Oskaloosa School Board Votes To Lower Tax Levy
Oskaloosa Community School Administration
by R.D. Keep
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Oskaloosa school board met in regular session on Tuesday night and covered a variety of routine items including three new teaching contracts.
The board approved the hiring of three individuals to teach at the high school next year. Matthew Kargol was hired for high school art; Clint Gingerich to teach high school business; and Cory Sheely to teach high school math.
Dr. Mary Cooksley presented an update on the district leadership team. A brochure has been developed to assist parents in understanding the available interventions to help a student be successful in the classroom. She explained that educating parents on what each of the levels means and how the student will be assisted to become successful.
Professional Learning Communities presentation was made by elementary special educations. Goal is to have 100 percent of special education students above aim line on the students’ individual education plan. Programs cover the grade spectrum from preschool to fifth grade.
The board conducted a hearing on the proposed 2012-2013 budget. No public comment was made and the board passed the budget. The levy will be one dollar lower at $15.83 per $1,000 evaluation.
Superintendent Russ Reiter during his report praised the Oskaloosa jazz band for their third place finish at jazz competition earlier in the day. The band placed third out of 15 competing bands. The top two will perform at the Des Moines Civic Center. He thanked the booster club for a recent donation to the athletic department.
The district held a closed session to discuss negotiation strategy.
In other business:
Dawn Collins made a presentation on the annual report of the Mahaska County YMCA.
Approved a contract for sewer work associated with the building trades home on South M Street. Hull Drainage was awarded the contract in the amount of $28,500.
Scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday May 8 at 7:30 p.m. To approve a 2011-12 budget amendment
Approved the purchase of an 84-passenger bus from Hoaglin International Bus Company for $120,000.
