The Highland School Board met for its final regular session of the calendar year on Monday.

After the approval of consent items, the board heard from Elementary Counselor Sonya Stanerson who spoke about her time at the Iowa School Counselor Association Conference in November. Stanerson shared the story of SaulPaul, a Grammy-nominated artist and the conference’s keynote speaker. The District is working on having SaulPaul come to Highland after winter break and share his motivational message.

In action items, the early graduation of one Highland student was approved pending all requirements being met. The board approved three School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) applications, which would give the district spending authority for increased enrollment, open enrolled out, and ELL instruction beyond five years. These were approved in the respective amounts of $47,337, $142,982, and $8,016. Principal reports wrapped up the session, with High School Principal Angel Hazelett telling the board that finals for secondary students will take place in January.

The Highland Community School District Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 8 in the High School Board Room.