Math, science programs will benefit
By Jane Myhra
The Iola-Scandinavia School District has received a $10,000 American’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Grant from Monsanto.
District Administrator David Dyb made the announcement during the I-S School Board’s Aug. 10 meeting.
The money will be used for math and science technology initiatives.
Three area farmers nominated the school district for this grant – Bruce and Tina Faldet, Dean and Dawn Lashua and Dan Peterson.
Monsanto introduced America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education in 2011 to help farmers positively impact their communities and support local school districts.
It offers farmers the opportunity to nominate rural public school districts to compete for a merit-based grant of up to $25,000. The school district then submits a grant application that includes designing a project to enhance math and/or science education in its district.
The finalists are selected by a panel of math and science teachers, with the winners chosen by an advisory council of farm leaders.
According to Dyb, Monsanto will present the check at a home football game this fall.
In other business, the board approved a teaching contract for Danielle Lokken. She will teach middle school math and language arts.
The district continues to work on filling other positions, such as a high school math teacher and a cross country coach.
The climbing wall is completed at the I-S Community Fitness & Aquatic Center, according to facility director Tim Welch.
“Everything is ready, and we are fully qualified,” he said. “The auto belays are in place and we are ready to go.”
The board approved High School Principal Sara Anderson’s request to hold a Senior Recognition Banquet. Anderson said this will take the presentation of scholarships and other recognitions out of the graduation ceremony.