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By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 21 meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, lengthy discussion was held about the status regarding potential consolidation of the two districts. Board members discussed that if consolidation were to happen now, the districts would lose out on approximately $400,000 in “Whole Grade Sharing” revenue.

Guthrie Center Board Member Brian Sheeder shared his opinion.

“I know we’re concentrating on the operational sharing dollars, and that is a consideration, but our future moving forward, being tied to our inability to act because we’re two separate districts, will come at a greater cost, in my personal opinion,” Sheeder said.

Adair-Casey Board Member Randy Carney said when Gov. Reynolds’ term ends, the new governor may have different priorities, and that could impact this issue. No board action was taken at this time.

High School Principal Brian Sauser reported that all 51 seniors met the requirements for graduation. He added that Awards Night and Senior Breakfast and Commencement events all went smoothly.

Students Angel Martinez and Becca Littler addressed the board and shared details of their recent DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) trip to Orlando, Florida, April 25-29. They talked about the educational sessions they attended, as well as fun times at Disney World, Universal Studios and Clearwater Beach.

Austin Sonntag (Snyder and Associates Engineering) said they received contracts and bonds from McKinnis Roofing and Sheet Metal, which is the lowest bidder for the Adair-Casey roofing project to be dome this summer.

“Everything looks good on our end,” Sonntag said.

Sonntag was asked about the project’s expected completion date and potential penalties if the completion date isn’t met. He said the expected completion date is Aug. 18, and liquidated damages of $500 per day are in the contract.

The Adair-Casey School Board approved the contract and bonds for the elementary school roofing project.

Sauser provided an update on the revamped class schedule plan for the high school beginning in the fall. On Tuesdays through Fridays, high school students will have four 90-minute blocks of classes. The classes a student attends on Tuesdays and Thursdays will be different than those the student attends on Wednesdays and Fridays.

“In a nutshell, it’s odd and even days, 90-minute blocks on four out of the five days per week with Mondays being a day when all eight blocks meet,” Sauser said.

Sauser noted that the new schedule will result in more instructional time than the current system. He also shared the feedback he has received from teachers.

“I haven’t had any negative reactions,” Sauser said. “I haven’t had anybody that was close-minded.”

Sauser summarized the benefits he sees in the new class schedule.

“Instruction all year long. Kids have a little more time to get work done. The biggest feedback I’ve gotten is the elimination of the ‘skinny block’ was very well received. Every class is worth one credit. This will be a lot cleaner,” Sauser said.

The Guthrie Center School Board approved the schedule as presented.

Superintendent Josh Rasmussen talked about social media concerns students have encountered, and he made suggestions for parents.

“Talk to your kids about what is right and what is wrong, and all those simple things. I follow my kids on most social media so I can kind of keep track of what’s going on,” he said.

Rasmussen discussed the new cell phone policy, based on recent legislation approved by Gov. Reynolds. He said the board will discuss it further next month.

As part of the consent items, the Adair-Casey School Board approved the hiring of Shirley Chesnut and Vickie Richter as summer custodial staff. The Guthrie Center School Board approved resignations including Barb South (guidance counselor), Michelle Spack (elementary secretary), Jacob Lacey (assistant cross county coach), Kylie South (paraeducator), and Wendy Beeler (paraeducator).

The next regular meeting of the boards is set for Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. at the ACGC Junior High Media Center, 3384 Indigo Ave., Adair. The public is welcome.