The Greene County School Board met in regular session Wednesday night.

The Board approved one additional early retirement application for Teresa Green for her 41 years of service. There were seven applications for a total of $198,548. The Board then discussed the former middle school property. Superintendent Tim Christensen said asbestos is currently being removed from the building and the district is bid letting for demolition of the gym. Bids will be received prior to the February meeting, which the Board requested that developer Nate Adams be present to further discuss his plans to possibly convert the school building into apartments.

The Board also discussed COVID-19 issues. Board Vice-President Catherine Wilson asked if the overall wear requirement level could be lowered from red to yellow. She also inquired about high school students not having to wear a mask if they are alone on the learning stair. Board member Steve Fisher suggested that teachers be allowed to remove their masks to conduct class, if the students were properly spaced out. No formal decisions were made by the Board.

The Board then approved the soccer coaching contracts for four individuals for a total of $11,656 and the softball and baseball coaching contracts for ten individuals for a total of $44,874. They also approved a School Budget Review Committee request for administrative costs for Grandwood and Woodward Academy as presented. 

Next, the Board approved revised board policies for restraining and seclusion of students, based on the new legislation that was passed and language from the Iowa Association of School Boards. They also waived the second required reading and final adoption of the policy. The Board also approved three fundraising requests as presented and a school permit for Jackson Turner. 

The meeting ended in a closed session for the superintendent evaluation.