The Perry School Board met Monday night in regular session, with a big topic surrounding the appropriate time to return to school.

The Perry community is grieving from the horrific tragedy that struck last Thursday at the local high school. School was closed for the remainder of last week and continues to be this week for the high school, while the elementary and middle schools can start back as early as this Friday. Board President Linda Andorf opened the meeting stating that the Board considered postponing the meeting in wake of the tragic events but ultimately knew that the community needed to be heard.

During the public forum, many individuals, including lots of school staff, voiced their concerns about returning to school too soon. 

Superintendent Clark Wicks reassured the public that there are appropriate measures being taken into consideration to make the right decision. Wicks declared that the Board is trying to find the correct timetable to return. He also called the community of Perry “Bluejay Strong,” and reiterated that the community will get through this together.

Aside from that, the Board did elect a new vice president, which was Travis Langrebe and was sworn in by Board Secretary Kent Bultman. There were a couple of action items that were also approved. The Board approved the 2024-2025 Modified Supplemental Amount for At-Risk/Dropout for over $717,814. They also approved several revisions of board policies.

The Board decided to have a further discussion at their next meeting about the first reading of policy about the Iowa Safety Grant. To wrap up the meeting, President Andorf ended with a moment of silence for all the victims of the Perry shooting.