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Board approves coaching hires, adds special-education teacher and greenlights 2026 band trip
Summary
The board approved several coaching hires and the addition of an elementary special-education teacher (Alison Smith); it also approved a proposed out-of-state band trip for April 15–20, 2026, with per-student cost estimated at roughly $1,679 and planned fundraising to reduce costs.
At its March 1 meeting the Wapello board approved multiple personnel items and an out-of-state band trip for spring 2026.
Personnel approvals included hiring Tony Johnson as head football coach, a new head boys soccer coach (Tsana), assistant track coach Hunter Brooks, and several volunteer assistants for other sports. Staff noted quick turnaround on coaching license processing and enthusiasm from student athletes.
The board also approved adding Alison Smith as an elementary special-education teacher; staff said the hire is intended to reduce caseloads and that special-education funding comes from a different funding stream than the general fund.
On extracurricular travel, staff presented a proposed band trip April 15–20, 2026, with about 50 students expressing interest. Packet pricing was calculated for 40–44 students at roughly $1,679 per student; staff said the per-student price should decline if more students sign up and that boosters and fundraising will lower the net cost for families. The board moved to approve the out-of-state trip and the planned fundraising supports.
Next steps: staff will finalize personnel paperwork and license confirmations, hold a parent meeting for the band trip, and implement the outlined fundraising plans to reduce the per-student cost.
