By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the June 18 meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, Superintendent Josh Rasmussen summarized the first reading of the proposed Student Use of Personal Electronic Device Policy. He explained that the policy closely follows the new state law.
“As many of you are aware, we have a law that we have to follow now,” Rasmussen said. “What it’s going to outline is basically what the law states, that it’s going to look at instructional time as defined by periods of classroom instruction from the beginning-of-class bell until the end-of-class bell. That’s what the law states.”
Rasmussen added that schools are able to make a policy that is more restrictive but not less restrictive. He also said some exceptions may be allowed, such as if a student needs to use a device for diabetic monitoring, or if a student needs to use a device as a language interpreter.
High School Principal Brian Sauser said he wants to make sure staff members are able to spend their time on teaching and are not excessively burdened with having to “police” the use of electronics.
Rasmussen updated the board members on the status of ACGC’s athletic conference in light of some changes in membership.
“In recent weeks, Woodward-Granger was accepted into the conference they were applying for, and Des Moines Christian was added to the Hawkeye Conference,” Rasmussen said. “The rest of us remain committed to remaining in the West Central Valley Conference.”
Per the recommendation of Sarah Sheeder, the boards approved using the auditing firm of Nolte, Cornman and Johnson, PC. She said this firm has significant experience in auditing for Iowa school districts.
Principal Ed Den Beste said the roofing project at the junior high building is expected to be completed in the next few weeks. He also reported on a water leak behind the bus garage and said it will be repaired as soon as a crew is available.
Guthrie Center board member Kris Langgaard told of driving the track team to and from the state track meet and his experience of being at the state meet.
“That was a lot of fun. The kids were focused and ready to run,” he said.
Curriculum Director Karla Mahaffey reported on scores from ISASP (Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress), which assesses students in grades 3-11. She added that comparison to statewide averages will be available in August.
“Overall, we are going in the right direction,” Mahaffey said.
The ACGC Booster Club golf outing and dinner is set for Saturday, July 26. The golf tournament will begin at 9 a.m. and is a four-person best shot format.
The next regular meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards is set for Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at the ACGC High School Media Center. The public is welcome.