Three members of the Iola-Scandinavia School Board are up for re-election in 2014.
Bob Fredy, Jeff Oppor and Bruce Beyersdorf have until Dec. 27 to declare if they want to discontinue serving on the school board. New candidates have until early January to decide.
Connie Abert, of Waupaca County UW-Extension, talked about Strategic Planning at the board’s Nov. 11 meeting.
She asked for suggestions of community members who could be asked to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee.
High School Principal Sara Anderson announced there are no major changes in the high school course guide.
She did note there is a minor change in the art offerings to focus more on photography and printing technology.
“It just broadens that category and allows our students and staff to use their strengths,” Anderson said.
Board member Mike Koles asked if the required courses were in line with state requirements.
Anderson replied that the district’s number of core courses is completely in line with state standards. She noted that at least 85 percent of the students are already taking three credits of math, which is what the state is considering as a new requirement.
In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Bill Lund, effective at the end of the first semester.
Middle school science teacher Darin Beschta will take over Lund’s classes, so the district will look for a long-term substitute to fill the middle school position.
Land purchase
The board talked about an opportunity to purchase land west of the high school parking lot.
According to Board President Charles Wasrud, the land has been acquired by a local citizen, who has agreed to give the school district first chance at purchasing a portion of the property.
“It would have been hard for us as a school district to negotiate the purchase,” Wasrud said.
About 10 years ago, the school district had tried unsuccessfully to secure property to provide another access to the high school parking lot. This property would provide enough room for an exit road.
“The opportunity for a school district to acquire property comes about so seldom,” said District Administrator David Dyb.
Wasrud noted that a land purchase requires a public hearing.