RIVERSIDE

A planned expansion and improvement project at Highland’s schools is on hold again.

An appeal has been filed with a district court in Washington to challenge a vote in November that passed a $15 million bond referendum for Highland Community Schools, but included nearly 100 votes from a small portion of Washington County residents who weren’t entitled to vote because they don’t live in Highland’s school district.

The bond referendum was cleared at a hearing held in January by a 2-1 vote by contest judges, but that decision was appealed.

Ken Crawford, Highland Schools Superintendent, said the matter will be heard in District Court, but precise details were not yet known. He told the School Board at its regularly scheduled meeting Monday that he hopes a decision is made soon enough that the district can start moving ahead with obtaining bonds, design plans and construction bids before summer hits.

Crawford said the appeal was filed last week.

The bond money, if it survives the appeal, is planned to finance a number of improvements at Highland High School and Junior High School, and Highland Elementary, including an additional indoor facility that would be used for athletic and special events. Plans also call for more classrooms at Highland Elementary and expanded locker rooms at the high school.

Opening on the Board

A move to Wellman has forced the resignation of Monica Jepson from the School Board, and she attended her last meeting Monday.

“I have enjoyed it,” said Jepson, who told the Board she joined the group four years ago to “make a difference.”

Four candidates have emerged to move into Jepson’s seat: Matt Young, Erik Kallaus, Aaron Friederich and David Hickenbottom. Crawford said the position will be open until the Board meets Feb. 24 and appoints a temporary replacement for Jepson.

Jepson’s seat, representing District 3, is up for election next November.

Budget Hearings

The Board set March 24 and April 14 as public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The property tax levy, which sits at under $13 per $1,000 of assessed property, is expected to be determined at the first public hearing on March 24.

State law requires two public hearings for the district’s budget.

Board Action

The Board approved a number of change orders and a pay request for work done on the wastewater treatment system that in total cost more than $1 million.

The Board approved a summer library and learning program planned by the Kalona Library and scheduled for Highland Elementary.

The Board approved purchasing a new van for $22,295.

The Board approved an early retirement request submitted by Michelle Wollrab, high school lead cook.

The Board approved the appointments of Kylie Davis, junior high softball coach; Drake Brezina, third grade teacher; Alyssa Brase, fifth grade teacher; Miah Barron, first grade teacher; Erin Simon, math interventionist; and resignations of Michael Eden, secondary at-risk teacher, and Cam Larson, assistant football coach.

The Board approved job descriptions for paraprofessional, bus driver, head coach.

The Board approved a number of policy updates.

Next Meeting

The board will hold its next formal meeting at 5 p.m. March 10. A work session was scheduled for February 24.