Members of the Audubon School Board met Monday, the first day of the new school year for students. Superintendent Eric Trager says they reviewed various polices, as is normal every five-years. They also reviewed newer policies, especially those pertaining to the pandemic. He said the biggest policy gives him the authority to close school during the pandemic, if he deems it necessary. He would then convene a special Board meeting within 48 hours to vote on that.

Trager said the Audubon School Board also discussed their building project, and were not surprised to learn it was coming in over budget during the budget review. He says that’s because there’s not a lot of details about the budget during the design and development to get firm budget numbers. Now they’re looking at getting all those details in-place and making sure they can be flexible on bid day, and elect which alternates to accept or decline.

Trager said they’re looking to go out for bids in November, with the opening of bids on December 8^th. The projects are with regard to renovations at the Middle School/High School Buildings.

He said also the asbestos removal process was mostly completed prior to the start of school, in preparation for next summer’s renovation project. Trager said with regard to fall sports, the Western Iowa Conference issued some guidance with regard to tickets and social distancing. The changes affect primarily Volleyball.

The District is also looking at a live-streaming system, but it’s doubtful that will be up and running in-time for the first game. Trager said it was wonderful to see students back in the classroom, and everyone seemed to be thrilled to get back to normal as much as possible, given the pandemic situation.