Meeting Overview
The Johnston Community School District Board of Education is scheduled to hold a Regular Meeting on June 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Johnston District Office, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131.
The agenda includes district reports, consent items, policy reviews, action items, committee reports, and upcoming dates. The packet identifies several items for board review and consideration, including financial matters, staffing items, contracts, policy updates, and program updates.
Key Items on the Agenda
District Reports and Presentations
The agenda includes several informational presentations:
- A Nutrition Department update from Director of Nutrition LaRae Doll covering the 2025-26 school year.
- A spring screening assessment data presentation from Michelle Crannell, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, and Kevin Tow, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning.
- A Student Recruitment Initiative presentation from the Communications Department regarding efforts underway and planned for recruiting and retaining Johnston Community School District students.
The Superintendent’s Report also includes a Strategic Plan Update and other items.
Major Financial and Contract Items
Consent Agenda Financial Items
The consent agenda includes financial and operational items for board consideration, including accounts payable, financial statements, contracts, donations, and related district business.
The packet lists several proposed agreements and renewals, including:
- A Relay service agreement for Medicaid billing support for special education at a cost of 6% of the amount billed.
- A Learning Bits, Inc. service agreement for science curriculum resources at a cost of $27,794.30.
- An agreement with Richard Stark for additional administrative duties at $80.00 per day until the new Buildings and Grounds Director assumes duties.
- An Allison Barlow agreement for Summit Gardening Club sponsor duties at a cost of $1,500.00.
- An Edmentum program license agreement for health and fitness at a cost of $157.50.
The packet includes several Capital Projects Fund agreements scheduled for board consideration, including:
- Commercial Automation Systems — additional security lighting at the high school stadium at a cost of $4,486.00.
- Communication Innovators — Beaver Creek AV audio equipment upgrades at a cost of $8,500.00.
- Communication Innovators — JMS weight room audio and video upgrades at a cost of $4,200.00.
- Skold — replacement of a coil door at Horizon at a cost of $12,195.00.
- CMC Solutions — concrete work at Wallace Elementary at a cost of $6,500.00.
- Burwood Group, Inc. — Google Workspace agreement at a cost of $27,771.00.
Nutrition Fund Contracts
The agenda includes contract renewals related to district nutrition services, including:
- Loffredo contract renewal for fresh produce products for 2026-27.
- Martin Brothers contract renewal for food and chemical products for 2026-27.
- Pan O Gold contract renewal for bread products for 2026-27 at an estimated cost of $37,011.00.
- PCS Revenue Control Systems maintenance agreement renewal for school lunch accounting software.
- Anderson Erickson contract renewal for dairy products for 2026-27.
Policy and Governance Items
First Readings of Proposed Policy Changes
The board is scheduled to review first readings of several policy items.
The agenda includes proposed updates to:
- Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings and Exhibit 213.E1 Public Comment Form. Proposed changes include adding information about public comment speakers completing a form, providing identification, and alternative ways to provide feedback or comments.
- Policy 203 Board of Directors Conflict of Interest, Policy 206.03 Secretary, and Policy 206.04 Treasurer. The packet states these updates are intended to reflect current federal law, state law, and best practices.
- Several policies in the 600 Series as part of a five-year review. The packet identifies some policies with no changes recommended and one regulation update involving a contact person and job title.
Policy Approvals Scheduled for Consideration
The action items include board consideration of policies that have completed prior review stages, including:
- Policies from the 500 Series related to education records access and student directory information.
- Policy 604.05 Religious Based Exclusion from a School Program.
- Policies from the 600 Series, including Community Education, Teaching About Religion, Academic Freedom, Global Education, Citizenship, Individualized Instruction, and other listed policies.
Staffing and Human Resources
The consent agenda includes multiple personnel items for board consideration.
Items include:
- Administrative approval of hire for Ann Orsini as Executive Director of Instructional Services, effective July 1, 2026.
- Administrative approval of resignation for Cole Van Vark, Assistant Principal at JHS, effective June 30, 2026.
- Certified staff transfers and a certified staff sabbatical for the 2026-27 academic year.
- Teacher leadership staff appointments effective August 1, 2026.
- Additional staffing changes involving hires, transfers, resignations, and retirements across district positions.
Action Items to Watch
Leader in Me Grant
The board is scheduled to consider approval of a Franklin-Covey grant related to Leader in Me resources, training, and coaching used by the district’s five elementary schools.
The packet states that increased programming costs led to a grant request intended to maintain the district’s funding level at a similar amount paid during the previous three years. The administrative recommendation is to approve the grant as presented.
Community Education and KTC Hourly Rates
The board is scheduled to consider proposed Community Education and KTC staff hourly rates for 2026-27.
The packet states the proposal includes a 2% base increase for Community Education staffing and the KTC Child Care Provider lane.
Superintendent Contract
The board is scheduled to consider approval of the superintendent contract.
The packet states the recommended wage increase is 3%, and the contract would be effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with salary renegotiated each year.
Additional ESOL Staffing
The board is scheduled to consider adding a 1.0 FTE certified ESOL teacher for the 2026-27 school year.
The packet states the proposed addition is related to rising student needs and the roll-up of students after a position reduction in the prior year.
What to Watch at the Meeting
Key areas for attention include:
- Board consideration of multiple financial agreements and contract renewals supporting facilities, technology, nutrition, and district operations.
- Proposed policy updates related to public participation, governance practices, and annual policy reviews.
- Staffing decisions for the upcoming school year, including leadership, instructional, and support positions.
- Presentations on nutrition services, student assessment data, and student recruitment efforts.
Upcoming Dates
The packet lists several upcoming district meetings and events:
- June 15, 2026 — SIAC Academics/Postsecondary Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m.
- June 16, 2026 — Johnston Community School District Board of Education work session at 6:00 p.m.
- June 17, 2026 — Physical Environment Committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom.
- June 22, 2026 — Johnston Community School District Board of Education closed session at 4:45 p.m.
- June 22, 2026 — Johnston Community School District regular board meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- June 24, 2026 — Policy Committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom.
- June 25, 2026 — Johnston Legislative Action Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m.
