Scott Comstock

The work session focused primarily on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget planning, including discussions regarding the certified budget, aggregate revenue, and expenditures. Key topics included the timeline for public hearings (two are scheduled) leading up to the final budget adoption in April, and the submission of the maximum property tax levy by March 5th. Financial indicators were reviewed, specifically the unspent authorized budget (UAB), with historical context provided on State Supplemental Aid (SSA) and enrollment trends showing a significant decrease in certified enrollment since 2014. The solvency ratio was also analyzed, remaining within the recommended range. Discussions covered property valuations, property tax levy components (General Fund, Management Fund, PPE Levy), the budget guarantee mechanism for districts with declining enrollment, and projected increases to cash reserve and the management fund levy to ensure cash flow for July expenditures. The impact of potential state legislation on property tax reform and management fund reserves was noted.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by welcoming visitors, including Boy Scouts. A public hearing was held for the Muscatine Community School District 2026 roof project, which included opening and closing the hearing with roll call votes. The student representatives provided an update on various school activities, including club fundraisers, senior survivor challenges, the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, and updates on choir and athletics achievements such as state bowling and wrestling placements, and state swim meet qualifications. Course selection timelines and parent night information were also covered. Key discussion points included a report on board targets and goals, and an extensive presentation on the enrollment study. The enrollment study detailed declining birth rates, class size comparisons indicating a projected stabilization between 250 to 300 students per class by 2028-2030, student migration trends showing net loss stabilizing, and analysis of open enrollment figures. Additionally, the presentation reviewed heat density maps, population development showing recent increases in building activity and a slight decline in overall population, and K12 yield rates indicating a lower capture rate for students from new developments. Finally, projections by building and by grade level showed an anticipated flattening of overall enrollment, though specific grade levels like kindergarten are recovering slowly toward pre-decline levels.

The meeting was primarily focused on reviewing and discussing the results of the 2025 Daily Desired Environment Survey and a public perception survey. Key discussion points included year-over-year growth in family participation and satisfaction levels, with overall positive movement on the vision scorecard across families, staff, and students. Specific themes addressed from feedback included communication, professional development (with concerns raised about relevance for senior staff), behavior supports, collaboration time, and student concerns such as bullying and restroom safety. The process for utilizing survey feedback through district leadership teams and building-level teams to develop action plans was detailed.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the Muscatine Community School District 2627 school calendar. Student representatives provided an update on athletics, noting performance highlights for bowling, wrestling, and basketball teams, as well as new opportunities like a lifeguarding class. Academic updates covered activities for Key Club, senior survivor applications, and the River City Rhythm Show Choir invitational. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presenting the proposal for the 2627 At-Risk programming, which is funded through weighted at-risk funding, a modified supplemental amount for dropout prevention (property tax-based), and a required general fund match. The discussion focused on indicators used to identify at-risk students, such as attendance, engagement, academics, and literacy/numeracy scores, and the current structures in place like specialized personnel (e.g., attendance liaison, resource navigators) and programs (e.g., MCAP, Odyssey credit recovery). A board member inquired about the flexibility to adjust funding allocation within the approved plan for future consideration.

The meeting began with roll call and establishing a quorum, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed plans, specifications, and estimated cost for the Muscatine Community School District turf field replacement, which was opened and subsequently closed after discussion. Student school board representatives provided updates on various school activities, including concerts, spirit week themes, fundraising efforts (can drive, toy drive), and recent athletic achievements in palm squad, boys swim, wrestling, and boys basketball. The board then reviewed the district's board targets, focusing on student preparedness, resource utilization, and supportive learning environments. A presentation was given detailing the K-6 Math Adoption Process, which resulted in the selection of 'Reveal' and 'i-Ready' programs for piloting in January through May 2026 across Grant, Jefferson, and Malberry elementary schools. The next steps involve training and collecting feedback. A second presentation provided an update on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, highlighting its alignment with district goals (environment and instruction) and the structure involving District Leadership Teams and Building Leadership Teams. Stakeholder feedback on professional development relevance was also shared.