By Olivia West
MOUNT AYR, Iowa —The Mount Ayr Community School District Board of Education discussed new athletic opportunities, facility updates and revisions to student handbooks during its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on July 15.
Superintendent Jason Shaffer also announced that eighth-grade students will now be eligible to participate in high school athletics on a sport-by-sport basis. Students will have the option of competing at either the middle school or high school level but will not be permitted to participate on both teams during the same season.
Elementary Principal Chris Elwood introduced the idea of adding soccer to the junior Raiders program. With the board’s support, he will begin searching for coaches and game officials to determine the feasibility of launching the program.
Shaffer provided updates on district construction projects, reporting that renovations to the middle school gym are nearing completion and that the facility is on schedule.
The district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) building is nearly finished, according to Shaffer. Remaining work includes spreading rock around the exterior of the building and completing electrical connections to provide internet service.
The board approved several revisions to the elementary and high school student handbooks. Among the changes is a requirement that parents enter the school to sign students in when they arrive late, a measure intended to reduce tardiness.
Another new policy addresses look-alike drugs and alcohol. Under the revised handbook, school officials may use a metal-detecting wand if a student is suspected of possessing illegal substances.
