Meeting Overview
The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District is scheduled to hold a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. on June 4, 2026, in the Administration Center Board Room in Grimes. The agenda centers on construction and facilities contracts, the high school video board project, personnel and service agreements, a new activities position, and a presentation on district information and superintendent goals.
Key Items on the Agenda
High School Video Board Project
The board is scheduled to consider several related actions that could move the DCG High School Video Board Project from bidding into construction.
Four bids are listed for acceptance into the record:
- Ardent Construction — $492,899
- GTG — $578,000
- Blue Ribbon Builders — $597,700
- Larson Construction — $720,000
Staff recommends awarding the low bid to Ardent Lighting Group, LLC for $492,899. A separate agenda item recommends approval of the project's A101 Standard Form of Agreement and A201 General Conditions with Ardent Lighting.
The project's specifications encompass the scoreboard as well as structural steel, concrete, electrical systems, telecommunications infrastructure and related site work. Ardent's bid documents state that the work would be completed by September 30, 2026.
Elementary School Construction Contracts
Three construction agreements are scheduled for consideration as new business.
- Dallas Center Elementary Secure Entry Project: Staff recommends approval of an agreement with Keystone Construction Services, LLC. The contract establishes a stipulated sum of $715,000.
- North Ridge Elementary Renovation Project: Staff recommends approval of an agreement with R.H. Grabau Construction Inc. for a stipulated sum of $515,250.
- North Ridge Elementary Renovation Project: Staff also recommends approval of an agreement with All Iowa Mechanical for a stipulated sum of $149,900.
Together, the three proposed construction contracts total $1,380,150.
Consent Agenda
Geotechnical Engineering for District Projects
The consent agenda includes professional-services agreements with Allender Butzke Engineers, Inc. for geotechnical exploration connected to two district projects.
For the DCG High School Additions and Improvements, the proposed scope includes building and site soil borings, a seismic cone penetration test, laboratory testing, engineering analysis and a written report. The agreement lists a $23,300 cost, with potential additional charges if soft or wet ground requires all-terrain drilling equipment.
For the DCG Operations Campus Improvements, the proposed work includes seven soil borings, laboratory testing, engineering analysis and a written report. The agreement lists a $6,100 cost, reduced to $5,600 if Allender Butzke is awarded both this project and the high school addition project; an additional $400 could apply if all-terrain drilling equipment is required.
Corteva Busing Services
The consent agenda also includes an agreement with Advance Services for DCG to provide a school bus and driver for Corteva corn-pollination transportation. The contract order identifies an effective period of July 7 through August 8, 2026.
The scope calls for transportation between DCG High School and the Dallas Center Farm, generally with one morning pickup and one afternoon return approximately six days per week. The attached statement of work lists driver charges of $24 per hour, a bus charge of $2,250 per bus for the period, and a $11,800 total upfront cost. The statement of work also contains references to 2025 dates even though the contract order identifies the 2026 effective period.
Personnel Changes
Personnel actions are included on the consent agenda. The packet lists new contracts for the remainder of the 2025-26 year and for 2026-27, along with resignations and transfers.
Among the 2026-27 contracts are positions in counseling, football, girls wrestling, mock trial, musical and drama activities. The packet also lists several end-of-year staff transfers, including changes involving teaching, associate, interpreter, interventionist and administrative assistant positions.
Superintendent Update
Superintendent Dr. Scott Blum is scheduled to present an update on district information and his goals for the 2025-26 school year.
The supporting presentation identifies Strategic Plan Implementation and Continuous Improvement as one superintendent goal. It describes an objective of leading implementation of the district's three-year strategic plan and tracking progress in areas including student learning, staff development, financial stewardship and community engagement.
Staffing and District Operations
Assistant Activities Director for Fine Arts and Event Operations
The board is scheduled to consider a new Assistant Activities Director for Fine Arts and Event Operations job description. The packet says the position would replace duties previously provided through BCP contracted services.
The proposed classified position has a 260-day work year and would report to the Activities Director. Responsibilities would include:
- Coordinating fine arts programs, performances, contests and events.
- Managing auditorium scheduling, production services and technical support.
- Overseeing sound, lighting, audiovisual, projection and livestreaming systems.
- Managing district facility scheduling and rental operations.
- Supporting event staffing, ticketing, admissions, crowd management and facility readiness.
- Supervising assigned event workers, game staff, volunteers and students.
- Assisting with financial reporting, inventory, equipment and activity scheduling.
Staff recommends approval of the job description.
What to Watch at the Meeting
The special meeting places significant emphasis on district facilities and construction. The board is expected to consider three elementary-school construction contracts totaling $1.38 million, along with the proposed $492,899 award for the high school video board project.
Other items to watch include the related video board contract, geotechnical work supporting planned high school and operations-campus improvements, the seasonal Corteva transportation agreement, and the proposed shift from contracted services to an Assistant Activities Director position for fine arts and event operations.
The agenda identifies the next regular board meeting as Monday, June 22, 2026.
