RIVERSIDE

Highland and Lone Tree schools are already combining for varsity and junior high football in the fall.

Add football cheerleading.

And dining.

The Highland School Board, during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, approved agreements with Lone Tree for a shared cheerleading program in the fall and a shared nutrition director.

Erik Isenhour, who is already creating meals at Lone Tree schools, will be the nutrition director for both school districts beginning in August.

The combined position carries a total salary of $75,000 with Highland agreeing to cover $40,000.

At Lone Tree this past school year, Isenhour’s programs included scratch-cooked meals such as beef stroganoff, beef tacos and lasagna. His other menus have included Mandarin Chicken, pork tenderloin and, of course, a kid (and adult) favorite, grilled cheese sandwiches.

Isenhour’s menus helped Lone Tree’s participation in school lunches go up by nearly 100.

The combined cheer squad for football will be coached by Lone Tree’s Suzanne Werner. The Lone Tree squad placed fourth last fall in a state competition.

Meal Time

Meal prices at Highland will go up by as much as 25 cents for kids and 35 cents for adults.

The new rates, which were approved Monday, include $3.75 (grades 6-12) and $3.50 (PK-grade 5) for lunch, and $2.50 and $2.25 for breakfast.

Adult lunches will be $5.45.

Sports Codes

After a long discussion about state code changes for athletic competitions, the Board agreed on the athletics director (Jody Fink) being the administrator in terms of eligibility.

Board members expressed the importance of allowing students to participate in club sports and other activities outside of school as long as the school sports team was a top priority. Fink will be asked to work with coaches on this.

The state is also opening up varsity athletics to eighth graders. Requests will be administered and determined by the athletic director, although several board members spoke out against football using eighth graders and saying they don’t want the junior high programs to be hurt.

Until now, baseball and softball, both summer sports, were the only ones allowed to use eighth graders (technically, rising freshmen).

“We want to make sure we’re doing what’s best for the kids,” Schools Superintendent Spencer Lueders said.

Bank Charges

If you’re using a bank card to pay for school costs and services, get ready to pay up.

Because the school districts paid more than $3,100 in bank card processing charges over the last year, the Board approved a change in which bank charges will fall on those paying with debit or credit cards.

“I’m in favor of passing it on,” Board President Nate Robinson said. “I don’t think we should be eating it.”

There will be no additional charge for those paying by check or cash.

Board Action

The Board approved the 2026-27 Highland CSD Student Handbook and Activities Handbook.

The Board approved a sharing agreement with Iowa City West for swimming and bowling.

The Board approved a CSD contract with Kirkwood Community College.

The Board approved a design-bid-build method for the upcoming facilities project.

The Board approved the appointment of Julie Cole as bus driver.

Next Meeting

The Board will hold its next formal meeting at 5 p.m. August 10.