Mike Cyze

The board meeting included a review of the district's strategic plan and progress on priority initiatives. Key discussion topics included updates on the preschool program offerings, including the possibility of full-day preschool or transitional kindergarten, and the implementation of a tiered system of support (MTSS) in middle schools, which utilizes I-Ready data to track student learning and provide interventions. The board also approved an agreement for the Roosevelt Middle School additions and renovation project and set a date for a public hearing regarding a flexibility account transfer request.

The board convened for a special meeting to conduct a closed session for the purpose of a superintendent evaluation pursuant to Iowa Code. Following the closed session, the board returned to regular session and briefly discussed the scheduling of a potential future closed session related to a Strategic Plan Committee meeting.

The board meeting included several recognitions of school staff and student achievements. The board conducted public hearings and adopted the budget estimate for fiscal 2026-2027, as well as plans and contracts for the Irving Elementary roof and playground replacement projects and the Sageville Elementary fuel oil tank replacement project. Additionally, the board approved a construction contract for the Dalzell South retaining wall repairs, authorized the issuance of $30,000,000 in school infrastructure sales tax revenue bonds, and approved the termination of three probationary teaching contracts.

The meeting included a closed session conducted pursuant to Iowa Code to evaluate professional competency, followed by a return to the regular session. Key agenda items included a comprehensive review of the 2024-2029 District Strategic Plan, with updates provided on priority initiatives such as enhancing instructional methods, increasing engagement with families and staff, streamlining operations, and fostering leadership opportunities for staff retention. The Board confirmed that multiple strategic action steps are currently on track, completed, or operational.

The board discussed a budget amendment for fiscal year 2025-2026 and held a hearing regarding the issuance of approximately $30,000,000 in school infrastructure revenue bonds to fund additions and improvements at Roosevelt Middle School. Several construction contracts were awarded for projects, including fuel oil tank replacement at Sageville Elementary, retaining wall repairs at Dalzell South, roof replacement at Irving Elementary, and playground replacement at Irving Elementary. The board also approved various personnel agreements, including those for non-bargaining, custodial, food service, and transportation personnel, and acted on recommendations regarding the termination of probationary teaching contracts.