Creston to continue to improve school security

Creston Community School District Superintendent said more efforts will be done to improve building security after a false alarm last month of a person with a gun. He told the board Monday of his plan.

“We have been able to assess our surveillance and door access systems,” he stated during his report. “As a result, we recognize a need for modern video and door surveillance systems and estimate the cost to be $355,000.”

He said bids are being accepted and he will make a recommendation to the board at the May board meeting or at a special meeting.

In other school building news, Stender said members of the education and facilities committee met March 31 and discussed the March 1 bond vote of $42 million for building improvements that did not pass and options to move forward.

“The team recognizes the needs of the district do not go away and is keeping an open mind and all options are on the table,” he stated.

In other board news...

Creston school board approved the following resignations: Tyler Peters, para; Todd Jacobson, assistant boys basketball coach; Paul Jordan, eighth-grade football, seventh grade basketball coach for boys and girls; Ronda Weese, junior kindergarten teacher; Rebecca Ross, assistant girls soccer coach; Marie Hood, fourth-grade teacher and eighth-grade volleyball coach; Lydia Martin, second-grade teacher; Jane Warner, seventh to 12th grade vocal; William Young, Para; Angela Coke, high school math; Marina Ruybal, para; Jerry White, bus driver, retire; Lorelei Herrod, Custodian; Shannon Hagerman, high school special education; Palmer Scott, high school special education, per agreement.

The following contracts were approved: Ethan Faeth, substitute bus driver; Rebecca Ross, girls soccer head coach; Breanna Ross, assistant girls soccer coach; Sara Keeler, seventh grade softball coach; Dylan Linch, high school geometry; Brooke McGehee, middle school language arts; Emily Weide, kindergarten teacher; Sara Lane, middle school social studies teacher; Lesa Downing, middle school principal; Jennifer Gaesser, high school vocal; Sheri Blair, EMS counselor for 2022-2023 school year.

Creston has vacant positions. As of Monday, there are 11 licensed positions open, six paraprofessionals, two food service and two custodial jobs. The district is also needing drivers and substitutes. Stender said research will be done on staffing alternatives for some positions.

Senior Awards Night will be held 6 p.m. May 11 in the high school auditorium. Commencement will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, May 22 in the high school gym.

Four high school students, Peyton Guthrie, Jalyn Klejch, Kloey Crawford and Jacob Coke had the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on their recent trip to Washington D.C.