The Perry School Board convened Monday evening in regular session.

The meeting was held a week earlier than normal, because next week is the District’s spring break. Board member Kenia Alarcon and President Kyle Baxter were absent, so Vice President Linda Andorf conducted the meeting. The first item on the agenda was a presentation by four secondary math teachers, who shared their experiences at the recent National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference.

In general business, the Board approved publishing the proposed 2018-19 budget, and set a public hearing for their April 9th meeting. Next, they approved the school calendar for next year, which will run from August 23, 2018 through May 29, 2019. The Board also approved the insurance plan through the Iowa Schools Employee Benefits Association for the upcoming fiscal year. The rate will increase by 3.95%, which Board Secretary Kent Bultman said was considerably lower than what other districts are experiencing.

Next, the Board considered bids for technology switches and new laptops. The low bid for both projects was from CDWG. The switches will cost $148,546.05, though that could still be lower if another bidder comes in within the week. For the laptops, the low bid was $149,518. Other items approved included: an agreement with One Source for background checks; a budget guarantee agreement; and an agreement with the University of Northern Iowa for student teaching services.

To learn more about the Perry School Board meeting, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.