I-S School Board to discuss policy updates, referendum progress, and district leases

The Iola-Scandinavia School Board will address key topics in its regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. in the Elementary School, Room #6. Major agenda items include updates on policy revisions, referendum progress, and lease approvals for Taylor Field and Ellison Park. Public input will also be welcomed at the start of the session.

Agendas highlights

The meeting will begin with standard procedures, including reading the official notice, roll call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda and the consent agenda, including minutes from previous meetings, financial reports, and fundraiser requests, will then be approved.

One of the discussions involves updates to 10 district policies slated for review and potential approval.

The board will hear updates on ongoing referendum initiatives and review information from Hoffman Planning, Design, & Construction. These discussions are critical for shaping the district’s long-term infrastructure and educational investments.

The agenda includes presentations by the literacy team from the elementary staff and comprehensive reports from the administration, including updates on food services and student representation.

Job descriptions for various staff members will also be presented.

Leases for Community Facilities

In new business, the board will deliberate on the leases for Taylor Field in Iola and Ellison Park in Scandinavia.

Safety measures will also be addressed, with a focus on drill compliance with Act 143. Additionally, the board will conduct its annual review of the district administrator.

Iola-Scandinavia Fitness and Aquatic Center

The report about the facility status of the Iola-Scandinavia Fitness and Aquatic Center will also be submitted.

The report states: “We have a few pool deck tile repairs/purchases that I am working on. Over the years, the building does shift slightly due to freezing and thawing. When the walls shift, it has caused some tiles to crack. Some of the cracking is minor and some is more of an issue. The best case scenario is that I am purchasing some pool floor deck mats that will cover problem areas that will keep it safe (non-slip and easy to clean) and look professional.

“This is a low-cost option that will work very well. I plan to purchase the mats in small quantities of about $3,000. Will only have to do a few of these purchases to cover it. 

“The worst scenario would be to close the pools for 2 months and drain the pools and spend $100,000 to remove and replace all the deck tiles with something else, which is not an option.

“The wall tiles on two pool walls have cracked due to slight moving. I plan to remove them myself and replace it with a nice rubber base trim so it looks clean and sharp and allows some movement. I can get the rubber base and adhesive from Menards.”

Roof work has also started at the center.

Other news

The district has also hired the following personnel: Kristen Bestul as Educational Assistant in the elementary school, Heather Hacker as MS/HS Library Aide, Janet Langer as Custodial Maintenance, and Vanessa Glodowski as Food Service Worker.