Student Trips Focus Of School Board Meeting
Oskaloosa Community School Administration
by RD Keep
Oskaloosa, Iowa – A pair of school trips was on the agenda of the Oskaloosa School Board. One was for permission while the other was a presentation with anticipation of a request for next month.
Freshman history teacher Jeff Lorenzen approached the board with the idea of a trip of students to Washington D.C. The plan would allow freshman students in the history classes who choose go on the trip. The trip would not be formally sponsored by the school district, but permission would allow teachers and students to promote the event and travel out-of-state. No district funds would be utilized to pay for the trip.
“Knoxville has been doing this for more than 20 years,” said Lorenzen. “Ben Overman is here and has volunteered his information.”
Overman made a presentation to board members on the Knoxville program. While Knoxville sends eighth graders, the Oskaloosa plan is to send freshmen. “The trip would be open to 52 students. “I am not sure we would have that many the first year. We may wish to open this to senior government students.”
Depending on numbers cost per student would range from $1,044 to $1,150. Projected dates for the trip are March 9-12, 2012 or June 8-11, 2012. Lorenzen will have a formal proposal for board members in October.
Rusty Raymond, assistant high school band director, appeared before the board in director Rich Waddington’s absence to request permission for the band to travel to Orland, Fla., during spring break. Historically the band has traveled every three years for performances at Disney World and other venues. Unlike the aforementioned trip, this one is sponsored by the school and in particular the Oskaloosa Band Boosters. Following comments from board members and a few questions, approval was given for the trip.
The board approved proceeding with the request for bids on the student-built home on South M Street. The request for bids will occur once all legal documents are in place. School district attorney Greg Life will receive the bids. A minimum bid of $165,000 will be required. It is anticipated bids will be received by Friday, October 5 so they may be considered at the October board meeting.
In other business:
Superintendent Russ Ruiter thanked facilities manager Dale Nelson for saving the district $50,000 over the past two years in energy saving initiatives.
Named Middle school principal Andy Hotek and band director Rusty Raymond as trustees to Edna Lee Pickett Memorial Trust. The trust has approximately $1,800 in the fund and must be used for instrument rental or purchase per her request.
Approved continuing agreement for use of Lacey Complex Stadium.
Approved shared teacher agreements with Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont School District
Approved renewal of board policy regarding early retirement. No plan to offer the option is anticipated this year.
