Dear Parents, Students, and Community,
All-State Speech
Three of our Large Group Speech groups have been nominated for All-State Speech. Group Improv - Team Carlson, made up of Taylor Carlson, Kelsey Carlson, Miles Kading, Justin Reinhart received a non-performing nomination. Group Mime, May The Fores Be With You, and Musical Theatre, Come From Away, will perform at the All-State Festival in Ames on Saturday, February 19. Group Mime is composed of Alaina Bunde, Britni Hays, Mei Riordan, Anna DeWitt, and Paxton Schneider. The cast for Musical Theatre is Tommy Bates, Justin Reinhart, Andrew Mahaffey, Owen Dinkla, Taylor Carlson, Kelsey Carlson, Haedyn Grasty, and Victoria Soto.
Congratulations to the performers and Coaches Kelsey Dinkla and Colin Shawgo!
Slaybaugh Moves On
Teagan Slaybaugh qualified for the State Wrestling Tournament in the 113 pound weight class. This will be the sophomore’s second trip to state. The three-day tournament runs from February 17-19 with first round action for 1A schools beginning at 6 PM on Thursday. Best of luck, Teagan!
A-C Water
We believe we have found the leak in a secondary pipe - one we don’t need to use all the time. We shut off the valve to the pipe and our cistern has refilled. We will verify the leak over the long weekend and repairs will be coordinated with hooking up the building to rural water in the spring. Water test results are negative for bacterial agents and the water is safe to consume. We have reached verbal agreements with landowners with respect to easements for the rural water project and are awaiting paperwork. Southern Iowa Rural Water Association (SIRWA) will begin the project expansion as soon as the frost is out of the ground.
Legislative Advocacy
Continue to talk to your legislators about supporting our public schools. Thank them for the preschool funding supplement through the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC). This on-time funding provided schools with funds for additional preschool students who returned to school after the pandemic.
Each chamber of the legislature has passed a State Supplemental Aid (SSA) bill and negotiations have begun to determine the final outcome. Low SSA amounts lead to more districts being eligible for budget guarantee, which shifts the funding burden to local property taxpayers. At the Governor’s proposed 2.5% SSA, 82 districts would be eligible for the budget guarantee at a total cost to property taxpayers of $9.1 million. Guthrie Center will be one of the districts on the budget guarantee next year.
Vouchers are likely to be a topic this week prior to the first funnel when bills must pass out of their respective committees. Remind legislators that public dollars should be used for public schools. Period. Public funds require public accountability and transparency - private schools are not required to adhere to these guidelines. Iowa already has many parent choice options and similar bills in other states have led to costly and expansive voucher programs.
Short Break
A reminder that we will not have school on Friday, February 18, or Monday, February 21. Teachers will report for professional development on Monday, February 21.
Enjoy the long weekend.
Dennis McClain, Superintendent
AC/GC Schools
Be great today!