By Paul D. Bowker

RIVERSIDE

The Highland School Board has approved a tax rate certification for 2024-25 that is less than $13 per $1,000 of assessed property.

The approval was given during the regular board meeting on Monday.

The exact rate is $12.95455.

Ken Crawford, superintendent of Highland Schools, said the rate has declined each year in recent school years.

The district is expected to generate $4.67 million in property taxes and will also receive state and federal funds.

Teacher’s Day

The new school year began on Friday with the arrival of new teachers at their schools for training.

High/middle school principal Angela Hazelett and elementary school principal Jane O’Leary said they have already met with first-year teachers to begin the training and planning process. New hires at Highland Elementary include two 2024 graduates from the University of Iowa.

The training days will continue next week, with the first day of school for the students scheduled for Friday, August 23rd.

Unpack Your Backpack Day will be held on August 22nd from 5-6 p.m. at Highland Elementary.

While the school board met on Monday to discuss the new year, the Huskies football team was already at the practice fields behind the school for their first day of practice. Monday was the first day of practice for all fall sports.

Board actions

The Board of Directors has approved the manual containing the administrative regulations.

The board has approved a request from Superintendent Ken Crawford to advertise and sell outdated equipment, including old wrestling mats, a scale and a wood planer.

The Board of Directors approved the appointment of Logan Moeller as junior high football coach and junior high girls basketball coach.

The Board has approved a number of policy updates.

Next meeting

The next formal board meeting will be on September 9th at 5:00 p.m. A working session is scheduled for August 26th.