The face of Highland athletics was altered again Wednesday when the school board finalized the baseball co-op with Iowa-Grant and is underway with also co-oping softball next year.
Also approved were co-ops in track and field and golf.
During discussion the board looked at coaching arrangements. It was noted that Iowa-Grant’s coaches will conduct the programs with no guarantee that Highland coaches will assist at the varsity level. The board asked District Administrator Josh Tarrell to look into coaching assignments further.
Tarrell said that he expects possible co-ops in football and volleyball next.
The two districts co-op in boys and girls wrestling at present.
Senior Exit Projects
Several students presented their Senior Exit Projects to the board. They included:
- Kolton Wehler who is involved in an autobody project that will have his truck redone and he will then present the scope of the project to various classes. He will do a job shadow with Curt James.
- Kaden Washa who is working on repairs for the football press box. His work includes roofing and repairing/replacing doors.
- Javon Morales who is working with Brad Tucker with college wrestling updates for a web page.
- Riley Anderson who is repairing State of Wisconsin shaped signs that have warped so they can be displayed again. His project is woodworking and his mentor is Chris Nondorf.
- Koyer Zadrazil is working on teaching golf to middle and high school students. His mentor is pro golfer and former Badger Garrett Jones. He is giving lessons in the gym and his paper is on the basics of golf.
- Aaliyah Soto Wadel is doing a project on various drugs and how they affect the body. She plans to attend UW-Platteville and study pre-pharmacy.
- Liam Thielorn is involved with helping people with tasks they cannot do on their own. He plans to study mechanics at SW Tech.
Therapy Dog
The board approved a proposal for the therapy dog for the district pending insurance company approval. Jackie Johnson, the district’s Spanish teacher, will be in charge of the dog. The dog will not be a shedding problem and is going through various stages of training to assume its role at Highland. The dog will be a giant female schnauzer.
Other Business
The board heard a presentation from representatives of the eighth grade class asking permission for a class trip to Kalahari May 28. The class has held several fundraisers and have all expenses covered.
Lynn Michek, a teacher in the district involved with the students, said they are a very mature and responsible group and felt the trip should be allowed. The board agreed and granted approval.
Under building and grounds the board discussed the water retention in front of the school and how it will be dealt with.
It was noted the concession stand needs some attention with drainage repair. Other items touched on were the elementary roof, the movement to key fobs, flooring concerns and boiler replacement. Quotes will be obtained where needed. Grants for vehicle replacement are being researched.
The board spent considerable time discussing possible charges for building use to recover janitorial costs. At present there are no fees connected with use. The board tabled discussion for more research.
Also discussed was three year old kindergarten/day care. A recent survey showed 37 families interested. Based on 10 families the projected cost would be $200 a week which would fund a person in charge and an aide. The matter was tabled for more information and will remain an agenda item.
Two fundraisers were approved. One will be for the FBLA organization for a trip to the nationals. The other was for a cookie sale by Sumaryn Halverson to help fund her senior exit project to cover speaker fees.
The board discussed the district’s career and academic planning plan and approved it. Also approved were College Up and Start College Now applications as requested by students.
While researching renewal for networking equipment it was found that instead of paying the requested renewal fee an arrangement can be entered into for the same price for a less expensive cost and renewal. The board approved the change.
Under announcements Tarrell told the board that he expects health insurance to increase 6% next year with costs being kept down trough a cooperating arrangement through CESA. He said they are working on a three year agreement and property insurance is also being looked at.
Tarrell also told the board that Margret McCarthy is retiring for the last time from her work with the library.