Highland board hears survey has been sent, hires new boys basketball coach

To paraphrase William Shakespeare “To be or not to be, that is the question...” could be used in the Highland School District but it would be more like “To go to referendum or not go to referendum, that is the question....”

The Highland School Board is trying to determine that and the survey district residents have received should help in that regard.  Now all that has to be done is to have them filled out and returned.

The survey was prepared by School Perceptions a firm that assists school districts with the feasibility of going to referendum.  It is the same firm the Barneveld School District is currently using for the same reason.

Anyone needing more information or needing a copy of the survey should contact the Highland district office.

The Highland board handled a variety of items during the 2 1/4 hour meeting.  The first hour was taken up by presentations.

Elliott Biba was first to present his Senior Exit Project, an ambitious one that will end up honoring those who have performed great acts of community service.  The distinguished honors group can include both Highland graduates and the plan is to have it displayed at the school.

Daniel Pulvermacher and Melissa Straka gave the board a run down on the 2025 Washington DC trip they are asking to present to grades 5-8. They reviewed the last trip students went on and highlighted the places they were able to visit.  They gave good reviews to the company they go through for the trip.  There could be 45 students taking the next trip.

The last group saw Washington DC, Gettysburg, and other places that shaped our country’s history.

Pulvermacher and Lisa Bowen were next with a report of a professional development they attended this past summer.  They discussed the places included on the development trip and discussed how they could use what they learned in their classrooms.

They saw Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Valley Forge and Gettysburg.

Lastly, Whitney Snyder appeared before the board to ask permission to restart the Future Business Leaders of America student organization. She pointed out that the organization is business focused instead of marketing focused inorganizations such as DECA.  She added that the organization could compete in events at CESA #3 in Fennimore and at UW-Platteville.

The board granted the request and later in the meeting approved Snyder as the advisor.

The district has received some sizable gifts as announced by District Administrator Josh Tarrell. They came from the Iowa-Grant Boy Scouts Troop 65 who have several members seeking to attain the rank of Eagle and from the Cupcake Girls. Tarrell said the scouts have been particularity generous and come up with many things the district needs at a moment’s notice. They have donated a lot of needed clothing items for students.

The board learned the restroom project at the athletic fields are 99.9% done and the district will receive a final list of costs for insurance purposes. The project was completed with all volunteer help and donations.

The board brought back the Wellness Policy and moved it on after viewing the tweaks that had been requested.

The Board reviewed the district’s current financial situation and approved the budget which will next be published and preseted at the annual meeting the end of the month.

The board approved the wrestling co-ops available for boys and girls with Iowa-Grant.  The co-ops will involve both the middle school and high school.

A memorandum of understanding was presented to the Iowa County Sheriffs Department and the Highland PD stating what the district can legally make available to law enforcement.

Eighth grade graduation will now be Eighth Grade Promotion and is schedule for Friday, May 31 at 8 a.m.

The board discussed allowing advertising during livestream events.  A cost will be developed and offered to area businesses and individuals.

The board received applications for CollEDGE Up and Start College Now with both being approved.

Tarrell informed the board that the NARCAN protocol has been completed and Narcan will be kept with the AED devices.

Shaun Reuter submitted his resignation as boys basketball coach but will remain as a volunteer coach when available. He will also help new coach Raine Voigts as he starts in the position.  Voigts was hired when Reuter’s resignation was accepted.