By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Immediately prior to the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center School Board, the board members, along with the Adair-Casey board, participated in a video presentation from the Iowa School finance Information Service (ISFIS) regarding matters related to the potential consolidation of the two school districts.
During the Guthrie Center School Board meeting, Elementary Principal Tandem Eischeid reported on a good start to the school year. He noted that the change of having recess before lunch (instead of the opposite) was an adjustment for students but has settled in.
High School Principal Rhys Pate shared information about meeting with students who are struggling academically.
“I talked with each kid individually to help figure out what they need to do,” he said.
Superintendent Josh Rasmussen shared that the state allocated a 2% increase in funding for schools but explained that is not keeping up with inflation.
“We’re increasing our expenses through inflation by way more,” he said. “The math doesn’t math.”
The board approved the 2026 FFA National Convention trip to Indianapolis. The board also approved a continuation of the athletic training contract with Guthrie County Hospital.
Eischeid reported that at the elementary school midday recess now happens right before lunch instead of after lunch. He also noted that a large tree in front of the elementary school was recently taken down after it was found to be in danger of falling.
In the Consent Items portion of the meeting, the resignation of Jacob Lacey (girls track coach) was accepted. The board also approved contract recommendations including Lindsay Carmichael (paraprofessional), Michaelin Juhl (assistant basketball cheer), Rod Nelson (mowing and grounds), Jacob Lacey (boys track coach), Tyler Merical (softball coach), Nick McCool (baseball coach), Patti Halbur (part-time special education), William Shull (girls golf coach), Lori McGivney (boys golf coach), Sarah Sheeder (volunteer girls basketball coach) and DMACC stipend adjustments.
The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — is set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Adair-Casey Junior High School. The public is welcome at all board meetings other than special closed meetings as allowed by law.