School Board Meeting Summary – Ames Community School District – July 13, 2026

Community Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Public Body: Ames Community School District
• Organization Type: school-district
• Government Body: school-boards
• Meeting Body: Not available
• Meeting Title: Board Meeting
• Meeting Date: 07-13-2026
• Meeting Type: Not available
• City: Ames
• County: Story
• State: iowa
• Meeting Source URL: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=150145&MID=31389
• Meeting Listing URL: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=150145
• Public Body Website: https://amescsd.org/district/school-board/
• Meeting Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIaGlwOVToA
• Video Channel URL: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialACSD

What Community Members Should Know

The Ames Community School District Board held its July 13, 2026 regular meeting with a focus on preparing for the 2026-27 school year. The meeting included approval of routine district business, updates on student assessment plans, facilities projects, transportation operations, contracts, and upcoming operational needs.

The Board approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda. The consent agenda included approval of prior meeting minutes, claims and payroll, personnel actions, open enrollment requests, staff handbook updates, starting pay rates, and multiple service agreements and contracts.

A major discussion topic was the district’s Comprehensive Assessment Plan for the upcoming school year. Administrators explained changes to student assessment practices, including adjustments to gifted-program identification testing, literacy screening, secondary student screening, and implementation of the required state civics assessment for graduation.

The district also reviewed facilities updates and operational projects. Topics included work at district properties, middle school painting, delayed cafeteria furniture, athletic scoreboard installations, storm sewer repairs near the high school, and future planning related to a property project and a cell tower lease.

The Board also discussed transportation operations and approved an amendment to the district’s agreement with First Student. The discussion focused on clarifying responsibilities after the first year of service, including transportation availability, employee training, bus usage during activity periods, privacy requirements, insurance, and facility use.

Several contracts and agreements were approved to support district operations. These included educational technology services, cybersecurity support, athletic training services, testing support, trademark licensing agreements, and professional services related to facilities planning.

No members of the public signed up to speak during the public forum portion of the meeting. The Board concluded the meeting by discussing upcoming planning activities, including a future work session focused on Board goals.

Major Discussion and Action Items

Comprehensive Assessment Plan for 2026-27

The Board received a presentation on the district’s plan for organizing student assessments during the 2026-27 school year.

The district explained that much of the assessment structure remains consistent with previous years, but several changes are planned. The COGAT assessment used for identifying students for talented and gifted extended learning opportunities will be administered only at the second-grade level.

The district also discussed expanded use of the i-Ready Inform assessment associated with the district’s literacy curriculum. The assessment will be used for both literacy and mathematics screening in kindergarten through fifth grade. Teacher training is planned before the school year begins.

For grades six through eleven, the district plans to use the STAR assessment screener. Administrators explained that middle school and high school staff wanted a screening tool that provides more information about student needs, grouping, intervention opportunities, and instructional support.

The district also discussed the first year of the required state civics assessment. Students must pass the assessment to graduate. Administrators explained that students may take the assessment multiple times if needed, and the district expects the assessment to be integrated into student planning.

Formal action occurred later in the meeting when the Board approved the 2026-27 Comprehensive Assessment Plan.

Facilities Updates and Planning

District leadership provided an update on facilities projects and discussions from a recent facilities committee meeting.

The district reported that soil boring work was underway at the Northwestern and 13th Street property location. A professional services agreement with Tenfold Architecture and Engineering was also brought forward later in the agenda.

Other facility updates included middle school painting work, which began in hallways and was expected to continue into cafeteria areas. Cafeteria furniture delivery was delayed, but district staff reported a plan to manage installation when the furniture arrives.

The district also reported that new athletic scoreboards were expected to ship at the end of July.

A small sinkhole near the high school was discussed. Staff reported that the cause was traced to a decommissioned storm sewer line and that corrective work was being addressed.

The district also discussed the future of a Verizon/American Tower cell tower lease located at the high school property. The current lease expires in 2030, and district staff are working on future lease terms.

Transportation Agreement Amendment with First Student

The Board discussed and approved an amendment to the district’s transportation agreement with First Student.

District staff explained that after one year of service, both organizations identified areas where the agreement could be clarified. Topics included rate adjustments, transportation availability, activity transportation, employee training, privacy protections, insurance requirements, bus damage responsibilities, and facility use.

The amendment includes a 2.7% increase tied to transportation industry CPI, payment provisions for 169 service days even when school is canceled, and requirements for professional development activities during certain paid time.

The district also clarified how transportation shortages would be handled. Staff discussed situations where activity transportation needs could compete with regular routes and established procedures for determining which trips receive priority.

The agreement also establishes a lease arrangement for First Student’s use of district facilities at Bell Street, with a monthly lease payment of $1,000.

Tenfold Architecture and Engineering Agreement

The Board approved Amendment 22 to the district’s professional services agreement with Tenfold Architecture and Engineering.

The agreement was connected to facilities planning and design/project management services discussed during the facilities update.

Consent Agenda Approvals

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included multiple operational items.

Items included:

• Previous meeting minutes
• Claims and payroll
• Personnel reports
• Open enrollment applications
• Certified staff handbook updates
• Substitute and support staff starting pay correction
• Educational technology agreements
• Cybersecurity services
• Testing services
• Trademark licensing agreements
• Athletic training services

Votes, Decisions, and Direction

• The Board approved the meeting agenda.

• Motion made by DeWard.

• Seconded by Shields Cook.

• Vote result: Passed.

• The Board approved the consent agenda as presented.

• Motion made by DeWard.

• Seconded by Baumgartner.

• Vote result: Passed 6-0.

• The Board approved policies presented for action.

• Motion made by Shields Cook.

• Seconded by Tipton.

• Vote result: Passed 6-0.

• The Board approved Amendment 22 to the district’s professional services agreement with Tenfold Architecture and Engineering.

• Motion made by Shields Cook.

• Seconded by Rodriguez.

• Vote result: Passed 6-0.

• The Board approved Amendment Number 2 to the district’s contract with First Student.

• Motion seconded during discussion and approved.

• Vote result: Passed 6-0.

• The Board approved disposal of obsolete equipment.

• Motion made by Shields Cook.

• Seconded by DeWard.

• Vote result: Passed 6-0.

• The Board approved the 2026-27 Comprehensive Assessment Plan.

• Motion made by Shields Cook.

• Seconded by Tipton.

• Vote result: Passed 6-0.

Financial Matters

The meeting included several financial and contract-related items.

The consent agenda included approval of district claims and payroll.

The Board approved an Edmentum EdOptions Academy agreement supporting online learning subscriptions for 25 full-time students in grades six through twelve. The listed cost was $62,500 for the 2026-27 school year.

The Board also approved an Edmentum Courseware agreement providing 180 licenses for credit recovery courses at Ames High. The listed cost was approximately $27,650 from the Dropout Prevention Fund.

A cybersecurity vulnerability management agreement with Martin Yarborough and Associates was approved. The estimated cost was approximately $7,000 from PPEL funds.

The Board approved athletic trainer services through McFarland Clinic for Ames Middle School activities. The three-year agreement included hourly rates of $25 for 2026-27, $35 for 2027-28, and $40 for 2028-29.

The First Student amendment included financial terms related to transportation rates, guaranteed service days, staff training, and facility use.

Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance

The Board approved policies previously discussed at an earlier meeting.

The meeting also included governance-related discussion of the required civics assessment and how the district will implement the graduation requirement.

The district discussed procedures related to public forum participation, including speaker registration, time limits, and restrictions on discussing confidential student or employee matters.

Reports, Presentations, and Updates

The Board received a Comprehensive Assessment Plan presentation from the Associate Superintendent.

The district also provided updates related to enrollment and staffing. The district reported 31 new certified staff members planned for the school year.

Facilities updates included reports from committee discussions, project progress, property planning, and operational maintenance issues.

Transportation operations were reviewed through discussion of the First Student agreement amendment and lessons learned from the first year of service.

Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters

The consent agenda included personnel report items involving contract approvals, resignations, and changes.

The district also approved updates to the 2026-27 Certified Staff Handbook.

Staffing updates indicated that the district expected 31 new certified staff members for the upcoming school year.

No additional personnel appointments or organizational changes were discussed in detail during the meeting.

Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations

The district discussed several operational projects.

Middle school painting work had begun, with additional areas planned for completion.

Cafeteria furniture delivery delays were discussed, along with plans to minimize disruption when installation occurs.

New athletic scoreboards were scheduled for shipment at the end of July.

The district addressed a sinkhole near the high school caused by a former storm sewer line.

The district continued planning related to the Northwestern and 13th Street property area, including soil testing and professional services.

The Board also reviewed transportation operations, including bus availability, activity transportation, driver and monitor training, and facility arrangements with First Student.

Public Comment and Community Input

No individuals signed up to speak during the public forum portion of the meeting.

The Board reviewed the district’s public forum procedures, which allow residents, students, parents, guardians, and staff members to address the Board on district-related topics.

Questions and Answers

Board members asked questions about the required civics assessment.

Questions included whether students must take the test only once and pass, or whether multiple opportunities are available. Administrators explained that students must pass once and may take the assessment multiple times if needed.

Board members also asked about transportation contract issues, including whether previous transportation concerns were addressed in the First Student amendment.

Staff explained that the amendment addressed procedures for bus availability, scheduling conflicts, and communication requirements.

Community Impact

Students will see updated assessment practices during the 2026-27 school year, including expanded literacy screening and secondary screening tools.

Families should be aware that the state civics assessment is now part of graduation requirements.

Students needing additional academic support may benefit from new screening and intervention processes.

Transportation users may see clearer procedures for activity transportation and service expectations under the amended First Student agreement.

District operations will continue to be affected by facilities projects, technology agreements, and maintenance work.

Questions Community Members May Want to Ask

1. How will the district measure whether the new assessment tools improve student outcomes?
2. How will families be informed about the civics assessment requirement?
3. What resources will be provided to students who need additional attempts to pass the civics assessment?
4. How will the district evaluate the effectiveness of the First Student transportation agreement amendment?
5. What future decisions are expected regarding the Northwestern and 13th Street property?
6. How will facility improvements be prioritized over the next several years?
7. How will assessment data be used while protecting student privacy?
8. What progress reports will be provided on facilities projects?
9. How will the district evaluate the impact of new literacy screening practices?
10. What transportation performance measures will be tracked during the next school year?

Important Dates and Next Steps

• August 2026: Teacher training is planned for use of the i-Ready Inform literacy and math screening tools.
• 2026-27 school year: New assessment procedures and civics testing requirements will be implemented.
• End of July 2026: New athletic scoreboards are expected to ship.
• August 10, 2026: Next scheduled Board meeting.
• August 31, 2026: Planned Board work session focused on Board goals.

Key Takeaways

• The Board approved the 2026-27 Comprehensive Assessment Plan.
• The district will expand use of i-Ready Inform screening for literacy and math.
• STAR assessment screening will be used for grades six through eleven.
• Students must pass the required civics assessment to graduate.
• Students may take the civics assessment multiple times if needed.
• The Board approved the consent agenda 6-0.
• The consent agenda included contracts, payroll, personnel items, and operational approvals.
• The district reported 31 new certified staff members for the upcoming school year.
• Middle school painting projects are underway.
• Cafeteria furniture delivery delays are being managed through planning.
• Athletic scoreboards are expected to ship at the end of July.
• A sinkhole near the high school was linked to a former storm sewer line.
• The Board approved a Tenfold professional services agreement amendment.
• The Board approved a First Student transportation contract amendment.
• First Student transportation changes include clearer procedures for bus shortages and activity transportation.
• First Student will lease district facilities at Bell Street for $1,000 per month.
• Edmentum online learning services were approved for the 2026-27 school year.
• Cybersecurity services were approved to support district technology goals.
• Athletic trainer services with McFarland Clinic were approved.
• No public speakers addressed the Board during public forum.
• Future Board discussions will include planning and goal-setting.

Official Sources

• Meeting source: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=150145&MID=31389
• Meeting listing: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=150145
• Public body website: https://amescsd.org/district/school-board/
• Meeting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIaGlwOVToA
• Video channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialACSD

About the Public Body

• Name: Ames Community School District
• Organization type: school-district
• Government body: school-boards
• Location: Ames, iowa
• County: Story
• Provider: simbli

Keywords

Ames Community School District, school board, Board Meeting, Ames Iowa, Story County, education, student assessment, Comprehensive Assessment Plan, civics test, graduation requirements, literacy screening, i-Ready Inform, STAR assessment, facilities, transportation, First Student, Tenfold Architecture, Edmentum, cybersecurity, McFarland Clinic, staffing, open enrollment, school operations, public forum, district planning, school facilities, technology services