Education

TrustPoint, LLP, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, has released an audit report on Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) 1 in Elkader. Financial highlights include the AEA’s revenues totaled $24,085,662 for the year ended June 30, 2025, a 9.19% decrease from the prior year. Expenses for the AEA operations for the year ended June 30, 2025 totaled $23,486,493, a 9.87% decrease from the prior year.

The decrease in revenues is due primarily to a reduction in operating grants and contributions and property tax revenue, while the decrease in expenses is attributed to a reduction in instructional staff support and administrative expenses. These reductions are attributable to House File 2612, which brought significant changes to the operations, funding and governance of the AEA system. A copy of the audit report is available for review on the Auditor of State’s website at https://auditor.iowa.gov/audit-reports.

Allamakee Community School District scores as the top-rated district in the state of Iowa

Iowans now have access to district-level performance ratings through a new addition to the Iowa School Performance Profiles, providing critical, transparent information on how Iowa’s public school districts are serving students. The new district-level ratings show more than 58% of Iowa’s 325 public school districts and four public charter schools during the 2024-2025 school year performed within the top three of six rating categories, with over 88% rating acceptable or higher.

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting and annual organizational meeting Monday night, December 15 at Waukon High School, beginning with the regular monthly meeting. Board member Beth Shafer was absent. For long-time board member Scott Melcher, this was his final meeting in the capacity of an ACSD school board member. He was thanked for his 20 years of service to the school district in that capacity.

A total of 15 members of the Little Switzerland FFA chapter at Waukon High School recently traveled to Indianapolis, IN, to attend the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, joining more than 70,000 students from across the country. The convention, held October 29 through November 1, offered students opportunities to learn and connect with other FFA members who share their passion for agriculture. During the trip, Waukon FFA members participated in a variety of leadership sessions, explored the National FFA Expo, and listened to keynote speakers who focused on personal growth and the future of the ag industry. Students also attended workshops on career readiness, agricultural technology, and developing strong leadership skills. The group also took part in touring Hummel Livestock in Cabery, IL, Beck’s Hybrids Headquarters in Atlanta, IN, and Beasley’s Apple Orchard in Danville, IN, and also attended a rodeo hosted by Iowa-based Three Hills Rodeo Company.

by Mike Poster
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation board member

You may think of college as a time for a young adult to live on a campus and explore possible careers right after high school. This traditional concept does not always fit a student’s circumstances, however. Instead, high school students should explore potential careers to make an informed choice about the post-high school education or training that is most fitting for their goals. Focusing on potential careers before deciding on a specific education choice provides several benefits.

October 23, Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School program hosted the Wheels in Motion Workshop at Luther College’s Center for Faith and Life in Decorah. Featuring League Cycling Instructor Bill Smith, the event brought together law enforcement, park and recreation professionals, county conservationists, city officials, bike enthusiasts, community members and more to advance safe bicycling in small towns and rural areas in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties. Participants engaged in interactive discussions on bicycle safety, brainstormed strategies to elevate biking for transportation and community well-being, and enjoyed an optional ride on Decorah’s scenic Trout Run Trail.

A pair of Waukon High School students were selected to participate in their respective Legion State events this past summer. Ella Homewood was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Harpers Ferry to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls State this past summer at Drake University in Des Moines, and Jaedyn McGuire was sponsored by Waukon’s American Legion Post 62 to take part in American Legion Boys State at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

Participation in the Legion Girls and Boys State events offers leadership opportunities for high school juniors and allows them to learn about government and how to work together. There are also opportunities for college scholarships. Each of the two students shared their experience below:

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors held its regular meeting Monday, November 10 at Kee High School in Lansing. All board members were present, including Heather Lutz, Director District #2; Vice-President Joe Manning, At-Large Board Member; Tommy Martin, Director District #1; Melanie Mauss, At-Large Board Member; and President Arla Wagner, Director District #3. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jay Mathis, Board Secretary/Financial Clerk Michele Martin, Grades PK-12 Principal Donna Thomas, Special Education Director/Associate Principal Liz Hill, and Technology Director Dave Ellefson.

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, November 17. Board member Jesse Delaney was absent.

Under the Consent Agenda, the following personnel were approved, pending a satisfactory background check: John Papp, volunteer boys basketball coach; Tim Bulman, volunteer boys wrestling coach; Jane Johnson, substitute bus driver; Kids Club staff; and Marin Marti, part-time West Elementary paraprofessional. There were four open enrollments out and two open enrollments into the district. The board also approved a Student Teacher Agreement with Northwestern College, as well as Special Education Contracts.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Lighted 3-D Ceramic Christmas Scene class for adults and a Ceramic Christmas Tree class for youth. These classes will be held Tuesday, December 2 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. for youth and 5:30-7:30 p.m. for adults at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW.

Historians and archaeologists believe the earliest examples of ceramics appear in the world as far back as the 8th century. Attendees can learn this ancient tradition and art form, including how to apply colors, styles and their own unique imprint on their very own Christmas scene. No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome. All supplies are included.

The deadline for paid registration is November 25. To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.