RIVERSIDE

Autumn Moyer, who has worked in human resources at several Eastern Iowa school districts, has been appointed as the new Secretary and Business Manager for the Highland School Board.

Moyer replaces Sue Rich, who has worked at Highland Schools for 12 years and requested early retirement.

Moyer was appointed during a special Board meeting Monday, March 25.

Rich will continue as Secretary and Business Manager through the end of June. Moyer will take over July 1.

Moyer will earn an annual salary of $67,000.

Tax Levy

The Board hosted a public hearing Monday for the Fiscal Year 2025 property tax levy.

The district’s rate is expected to hold at about $13 per $1,000 of assessed property, meaning taxes for most district residents will stay the same as FY24 or perhaps drop. In the case of assessed property values going up, Schools Superintendent Ken Crawford said those tax bills could increase even though the schools tax levy is remaining the same as this year.

No members of the public spoke during the state-mandated public hearing.

The district is planning on $4.6 million in tax revenue, which is up from this year’s $4.3 million. Among other sources of income, the district expects to receive $3.8 million in state aid.

Still to come is a public hearing on the district’s FY25 budget.

Crawford said details are also being worked out on the 2024-25 school year calendar, which will be the first year of a newly adopted four-day school week.

Expanded Football

The Board also heard an update from varsity head football coach Cory Quail on fundraising and costs associated with the high school and junior high school football teams.

Sign-ups for the football team have doubled since the 2023 team ended its season with a pair of wins. Because of growing numbers, additional and updated football equipment will be needed for the 2024 season, not only for the high school varsity and junior varsity teams, but the junior high program.

Quail said a number of fundraisers, including jersey sales, auctions and pop fundraisers, are projected to raise $14,404.

Quail also showed data documenting vast improvements and expansions in the school’s weightlifting and conditioning program.

“We have a ton of kids out there across the board,” he said.

At a Board meeting earlier this month, Activities Director Jody Fink said participation numbers were also growing quickly in girls volleyball, basketball and soccer.

Board Actions

The Board approved the resignations of Mandi Niebes Lueck and Brandon Devillier, science teachers; Elizabeth Coeburn, special education teacher at the Elementary School; Patti Britt, special education associate; and Madi Osman, assistant volleyball coach.

Next Meeting

The board will hold its next meeting at 5 p.m. April 8.