ACSD Board of Directors selects its legislative priorities for the IASB for 2024-2025 school year
by Brianne Grimstad
The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) School Board met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, July 15. Under the Consent Agenda, the board approved the following personnel items (pending a satisfactory background check): Katelyn Thiessen, 9th grade volleyball coach; Jarod Dahlstrom, Jon Snitker and Chris Dahlstrom, volunteer varsity football coaches; and Cassie Schellsmidt, high school night custodian.
There were four open enrollments out of the school district that were approved. A Student Teaching Agreement with Luther College was also approved, as well as a Day School Agreement with Chileda Institute, Inc.
The Back Pack Program was approved for the 2024-2025 school year to provide for students who are in need meals to eat over their weekends away from school and during breaks, when they might not have meals or food available. ACSD is partnering with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for this program. The board also approved the Free and Reduced School Meals application process.
During the Communications time of the meeting, the board heard from Jane Regan regarding insurance policies for the district. Regan explained why insurance premiums have risen, citing events like severe weather and inflation not just in Iowa but nationwide. EMC, the district insurer, also raised the deductible for wind/hail damage to 1% of the property value for 2024-2025. She also discussed looking into another option besides EMC for insurance. They looked into the Iowa Public School Insurance Program, and while the premiums were slightly less, there were several factors (program structure, out-of-state carriers, and program withdrawal limitations) that detracted from the idea of lower premiums.
A letter from Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) Board member Bill Withers was included in the board packet, noting that even though he won’t be able to make the rounds to each district this summer like he normally does, he is still available for questions and will advocate for schools. In his letter, Withers noted that all AEAs are struggling with the changes from House File 2612, and it may take a year or two to see how it will all work out.
To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, July 17, 2024 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
