Sarah F. Martin and Jason Shaffer shared information at the Board meeting held on Monday, September 10, 2018, about the recent STEM Festival that was held at the Shenandoah High School last week. Wow, that was a great day for our students. I had the opportunity to listen to the keynote speakers present and found their message to be quite relevant for our students. There were several breakout sessions for the students to attend. Allocating resources to support STEM instruction is a wise investment as it open doors for our students to develop the skills they need to pursue their career options of choice.
It was very nice to be able to report to the Board a letter written by Alan Beste, the Executive Director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, about our Shenandoah CSD Coaches and Student-Athletes. The letter commends them for their great conduct and sportsmanship. Shenandoah was one of 166 schools who had no student-athletes or coaches ejected during the 2017-2018 school year. They have received this acknowledgment for the last several years, it speaks well them. Congratulations!
Every year at the September meeting, the Board reorganizes to elect new leadership. Monday evening at the Board meeting, Jean Fichter, was elected President of the Board and Greg Ritchey was elected Vice President of the Board. I appreciate their willingness and dedication to serving in these roles.
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| Jean Fichter, Board President |
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| Greg Ritchey, Board Vice President |
The Board addressed the consent agenda and several action items as well. There was a date amendment made to the Instructional Support Levy Resolution so it was necessary to make that corrective action and reset the hearing date for October 8, 2018, at 5:00 PM. The Board also approved the supplemental state aid request for the Special Education deficit of $490,000. Additionally, the Board took final action on the meal charge policy and wellness policy. There was a first reading on a new series of policies related to access to Education Records and Student Directory Information.
Over the last few months, the Board approved other facility projects that are turning out very nice. The tennis courts are now complete, and the new signage at the high school is as well. The courts look great and are much safer to use now. I appreciate the Booster Club paying for the new signage. It gives the high school a fresh look.
We have started the process of removing the "cottage" or the office building at the bus barn. The building has been well used over the years but the repairs that were needed are too costly to consider. Different space has been provided for transportation staff to use in the mechanical shop.
Board Members, Jean Fichter, and Adam Van der Vliet will be joining Jason Shaffer and me on a road trip to Columbus, Nebraska this week to see their Career Technical Education Center to consider as a model location for the work that is needed at the Shenandoah High School.
