New menus and food preparation methods will be in store for Iola students next year.
USD 257 board of education members unanimously agreed to turn those responsibilities over to OPPA, a food management company located in Chesterfield, Mo.
Also during the meeting Hollis and Miller Architects representative, Kirk Horner, broke down the differences between construction delivery methods if the district decides to build a new school or schools. The three options are general contractor, construction management agency and construction management at risk.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Construction Management at risk stood out to the board. With this method the district hires a construction management firm that oversees all areas of the construction and assumes the risk of problems arise.
Horner said it was less of a financial risk to choose this method.
The board approved the purchase of a new Kansas Truck (Blue Bird), school bus, for $82,524. A bus barn will also be built for $33,325.
Jack Stanley, Iola Middle School principal, discussed the success of the middle school track invitational. This year 20 schools attended Iola’s meet. Stanley suggested the event be extended into an all day event.
“My concern is for the kids getting home at late hours,” Stanley said.
The last event ended at 9:15 p.m. and many schools had long distances to travel. The board agreed the event should begin in the morning.
Supplemental contracts were accepted for Chris Weide as Iola Middle School assistant football and assistant track coach; Mark Percy as IMS assistant football coach; Anthony Harris for IMS student council; Annette Rexwinkle for IMS yearbook; Marty Taylor for 7th and 8th grade girls head basketball coach and 7th and 8th grade boys coach; Stacey Sprague for 7th and 8th grade assistant girl’s basketball coach; and Cody Hager for 7th and 8th grade assistant wrestling coach. Becky Carlson and Bill Peeper will continue coaching high school basketball.
The board also approved resignations for Joe Turner, IHS language arts teacher; Lyle Kern, computer lab para at Jefferson Elementary School; Deborah Rutler, McKinley Elementary School first grade paraprofessional. Due to the discontinuing of Save the Children funding, the board terminated the contract of Leslie Hillbrant as Steps to School Success Coordinator. The program promotes giving children a healthy start.
There will not be a second board meeting for May. The next board meeting will be on June 9.
