Supt. gives How-Winn report

CRESCO - Howard-Winneshiek CSD Superintendent Ted Ihns gave his monthly report to three board members (Alison Holten, Andy Ludeking and Toni Johnson via phone) on Aug. 16. (Absent were Shirley Sovereign and Duane Bodermann.)

He mentioned the New Teacher Workshop, which was held on Aug. 12-13, for 10 new certified employees. They include Todd Coulter, secondary assistant principal and activities director; Clayton Hjelmeland, junior high math and social studies; Abby Huhe, high school special education; Luke Jansen, high school special education; Lauren Kerian, elementary special education; Weston Krug, elementary music and band; Kelly Moellers, first grade teacher; Taylor Rice, junior high special education; Malinda Schwade, elementary special education; and Dawn Shackleton, elementary special education long-term substitute.

As of that evening, there were 1,078 students signed up for classes. “This is higher than the past few years.” Ihns added there were less than 10 students who wanted to take on-line courses in PK-12.

He mentioned there are two board seats up for election on Nov. 2. Nomination paperwork can be filed between Aug. 23 and Sept. 16.

• Stan Brandt resigned as substitute bus driver. New hires for the month included Moellers; Jim Slade, food service; Anthony Casper, associate; and Laurie Schultz, bus driver.

There were also 11 open enrollment applications.

• Pan-O-Gold bread bid was approved.

• Anderson Erickson was approved for its milk bid, which was $1,300 less expensive than the other bid.

• The Esser III Plan was approved. It shows what the district plans to spend some of its COVID funds on. 

There was only one written comment, which suggested focusing on social-emotional learning for students in PK-2, who have not had a normal school year because of COVID. 

• The Return to Learn plan was not changed from last month. It will be reviewed every six months. 

Although there are less than 10 students planning to do on-line classes the first semester, it is unclear how COVID will be affecting school. Nicole Ondrashek works with the online students and will continue in that capacity, as well as helping with PK-3 special education.

• The Satchel Pulse proposal was tabled until a full board could attend. The program will allow surveys to be sent out and answers to be calculated quickly.

• The open enrollment agreements with Fillmore Central and LeRoy-Ostrander School Districts were approved.

• On July 1, 2021, the Iowa legislature voted to allow school districts to decide individually if they will waive the 90-day ban from varsity sports for students who open enroll. Students in junior high can automatically play.

The board waived an enroll- out request from Osage and an enroll-in request from New Hampton.

Ihns concluded the meeting by saying he and all the staff are looking forward to in-person, face-to-face learning this year.