Allen County Area Retired School Personnel heard about building updates throughout Iola-USD 257.
Superintendent of Schools Stacey Fager was on hand for Wednesday’s meeting, discussing the various projects at Iola HIgh School, Iola Middle School and with ongoing construction of the new Iola Elementary School.
The middle school received a more efficient heating and air conditioning system and was the first to be completed, Fager noted.
A new science building opened its doors last week, with a positive response from students.
The new elementary school is slated to be completed by June 1, and is going to exceed everyone’s expectations, Fager promised, with five classrooms for each grade level, a nursing station, allocated SAFE BASE space, room for special education classes, a multi-purpose room and a competition-sized gymnasium.
Officers were installed during the business meeting: Treasurer Sharon Grisier; Secretary Diana Asher and Vice President Kathy Clemans.
Outgoing officers — President Paul Upshaw, Vice President John Sheehan and Secretary Ellie Walburn — were thanked for their service. Grisier remains as treasurer.
The next meeting is set for 12:15 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Mary Ellen Stadler room at Allen Community College. Members can go through the food line or bring their own lunch.
A collection will be made for the group’s annual community project to be decided at the meeting. The program will be announced later.
Fifteen members were at Wednesday’s meeting, held in the Calvary Life Center for coffee and cookies, along with one guest, Vince Coons.
All members and newly retired school personnel are invited to attend.
