The Perry School Board convened Monday evening in regular session.

The meeting was filled with teachers from throughout the District, as they showed unity in response to contract negotiations between themselves and the administration. Superintendent Clark Wicks emphasized that the negotiations between the District and the teachers is not a battle between the two, but rather they want to remain fair and do what’s best for students. The issues arose when it was reported that the teachers would not be receiving more than one-year contracts at a time. No decisions were made regarding the contract negotiations, but Wicks said the process will continue in the coming weeks and months.

The first action item on the agenda was a public hearing and the approval of the fiscal year 2020 budget as presented, which includes a $20.78 tax levy rate. During reports, Director of Learning Support Laura Skeel presented on the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) conference, and the Board was updated on the progress of the industrial technology facility and wrestling/multipurpose room project. In general business, the Board approved setting the members of the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC), and the student learning goals of the committee.

Next, they approved the creation of a fifth grade band program, which will take effect at the beginning of the next school year, as well as extending the Capturing Kids Hearts program to Perry Elementary. Other items approved included: a resolution for the continued participation in the Instructional Support program; the 2019-2020 health insurance plans and rates through the Iowa School Employee Benefits Association (ISEBA), which includes a partially self-funded plan; personnel changes; and revisions to Board policies.

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