Allamakee Community School District's Board of Education, Monday, Feb. 21 meeting

Beginning in the 2005-06 school year, Waukon Senior High students will be taking semester tests regardless of their grades and attendance, as Principal Dave Herold explained to the Allamakee Community School District's Board of Education during its Monday, Feb. 21 meeting.

Herold explained why a committee of educators has decided to do away with what's become a standard procedure at the high school the past four years. Currently, students must earn an A or A- grade, and have three or fewer absences in a class to opt out of taking that course's semester test. The policy was put into place with the hopes that student attendance would rise, however, yearly statistics prove that optional testing has had little effect on attendance.

Herold also pointed out that former students who responded to a survey by the district pointed out that they were actually less prepared for college exams since they had taken few in high school.

The board agreed with Herold that although this will not be a popular change, it is for the good of college-bound students. The change will begin with this fall’s semester.

Another informational item of note came during the secretary's financial report. Board Secretary Janice Rea noted that the district's expenses are about 1.2 percent higher this year than they were a year ago. She said that she and Superintendent John Speer are taking a detailed look at expenditures to see where money can be saved. However, it was mentioned that some of the difference is coming from higher heating costs and special education.

West and East Elementary Principal Ann Hart was on hand asking approval to donate a portion of money from an upcoming Spellathon fundraiser towards tsunami relief. The board okayed the request, although Hart mentioned that she is uncertain what percentage of the funds will be donated.

The board accepted a bid from Winona Controls of Caledonia, MN for the unit vent replacement project at East Elementary. The base bid was $309,000, however, an additional amount will be needed for steam traps.

Another purchase was approved by the board for two school buses. The additional buses will be bought at the same base price (about $62,000) as the vehicles the district purchased earlier in the school year. Although the cost will be taken out of next year's budget, the district could save as much as $4,600 per bus if bought before April. Two older buses will be traded in.

The 2003-04 audit report was approved, as was open enrollment and at-risk funding for the upcoming school year.

The Waukon Senior High competition cheerleading squad has been okayed to attend both the Carver Hawkeye and Badger competitions this upcoming weekend. However, with two wrestlers competing at the state tournament this week, the Indians may not be able to attend the Carver Hawkeye event if the wrestlers advance into competition Friday or Saturday.

Field trips for 21st Century were also approved, as was Sunday usage of district facilities for the Post Prom Committee and the wrestling team.

Other business included hiring Hollee Schulte as 21st Century Site Coordinator at Waterville Elementary, hiring Ken West, Don Thies, Bill Blagsvedt, Chris Stimson, and Don Kuennen as driver's education instructors, approving staff for 21st Century, and amending Julie Askelson's usage of family sick leave.

The second reading for several board policies was approved as well.