After years of negotiations, the Armstrong-Ringsted, North Kossuth and Sentral school districts Monday night recognized a whole-grade sharing agreement that will unite the three districts in a common goal - quality education for students.
North Kossuth had approved the agreement which was passed on to A-R which approved it Jan. 23 with Sentral virtually approving it minutes later the same night.
The agreement places the high school for the three districts in Armstrong with Sentral handling grades K-5 for itself and A-R. North Kossuth will handle its own elementary grades plus middle-school levels for all three districts. Sharing begins fall 2012.
Article Photos
Armstrong-Ringsted and North Kossuth and Sentral school districts in Armstrong Monday night formally recognized the signing of the whole-grade sharing agreement between the three districts. Board presidents seated are, left to right: Ron Dacken, Sentral; Jim Boyer, A-R; and Jeannie Kinney, North Kossuth. Standing are superintendents Art Pixler, Sentral; Randy Collins, A-R; and Mike Landstrum, North Kossuth.
EDN photo by Michael Tidemann
Sharing also brings final closure for the Ringsted building.
Randy Collins, A-R superintendent, said the study committee charged with sale of the Ringsted building met earlier this month. The district will officially close the building July 1.
Collins said it costs $150,000 to operate Ringsted.
"Especially with the whole-grade sharing now we have no use for the Ringsted building," Collins said, adding that a high priority for the district is selling the building so it's an asset to the community. In addition, putting the building into private hands would help the district tax base, he said.
"We have taken a very proactive stance on it," said Jim Boyer, board president.
Collins said the property is assessed at $1 million and includes 11.5 acres in addition to the school and gym.
Boyer also noted the building is listed on the Iowa Lakes Corridor website.
Anyone interested in buying the building may contact the district at (712) 868-3550.