By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Oct. 15 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, Superintendent Josh Rasmussen shared plans for an emergency drill led by the Adair/Guthrie County Emergency Management Agency.
“Jeremy Cooper is planning a countywide, for all of Guthrie and Adair counties, drill with all emergency entities along with all Guthrie County schools and hospitals,” he said.
Rasmussen said the event will likely happen in June, and details will be announced as they are determined.
Interim High School Principal Cody Matthewson reported his perspective on homecoming week at ACGC.
“I felt like it was a great week. The parade was way more interactive,” he said. “We had seven or eight chaperones at the dance. We had to kick out about 40 or 50 kids at closing time. It’s really good to see kids hanging out, wanting to be part of it and stick around.”
Rasmussen and the boards discussed graduation requirements in light of the high school’s new 8-block schedule. He suggested requiring 61 credits for this year’s seniors, 59 for current juniors, 57 for current sophomores, and 55 for current freshmen.
The boards each approved the second reading of Policy 505.5 (Graduation Requirements), with 55 credits required for graduation. Board members noted that the number could still be changed prior to final approval.
Elementary Principal Tandem Eischeid reported on Guthrie Center Elementary.
“Last month, we talked about fire alarms. We’ve got those up and running. If there is a fire or someone pulls the alarm, we have to now contact dispatch, or someone will be coming. That’s a very good problem to have,” he said.
Curriculum Director Karla Mahaffey provided a report regarding scores on the ISASP testing completed in the spring of 2025 at ACGC Schools. She noted good scores overall, and said the scores reflect the students’ proficiency and growth.
“We have some goals set,” Mahaffey said.
The Guthrie Center board tabled action on the high school outside stair replacement project so more information can be collected and reviewed.
Brandy Rudy was sworn in as board treasurer and board secretary.
Upcoming dates noted include parent-teacher conferences on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30, no school on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, and the Nov. 19-21 IASB School Board Convention.
In November, the boards plan to meet separately. The Adair-Casey board will meet on Monday, Nov. 17, and the Guthrie Center board will meet on Wednesday, Nov 19. The public is welcome.