By Olivia West
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr Community School District Board of Education discussed student athletics, building improvements and changes within the district during its monthly meeting on August 10.
Board member Samantha Elliott brought up concerns from parents regarding eighth-grade girls potentially moving up to participate in high school volleyball.
Because the school district has not received a formal request for any eighth-grade students to move up to high school volleyball at this time, board members discussed whether the students should be practicing with the high school junior varsity and varsity teams.
The board agreed that the eighth-grade girls should not practice with the high school teams until administration has reviewed and voted on the matter. Board members also expressed their trust in the district’s coaches and said they will follow guidelines established by the state.
Elementary Principal Chris Elwood provided an update on the elementary school, as well as meetings concerning Ringgold Raider football and volleyball.
Elwood also requested funding for window decals to be installed on the south side of the elementary building. The decals are intended to prevent people from looking into classrooms from outside.
The board approved the project with Podium Ink at a cost of $6,000.
High School Principal Josh Vanderflught reported that the high school gym will receive new light fixtures. The board approved a bid from a West Des Moines company to replace the existing lights. The project is expected to take several weeks.
Vanderflught also discussed changes to the high school, including adjustments to faculty locations and the addition of telehealth rooms.
The telehealth rooms are designed to give students a private, comfortable and quiet space to attend doctors’ appointments remotely without having to miss significant portions of the school day. The rooms also provide a safe environment where students can speak freely during their appointments.