At their Monday night meeting, The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Board of Education heard two presentations regarding facility projects. The first was regarding a new gym at the middle school/elementary. Two ISG Engineers described the proposed gym, which would be located to the north and west of the middle school, essentially right off the lunchroom.
The new gym would accommodate over 500 people and include more locker rooms. MS principal and athletic director Steve Haberman said the extra gym space is desperately needed. The estimate of the project is just under $4 million. The engineers noted that if the district is aggressive in the next few months, ground could be broken in August with a 9 month build being realistic.
Another presentation was given by Christian Cox of Mid America Sports Construction about a new softball/baseball complex that would be located to the east of the high school. He discussed the versatility of a new complex and many uses beyond softball and baseball. The cost estimate for the project was $1.7 million, without lights. Moving forward on the projects will require passing a new Revenue Purpose Statement. The special election for adopting that statement will be held on March 2, 2021.
For employment changes, the board addressed one resignation, and four combination resignation and early retirement requests. Chase Pruisman submitted his resignation as Head Softball Coach effective immediately. Denise Ulven – 7th grade Language Arts/Reading, Dwight Tew – Transportation Director, Pat O’Brien – 7/8 Science, MS Basketball, HS Boys Golf, and David Ackerman – MS/HS Vocal, have submitted their Resignation and Early Retirement Requests. The board also approved employment contracts for Caleb Vogel as HS Asst. Boys Track and Jeff Meyer as high school Athletic Director/At Risk Coordinator for the district. Superintendent Joe Nelson will share the duties that will be assigned to this position.
In the superintendent’s report, Nelson noted that masks are still required for all school staff and students and restrictions on athletic events are still in place. In other business, the board approved the purchase of two buses at the price of $94,203 per bus, totaling $188,406.00. Representatives from the CGD Education Association (the local teachers union) presented their initial proposals for contract changes, salary increases, etc. The district scheduled a time to give their response next week.
The board passed a resolution in opposition to Senate File 159, the school voucher program proposal passed by the Iowa Senate two weeks ago that is heading to the Iowa House for consideration. The bill would allow the use of taxpayer money to give public school students scholarships or vouchers to be put towards attending private school. Nelson noted it will adversely affect all public schools, including small rural ones like CGD.
The next regular board meeting, calendar hearing, and preliminary budget meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2021 at 5:00 P.M.
