I-S buses pass inspection
By Jane Myhra
There has been no progress on the Iola-Scandinavia tennis courts.
District Administrator David Dyb told the school board Sept. 12 that he has not heard anything from Keith Williams, a representative of the local tennis group.
Board members expressed concern about the project ever being completed.
“We should give (the tennis group) a deadline date,” Beyersdorf said.
Board President Kristen Hoyord said the area should be developed as green space “if they can’t come up with the money to at least start the (tennis court) project.”
She noted there was never any written agreement returned from the tennis group.
In other business, board members learned that the buses passed state inspection with no violations.
“According to the state inspector, out of 1,200-plus buses (he inspected), he hasn’t had another district with no violations,” said Bruce Beyersdorf, chair of the Transportation Committee.
In other business, the board agreed a “donated by” sign should be placed by the site of the proposed locker rooms by Thunderbird Field and at the site of the proposed tennis courts by the high school.
Both of the projects are funded entirely by private donations.
Dyb said he will contact the Thorne family about placing a sign at Thunderbird Field.
Dyb announced Star Awards were given to the school district’s maintenance staff and Engle’s Service King Cleaning Service for “getting the school buildings clean and in great condition to start the school year.”
The Star Award was also given to Holly and Tony Neumann “for all of their work and volunteer time over the past four years leading the I-S Booster Club.”
The board approved a consent agenda, which included the resignations of Chad Gagas as tech education instructor, Angela Steingraber as varsity track coach and the hiring of Jamie Ernst as ELL educational assistant and David Jueds as athletic director and tech ed teacher.
Also included in the consent agenda were donations of $2,000 from the Chet Krause Trust for the sign project, and $447.30 from the Iola Lions/Lioness from Stuff the Bus.
The board discussed upgrades to the staff handbook, including compensation for covering for another teacher during designated prep time.
Travis Bassette suggested changing the terminology to “unsigned” time instead of “prep” time.
“There is much less actual coverage than what is perceived,” said High School Principal Sara Anderson.
It was noted only two teachers have used their “sole” prep time to cover extra classes.
Anderson said her staff has been “very good” at covering for others during their unassigned times.
“Spring is when it gets crazy,” she said.
The board agreed to table the handbook revisions until its October meeting.
Also tabled was pay scale for support staff, to allow for more information and comparisons to be gathered.
Upcoming school board meetings include the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, and a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, to finalize the 2016-17 budget and tax levy.