School Board Agenda & Packet Summary – GHV – July 13, 2026

Meeting Information

• Public Body: Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Comm School District
• Organization Type: school-district
• Government Body: school-boards
• Meeting Title: Regular School Board Meeting
• Meeting Date: 2026-07-13
• City: Garner
• County: Hancock County
• State: iowa
• Meeting Source URL: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031989&MID=32186
• Meeting Listing URL: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36031989
• Public Body Website: https://www.ghvschools.org/BoardofEducation.aspx
• Meeting Video URL: Not available
• Video Channel URL: Not available

This briefing is based on the meeting packet and supporting extracted materials provided in the attached source file.

What Community Members Should Know

The July 13, 2026 meeting centers on preparing the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. The agenda combines routine annual governance actions with several significant operational and financial decisions involving facilities, curriculum, insurance, student policies, shared staffing agreements, and preschool partnerships.

The largest financial item is approval of a $404,216.05 EMC insurance renewal, followed by authorization of a $175,839 high school roof replacement. The board is also considering curriculum purchases totaling $18,417.93 for K-8 mathematics materials and approving a $16,790.14 decorative acrylic installation for the high school commons entrance.

Several policy matters have broad implications for students and staff. The board will conduct first readings of a new disruptive behavior policy reflecting recent Iowa law and a new framework governing whether eighth-grade students may participate in high school athletics. Both proposals establish detailed procedures intended to improve consistency and transparency.

The meeting also includes multiple cooperative agreements with neighboring educational organizations, including preschool partnerships, shared staffing arrangements, and agreements involving North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), along with annual governance actions such as designation of the district's official meeting notice location.

Major Discussion and Action Items

High School Roof Replacement

One of the meeting's most significant capital decisions is approval of a quote from Midwest Roofing to replace the high school roof.

The proposed contract totals $175,839, making it one of the largest expenditures before the board. Roof replacement represents long-term infrastructure maintenance intended to protect district facilities and avoid more costly structural damage in the future.

Formal board approval is requested before the project proceeds.

Major Insurance Renewal

The district is asked to renew its insurance coverage through EMC Insurance for $404,216.05.

The renewal combines multiple types of protection, including:

• Property insurance
• General liability
• Excess liability
• Workers' compensation
• Automobile coverage
• Cyber liability
• Builders risk
• Crime/Fidelity coverage
• Pollution coverage
• Umbrella liability
• Linebacker coverage

Maintaining comprehensive insurance protects district buildings, employees, equipment, vehicles, technology systems, and financial operations.

K-8 Mathematics Curriculum Materials

Administration recommends purchasing McGraw Hill K-8 mathematics consumables and annual online access for $18,417.93.

The packet explains that:

• Grades 9-12 already have a multi-year subscription running through 2030.
• The district had previously intended to adopt a new K-8 math curriculum but postponed those plans because of budget pressures.
• Administration expects the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning to revisit curriculum decisions in the future.
• McGraw Hill bundled print materials and digital access to reduce overall costs.

The purchase keeps existing instructional materials available while larger curriculum replacement decisions remain deferred.

Student Behavior Policy Update

The board will conduct the first reading of Policy 503.11 concerning disruptive classroom behavior.

The proposed policy establishes detailed procedures for handling both nonviolent and violent classroom disruptions while emphasizing:

• Teacher authority to remove disruptive students.
• Student due process protections.
• Required meetings before students return to class.
• Documentation requirements.
• Special procedures for students with Section 504 plans or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Increased support from counselors, behavioral intervention staff, and mental health professionals following serious incidents.

The proposal also addresses repeated classroom removals and establishes procedures for appeals, alternative learning arrangements, and additional disciplinary options when disruptions continue.

Eighth Grade Participation in High School Athletics

Another first reading introduces a local policy governing eighth-grade participation in high school athletics.

Rather than automatically permitting participation, administration recommends a "Middle School First" philosophy that views middle school athletics as the primary developmental experience.

Under the proposed framework, exceptions could be approved only after considering:

• Student safety
• Physical maturity
• Emotional readiness
• Academic responsibility
• High school roster needs
• Impact on middle school programs

Applications would receive administrative review involving district leadership and coaching staff before approval.

Cooperative Educational Agreements

Several intergovernmental and cooperative agreements support district operations during the 2026-2027 school year.

These include:

• A 28E sharing agreement with NIACC involving Tony Englin.
• 28E preschool agreements with Little Lambs Preschool.
• 28E preschool agreements with Redeemer Preschool.
• Updated state special education funding payment procedures.
• Shared media specialist agreements with Forest City.
• Shared media specialist agreements with Northwood-Kensett.

These partnerships allow participating organizations to share educational services, staffing, and specialized programming more efficiently.

Annual Governance Actions

The board will complete its annual designation of the official location where meeting notices are posted.

Administration recommends continuing to post notices on the entrance glass at the District Office located at 605 W. Lyons Street in Garner, except for the August 17, 2026 meeting, which will occur at Garner City Hall.

This action satisfies Iowa public meeting notice requirements.

Adult Meal Pricing

The board is asked to approve a state-directed increase in adult meal pricing.

The proposed adult meal price becomes $5.14, reflecting state agency guidance rather than a locally determined increase.

Financial Matters

The packet contains several significant financial actions.

The largest expenditure is the $404,216.05 EMC Insurance renewal, covering numerous categories of district insurance protection.

The board is also considering:

• $175,839 for high school roof replacement.
• $18,417.93 for K-8 McGraw Hill mathematics consumables and online instructional access.
• $16,790.14 for acrylic wall features and a Cardinal decal at the high school commons entrance.
• Routine approval of district bills and financial reports.
• Updated quarterly scheduling of special education state funding transfers.
• Annual adult meal pricing adjustments established through the state.

These expenditures support district operations, facility preservation, instructional materials, student services, and risk management.

Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance

Two major policy proposals receive first readings.

Policy 503.11 modernizes district procedures for disruptive classroom behavior, aligning district practices with recent Iowa law while expanding procedures for teacher authority, student discipline, documentation, and protections involving students with disabilities.

Policy 504.06 establishes a local framework governing eighth-grade participation in high school athletics. Rather than broadly expanding eligibility, the proposed policy emphasizes educational development, safety, fairness, and administrative consistency.

The board also completes its annual public notice designation as required for open meetings.

Reports, Presentations, and Informational Updates

Supporting information accompanying agenda items explains several administrative recommendations.

Curriculum materials outline why the district continues using existing K-8 mathematics resources instead of adopting an entirely new curriculum, noting previous postponements because of budget limitations.

The athletic participation recommendation provides extensive background on recent Iowa legislation allowing—but not requiring—districts to permit eighth-grade participation in high school athletics. Administration recommends a structured local process instead of automatic eligibility.

Policy documentation also explains new expectations regarding behavioral interventions, classroom removals, IEP implementation, Section 504 reviews, and staff responsibilities following classroom disruptions.

Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters

Personnel-related items primarily involve shared staffing rather than new employment.

The board considers:

• A shared media specialist agreement with Forest City.
• A shared media specialist agreement with Northwood-Kensett.
• A sharing agreement involving NIACC and Tony Englin.

The athletics proposal also identifies administrative roles that would participate in reviewing requests for eighth-grade participation in high school athletics, including the Activities Director, school principal, superintendent designee, and coaches.

Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations

Facilities remain a major operational focus.

The proposed roof replacement represents an important capital maintenance investment intended to preserve the high school facility.

The district is also considering installation of acrylic wall features and a Cardinal decal at the high school commons entrance, representing both facility enhancement and school branding.

Operational matters also include insurance renewal, curriculum purchasing, food service pricing, shared staffing arrangements, and annual governance requirements supporting district operations for the upcoming school year.

Public Hearings and Opportunities for Community Input

Public comments are scheduled during the meeting.

Residents may comment on matters not appearing on the agenda during the designated public comment period.

Individuals wishing to address agenda items may do so when those items are considered.

The agenda provides approximately twenty minutes for public comments, with a general five-minute limit per speaker unless extended by the board.

No separate public hearings are identified within the packet.

Community Impact

Students may experience updated classroom behavior procedures, revised athletic participation opportunities for eighth graders, continued mathematics instructional resources, and improved facilities through the planned roof replacement.

Families receive clearer expectations regarding student discipline, athletic eligibility, preschool partnerships, and school meal pricing.

Employees, particularly teachers and administrators, would operate under expanded procedures governing classroom disruptions, behavioral interventions, documentation, and collaboration involving students with IEPs or Section 504 plans.

Taxpayers and community members have an interest in significant expenditures for insurance, facilities, curriculum, and shared educational services designed to maintain district operations while cooperating with neighboring organizations.

Questions Community Members May Want to Ask

• How was the $175,839 roof replacement proposal evaluated against competing options?
• What is the expected lifespan of the new high school roof?
• Are additional capital maintenance projects anticipated in the coming year?
• Why was replacement of the K-8 math curriculum postponed again?
• Under what circumstances would eighth-grade students be approved for high school athletics?
• How will the district ensure consistent application of the new athletics policy?
• What additional staff training will accompany the disruptive behavior policy?
• How will quarterly special education funding payments affect district cash flow?
• What savings or efficiencies result from the various 28E and sharing agreements?
• How have insurance costs changed compared with the previous year?

Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps

• July 13, 2026: Regular School Board meeting considering all agenda actions.
• 2026-2027 School Year: Proposed implementation period for the new eighth-grade athletics framework if ultimately adopted.
• 2026-2027 School Year: Preschool and staffing sharing agreements begin upon approval.
• Future Board Meeting: Additional reading and potential final adoption of first-reading policies.
• August 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM: Next regular school board meeting, scheduled to be held at Garner City Hall.

Key Takeaways

• The board is considering more than $600,000 in notable expenditures and contractual commitments.
• A $404,216.05 insurance renewal is the largest financial action.
• High school roof replacement would cost $175,839.
• K-8 math materials would cost $18,417.93.
• Adult meal prices would increase to $5.14.
• The district proposes a comprehensive disruptive behavior policy update.
• A new "Middle School First" athletics framework would guide eighth-grade participation.
• Multiple 28E agreements continue preschool partnerships and educational collaboration.
• Shared media specialist agreements expand cooperation with neighboring districts.
• The district will continue annual public notice practices at the District Office.
• The next regular board meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2026.

Official Sources

• Meeting source: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031989&MID=32186
• Meeting listing: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36031989
• Public body website: https://www.ghvschools.org/BoardofEducation.aspx
• Meeting video: Not available
• Video channel: Not available

About the Public Body

• Name: Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Comm School District
• Organization type: school-district
• Government body: school-boards
• Location: Garner, iowa
• County: Hancock County
• Provider: simbli

Keywords

Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, GHV, Regular School Board Meeting, July 13 2026, Garner, Hancock County, Midwest Roofing, high school roof replacement, EMC Insurance, McGraw Hill, K-8 math curriculum, disruptive behavior policy, Policy 503.11, Policy 504.06, eighth grade athletics, Middle School First, NIACC, Little Lambs Preschool, Redeemer Preschool, media specialist sharing agreement, Forest City, Northwood-Kensett, adult meal prices, special education funding, 28E agreement, school facilities, curriculum, insurance renewal, Cardinal decal