Although it is still seeking possible proposals from banks in the district, the Mid-Prairie Board …

By Mary Zielinski (free-lance)

Although it is still seeking possible proposals from banks in the district, the Mid-Prairie Board of Education Monday approved four banks as official depositories: Farmers Savings Bank of Kalona, US Bank, Wellman, Hills Bank Kalona and Wellman Federal Savings.

However, as of Monday, the Farmers Savings Bank had become Freedom Security Bank, but indications are the approval will still remain.

The district needed to have official depositories before the start of the school year, and Business Manager Doug Slaubaugh said he “wants to talk to all the banks and see what kind of offers they may have.” The offers would involve everything from possible free printing of checks for the district to advantageous investment rates. However, Slaubuagh cautioned that the district has done well investing with ISCAP, the state- wide investment agency for many school districts.

The board also agreed that it may not need a second meeting in August. Therefore, noted Board President Tracy Anderson, “our next meeting will be September 13.”

As a future agenda item, board member Julie Miller urged revisiting the budget and its cuts, noting that “many of the cuts were for one year. We need to take a look at longer measures.”

Superintendent Gordon Cook said that it is unlikely there would be a need for a second August meeting, explaining that there is only one half-time certified staff position that has not been filled.

Although he can put in support staff without the board approval, he said he prefers to have board approval for any certified staff. the position is a part-time Multi-Occupation Class post at the high school.

Prior to leaving the high school to tour the district’s three elementaries and the middle school, the board:

•hired Jody Cue and Karissa Sebock as special education teacher associates at the Middle School.

•accepted the resignation of Brenda Beckley as teacher associate at Kalona Elementary School.

•briefly discussed attending the staff potluck dinner at the Kalona Park August 18 and the general meeting at the staff inservice August 19 at the high school.