GMG Superintendent Chris Petersen, left, with Gladbrook Auxiliary chair Sue Koster. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GLADBROOK – October is Education month for the Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary. Chris Petersen, GMG’s shared superintendent with Baxter, was the featured speaker. He shared about his educational background of 20 years – all in small school districts – as well as news regarding upcoming construction in the district.

GMG’s $12 million referendum was passed last year, and Petersen described their future plans. Construction-related updates pertaining to the new high school addition in Garwin include: finalizing building plans; one year of construction once ground is broken; next summer demolish the 1925 building; students will continue meeting in other parts of the building as construction is taking place.

Petersen also shared the district has the second-largest percentage of open-enrollees (58%) in Iowa and are very financially solvent. The district has 255 open-enrolled students, mostly from Marshalltown and Gladbrook, along with 180 resident students.

When Petersen visited with the unit last year, he focused on finances, facilities, and community. The district’s present goals are to improve scores and to update its profile.

We thank Superintendent Petersen for a very interesting presentation and for taking time to visit with our unit.