RIVERSIDE

The Highland Community Schools district is finalizing policies that would establish regulations for the naming of district facilities, memorials and even school events or activities.

Discussion of those policies were held during Monday’s work session of the School Board.

Proposed policies include the School Board being the final deciding voice on the naming of district facilities, events, and permanent or temporary memorials.

The policy, if approved at a future School Board meeting, would require at least six months after the death of a student or staff member to pass before a memorial would be considered. In the case of a student, approval of parents or legal guardians would be required.

The proposal allows for memorials to include annual awards or scholarships, commemorative events or dedication of a school event.

Temporary memorials would be able to be in place for one week, upon approval by the School Board, and that memorials would be “strongly discouraged” in the case of a suicide, per recommendations provided online by the American Association of Suicidology. Other remembrances could be considered.

Schools Superintendent Ken Crawford presented multiple proposals to the School Board following research of multiple other school districts across the nation.

The final policy will come in front of the Board in October or November.

Facilities Project

The district is moving ahead with the hiring of a Construction Manager at Risk, pending approval of a bond referendum in the November 5 election.

Construction Manager at Risk work will include pre-construction and construction services for multiple facility projects that is expected to cost about $15 million. Included among the proposals are a multipurpose athletics/activities building and new athletic locker rooms at the high school/junior high school, and classroom and administrative additions at Highland Elementary.

Interviews with design and construction firms would be held in December with final approval by the School Board in mid-December, pending approval of the bond in November.

Reconsideration Committee

Secondary Schools Principal Angela Hazelett, Grade 6 social studies/science teacher Jayme Kallaus and librarian Bryna Walker were among six appointed to serve on the district’s Reconsideration Committee for this school year.

Three community members will also serve: Jess McFarland, Jaden Prottsman and Samantha McSorely.

The committee meets to resolve book issues or other academic challenges that are brought to the district by parents or other district residents.

Attendance Rules

Crawford said he will soon be sending a letter to district residents about newly state-legislated changes to student attendance requirements.

If a student misses 12 days in one semester, the district will set up mediation with families to set up a plan. If a student misses 20% of scheduled time, or 16 days, state law now requires a county attorney to enforce truancy laws.

Double Support

In her report to the board, Secondary Schools Principal Angela Hazelett said something she has noticed this fall is high school football players supporting the volleyball team during games and volleyball players doing the same thing at football.

“It’s been really nice to see the kids supporting each other,” she said.

Homecoming Week is the second week of October with the Huskies host Louisa-Muscatine in a football game Oct. 11. Boom Night is Oct. 9.

Next Meeting

The board will hold its next formal meeting at 5 p.m. October 14.