The Guthrie Center School Board met in regular session Monday.

The Board discussed the 2018-2019 calendar. The proposed calendar doesn’t include too many changes, however there was discussion on days off in November and the end of Christmas vacation. They also discussed next year’s budget. The tax rate dropped slightly over the last three years from 14.2% to 13.98%. The Board approved a public hearing on both items for April 9th at 7pm.

Curriculum DIrector Karla Mahaffey presented student achievement comparisons and results from the Iowa Assessments. Mahaffey especially noted the dramatic increase in reading proficiency for the current high school freshman class. Of the current freshman, 95% were proficient, compared with 73% as eighth graders. Mahaffey praised first-year teacher Lyndsey Noe for her efforts in helping students achieve their personal and collective academic goals.

Action items approved by the Board include: a continuation of driver’s education fees, an American Education Association purchase agreement for co-op items, a teacher sharing agreement with Panorama and Coon Rapids Bayard, and the resignation of Head Baseball Coach Willie Patti. The Board also discussed possible future soccer co-ops with Panorama and improvements to school safety.

Both Guthrie Center and Adair-Casey boards will meet for a joint session Wednesday to discuss the search process for the new superintendent. Current Superintendent Steve Smith plans to retire after the 2018-2019 school year. The work session begins at 6:30pm at AC/JC Junior High School in Adair.