Bettendorf Community School District

Key discussions included the recognition of retired teacher and coach Ben Pennington for his impending induction into the National High School Athletic Coach's Hall of Fame, and acknowledgement of student participation in the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association (SEIBA) Honor Band. The board received updates on the ongoing conversion from BoardDocs to Simbli and the start of the second semester, including a day off due to cold weather. Informational items covered the scheduling for Kindergarten Sneak Peek and registration dates for the 2026-2027 school year, and the 'Bring A Grown-Up to School Night.' The board reviewed updates regarding collaboration with the Center For Model Schools, the implementation of the new state law-mandated cell phone policy at BHS and BMS, and the implementation of the new English Language Arts curriculum at BMS. An action item involved approving a quote for SCRA Grant Funded Radios. The board discussed the proposal to hire a Dean of Students for each elementary school and subsequently approved revisions for the 2026-2027 Parent/Student Handbook. Financials for December were presented and approved. Action was also taken to approve the disposal of surplus athletic equipment through sale. During communications, board members shared insights from recent Iowa School Board Association training and discussed preparations for Day on the Hill advocacy. The meeting concluded with a closed session to evaluate the Superintendent's professional competency, followed by approval of an addendum to the Superintendent's contract.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included recognizing the BHS Yearbook for being named a Pacemaker Finalist. The Student Representative reported on upcoming Winter events. The Superintendent updated the Board on the completion of the new high school fitness center, supported by a significant donation, and announced dates for 2026-2027 student registration. Business items involved approving the agenda, approving personnel recommendations including a new Instructional Coach position and early graduates, approving agreements with the City of Bettendorf and Quad City Open Network, and accepting several donations for the Speech & Debate Team and in honor of a retired employee. Action items included setting the 2026-2027 Board Meeting schedule for discussion, approving the November Financials, approving the maximum MSA for the At-Risk Program, and approving the Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL) budget. The Board also approved an early resignation resolution. The meeting concluded with a closed session for Superintendent Evaluation Check In.

This strategic plan outlines the Bettendorf Community School District's commitment to educating and empowering every student daily in pursuit of educational excellence, inspiring and uniting them as a community of learners. The plan focuses on five key priorities: Organizational Coherence, Learning & Achievement for All, Student Accessibility & Support, Strategic Resource Allocation, and Family & Community Engagement. It emphasizes fostering a culture of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning, supported by core values of community, integrity, and empowerment.

The meeting commenced following a public hearing regarding the 26/27 school calendar. Agenda items included the approval of the agenda, with an addition to include the December 1, 2025, board workshop minutes. Recognition and accommodations highlighted achievements, including a National Board Certified Teacher, a high school basketball player reaching 1000 career points, academic and state honors for football players, a student placing first in a musical theater competition, and strong finishes for the girls swim team, including a Swimmer of the Year. The BMS mock trial team presented their accomplishments, finishing in the top 21 in the state in their inaugural year, with one member receiving a special award for outstanding witness performance. Updates were also provided by the student council board representative on various community engagement and service initiatives, such as a color run, student hunger drive which resulted in over 338,000 meals raised, and planning for upcoming winter events. The session concluded with an invitation for president statements.

The meeting began with a public hearing on the 2026-2027 calendar, which concluded without public comments. Key discussion points included recognitions for teacher national board certification, student athletic and academic achievements (including a basketball player reaching 1,000 career points and high placements in state swim and thespian competitions), and updates from student board representatives. The Superintendent provided an update on facility projects, noting the fitness center renovation completion during winter break, and addressed challenges regarding holding meetings at various district locations, proposing director site visits as an alternative. Action items included the approval of the agenda (with an addition), approval of the October Financials, approval for the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) applications for modified supplemental amounts related to open enrollment, approval of the 2026-2027 calendar, and the first and final read of revised board policies 206.1 and 219.