The Interstate 35 Community School District Board of Education focused much of its July 20 meeting on long-term planning rather than day-to-day operations. The most significant action was approving a resolution to place a bond referendum before voters seeking authority to issue up to $12.3 million in general obligation school bonds. If approved by voters, the funding would support renovations to existing school facilities, improvements to academic spaces and building systems, construction of new athletic facilities, campus access improvements, and repurposing of existing athletic infrastructure.
Board members also received an extensive presentation highlighting how the district's College and Career Transition Counselor program is preparing students for life after graduation. The report demonstrated strong participation in college planning, career exploration, financial aid assistance, and concurrent enrollment opportunities. District students exceeded the statewide FAFSA completion average, earned hundreds of college credits while still in high school, and pursued a broad range of postsecondary pathways including universities, community colleges, technical training, military service, and direct workforce entry.
Facilities planning remained another major topic. The superintendent reviewed recent work with OPN Architects regarding the proposed bond initiative, including planning meetings, public communication efforts, frequently asked questions, and preparation for community outreach. Board members later approved additional consulting services intended to assist with public communication surrounding the upcoming bond election.
Governance and policy work also occupied a substantial portion of the meeting. The board conducted a first reading of numerous policy revisions required by new state legislation and updated Iowa Association of School Boards guidance. Several proposed policy changes could have meaningful effects on students and families, including revised technology usage expectations, gifted and talented identification procedures, rules governing disruptive classroom behavior, participation of eighth-grade students in high school athletics, and religious-based exemptions from certain school activities.
Routine business included approval of previous meeting minutes, financial reports, personnel recommendations, district handbooks, athletic streaming services, administrative job descriptions, and the purchase of new gymnasium folding chairs. While many of these items were approved together through the consent agenda, several generated additional discussion that helped explain district operations and future priorities.
The meeting also recognized district employees for statewide transportation awards honoring exceptional service and heroism. These recognitions highlighted the contributions of transportation staff beyond their routine responsibilities and reflected positively on the district's operations.
Although no major public controversy emerged during the meeting, board members raised practical questions about teacher recruitment, college readiness programming, athletic staffing, administrative organization, and communication surrounding the upcoming bond election. These discussions provided insight into issues the board expects to continue monitoring throughout the coming school year.
Overall, the meeting reflected a district balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term strategic planning. Facilities planning, student postsecondary success, policy compliance, and organizational improvements were recurring themes that are likely to remain important topics during future meetings.
Major Discussion and Action Items
College and Career Transition Counseling Program
The Board received an end-of-year presentation from the district's College and Career Transition Counselor describing services provided throughout the school year.
The report showed that more than 532 individual student appointments were completed to assist students with college planning, financial aid, career exploration, academic planning, and postsecondary decision-making. Staff explained that demand is highest during the beginning of the school year and again during financial aid and enrollment periods.
The presentation highlighted the district's 59% FAFSA completion rate, exceeding the statewide average of approximately 54%. Staff emphasized that FAFSA completion improves access to financial aid and increases the likelihood that students successfully enroll in postsecondary education.
Students pursued a wide variety of postsecondary pathways rather than following a single route. Graduates entered four-year universities, community colleges, technical programs, apprenticeships, military service, and the workforce.
Concurrent enrollment remains a significant opportunity for Interstate 35 students. 107 students participated in online DMACC coursework, earning 901 college credits, while 95.6% successfully completed their courses with grades of C- or higher.
The counselor also described career exploration opportunities including career days, job shadows, industry visits, college visits, trade expos, health care events, and partnerships with local employers. Approximately 112 juniors and seniors participated in career exploration experiences during the year.
No formal board action was required because the presentation was informational.
Bond Referendum and Facilities Planning
Facilities planning was the meeting's largest strategic topic.
The superintendent reviewed recent work with OPN Architects and explained efforts to fully understand existing facility conditions, develop project priorities, prepare public communication materials, and organize the campaign timeline leading to the proposed bond election.
Staff reported that the required petition signatures had been verified, allowing the board to formally call the election.
The proposed bond would authorize borrowing of up to $12.3 million for:
- Renovation and modernization of school buildings.
- Reconfiguration of academic learning spaces.
- HVAC, mechanical, and exterior improvements.
- New athletic facilities, including a stadium and track.
- Parking and campus access improvements.
- Repurposing of existing athletic facilities.
Board members discussed the importance of communicating facility needs clearly to residents before the election.
Board Policy Updates
The board completed a first reading of dozens of updated policies reflecting legislative changes and Iowa Association of School Boards recommendations.
Discussion focused on several policies expected to have practical effects:
- Technology use limitations for younger students.
- Procedures governing disruptive student behavior.
- Religious-based exemptions from instructional activities.
- Identification and services for gifted and talented students.
- Participation of eighth-grade students in high school athletic programs.
- Changes affecting school board election procedures.
Staff explained that several policies still require additional state guidance before final implementation.
No final adoption occurred during this meeting because the policies were presented for first reading.
Administrative Organization and Job Descriptions
The superintendent introduced updated administrative job descriptions intended to improve organizational clarity and clearly define leadership responsibilities.
Administrators reviewed draft documents before presentation to the board.
Board members discussed potential overlap between the Activities Director and Dean of Students responsibilities and encouraged continued development of clear decision-making procedures identifying which administrator handles various situations.
The superintendent indicated additional position descriptions would be developed over time.
The board formally approved the presented job descriptions.
Bond Communication Services
The board considered additional consulting services from OPN Architects to assist with communication regarding the proposed bond referendum.
Discussion centered on public engagement strategies including:
- Frequently asked questions.
- Public information meetings.
- Community presentations.
- Website improvements.
- Communication planning.
- Optional public relations support.
Board members emphasized the importance of helping residents understand facility conditions before voting.
Rather than limiting approval to the base proposal, the board authorized spending up to $11,500, allowing administration flexibility to add communication services if needed.
Student and Employee Handbooks
The board approved updated district handbooks for the coming school year.
Administrators explained that most revisions reflected:
- Recently adopted legislation.
- Updated board policies.
- Technology guidance.
- Routine annual updates.
No major operational changes beyond policy compliance were highlighted.
Student Activities and Athletic Operations
The board approved the district's HUDL camera and streaming agreement for athletic events and activities.
Board members also approved purchasing 40 padded folding chairs for use in athletic facilities.
Discussion regarding coaching personnel included clarification about staffing changes within the golf program and adjustments based on participation numbers.
Votes, Decisions, and Direction
- Agenda approved.
- Consent agenda approved, including previous meeting minutes, financial reports, personnel recommendations, and related routine business.
- Resolution ordering an election on issuance of up to $12.3 million in General Obligation School Bonds approved by roll-call vote.
- District handbooks approved.
- HUDL camera and streaming services approved for $18,300.
- Administrative job descriptions approved.
- OPN Tier II bond communication services approved, with authorization for administration to spend up to $11,500 if additional communication services are needed.
- Purchase of 40 padded folding chairs from Dannco for $6,960 approved.
- Policies discussed during first reading were reviewed but not finally adopted during this meeting.
Financial Matters
Several financial items were discussed.
The largest financial matter was the proposed $12.3 million bond referendum, which would finance significant facility improvements if approved by district voters.
The board approved:
- HUDL streaming and camera services totaling $18,300.
- Purchase of 40 padded folding chairs for $6,960.
- OPN Tier II communication services related to the bond referendum, with authorization to spend up to $11,500 including optional communication support.
The consent agenda also included approval of monthly bills, financial statements, published wages, and other routine financial documents.
No additional contracts, grants, tax changes, or budget amendments were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The board conducted a substantial first reading of policy revisions.
Highlighted topics included:
- Student technology usage expectations.
- Classroom management and disruptive behavior procedures.
- Gifted and talented identification.
- Religious-based participation exemptions.
- Student activity eligibility.
- Technology and instructional materials.
- Board election procedures.
- Financial management updates.
- Federal compliance requirements.
- Records management.
- Data security.
The superintendent explained that several policies simply incorporate state-required language, while others represent more significant operational changes.
The disruptive behavior policy will require additional procedures and oversight once final state guidance is available.
Reports, Presentations, and Updates
Reports included:
- Elementary monthly report.
- College and Career Transition Counselor annual report.
- Superintendent's facilities update.
- Bond planning update.
- Board policy review.
- Recognition of Iowa Pupil Transportation Association award recipients.
The college and career presentation provided extensive performance data demonstrating student participation in counseling, FAFSA completion, concurrent enrollment, career exploration, and postsecondary planning.
The superintendent's report emphasized facilities planning and implementation of new state policy requirements.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
Approved personnel actions included:
- Hiring Daniel Krull as Assistant Golf Coach.
- Hiring Dean Delzell as High School Science Teacher pending background check.
- Hiring Victoria White as Assistant Track Coach (Throwing).
- Transfer of Joshua Maxwell to Head Cross Country Coach.
- Acceptance of Kelsey Stonehocker's resignation from teaching and coaching positions.
The district also recognized transportation employees Addie Finley, Amanda Finley, and Bobby Finley for statewide transportation awards honoring heroism, leadership, and service.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Facilities planning centered on the proposed bond referendum.
If approved by voters, projects would include:
- Academic space renovations.
- Mechanical and HVAC improvements.
- Exterior improvements.
- Athletic facility construction.
- Parking improvements.
- Campus access improvements.
- Repurposing existing athletic infrastructure.
Board members also approved equipment purchases supporting athletic operations, including new folding chairs and continued athletic streaming services.
The agenda included an opportunity for public comment.
The available meeting materials do not document substantive public testimony during this meeting.
Board members did discuss community communication strategies related to the proposed bond election and encouraged broad public outreach before voters consider the measure.
Questions and Answers
Board members asked numerous informational questions during reports and discussions, including:
- Whether the district should introduce new teachers through social media biographies to better connect with the community.
- How many individual student appointments were completed through the College and Career Transition Counselor program.
- How Interstate 35's FAFSA completion compared with statewide averages.
- Where graduates from the Class of 2026 planned to continue their education or careers.
- Which concurrent enrollment courses students most frequently selected.
- How many students participated in job shadows and career exploration.
- How coaching assignments within the golf program had changed.
- Whether combining Activities Director and Dean of Students responsibilities could create organizational challenges.
- What communication strategies should be used to explain the bond proposal to district residents.
Staff provided explanations and additional context for each topic.
Students and families may benefit from expanded postsecondary planning services, strong concurrent enrollment participation, career exploration opportunities, and updated student handbooks.
Taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed bond referendum that would significantly affect future district facilities and capital investments.
Teachers and staff will operate under updated policies and revised administrative structures intended to clarify responsibilities and comply with new state requirements.
Athletes and activity participants will continue benefiting from streaming services and equipment upgrades.
The broader community will likely see increased public communication and informational meetings leading up to the bond election.
- What facility needs are considered most urgent under the proposed bond plan?
- What improvements would occur first if voters approve the bond referendum?
- How would the proposed bond affect taxpayers?
- How will the district measure success of its College and Career Transition Counseling program in future years?
- What additional support will be available for students pursuing careers outside traditional four-year colleges?
- How will the district implement new disruptive behavior procedures?
- What criteria will determine whether an eighth-grade student participates in high school athletics?
- How will gifted and talented identification change under the revised policy?
- What community engagement opportunities will be available before the bond election?
- How will updated administrative job descriptions improve district operations?
Important Dates and Next Steps
- Future readings and possible adoption of revised board policies.
- Continued public communication regarding the proposed bond referendum.
- Community outreach and informational meetings concerning facility needs.
- Preparation for the bond election.
- Implementation of updated district handbooks for the new school year.
- Next regular Board of Education meeting: August 24, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The board approved placing a $12.3 million bond proposal before voters.
- Proposed bond projects include academic, mechanical, athletic, and campus improvements.
- Petition signatures supporting the bond election were verified.
- OPN communication services received expanded approval.
- FAFSA completion reached 59%, exceeding the Iowa average.
- More than 532 student counseling appointments were completed.
- Students earned 901 concurrent enrollment college credits.
- 107 students participated in concurrent enrollment.
- 95.6% of concurrent enrollment students earned a C- or better.
- Approximately 112 students participated in career exploration activities.
- DMACC, UNI, and Iowa State were the most common postsecondary destinations.
- Multiple district handbooks were approved.
- Athletic streaming services were renewed.
- New administrative job descriptions were adopted.
- Transportation employees received statewide recognition.
- First reading of numerous policy updates was completed.
- Policies addressed technology use, disruptive behavior, gifted education, and athletics.
- New folding chairs were approved for district athletic facilities.
- Personnel changes included new hires, transfers, and resignations.
- Community communication surrounding the bond referendum will continue before the election.
- The next regular board meeting is scheduled for August 24, 2026.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Interstate 35 Community School District
- Organization type: school-district
- Government body: school-boards
- Location: Truro, iowa
- County: Madison
- Provider: simbli
Keywords
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