(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has approved a high school wrestling co-op with Doniphan West for next school year.

The board took the action when they met Monday evening by Zoom conference.

The proposal presented by Hiawatha High School Athletic Director Kim Lillie was approved on an unanimous vote at a cost not to exceed $6,000, pending the approval of a memorandum of understanding between the two districts.

Lillie said she polled students at the high school and found 5-6 students are interested in participating.

Practice would take place at Doniphan West. Lille said the biggest challenge will be transportation.  The options are for the district to hire someone to transport the students or possibly have parents transport them.

The Hiawatha school district had a wrestling cooperative agreement with Horton several years ago, but the program was dropped for budgetary reasons.

Lillie indicated that this is the best option to give Hiawatha a chance to add the sport again, by splitting the cost with another school.

In other business, District Maintenance Supervisor Matt Cluck went over his three-year capital outlay plan, which the board approved.  Approval of the plan allows Cluck to request bids as needed for items or projects on the list. Bids will still be reviewed and accepted or rejected by the board. 

The Board approved waiving the requirement for finals this semester at the high school.

In addition, the Board approved the hiring of Jeremy Bittner as high school science teacher for next school year.

The Board also accepted the resignations of Dustin Rottinghaus as assistant high school football coach and Denise Elffner as middle school track coach and Science Olympiad sponsor.