Jared Carder

The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows CSD Board of Directors convened for a work session that included a closed meeting. The agenda was approved, and the board reviewed the candidate pool. A closed session was entered to discuss specific matters under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i), after which the board moved back into an open session and adjourned the meeting.

The board conducted a Closed Session to review Principal Candidates, followed by a Regular Meeting. Key discussions included a resident's concerns regarding open gym usage policies and suggested parameters such as fees and liability forms. The Educational Report detailed student interactions and the implementation of the Zones of Regulation intervention, alongside data concerning student write-ups. Old Business concluded with the approval of new guidelines for Open Gym Usage, including a refundable key fob deposit. In Superintendent Reports, updates were provided on the Winter Sports Teams' success and upcoming Black History Month activities. New Business involved the approval of the 2026-2027 At Risk/Dropout Prevention Plan and a subsequent request for Modified Supplemental Amount funding for the At Risk/Dropout Budget, with a request for a year-end summary report.

The board meeting included education reports that highlighted school safety, PLC process improvements, and building systems to support students and staff. The superintendent addressed concerns regarding the current administrative structure and the potential need for two principals. The board approved the FY27 Superintendent Contract, the use of Grundmeyer Leader Search for acquiring a new principal, the CGD Special Education Delivery Plan, and FY26 Early Retirement Applications. Additionally, the consent agenda covered various approvals, including minutes of previous meetings, payment of bills, resignations, FY26 contracts, policy readings, student handbooks revisions, fundraiser requests, and an overnight trip request for wrestling. Financial, facility, nutrition, and transportation reports were also submitted for review.

The board addressed concerns regarding the Girls Wrestling program shared with Eagle Grove, focusing on coaching and communication issues. Community members presented a movement to support public schools and requested the board pass a resolution regarding school vouchers. The education report highlighted a professional development trip focused on school leadership and transformational change. Personnel actions included the approval of probationary contracts for an Elementary Principal and a Middle School Principal for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the board approved several resignations, various coaching and teaching contracts, a volunteer coach, and an agreement for concurrent enrollment classes. Financial approvals included a budget guarantee resolution.

The combined meeting included an Open Forum where a staff member discussed the future of the TAG program and parents/members expressed concerns regarding scheduling school facilities for practices, particularly on Sundays, due to low participation numbers necessitating combinations with other schools. The meeting reviewed election results, welcoming two new board members and thanking two retiring members. The Organizational Meeting involved the election and installation of the new Board President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, followed by the appointment of various committee assignments and legal/banking authorizations. The Superintendent Report addressed the Sunday gym usage debate, with differing views on whether Sunday should be protected as a recharge day or used for athletic practice. Feedback from staff surveys indicated support for hiring two principals (one Elementary and one Middle School). New Business included approving three separate requests for modified supplemental amounts from the School Budget Review Committee related to increased enrollment, open-enrolled students, and EL program students. The Board also approved the FY27 Building Administrator Plan to hire two principals. Discussion on Policy 08.02 -- Facility Use was tabled. The Consent Agenda approved numerous items, including minutes from a previous meeting, payment of bills, contract modifications, staff movements, and the first reading of several policies.