As Spring Break in Knoxville nears, dozens of students will be boarding buses and planes on school-sponsored trips, after they received final approval from the school board Monday night.
The first trip is the annual eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. Ben Overman and Katie Davis are once again leading the four-day trip with 52 students and approximately six chaperones. The trip is scheduled for March 28-31.
The other trip will be taken by members of the Knoxville High School band to New Orleans, La. This is a trip the band takes every four years. They will depart Sunday, March 24, and return March 29. Students have worked to raise money for the trip, which will include tours and at least two performances by the concert band in New Orleans. No response was received by our deadline to a request made to Band Director Ben Varner to learn more about the trip.
Other school board notes:
• Approved a coaching contract for Melinda Miller, assistant varsity cross country coach; a work agreement for Stacy Harlow, food service; and accepted the resignation of Pam Dachenbach, food service, effective at the end of the school year.
• Approved plans/specifications for a new cooling tower at Knoxville High School. The decision was made to install a new cooling tower while construction of the auditorium is ongoing. The current tower is nearing the end of its useful life, and the new one, which will be enclosed, is expected to last up to 20 years, but there is no guarantee. A pre-bid meeting for contractors is scheduled for March 20, bids are due April 4 and approval of a bid is expected April 8. Construction should be done this summer. To accommodate construction, the air conditioning at KHS must be shut off. Classroom doors will be open, with fans blowing, to prevent mold.
• Approved plans for a new concession stand at the softball field. This was a parent-led effort by Cindy Jones, who raised the funds. According to Jones, more than enough money was raised, and businesses are donating labor, lumber and concrete. Softball season begins May 22, though no one is sure if the new stand will be completed in time. The former stand will not be torn down until the new one is complete.
• Reviewed the board policy regarding multi-cultural/gender fair education. Amendments were made to comply with the Iowa Department of Education’s rules. Approval of the policy will be considered at the board’s next meeting Monday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
