(KNZA)-- Proposed major improvements to the high school gym seating was a major topic of discussion when the Hiawatha School Board met Monday evening.

Maintenance Director Chris Morey discussed a quote he received from Heartland Seating to refurbish the bleachers in the high school gymnasium.

It would make the bleachers ADA accessible as well as automate them to pull out instead of a manual hand crank. Some seating would be lost due to the ADA compliance. The capacity would go from about 1,500 people to 1,300.

Board President Ian Schuetz said that while the bleachers were out and being refurbished he would like to see a coat of polyurethane put on the bleachers to provide protection and a nicer look to them.

The board agreed. Morey will get information regarding that for a future meeting.

In other business, the board approved the calendar for next school year.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser reviewed the proposed 2023-24 calendar with the board, which is mostly consistent with last year's calendar. The only change is there would be no school on the Monday after Easter

The first day of school will be August 17, and the last day will be May 21.

Schuetz brought up looking at potentially seeing if the opening day of deer season could be a "no school day" for future calendars as many students participate and wind up missing school.

Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation Hiawatha Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Sara Walker, with regrets.

They also approved the hiring of Jarod Estrada as co-coach of the Middle School scholars Bowl Team, Danny Siebenmorgan as High School assistant baseball coach, and Will Lancaster as High School assistant baseball coach.

In addition, the board approved two-year contract extensions for Elementary School Principal Danielle Dierenfeldt, Middle School Principal Kyley Gatz, High School Principal Lori Fordyce, Superintendent Lonnie Moser and High School Athletic Director Josh Moser. Their contracts were extended through the 2024-25 school year.