SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES LUNCH PRICES AND SCHOOL REPAIRS AT MONTHLY MEETING

The 2000/2001 academic season will see families in the Allamakee Community School District paying higher meal fees for their children's breakfast, lunch, and extra serving portions at school.
Passed at the July 17 Board meeting, the approved motion has mandated lunch, previously $1.05, as $1.20; breakfast cost has increased from 60 to 65 cents; and extra serving portions climbed from 75 cents to 85 cents apiece.
The increase, however, does not place Allamakee outside the state norm. Superintendent Omer Troyer reported the state mean for lunch to be $1.30, and breakfast to be 69 cents. Even with the increase, stated Troyer, Allamakee's prices remain below the state norm.
Funds generated from the price increase, he added, will remain in the school meal budget, as law mandates. "The food service program," said Troyer, "is a totally separate entity. You are not allowed to spend food income elsewhere."
In other business, Shive Hattery, representing the facilities issue, has outlined meeting dates to commence planning for a possible school bond referendum. The public is invited to attend a Facilities Committee work session Thursday evening, July 27, at 7 p.m. in the senior high library.
Also in attendance with the Board was Dr. Bill Withers, American Education Association board member.
Withers reported the AEA to be struggling with financial issues paralleling those of individual school districts, as the organization also relies on a funding-per pupil allotment of funds. Like districts, Withers stated, a decreasing number of pupils means less distributive funds.
A settlement offer for incurred damage by Olympic Builders, general contractors for the Head Start Building, was initially rejected by the Board. The district seeks reimbursement for an area outside the construction zone damaged during the building.
"We didn't want it repaired back to its original condition," stated Troyer. "We want it removed and seeded down. The question is how much damages should Olympic put toward the repair."
Since the July 17 Board meeting, Olympic and the District have come to financial agreement on the issue.
A revised grading scale for advanced placement courses at the senior high level was implemented, whereby students earning marks in the advanced classes will earn grade points at an accelerated rate.
While the usual scoring system places four grade points on an "A," three on a "B" and so on, students earning grades in advanced courses will gain five grade points for an A, four for B, etc.
Troyer reported advanced placement classes to be of increased difficulty, with exams exacted at the national level. The new grading, he stated, "becomes a bonus system. There's a pay-off to work hard." Students, he added, "see that as an opportunity to raise their GPA."
This year, the District will offer advanced placement English, chemistry and physics. "Eventually," said Troyer, "I'd like to see something offered in all four of the basic areas."
Under repair this month is a stage door exit in the Junior High gymnasium, currently maintained as a fire exit. Bricks have crumbled in the brick railing, allowing water into the area. Children also play near the damage. Rusty Berger has been contracted to complete the repair.
Official presentation of the new auditorium chairs, tile and carpeting was made by Kathy Hay, chairperson of the "Keep the 'W' Burning" project. The committee raised a total of $54,506.76.
New hirings approved by the Board included Katherine Gavin, school lunch secretary and Charles Berns, substitute bus driver. Pam Kruger, initially under staff reduction due to budget cuts, was rehired as a special education associate in the high school. Barb Winters, working with the School Based Youth program, received an additional 1/10 of approved work time.
The Board accepted the resignation of Kari Kammerer, flag drill sponsor, and Tracy Schlitter, special education associate.
The 2000/20001 school term will see the addition of a Junior High cross country coach, pending an adequate number of active students.
In other matters, the Board approved the free and reduced lunch policy statement, the Cooperative Food Purchasing Agreement and the Senior High athletic budget.
Waukon State Bank and Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank were named as official depository banks at $3,000 each. Janice Rea was re-appointed Board secretary/treasurer and administered an acceptance oath.
A Swiss Valley Farms bid was accepted for milk. An Interstate Brands bid will provide bread. The Senior High, Junior High and Waterville buildings are to be designated as Red Cross emergency shelters.