RIVERSIDE

When Highland High School’s softball team takes to the field next May, the Huskies may be playing under new lights.

A lighting project, which would include LED lights on metal poles to replace standard lights on deteriorating wooden poles, would cost about $180,000, according to figures provided to the School Board at its regularly scheduled meeting Monday.

The district hopes to land a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, and the School Board approved a resolution to apply for a grant.

“It’s a very expensive project to do,” said Bill Zywiec, Dean of Students, who made a presentation to the Board.

Ken Crawford, Superintendent of Schools, said the district is seeking a $90,000 grant from the Riverboat Foundation. The district would cover another $80,000. The remaining $10,000 is expected to come from the Highland Boosters group.

The condition of the wooden light poles means the district will have to get the work done even if a WCRF grant is not approved this fall, Zywiec said.

The district also hopes to replace the lights at the Huskies baseball field, but the cost would be double, Zywiec said, and the need is not as immediate as the softball facility.

Among other local schools, Mid-Prairie installed LED lights at its softball field in Kalona this past year.

Early Retirement

Eligibility for early retirement for Highland Schools teachers and staffers was reduced to a minimum of seven years work in the district, from the current 10 years, by the Board.

Crawford asked the Board for five years in a policy change, but the Board decided on seven years.

Early retirees must reach 55 years old by June 30, 2025 to be eligible, in addition to seven years of service. Staffers receive incentive pay of $10,000 over two years, in addition to medical benefits. For classified personnel, the incentive pay is $2,000 over two years.

Those seeking early retirement must apply by February 3, 2025, although those missing the deadline may also be considered by the School Board.

Reconsideration Committee

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

Three community members will also serve.

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

Board Action

The Board approved the Health Office Handbook.

The Board approved job descriptions for Secondary Principal, Elementary Principal and Dean of Students.

The Board appointed a number of SPED Delivery Plan committee members.

The Board awarded a bid on obsolete equipment (wrestling wall mats and a wrestling scale) to Tony Sweeting.

The Board approved the appointments of Drake Brezina, junior high baseball coach and boys basketball coach; Bob Edwards, varsity assistant football coach; Jacob Allen, Secondary Schools associate; Jessica Day, Malinda Becker and Kristin Benesh, Elementary School associates; Andrew McDonald, Secondary Schools Leadership Team; and Amber Starr, general cook.

The Board approved several policy updates.

Next Meeting

The board will hold its next formal meeting at 5 p.m. October 14. A work session is planned for September 23.