East Union gives updates on 2024 projects

AFTON - East Union’s first board of directors meeting of the new year brought updates toward projects begun in 2024, including the Infant-Toddler Center and new security systems.

Tonight, East Union will hold their Pack the Gym night, and as part of their program between the varsity basketball games will be a staff recognition night. Each player has selected a staff member they consider to be influential on them. Staff members will receive special recognition with the student who chose them.

The Infant Toddler Center, despite delays on a full opening, is progressing. Furniture, inspections by the Iowa Department of Human Services and internet access are the main concerns, with an opening date to be determined.

East Union will also continue to use the ZeroEyes security system. The system monitors school security cameras and uses AI to detect brandished weapons. After a weapon is spotted, school administrators are notified. Administration can choose to call law enforcement immediately.

When the board asked if there had ever been any false alarms with the security system, Kuehl gave one example. On Saturday, Jan. 11, East Union was hosting the East Union Archery Meet. The system had detected the bows used by competitors and sent a message to Kuehl. Law enforcement was not called.

Kuehl also gave thought to keeping Secondary Principal Jason Riley in his position. When originally hired in 2024, Riley was given the label of interim principal, with the expectation to search for a new principal beyond 2025. Since then, Kuehl has been impressed with Riley, and gave a wish during his board report to keep him for the future. No decision was made.

“Knowing what pools have looked like around the state, I can’t imagine we’d find someone better [than Riley],” said Kuehl.

In other East Union school board news...

The board approved the budget guarantee resolution, using an Iowa low which guarantees growth in the program district cost for a school district where the cost will decrease due to declining enrollment or low allowable growth. Legislature guarantees 101% of the preceding year’s district cost.

Two items for the Early Childhood Center were approved. One is a floor scrubber from CapSan which was approved to be purchased for $8,587.67. The scrubber will be used at the Infant Toddler Center. The ECC will also receive new copiers and printers.

Track equipment was added to the obsolete equipment list. Discarded assets include 46 pairs of warmup pants and 38 warmup jackets.

East Union will continue with their long range needs assessment, continuing from last year’s with no changes.

Approval of Kuehl’s ability to approve and sign all special education contracts from LEAs was given.

The following resignations and contracts were approved.

Resignations: Ashley Tully, secondary secretary; Josephine Holthus, boys head track coach; Sherri Cropper, secondary para (effective Jan. 31); Shira Alley, assistant volleyball coach.

Contracts: Shaylee Cooper, secondary secretary; Brenda Callison, infant toddler associate; Triston Barncastle, JH boys wrestling coach, volunteer boys HS coach.