(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon School Board, Monday night, held a Public Hearing with regard to a proposed Budget Amendment and Expenditures from the Professional Development /Teacher Leadership Flexibility Fund for the District’s Middle School Science Curriculum. As we reported last week, the $300,000 amendment is for Support Services.

The amendments were approved as presented, along with the $21,548 Flex Fund expenditures. The Audubon School Board approved reimbursing the Athletic Fund by use of the General Funds to refurbish football helmets and other safety equipment. The Board increased Student Fees for the 2023-24 School Year. Student breakfast and lunches prices went up by 10-cents.

They also increased Substitute personnel pay.

And, the Audubon School Board made some changes to the Para-Educator pay structure.

The Board agreed to sell the old greenhouse for a some of $800. The structure will be removed by the buyer. The District will build a new greenhouse in its wake. And, various change orders were approved during Monday’s Audubon School Board meeting. Eric Trager said they continue to work on their facility projects and as things come up, will review and act on those matters.

And finally, the District continues to work on contingency plans in the event a 4th Grade and Pre-K HeadStart Teacher can’t be found before the beginning of the school year.

Superintendent Trager said also, graduation this past weekend went well, and the excitement continues for the multiple of sports activities underway and those still to come.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), passed a Resolution approving the sale of County-owned farm land (at the site of the former Willow Heights Care Facility). The vote was 4-to 1, with Supervisor Wendy Richter opposed. Board Chair Steve Baier..

The property consists of 117.73 acres of cropland and 34.43 acres of pasture land. Milk Unlimited owners Kelly and Christy Cunningham had a high bid of $13,100 per acre for the farmland and a high bid of $6,200 per acre for the pasture. Supervisor Steve Green reminds citizens of the County, the decision was not made without public input.

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors set June 13, 2023 as the date for a Public Hearing on Fiscal year 2022-23 Budget Amendments. Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken reported the Secondary Roads Department is still hauling rock for rural roads and driveways in two County districts, and other projects. Wolken updated the Board some Secondary Roads Department construction projects.

On a related note, the Board approved an updated Title IV Non-Discrimination Agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation & U-S Department of Transportation. The agreement existing agreement, Wolken said, dates back to 2016, and needed to be updated according to the DOT’s satisfaction.

The Supervisors then approved extending the current insurance deductible/out-of-pocket maximum through Dec. 31, 2023, but they tabled discussion and possible action, with regard to the Wellness Program and base premium insurance rate for County employees who do not participate in the program, and a discount for those who do. The Supervisors want more information before they act on the matters.

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold School District’s Board of Education, Monday evening approved various personnel matters. They also set the Activity Pass Fees for the 2023-24 School Year, and approved a Spanish III/IV waiver, along with an agreement with the City of Griswold. Superintendent Dave Henrichs told KJAN News the Board approved the transfer of Autumn Osterloh from Elementary Para Educator to MS/HS Cook for the next school year. They also approved compensation for Ryan Lockwood, who currently serves as the HS Baseball practice coach.

There was also a contract amendment and a resignation approved by the Board.

Other personnel action includes an agreement with the Area Education Agency, for a Social Services worker. Henrichs says it’s the second year of the agreement.

The Griswold School Board also established Student Fees for 2023-24.

And, they approved a renewal of an agreement between the District and City of Griswold to share resources and possibly, personnel. Other business included the approval of Fuel Bid and Technology Support Specifications, as well as District Procedures for Student Activity Trip Expenses.

And, the Board agreed to change the date/time for its June and July meetings. Their meetings will be held on the third Monday of each month, but with a 4-p.m. start, instead of 5:30-p.m. There will also be a work session on June 6th at 8-a.m.