Start of school year is topic at How-Winn board meeting

HOWARD-WINNESH-IEK - Superintendent Ted Ihns gave an update on the start of the 2019-2020 school year in his monthly report to Howard-Winneshiek School Board members. He said the district welcomed four new teachers Aug. 15-16. They include Jessica Hillers — High School Special Education; Rhonda Todd — Junior High Special Education; Tia Heien — 7-12 Instrumental Music; and Meghan Harrod — PK-12 ELL (English Language Learner) Coordinator.

Every year, the new teachers are given a tour of the district, visiting the towns of Cresco, Ridgeway, Elma, Chester and Lime Springs. “It is about a two-hour drive. This lets the teachers see how large the district is,” Ihns explained.

The Back-to-School conferences on Aug. 20, along with ninth grade parent meeting  and seventh-eighth parent meeting were also mentioned.

“Friday, Aug. 23 will be the first day of school. We will be welcoming back approximately 1,100 students,” he added.

He then spoke about the proposed $23.6 million facilities expansion. See accompanying story on page 1.

• In other business, Cindy Butikofer presented CIA’s 2019-2020 insurance renewal. “I wish I had as good as news as I did last year. The premium went way up this year.”

There was an increase of $5,304 in property insurance; liability raised $909; crime went down $294; auto coverage went up $1,436; the umbrella went up $449; and school programs increased $961, among other sections.

Workman’s Comp raised nearly $36,000. That was due to a few large claims due to slips and falls.

All-in-all, the premium rose $44,789 from the prior year, which had gone down $11,000. The total insurance renewal was for $212,583.50.

• Board member Karlos McClure asked to take the volleyball coaches out of the Consent Agenda, which was then approved. He asked Activities Director Caleb Shaeffer several questions regarding the volleyball coaches, after which Meghan Harrod as JV Volleyball Coach and Gena McCaffrey as 9th Grade Volleyball Coach were approved.

• The milk contract went to A&E Dairy and the bread contract went to Pan O Gold Baking Company.

• The board approved the continuation of the Instructional Support Program Levy. 

• Edmentum renewal, which is part of the At-Risk program was approved.

• The Northeast Iowa Health Occupations Academy Contract was approved, as was the Texthelp Inc. renewal.

• McClure stated he would not be running as District II Director. Other positions open are District III, now filled by Toni Johnson, and At-Large, currently held by Todd Hill.

The next board meeting will be Monday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at NICC — Cresco Center.