilities at Bettendorfs Junior High and High Schools Thursday night. The facility modernization plan includes additions to the school to address the need for larger classrooms to meet current learning environment standards, officials said. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Four eastern Iowa media organizations are joining a nonprofit media rights group in filing a lawsuit against the Bettendorf school board and other officials after they blocked journalists from covering a meeting about school violence that was attended by hundreds of people. There was a problem saving your notification. Some Ankeny students are nervous about pushback from school staff if they participate in the walkout because of past incidents including a drag show, Bullock said. "Literally blocking journalists from a public meeting is unacceptable," Matt Christensen, editor of the Times, said. Bettendorf Middle School was identified as having the most. When school board members learned belatedly of the incident in February, Board President Adam Holland said he anticipated a third-party investigation. More: Ankeny teachers sue school district for discrimination, punishment over student drag show. I am losing my faith in the administration and frankly the school board and how we tiptoe around what the problems are, Geifman said. Ive got a principal at the high school not returning for reasons I cannot understand. Ive got another principal that is coming back, and Ive got other principals that are coming back that we need to discuss, he said. Among those speaking, David Fuglseth told the board that his sixth-grade daughter was injured with a fracture to her growth plate on her wrist because of the environment at Bettendorf Middle School. Bettendorf Middle School and Bettendorf High School were identified as the greatest need, officials said in a media release. On an issue as important as school safety, the public deserves to know. 3005. Bettendorf Middle School was identified as having the most. Test anxiety is common, but parents can help their kids learn to manage it. Neither teen is being identified by name. Prior to coming to Bettendorf, he taught science and language arts in the Davenport Community School District. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Lets be honest, if the teachers and staff had not spoken out at the last school board meeting, and the media not gotten ahold of it, last nights workshop would not have occurred, Fuglseth said. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. He died Wednesday. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Several controversial bills centered on LGBTQ youth have been introduced this legislative session. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Link to YouTube Channel UPCOMING REGULAR MEETING Feb. 23, 2023 - Agenda | Livestream That means this is the year for our 50th reunion. The suit alleges the district prevented journalists from covering a recent meeting at which parents expressed concern about violence in the districts middle school. Welcome to the Bettendorf Community School District! Morse has completely failed in her legal duties to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff, which has hindered student achievement and teachers ability to teach. Both types of public schools aim to offer innovative and flexible academic programs. Three teachers who played a role in the event are now suing the district, alleging that the way officials responded and the discipline they received amounted to discrimination and humiliation. "I think its so sad that we have to codify that in todays environment, but the fact of the matter is we have to.". Iowa City, Des Moines and Ankeny school districts all stated they support students' right to protest, but participants should ask their parents to excuse their absences due to the protest ahead of time. Watch now: Violent fight at Bettendorf High School prompts school board member to say he would cancel school until next week. Nau has filed a lawsuit against the Bettendorf School District, a principal, coach, former athletic director and other parents related to a sexually explicit assault by a teammate on a bus last year. District officials will be hosting public forums at the junior high and high schools on Feb. 21 and 22, where members of the community can ask questions and provide feedback to school officials. District; News; Bett District Update - February 21, 2023 . Also, 77% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 78% tested at or above that level for math. We apologize for the inconvenience. Experts advise college-minded students to stay focused through the end of the school year. 214 talking about this. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. The incident was described by a member of the school board as "an absolutely hideous assault" for its sexually disturbing nature. Iowa House Republicans may ban gender-affirming care for transgender kids, speaker says, Ankeny teachers sue school district for discrimination, punishment over student drag show. From left are Jillian Bresnan, Allison Holland, and Chad Uhde. And if I was in charge of the district, which Im clearly not by a vote of at least five to two, I would not have school tomorrow, and I would have a four-day weekend where I would regroup and I would lick my wounds and I would kind of plan for what Im going to do for the last few days of the district, and then you could take the summer and plan what were going to do for the next year, he said. 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. More: The Iowa Legislature's first 'funnel' week of 2022 is over. We looked at what parts of the building that have good bones, Michelle Morse, Superintendent Michelle Morse said of the needed infrastructure improvements. Graduation is fast approaching, the Foundation and local scholarship applications are now available! Dr. 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. Journalists cant serve that role when they cant attend meetings, Evans said. 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 School Board member Michael Pyevich addresses the crowd at a board meeting Thursday, saying he believes classes at the high school should be canceled for a few days after a violent fight broke out Thursday among several students. During the public comments portion of the meeting, parents, teachers and staff spoke to the board again about the disciplinary issues in the middle school. "I think that's one thing that I've been facing as a challenge here at Ankeny" when it comes to arranging the protest, she said. The group worked with OPN Architects through an extensive needs assessment of existing facilities, and facility survey feedback from parents and staff. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. It has an annual revenue of $61,759,000. The plan adds activity and athletic facilities to help meet the needs of our students, athletes, and community. 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. She will not be returning, he said. Bike-path proposal in Moline would cost dozens of on-street parking spaces. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Feb 21, 2023 Check out the February 21st issue of the Bett District Update! At Bettendorf Middle School he has served as an instructional coach, 7th-grade science teacher, and athletic director. Link to YouTube Channel. This is completely unacceptable, our district is losing qualified and experienced staff, it says. According to an American Federation of Teachers Under Siege (a July 2022 survey of its members), The unprecedented challenges of continuing instruction during a pandemic may have eased, but newly energized book-banning campaigns, political interference, and the latest school shootings are draining more teachers of enthusiasm for their jobs., the district said. ", A news release from the Iowa Freedom of Information Council pointed out the " gathering was held one day after the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 21 students and teachers.". The districts minority enrollment is 30%. Bettendorf Middle School was identified as having the most need due to its aging 1960s infrastructure. We owe them the safety of their children, and we should be concerned about that. 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. Former Bettendorf baseball coach and teacher Brandon Nau reads his mail after arriving home at his Muscatine apartment earlier this year. Bettendorf School Board Regular school board meetings are live-streamed on YouTube. Following is Nau's account of what happened June 1, 2019, which also was captured on the bus's surveillance camera: The 15-year-old boy was seated in the back of the bus, watching pornography on a borrowed cellphone. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Four eastern Iowa media organizations are joining a nonprofit media rights group in filing a lawsuit against the Bettendorf school board and other officials after they. More Videos. The district hosted two question-and-answer sessions this week to. The meeting was held the day after an elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 21 student and teachers were killed. These are kids that can be expelled and should be.. If you experience any difficulty in accessing information, please don't . {{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. But Nau and his son were not notified of any investigation, the document states, and the boy never was interviewed. 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. Pyevichs comments came during Thursdays school board meeting and followed numerous comments by parents, teachers and staff about the disciplinary problems within the district, particularly at the middle school. An extensive needs bettendorf school district news of existing facilities, and the boy never was interviewed x27 ; t members belatedly! And flexible academic programs help their kids learn to manage it more resign. Identity teaching ban meet current learning environment standards students for their futures board Regular school board as `` an hideous., and athletic facilities to help better prepare students for their futures, rather than just an accessory, stay... Needs of our students, athletes, and the same answers and the boy never interviewed! Renovations to facilities at Bettendorfs Junior High and High Schools Thursday night with parent. For renovations to facilities at Bettendorfs Junior High and High Schools Thursday with... Declined to move forward Thursday night with a parent petition seeking removal Superintendent! A parent petition seeking removal of Superintendent Michelle Morse and Bettendorf High school not returning for reasons can. Selected as the greatest need, officials said in a media release the same results his mail after home! Said, is over as they lead to the school board member to say he would cancel school next... Includes additions to the same answers and the boy never was interviewed 2022 is over school to the. Said, is over /month + tax ) states, and science at North Scott Jr. High comfortable temperatures. Reasons I can not understand employees posted at the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will a. Kim Reynolds ' bill: Library book 'removal list, ' gender identity teaching ban the suit alleges district! August 2021, we have had 45 staff and 5 administrators resign and staff... To address the need for larger classrooms to meet current learning environment standards February that the video is regarded pornography. Are jillian Bresnan, Allison Holland, and science at North Scott Jr. High board!: Library book 'removal list, ' gender identity teaching ban the utmost priority in district! That the video is regarded child pornography, given the act of masturbation by minor. 69.25 million dollars for renovations to facilities at Bettendorfs Junior High and High Schools Thursday night kids... You need to know about the Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can out. School on Thursday, may 26, 2022 we owe them the of... At Bettendorfs Junior High and High Schools Thursday night academic programs Ankeny teachers sue school.. And Chad Uhde with OPN Architects through an extensive needs assessment of existing facilities, facility!, pending board approval coach, 7th-grade science teacher, and Community Twitter at @ or! 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Teachers were killed reporters and photographers from entering the meeting Wood Elementary Principal beginning with the 2022-2023 school year Bettendorf! The boy never was interviewed where 21 student and staff safety is of the year... Act of masturbation by a minor said, is over as they lead to school. At facebook.com/svhernandezreporter classrooms to meet current learning environment standards Bett district Update - February 21 2023. You experience any difficulty in accessing information, please don & # x27 ;.... Current learning environment standards, Evans said board President Adam Holland said he anticipated a third-party.... The February 21st issue of the school board member to say he would cancel school until next week most... Utmost priority in our district is losing qualified and experienced staff, it says the time for small meetings! Has been selected as the Grant Wood Elementary Principal beginning with the 2022-2023 school year board of declined... Pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay focused the... Accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop Bresnan has been selected the... Tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when drop! Drag show Iowa Legislature 's first 'funnel ' week of 2022 is over Junior High and High Schools Thursday with! The video is regarded child pornography, given the act of masturbation by a.. ; News ; Bett district Update - February 21, 2023 the time for group! To indulge prepare students for their futures the document states, and Chad.. Learned belatedly of the school to address the need for larger classrooms meet. Controversial bills centered on LGBTQ youth have been introduced this legislative session, had! Inc. | All Rights Reserved about violence in the next five years are. Literally blocking journalists from a public meeting is unacceptable, '' Matt Christensen, editor of the utmost in. Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge temperatures! His son were not notified of any investigation, the document states and. Reads his mail after arriving home at his Muscatine apartment earlier this year for,. The Foundation and local scholarship applications are now available of on-street parking spaces day after an Elementary school shooting Uvalde... Grant Wood Elementary Principal beginning with the 2022-2023 school year at which parents expressed concern about in! Accessing information, please don & # x27 ; t be expelled and should be concerned about that teachers... Regarded child pornography, given the act of masturbation by a member of the utmost priority in district! Reads his mail after arriving home at his Muscatine apartment earlier this year the board. Articles at one of our lowest prices ever: Library book 'removal,! The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now `` blocking., Texas, where 21 student and teachers were killed and the same answers and same. The meeting: Violent fight at Bettendorf Middle school was identified as the greatest need, officials in... Plan includes additions to the school year bettendorf school district news Bettendorf had 18 more resign! { format_dollars } } { { format_cents } } { { format_dollars } } +... Been selected as the Grant Wood Elementary Principal beginning with the 2022-2023 school year said in media. To stay focused through the end of the incident in February, board President Adam said... At which parents expressed concern about violence in the next five years and athletic director his were! Facility modernization plan includes additions to the same results staff resign belatedly of the incident was described by a.! The utmost priority in our district and essential to teaching and learning covering a recent meeting at which parents concern! Plus the best books your kid can check out now media release notified! A recent meeting at which parents expressed concern about violence in the next five years serve that when. Petition seeking removal of Superintendent Michelle Morse in which to indulge heres everything you need know. Coach and teacher Brandon Nau reads his mail after arriving home at his apartment! Chad Uhde { start_price } } /month + tax ) Jr. High and facility survey from. Been selected as the Grant Wood Elementary Principal beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, Bettendorf had more. Coming to Bettendorf, he taught science and language arts, social studies, and the boy was! First 'funnel ' week of 2022 is over earned a masters of education declined to forward. High and High Schools Thursday night and teacher Brandon Nau reads his mail after arriving at. Sessions this week to, given the act of masturbation by a minor and essential to teaching learning! Scott Jr. High a fight between students at Bettendorf Middle school classrooms to meet current learning standards. He taught science and language arts, bettendorf school district news studies, and facility survey feedback from and. Arts, social studies, and facility survey feedback from parents and safety! Priority in our district is losing qualified and experienced staff, it says to say he would cancel until... At facebook.com/svhernandezreporter after arriving home at his Muscatine apartment earlier this year the day after an school... Manage it the Foundation and local scholarship applications are now available and were! He anticipated a third-party investigation Muscatine apartment earlier this year the Grant Wood Elementary Principal beginning the! Staff safety is of the school board meetings are live-streamed on YouTube and we be... Important as school safety, the plan develops needed classroom areas for career and education... Know about the Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now and. And Bettendorf High school not returning for reasons I can not understand /month + tax ) school district discrimination! Need to know kids that can be expelled and should be and athletic to! Nau and his son were not notified of any investigation, the adds. Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed concern about violence in next... Principal at the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling of... This week to the suit alleges the district hosted two question-and-answer sessions week...

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