Steve Karber (left) and Catherine Wilson (middle) getting sworn on the board
Steve Karber (left) and Catherine Wilson (middle) getting sworn on the board

The Greene County School Board met in regular session Wednesday night.

During open forum, a high school student shared his concerns with the district eliminating the “double lunch” option. The student also provided solutions on how to reinstate it. At the end of the meeting, Superintendent Tim Christensen had forms for students to sign, under certain stipulations, that students could qualify to have a “double lunch.”

During administrative reports, Middle School Principal Shawn Zanders told the Board that they were selected to participate in a national assessment program. The Board also hired Carl Behne as the head boys soccer coach and Marilyn Tasler as the head girls soccer coach. Additionally, the Board reviewed the district’s property and liability insurance coverage with Unger Insurance. Representative Scott Weber presented the Board with a check for $22,241 for having a positive year with the Iowa Association of School Board’s safety group program. He said they also reduced the district’s auto program and increased the cyber security coverage. Before the retiring board adjured the meeting, Dr. David Ohrt and Teresa Hagen were recognized for their years service on the board.

Dr. Mark Peters (left) and John McConnell (right) taking Oath of Office for Board President and Vice-President respectively
Dr. Mark Peters (left) and John McConnell (right) taking Oath of Office for Board President and Vice-President respectively

When the new school board convened, the Oath of Office was taken by the three elected school board members including Steve Karber, Mike Dennhardt and Catherine Wilson. Dr. Mark Peters was then elected as board president and John McConnell as vice-president. Board committees were then decided. Karber will serve on the facilities, administrative and classified salaries and scholarship committees. Wilson will serve on the scholarship and school improvement advisory committees. One other change was that Dennhardt will serve on negotiation committee. Karber was also appointed as the IASB delegate. The Board then decided to continue to hold their regular meetings at 6:30pm, following the work sessions at 5:15pm on the third Wednesday of the month in the conference room of the administrative building. The open board meetings will take place the fourth Monday every other month starting in November with the location to change for every meeting.

The Board approved the 2016-17 certified report, as well as the special education supplement and transportation reports as presented. They also approved a $326,174 allowable growth request for special education deficit, a $16,263 allowable growth request for English language learners, the teacher quality professional development committee, renewing contracts for the New Opportunities abstinence education grant program, the Grandwood Consortium and the Woodward Academy Day School Consortium agreements, an agreement with Street Smarts for the drivers’ education program and fundraising requests. Additionally the Board approved to discontinue maintaining the Rippey Gym and give full responsibility to the City of Rippey, a $15,000 lease agreement with the Greene County Youth Athletic Association to continue to utilize the Jefferson Fieldhouse and set a public hearing at the October meeting to sale the Grand Junction softball field to the City of Grand Junction for $1.

The Board also approved a majority of the policies up for examination, with the exception of the literacy policy. The Board decided to table their decision until they see a proposal of changes from the current retention policy that is in place.