January 28, 1909 O. A. Hougland of Chariton, the architect for the Collins School building.... submitted the plans and specifications. The construction will include: Press brick, Bedford stone, composition roof, hard wall plaster, metal ceiling, yellow pine finish, rolling partitions, plumbing, septic tank and steam heat.
January 28, 1909 Sealed bids will be received by J. S. Felshaw, secretary of the Independent School District of Collins, Iowa until 1:00 P.M., February 23, 1909 for erection and completion of school building 61 feet by 65 feet. A certified check for 5% payable to W. H. Thompson, treasurer, must accompany each bid as a guarantee. Checks returned to unsuccessful bidders. Contractor to whom contract is awarded will be required to give satisfactory bond for faithful performance of contract. Right is reserved to reject any or all bids.
February 3, 1909 Complaints received by the board as to the method of conducting examination of pupils. Action by the board: Whereas Principal Ballard concurs with the board in following resolution: Therefore, be it resolved that each pupil in school above the third grade be required to take examination every six weeks. A marking of 3% be allowed each pupil for perfect attendance. (Insert 2003: It appears likely this is beginning of regular six-weeks exams and grading that continued for over fifty years.)
February 18, 1909 The graduating class of 1902 had reunion at home of Clara Shearer. Members of class present: Mabel Ozmun, Clara Shearer, Iva Dickinson, Maude Wells, Mrs. Beulah Gearhart, David Anderson, Florence Pritchard.
February 25, 1909 The school board in special session on February 23, 1909 for the purpose of opening bids for new schoolhouse. Following were the bids: C. R. Carpenter, Albia, IA - $15,674; Guthrie & Holt, Albia, IA - $17,115; Carmach & Son, Radcliffe, IA - $16,762; Shippy & Burke, Waterloo, IA - $17,397; Peterson & Jacobson, Webster City, IA - $20,478: Teas Brothers, Sheraton, IA $15,150; J. H. Eastman, Newton, IA - $14,427. J. H. Eastman, being lowest bidder, was awarded the contract. Checks of 5% amount were returned to other bidders.
February 25, 1909 On motion, the secretary was instructed to give notice of the submitting to qualified electors proposition for the sale of the old school building and the sale or retention for a public park of the land, which proposition will be submitted to the said qualified electors of Collins Independent School District at their annual meeting Monday, March 8, 1909. Official notice of which is in this issue.
February 25, 1909 Noticed of annual meeting Independent District. The annual meeting of School District will be held at City Hall in town of Collins on second Monday in March, 1909 at 1:00 P.M. and closing at 6:00 P.M. A director will be elected for a term of three years to succeed J. F. Lingenfelter and a director for three years to succeed Denniston. The board has directed the following propositions shall be submitted to and determined by the voters: “Shall the board of directors sell the old school building and land and apply proceeds to the new school building or shall the board of directors sell the old school building and retain the land for public park. ” J. S. Felshaw, secretary.