Highlights from school board meeting

DAVENPORT –The school board met Monday, Jan. 25 for its regular meeting, approving the consent agenda and three action items while hearing updates from superintendent Jim Kowalkowski, principals Chad Prewitt and Noelle Carstens and business manager Leslie Oliver.

In the consent agenda, the board approved a recommendation for hire of elementary paraprofessional Christine Colbert. It also approved an extension of a leave of absence for Karen Brewster and the resignation of head high school baseball coach Kevin Hupp.

The board elected its 2021 officers, choosing Heather Panke as chair and Brad Sweet as vice chair. It also approved iGrant applications for the Highly Capable Plan and early notification incentives.

Kowalkowski gave an update on the rapid COVID-19 testing pilot program the district is a part of, where staff and teachers can administer themselves a test using a swab that is sent to labs around the country and relayed back to the Lincoln County Department of Health and the school district. All 66 tests administered by the board’s meeting came back negative.

The superintendent also shared optimism for extending the school day to 2 p.m., which took effect Jan. 26. Prewitt and Carstens heralded their staff for their flexibility amidst the change in their own reports.

Oliver expressed optimism for the school’s financial state four months into the year.

“We have seen enough savings on various activities and substitutes that I believe our projected fund balance will be close to or over $700,000,” she reported.

The school board will next convene Monday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. It’s unknown whether the board can meet in person, or whether meetings will still be virtual.