(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board approved the adoption of new social studies textbooks and instructional materials for grades K-12 when they meet Monday evening.

The cost to the district will be $85,105. The adoption cycle is for six years.

The board was told last month that the need for the new materials was sparked both by a change in social studies standards as well as the fact that the last curriculum materials for social studies was purchased in 2013.

In other business, the board voted to renew the agreement with the district's current food service vendor, Opaa Food Management, for the 2023-24 school year. Superintendent Lonnie Moser said there will be a four percent cost increase. He said he's heard good things so far from staff and students about the food vendor who took over this semester.

District Transporation Coordinator Jim Farris updated the board on fuel and bus issues. The district is currently getting their fuel from Ag Partners. He stated that the water that got into the districts underground fuel tanks is what has caused most of the issues with the buses. Bus 1 got a new engine in it and the district should have it back soon. The bus that went down at Perry is deemed to be beyond repair, and Ferris recommended salvaging that bus at $140 a ton. The bus is 12 years old and is one of the oldest ones in our district. It was also discussed that diesel engine buses have generally been more expensive to repair so it might be worth considering going back to gas engine buses. Board member Tom Simmer mentioned the possibility of having a couple of 25 passenger buses instead of 60 passenger buses. Ferris said that would be ideal.

Board Vice-President Jim Robidoux, who presided over the meeting, presented Hiawatha Elementary School art teacher Kate Miller with a certificate of recognition for her outstanding work. Miller was nominated for the honor by a patron. She recently earned a $10,000 grant for the school's art program.

Following an executive session, the board voted to hire Lana Sheldon as high school social studies teacher and Joni Abel as elementary school kindergarten teacher. In addition, the board accepted the resignation of middle school social studies teacher Brady Mulligan, effective at the end of current school year.Board