By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On July 17, a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards was held at the ACGC Junior High Media Center.
The boards discussed meal prices for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained that he had prepared some calculations, and he shared his recommended prices. He said he recommends no changes to registration costs this year. Lindsay Dinkla said she feels it makes sense for high school lunch to be higher than at the other two schools since more is offered, such as salad bar. The boards closely followed Rasmussen’s recommendations, with Adair-Casey voting to approve $1.75 for breakfast and $2.70 for lunch. Guthrie Center approved $2 for breakfast, $3 for elementary lunch, $3.10 for high school lunch, and $4.85 for adult lunch.
ACGC’s three principals each gave a brief statements. Adair-Casey PK-8 Principal Ed Den Beste shared that summer school is continuing, and he has seen high participation numbers.
“But, mostly, what we’re doing is district operations right now. I would say 95% of the elementary is done and ready to go,” Den Beste said.
“My August calendar is incredibly busy with trainings,” Guthrie Center PK-6 Principal Tandem Eischeid said, and he shared that he has begun monthly mentoring meetings with Jason Hammond from Earlham.
ACGC High School Principal Brian Sauser said he’s been meeting and interacting with students whenever possible and is trying to learn at least a couple of things about each student.
The boards discussed the “whole grade sharing” plan, and how best to assure that it’s done equitably so that neither school district is significantly overpaying compared to the other district. Rasmussen explained that as enrollment numbers fluctuate, the equitability will naturally fluctuate but should balance out fairly well over time.
Rasmussen discussed legislative updates and how they relate to ACGC. One item he shared relates to teachers being allowed to have a gun in school. He explained that although it’s technically a possibility now, it’s not yet feasible for ACGC.
“Teachers could be armed, and boards could approve that. However, we wouldn’t be insured, so we can’t do that,” Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen explained that the district’s insurer is currently not willing to cover this but may offer such coverage eventually. Board members shared the consensus that, for now, they don’t see a need for teachers to be armed but could revisit the issue if/when needs may change.
The agenda mentioned upcoming dates, including the ACGC Booster Club golf outing and dinner on Aug. 3 and the new teacher meet and greet on Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. at the junior high.
The next regular board meeting will be Aug. 21 at ACGC High School. The public is welcome.