By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Safety was one of the main topics at the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center School Board on Sept. 18. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen talked about a meeting with local law enforcement about possible safety enhancements that can be made based on what has been learned from incidents such as the shooting earlier this year at the school in Perry. Discussion has been made about providing law enforcement access to the school’s live cameras in times of a potential crisis.
“It seems like a really good idea for county dispatch to be able to log in (to the school’s live camera feed)… and see what’s going on in our buildings,” Rasmussen said.
Brian Sauser, principal for grades 9-12, talked about changes made to enhance safety in the high school. He told of the change to only use one entrance and one exit to better control and monitor the building. He said he has spoken with a few students to explain that if students wish to retain some of their privileges, it’s important to follow these rules.
“There was a little bit of grumbling, but it took care of itself,” Sauser said. “We’re doing about as much as we can right now, overall, as far as building safety. We know who’s in the building. We know when you come in. We know who’s leaving.”
Sauser also informed the board that around 3 p.m. on Sept. 18, school officials found out that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) did not approve the planned parade route for ACGC’s Homecoming parade.
“The DOT denied the request to have Highways 44 and 25 closed at the same time,” Sauser said.
Sauser said there has been discussion about making a few changes to the usual parade route to comply with the DOT decision.
Rasmussen said there is a need to hire at least one additional substitute bus driver.
“We’re kind of in dire need,” Rasmussen said.
Board member Kris Langgaard said he has been approached by several parents of students asking about the new law to control absenteeism. Staff discussed that some members of the public seem unaware that the school is able to designate certain absences as “exempt” from the count stipulated in the new law. The two types of exemptions most likely to be used are “medical exempt” (for illnesses and other medical reasons) and “religious exempt” (for events such as funerals).
The board approved the purchase and installation of two 500-gallon fuel tanks, which will be installed near the corner of the “shop” building. The tanks are being purchased from, and serviced by, New Century FS. Rasmussen explained that the tanks will be locked and monitored by cameras. He said the tanks will eliminate much of the time and paperwork related to staff refueling vehicles.
The next regular meeting of the school board will be a joint meeting with the Adair-Casey board at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Adair-Casey Junior High School media center. The public is welcome.