High school academic decathlon team gears up for national competition in Des Moines

The Board of Directors meeting on March 12, 2025, kicked off with a significant agenda adjustment, moving public comments to the forefront. This change allowed community members to voice their thoughts before diving into the evening's key discussions.

One of the standout moments came when the board unanimously approved the high school academic decathlon team's trip to the national competition in Des Moines, Iowa, scheduled for April 30 to May 4, 2025. Coach Derek Anderson proudly announced that the team had won the state competition for the fourth consecutive year and expressed excitement about the upcoming event.

The team has been actively fundraising to cover the nearly $15,000 cost for 17 travelers, successfully raising over $13,000 so far. Anderson highlighted upcoming fundraising events, including a McDonald's night where 10% of sales will support the team and an Applebee's night on March 27. Students Sophie and Everett shared their enthusiasm for the competition, emphasizing the invaluable experiences and connections they hope to gain.

The board's decision to support the academic decathlon team reflects a commitment to fostering student achievement and community involvement. With funding already secured through the co-curricular account, the team is set to embark on this exciting journey without additional financial requests from the board.

Following this discussion, the board moved into an executive session to address personnel matters, marking a busy and productive evening for the directors. The meeting underscored the importance of educational initiatives and community support in enhancing student opportunities.