By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the June 17 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, discussion was held regarding the various fees and prices paid by students and families. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained that meal prices need to increase slightly to cover costs. The recommended prices were 10 to 25 cents higher than the current price. He also suggested raising the cost of drivers education from $360 to $400 (students on reduced lunch pricing would pay $200). The boards voted to approve the prices as recommended.
Principal Cody Matthewson discussed his recommendations for the number of credits needed for graduation. Because of the change in class schedule, Matthewson recommended a different number of required credits for students currently entering ninth through 12th grades. The matter will be considered for approval during the July meeting.
In the consent items portion of the meeting, approval was given regarding the resignations of Adair-Casey employees Melissa Dewitt (paraprofessional), Kiara Coston (paraprofessional) and Jacob Joliet (junior high football, junior high strength and junior high track). Guthrie Center employee resignations included Kelsey Eischeid (assistant volleyball), Skie Shull (junior class sponsor) and Christina Wilson (junior class sponsor). A contract recommendation was approved for Jason Calhoun as Guthrie Center volunteer softball coach.
Becky Benton (State Street Insurance) shared her report and options for the boards to consider for 2026-2027 property/casualty/SPF insurance renewal. The boards approved the renewals with minor changes from the current coverage.
The Adair-Casey board voted to approve the bread bid from Pan O’ Gold, which is the same supplier chosen by the Guthrie Center board.
The Guthrie Center board discussed the superintendent contract. Business Manager Brandy Rudy said since other professional staff get three personal days, increasing that for the superintendent (from two to three days) would create uniformity. Matt Van Meter voiced his opposition to increasing the allowance from two days to three days. He said the superintendent also gets 20 days of vacation, whereas teachers only get the three personal days.
There was also discussion about Rasmussen’s request for wording in the contract to give more advance notice if his contract were not going to be renewed, so that he could pursue applying elsewhere. Van Meter said he saw no benefit to the school in that proposed change. After discussion, that proposed stipulation was left out. The board approved the contract on a four to one vote, with Van Meter voting against.
Discussion was held regarding the need for volunteers at the high school during RAGBRAI. Hundreds of riders are expected to use the high school’s shower facilities, so volunteers will be needed to help with traffic flow, towel distribution and other needs.
Rasmussen voiced appreciation to Matthewson for his years of service, as this was Matthewson’s final board meeting prior to his resignation. Matthewson responded and voiced his appreciation for his years at ACGC.
“There are a few things that always resonated with me. As a coach or AD or principal, the reason why I think we had so much success is I took everything personally, from how the field looked to how the kids acted to discipline, as a direct representation of my family. That was my last name that was being put out there,” Matthewson said. “You’re either all in or all out, so hopefully we can continue to find people to advocate for our kids who are all in.”
The Guthrie Center board set a work session meeting for 6:30 p.m. on July 1 to discuss the facility needs list submitted by Denovo and to plan for staffing and other needs during RAGBRAI.
Upcoming dates include the Booster Club’s fundraiser golf tournament on Friday, June 26.
The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — was set for Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. The location is tentatively set for the Guthrie Center Elementary School library. The public is welcome at all board meetings other than special closed meetings as allowed by law.