The West Liberty Community School District Board of Education approved continuation of a program to keep higher education a priority for West Liberty High School seniors Monday, Dec. 21, at the regular meeting of the board held at the District Administration Office.
The board approved a new agreement with what is called the “Career Academy Cooperative” with Muscatine Community College, part of the Eastern Iowa Community College District.
The 10-year agreement through June of 2032 provides funding for students participating in the program, where students actually attend classes in Muscatine to learn about careers they can’t get at West Liberty High School like nursing and welding. Funding currently runs about $2,800 annually per student, which includes optional transportation. The cost does increase annually for the eight credit hours each student takes.
A total of 12 students are currently enrolled in MCC programs, but the college asked the district to commit to 14 students, something WLHS principal Brenda Arthur-Miller didn’t foresee as a problem.
The administrator praised the program, noting students now taking welding are only two courses away from being fully certified and able to obtain full-time employment.
The agreement included other local school districts including Columbus, Wilton and Durant and the district is asked to have a representative on the CAC joint advisory board.
It was pointed out the goal of the regional education center was to create high quality, advanced and diverse learning opportunities for students while preparing students to compete in a global 21st century economy.
In other business, the board approved the retirement of Terri Blair as an elementary school paraprofessional as well as the resignations of Jesenia Torres as an elementary school paraprofessional and Nichelle Loving as a middle school paraprofessional.
Hollie Rock was hired as the new Early Learning Center head cook, moving up from an assistant position.
The district approved a second reading of new board policies as well.
The board also approved a “Memorandum of Understanding” with Muscatine County Public Health to utilize specific areas in district facilities at the high school and middle school for future public COVID-19 vaccinations.
The agreement provides a location for vaccinations once the vaccine becomes available to the public according to Dr. Diego Giraldo, Superintendent of Schools. The facilities would not be used for mass dispensing of vaccinations while classes are in session, shots taking place on Saturdays. In both buildings, those getting vaccinated will be asked to enter through one door and exit through another. At the high school, the commons area will be utilized while the east side of the middle school will be utilized.
The agreement comes after months of building trust between the county health department and the schools, giving advice on the COVID-19 pandemic in keeping the community safe and healthy.
The next meeting of the board is set for Monday, Jan. 18, beginning at 6 p.m. from the District Administrative Office. Board president Emily Geertz warned the board will have a lot on their plate by that meeting, their only session of the month since the Jan. 4 meeting is eliminated due to the holidays. The meeting will be held virtually to the public through the district’s Facebook page.