H-W board approves leg. priorities

CRESCO - Every year, school districts in Iowa choose their top four choices for legislative priorities. Howard-Winneshiek CSD pretty much kept the same priorities — preschool funding, mental health and special education. 
The board stuck with the main three, but changed up the fourth one this year. Instead of getting funds for transportation (which was approved at a previous legislative session) board members chose teacher recruitment and retention. 
Supt. Ted Ihns noted the numbers of individuals going into education has dropped significantly in the past few years. That makes it harder to get applicants for teaching jobs locally.
• In related business, the superintendent reported that seven staff positions have been filled from those vacated at the end of the last school year. “We are still looking for a first grade teacher.”
In addition, the new staff training days are Aug. 12-13. “The new staff bring many different backgrounds and new thoughts and ideas.” He admitted it is always sad to see the veteran teachers retire, though.
Ihns has been going over the facility plan with new activities director/assistant principal Mr. Todd Coulter.
Ihns was also happy to be asked to give a school tour to the Class of 1970. “I’ve given a couple tours over the years, and the former students always share their memories.”
• Food director Cheryl Dickman and her crew were praised for doing a great job in getting the summer lunches out each week. Approximately 600-650 students received lunches each Wednesday for the following week, that equals about 6,500 meals.
Dickman was on hand to present a request to purchase a new convection oven. “This is the first step to update the kitchen. The oven is higher quality and functions better. It includes an air fryer, steam and can do everything. It is a better quality of food. I replaced the old one 15 years ago when I got here.”
In addition, the food fund needs to be spent down. It currently is $500,000-600,000 in the black. COVID relief money has helped boost the fund.
Even with the excess of funds, the state mandates that adult meals be raised to $4, an increase of 10¢.
Ihns added school meals will be free again this year for everyone. He is urging those who qualify for free and reduced meals to still fill out the paperwork as those numbers will help in other ways in getting funding for classrooms.
• The board approved moving about $18,800 from the General Fund to the Activity Fund. The money will be spent on sports safety equipment.
• Ihns gave an update on the Return to Learn Plan, which is basically unchanged from last year but can be amended if need-be.
• Shirley Sovereign asked to have an update on the K-3 Title I program for the Aug. 16 meeting. “These kids are learning to read not reading to learn.” She didn’t want them to fall between the cracks, especially after the strange year of COVID in 2020-21.
• Resignations included Amy Norby, Preschool Associate; Jenny Scheidel, Alternative Education Associate; and Chris Sullivan, Head Boys Track Coach.
New hires included Lucas Jansen, Jr. High Volleyball Coach; Taylor Rice, Jr. High Special Education; Taylor Vrieze, Recalled Associate; and Lizzie Hartman, Volunteer Volleyball Coach. 
There were also three open enrollment applications.
• Ihns closed by saying how much he appreciated the How-Winn staff and how great they were during COVID. “It was not easy. Any curve ball that was thrown their way, they handled. There was no complaining. They stepped up and put kids first. We were one of the few schools in the area that had class every day.”

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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