Hot lunch fees increased for 2013-14
Oskaloosa Community School Administration
By R.D. KEEP
Oskaloosa School Board members met in regular session Tuesday. The board dealt with a series of routine items during the 43 minutes meeting. The board also met in closed session for continued evaluation of superintendent Russ Reiter.
The board meeting was held a week early due to the number of staff and board members who will be gone next week for spring break.
A request to increase prices for hot lunch and breakfast for the 2013-14 year was approved. A change in the program this year due to increased regulation on what foods may be served has precipitated the increase. Breakfast will increase by 25 cents to $1.50 at both the elementary and secondary schools. Lunch will increase from $2.05 to $2.20 at the elementary and from $2.15 to $2.30 at the secondary schools.
Third grade professional learning community presented an update on their goals and progress at the elementary. The overall goal is that 100 percent of the third graders will be able to read 90 percent in fluency and 80 percent comprehension based on Level T of the A to Z Reading program. A to Z is the reading program used district-wide to assist students with reading at all grade levels.
Board members approved two out of state trips for middle school and high school students participating in the Educational Talent Search in conjunction with central College in Pella. The middle school students will travel to Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., for an event. Some senior high students will travel to South Bend, Ind. Supt. Reiter said this program is associated with Central College and their leaders will chaperone.
High school associate principal Andy Fuhs asked for the board to accept his resignation. Fuhs is expected to be named the middle school principal at Chariton. Elementary special education teacher Katherine Thompson will retire at the end of the school year. Thompson has been with the district since September of 1999. Fuhs has been with the district since July 2008.
In other business:
Received clarification from Dr. Mary Cooksley on the Schools in need of Assistance information in the monthly board packet. Cooksley said the district is currently in year 2 of the program.
Board approved an additional meeting in March to deal with budget in preparation for the final budget. Meeting will be held at 6 p.m.
Scheduled a public hearing for April 9 to certify the school budget and listing the new building and trades home on South M Street.
Approved a resolution to send a letter to the Iowa legislature in support of 4 percent allowable growth.
