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

During open forum, varsity head football coach Caden Duncan addressed the Board about last month’s decision to not allow up to $10,000 from the general fund to be used for safety equipment. He said he was disappointed with the decision and after it was made, he contacted ten other football coaches and they all agreed that their school boards allowed for it to be used. He explained that each helmet cost $500 and they typically purchase five to six helmets annually to replace. He also mentioned that the football program brings in the most money for activities and they have donated $15,000 in his seven years for strength and conditioning equipment. The Board was not required by law to respond following his comments.

A public hearing was then held for the 2026-27 school calendar. Superintendent Brett Abbotts said that upon receiving feedback from the teachers, the parent/teacher conferences would be split between a Tuesday and Thursday in the fall and spring, with a professional development day being the corresponding Friday. Otherwise, no other changes were noted and no public comments were made. The Board then approved the calendar following the hearing.

The Board also approved two student driving permits for Mya Miller and Lane Russell, two fundraiser requests for FCCLA and high school track as presented. They also approved a resolution for a budget guarantee that allows the district to have 101 percent of this year’s budget for next school year, due to the drop in enrollment not being able to equal the percentage increase in State Supplemental Aid. 

Additionally, the Board ratified the negotiated agreement with the Greene County Education Association that stipulated a $1,250 increase in teacher salaries for a total of $155,000 that included benefits. Board member Connie Boyd abstained due to having two family members on staff. The Board also approved an employee sick leave request for Julie Kennedy, the 2026-27 Area Education Agency purchase agreement as presented and a resolution to renew the agreement with the Iowa Local Government Risk Pool for $135,902 to be paid for through the management fund. 

The Board also approved the baseball field LED lighting upgrade for an amount not to exceed $67,769 from ROI Energy, an update to the high school student handbook to allow freshmen to take college classes if they meet certain criteria outlined by state law, as well as the four classes that they could take which includes Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation, Introduction to Psychology and Development Psychology. 

Staff member Lisa Garrett opted for retirement and was recognized for her long service to the district. It was also mentioned that a purchase order was placed to buy all of the necessary solar panels, and everyone is invited to the middle school play “Finding Nemo Jr.” Thursday and Friday nights at 7pm at the middle school auditorium.