The Griswold School Board met Monday evening, after students and parents earlier in the day came to pick up their belongings and assignments while the district is closed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Superintendent Dave Henrichs told KJAN News the Board approved personnel matters. The Board approved an early retirement request [effective at the end of the school year] from Jeff Schoning, Middle School/High School Math Teacher & Coach; They also approved the resignations of Mark Carlton, High School Boys Basketball Coach; Jill Grove, Homeschool Assistant Teacher ; Aaron Ware, M/S H/S Art Teacher.

They also approved the resignation of Rhonda Howell, M/S-H/S Cook, and Katy Elwood, M/S-H/S Principal. All resignations are effective at the end of the current school year. Three other staff members on a one-year Leave of Absence have informed the Board they will not be returning next school year. They include Lisa Rush [Cook]; Michelle Ficek [Paraeducator] and Blair Rush [School Nurse]. Jeb Peck was hired as Transportation Director (Beginning March 23^rd); Hannah Bierbaum was approved as Board/Superintendent Secretary (Effective June 1^st), and Chase Wallace as Middle School Boys Track Coach this Spring.

In other business, the Board increased the Driver’s Education fees for this Summer. Henrichs said the resident student fee will increase $10 – from $325 to $335; Non-resident students will also pay $10 more , from $425 to $435. And, the instructor classroom component pay goes from $1,400 to $1,435. Drive-time was increased from 30-to 31-dollars per hour. The Griswold School Board declined to hold a Summer School. They approved a Master Contract with their teaching staff for next year, which comes with a total package of 2.65%, and covers salary and insurance increases. They also approved: a Resolution in Support of the 2020 Census; the 2020-21 Preschool Handbook; Various sharing agreements with Villisca, Riverside, and Atlantic, and they agreed to terminate a shared Elemenatary Art Teacher Agreement with CAM for 2020-21.

And, the Board discussed the Middle School/High School Principal search. Interviews will be held with six candidates the last week of March. The schedule for committees is currently being set-up. The district remains closed down until further notice for classes and activities, but Board meetings will take place as scheduled.