The Cedar Falls Community School District Board of Education held its annual organizational business immediately before its regular July meeting, completing several annual appointments, updating financial authorizations, reviewing district finances, approving routine business through the consent agenda, and discussing planning for future district priorities. The meeting also included updates on district activities, construction projects, and upcoming legislative advocacy efforts.
One of the most significant actions was the Board's annual approval of its depository banks and maximum deposit resolution. The only reported change increased the authorized maximum deposits at Farmers State Bank from $50 million to $60 million. District officials explained that these limits establish the maximum amounts that may legally be deposited with each financial institution under the district's investment policy rather than reflecting the district's actual account balances. The increase was presented as part of the annual review of banking relationships and investment practices.
The Board completed several required organizational appointments for the 2026–27 school year. Denelle Gonnerman was appointed Board Secretary and Authorized School Business Official and completed the required oath of office. Daniel Lynch was appointed Treasurer, a volunteer position responsible for reviewing district financial records, investment practices, and annual bank balances before presenting an annual report to the Board later in the year. Officials indicated he would complete his oath of office within the required timeframe because he could not attend the meeting.
The Board also appointed Dr. Allen Heisterkamp to fill the vacant director seat previously held by Jeff Orvis until the next election permitted under Iowa law. Members discussed the appointment process briefly, confirmed that Dr. Heisterkamp would be sworn in separately, and noted that his first Board meeting is expected to occur in August.
Financial oversight occupied a substantial portion of the meeting. District staff reviewed June financial reports covering the General Fund, management funds, SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) revenues, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy funds, debt service, student activity accounts, food service operations, and other district funds. Officials emphasized that the June figures represent cash balances rather than final year-end accrual balances. Final audited fiscal year information will be presented later in the fall after year-end accounting is completed.
Board members also discussed the long-term effects of recent Iowa property tax legislation affecting future SAVE revenues. Administrators explained that changes beginning in 2027 could reduce future statewide sales tax distributions to school districts, although Cedar Falls believes its long-range facilities planning and revenue bond structure leave the district well positioned to manage the anticipated revenue changes. Staff emphasized that the district's existing capital planning remains within acceptable financial thresholds.
Several governance matters were completed during the meeting. The Board approved the second reading of six updated policies covering public participation, employee leave, compensation, student medication administration, stock prescription medications, and school nutrition purchasing procedures. Officials also began discussing legislative priorities for the upcoming Iowa Association of School Boards advocacy process, noting that additional guidance from the association is still pending and more formal recommendations will likely be developed during August.
District operations continue to move forward during the summer. Staff reported successful online registration for the upcoming school year, ongoing summer athletic competition, continued work on the new Career and Technical Education Center with expected occupancy by late November 2026, and continuing design work for future improvements at Peet Junior High and Holmes Junior High, including pool renovations, kitchen improvements, HVAC work, and other planned capital projects.
No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. The meeting concluded with a closed session requested under Iowa law to evaluate the professional competency of an individual. Board members stated that no action would be taken following the closed session and that the remaining work session would conclude without formal Board action.
Major Discussion and Action Items
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the routine consent agenda, including the meeting agenda, June meeting minutes, fiscal year-end accounts payable, open enrollment report, human resources report, and an agreement transferring state funding to Central Rivers Area Education Agency.
Board members did not identify any items requiring removal for separate consideration before approving the package.
Annual Depository Banks Resolution
The Board completed its annual review of approved financial institutions authorized to hold district funds.
District officials explained that the annual resolution establishes legal maximum deposit limits rather than actual cash balances held by the district.
The only proposed change increased the authorized maximum deposit with Farmers State Bank from $50 million to $60 million following review of the district's investment policy.
The Board approved the updated resolution for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
Annual Organizational Appointments
The Board completed several appointments required at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Appointments included:
- Board Secretary
- Authorized School Business Official
- District Treasurer
District officials explained the responsibilities associated with each position, particularly the Treasurer's independent annual review of district financial records and investments.
The Treasurer position remains a volunteer role.
Appointment to Vacant Board Seat
The Board appointed Dr. Allen Heisterkamp to fill the vacant Board seat previously held by Jeff Orvis until the next regular or special election authorized under Iowa law.
Members discussed his availability and confirmed that his oath of office would occur separately before his participation in future meetings.
The appointment ensures the Board returns to full membership for upcoming meetings.
June Financial Report
District administrators presented monthly financial reports covering every major operating fund.
Officials explained:
- General Fund operations
- Management Fund
- SAVE revenues
- Physical Plant and Equipment Levy
- Debt Service
- Student Activity accounts
- Food Service operations
- Enterprise funds
Staff emphasized that these reports reflect June cash balances rather than final audited year-end fund balances.
Discussion also addressed future capital planning and anticipated impacts from state legislation affecting future SAVE revenues beginning in 2027.
Board Policy Updates
The Board approved the second reading of six policies after completing the first reading during the June meeting.
Policies addressed:
- Public participation
- Employee leaves of absence
- Compensation
- Student medication administration
- Stock prescription medications
- School nutrition purchasing
Staff indicated the policies reflected updates and revisions requiring two readings before final adoption.
Legislative Priorities
The Board discussed preparations for submitting legislative priorities through the Iowa Association of School Boards.
Because statewide guidance had not yet been released, staff indicated additional discussion would occur later in the summer before priorities are submitted.
Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent highlighted several operational updates, including:
- Successful online registration for the upcoming school year
- Summer athletic competitions
- Progress on the Career and Technical Education Center
- Continued planning for Peet and Holmes facility improvements
Board members also discussed anticipated design timelines, construction bidding, and future project scheduling.
Votes, Decisions, and Direction
- Approved the consent agenda.
- Approved the 2026–27 depository banks and maximum deposit resolution.
- Appointed Denelle Gonnerman as Board Secretary.
- Administered the oath of office to the Board Secretary.
- Appointed Denelle Gonnerman as Authorized School Business Official.
- Appointed Daniel Lynch as Treasurer for the 2026–27 school year.
- Appointed Dr. Allen Heisterkamp to fill the vacant Board seat until the next authorized election.
- Approved the second reading of six Board policies.
- Entered closed session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i).
- Meeting materials indicate each of the above motions received Board approval. Individual motion makers and seconders were identified during the meeting, but the available materials do not provide complete vote tallies for every action beyond indicating unanimous approval by voice vote where used.
Financial Matters
The Board reviewed June cash balances across all major district funds.
The General Fund reported approximately:
- $4.9 million in June revenues.
- $6.5 million in expenditures.
- Approximately $20.15 million in ending cash balance.
SAVE revenues totaled roughly:
- $626,000 in June revenue.
- Approximately $18.6 million in ending cash.
Officials explained SAVE funds will support upcoming facility improvements, including work associated with Peet and Holmes facilities.
The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy fund continued supporting projects including the Scheels-Tegria Performance Center, natatorium work, transportation equipment, and other long-range facility improvements.
Board members also discussed the future impact of state legislation affecting SAVE revenue beginning in 2027. Administrators stated that current financial planning indicates Cedar Falls remains positioned to continue planned capital improvements despite anticipated changes in future distributions.
The annual banking resolution increased the authorized deposit limit at Farmers State Bank from $50 million to $60 million while leaving other authorized limits unchanged.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The Board approved the second reading of six updated policies involving:
- Public participation at Board meetings.
- Employee leaves of absence.
- Employee compensation and salary basis.
- Administration of medications to students.
- Administration of stock prescription medication.
- School nutrition purchasing procedures.
Officials explained these represented policies requiring a second reading because substantive revisions had been made.
The Board also began discussing legislative priorities for the upcoming Iowa legislative session but deferred final recommendations until statewide guidance becomes available.
Reports, Presentations, and Updates
District staff reported that:
- Summer activities continue, including Sturgis Falls participation.
- Baseball and softball teams remain active in postseason competition.
- Online registration for the 2026–27 school year is progressing successfully.
- Construction continues on the new Career and Technical Education Center with expected completion near the end of November 2026.
Staff also outlined planning for future capital improvements involving Peet and Holmes schools.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
Organizational actions included:
- Appointment of Board Secretary.
- Appointment of Authorized School Business Official.
- Appointment of Treasurer.
- Appointment of Dr. Allen Heisterkamp to fill a vacant Board position.
Officials explained the Treasurer position is a volunteer role responsible for assisting with annual financial review and reporting.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Construction continues on the district's Career and Technical Education Center.
District leadership expects occupancy by approximately the end of November 2026.
Planning also continues for Peet and Holmes facility improvements.
Current design work includes:
- Pool-related improvements.
- Kitchen modernization.
- HVAC improvements.
- Other projects included within the district's long-term Physical Plant and Equipment Levy planning.
Staff anticipate presenting construction documents later in 2026, with bidding expected afterward and construction beginning during spring 2027.
No public comments were received during the meeting.
Questions and Answers
Board members asked why the maximum authorized deposits for Farmers State Bank increased.
Staff explained the increase reflects annual investment policy review and establishes only the maximum amount permitted, not actual balances held by the district.
Board members asked when the Treasurer's annual presentation would occur.
District staff indicated it is typically presented during the fall.
Members asked whether recent state legislation affecting SAVE revenues had already been incorporated into district financial planning.
Administrators explained the changes begin affecting distributions in 2027 and that current long-range financial planning remains within acceptable targets.
Board members requested an update on planning for Peet and Holmes improvements.
District administrators described the current design process, anticipated timeline for construction documents, expected bidding later in the year, and likely construction beginning during spring 2027.
Students and families will continue seeing investment in school facilities through ongoing capital improvement projects.
Taxpayers may be interested in the district's continued monitoring of future state funding changes and how those could influence long-term facilities planning.
District employees are affected by updated governance policies and organizational appointments completed during the annual meeting.
Residents will see continued progress on the Career and Technical Education Center and future planning for improvements at Peet and Holmes schools.
The appointment of a new Board member restores a full governing board for future district decisions.
- How will future reductions in SAVE revenue affect long-term facility planning?
- What projects are expected to receive priority at Peet and Holmes?
- When will detailed construction plans be presented publicly?
- What milestones remain before the Career and Technical Education Center opens?
- How will future legislative priorities be selected by the Board?
- What financial indicators will be included in the Treasurer's annual report?
- How will upcoming capital projects affect students during construction?
- What policy changes will have the greatest impact on district operations?
Important Dates and Next Steps
- Dr. Allen Heisterkamp is expected to be sworn into office before the August Board meeting.
- Daniel Lynch will complete the Treasurer's oath of office within the required timeframe.
- The Treasurer is expected to present an annual financial review later in the fall.
- Final audited fiscal year financial information is expected after year-end accounting is completed.
- Legislative priorities will be finalized following guidance from the Iowa Association of School Boards.
- Career and Technical Education Center occupancy is anticipated near the end of November 2026.
- Peet and Holmes project design work will continue before construction bidding later in 2026, with construction anticipated during spring 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Annual organizational meeting completed.
- Consent agenda approved.
- Depository bank resolution approved.
- Farmers State Bank authorization increased to $60 million.
- Board Secretary appointed.
- Authorized School Business Official appointed.
- Treasurer appointed.
- Treasurer serves as a volunteer.
- New Board member appointed to vacant seat.
- June financial reports reviewed.
- Reports reflected cash balances rather than final audited balances.
- SAVE revenue legislation discussed.
- District expects future SAVE revenue reductions beginning in 2027.
- Officials believe current capital planning remains financially sustainable.
- Six Board policies received final approval after second reading.
- No public comments were received.
- Summer registration is underway.
- Summer athletic programs continue.
- Career and Technical Education Center construction continues.
- Occupancy is anticipated near the end of November 2026.
- Peet and Holmes planning continues.
- Future bidding is expected later in 2026.
- Construction is anticipated during spring 2027.
- Legislative priorities will be finalized later this summer.
- Closed session concluded the public portion of the meeting.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Cedar Falls Community School District
- Organization type: school-district
- Government body: school-boards
- Location: Cedar Falls, iowa
- County: Black Hawk County
- Provider: wordpress-board-table
Keywords
Cedar Falls Community School District, Cedar Falls Board of Education, July 13 2026, regular meeting, annual meeting, school board, Iowa schools, Black Hawk County, depository banks, Farmers State Bank, Board Secretary, Authorized School Business Official, Treasurer appointment, Allen Heisterkamp, board vacancy, June financial report, SAVE funding, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, legislative priorities, board policies, medication policy, public participation policy, online registration, Career and Technical Education Center, Peet Junior High, Holmes Junior High, capital projects, school facilities, closed session
