The West Central Valley School Board met in regular session Wednesday.

The Board extensively discussed the bleacher project at the middle school. Business Manager Symantha Crawford and Superintendent Lance Ridgely pointed out several complications, including: underestimated project costs between $30,000-50,0000, no signed contracts, a limited bidding process, and no direct oversight from administration. The Board informally approved to put project completion on hold pending an investigation into the complications.

Ridgely began the meeting with a discussion on strategic planning and forming a School Improvement Advisory Committee for the District. This committee would ideally meet three to four times per year and would include about 15-20 members representing all four communities and a variety of student sectors. No formal action was taken on the discussion. The Board also discussed candidates for District Six member Jenyse Belden’s replacement. A new representative will be appointed at next month’s meeting. Belden resigned her position on the Board, after eleven years of service, last month.

The Board also approved the proposed Athletic Trainer Agreement with Peak Performance. Coverage on the agreement would include all nine varsity football games, twelve varsity basketball games and other various athletic competitions throughout the year, for a total of $12,185. The agreement also includes weekly treatments as needed and concussion protocol check-ins. Other approved action items include: an updated elementary handbook, equipment breakdown insurance with Specialty Underwriters, a District Affiliation Agreement with Drake University, and 2019 Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) legislative priorities.