Iowa-Grant District Administrator Michael Shimshak discussed the results of the recent survey that give insight of what district residents feel about co-oping athletic programs with Highland.
The survey showed more in favor of co-oping than opposed.
The board discussed game site and Homecoming for football which is a concern for the Highland community. The board favors playing all varsity games at Iowa-Grant with one game which would serve as Highland’s Homecoming at Highland.
There is one issue that needs to be addressed. I-G may have outgrown the Six Rivers Conference with the additional school population and may have to move into the SWAL. The SWAL does not allow Saturday football games which is how Highland has always celebrated Homecoming. The I-G athletic department will see what can be worked out.
Highland has not been part of I-G cross country for many years and does not currently offer the program. Adding runners from Highland could possibly help an already strong program.
The board voted to co-op football with Highland starting with the 2028-29 season and cross country starting with 2027-28.
In a related athletic matter the board received a report on dual participation from Athletic Director Zach Raimer who surveyed area schools who allow it. He said he was personally not in favor of it because he feels it puts strain on the athletes and is not fair to the coaches. He provided the board with input on how the program works at other schools.
After discussion the board approved the dual sport concept with board member Jeff Speth voting no.
Shimshak and board member Mary Schauff reported on a recent CESA meeting and summarized a report on the use of AI in schools. Shimshak
said the plan for I-G is to continue to put pen on paper and come up with original work.
Schauff also discussed a presentation on teacher retention that pointed out reasons people leave the profession. She added it has become a problem.
Shimshak reported on the locker room project and said it is on schedule both with construction and budget. He said there were some necessary changes caused by the original construction and door replacement. He said some ventilation issues are also being corrected.
Further business
The board discussed the need for an additional van which will be primarily used to support special education. When not in use for special ed needs it could be used to transport athletes and clubs. The board voted to purchase a Pacifica from Fillback at a cost of $41,398.00.
Approved were two job descriptions. One combines HR and the District Bookkeeper positions into an Executive Assistant position. The other is for a District Groundskeeper which employ someone who can handle chemical applications for weed control.
Seven special policy updates were approved for a second reading.
The board approved contracts for Nate Flesch, a former Platteville athlete who ran cross country at UW- Eau Claire. Flesch will teach middle school social studies and serve as an assistant middle school cross country coach.
The board accepted several donations including:
-$137 from Trinity Episcopal Church for Panther Packs
-$2800 from I-G Junior High Football Club for Middle School football jerseys
-$3955 from I-G Booster Club for ice machine
The board approved a resignation from special education aide Amanda Johl. Also resigning was assistant baseball coach Mitch Trecek.
Two new positions were created. Raimer asked for a girls wrestling coach as the sport is growing and the schedules are different from the boys. He said he expects at least six girls to compete this season. The board granted the request.
The second position is for a High School Art Club advisor. The board agreed to give the position to art teacher Dustin Schilling who performs the same duty for the middle school.
During administrative reports it was noted there were eight restraint or seclusion incidents at the IGEMS this past year and none at the high school. That number is two higher than last year’s total.