Meeting Overview
The Johnston Community School District Board of Education packet outlines a Regular Meeting scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Johnston District Office, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131.
The agenda includes district updates, consent items, reports, action items, policy considerations, committee reports, and upcoming dates.
Key Items on the Agenda
Superintendent and District Updates
The agenda includes a Superintendent’s Report from Dr. Nikki Roorda, with a Strategic Plan Update and other items listed for review.
The board is also scheduled to receive reports on several topics, including Title IX processes, SIAC recommendations, and proposed employee handbook changes.
Title IX Processes Update
The packet schedules an update on Title IX processes and awareness presented by Chris Billings, Executive Director of School Leadership. The agenda identifies the presentation as connected to district goals related to support systems and culture.
SIAC Recommendations
The agenda includes recommendations from the 2025-2026 SIAC Academics/Postsecondary Committee and SIAC SEBMH Committee for board review.
The recommendations include continued exploration of elementary attendance boundaries and resource distribution, strategies to support academic growth and postsecondary opportunities, increased communication with parents regarding student behavior data, and exploration of options related to recess time and play-based learning.
Major Financial Items
Consent Agenda Contracts and Agreements
The consent agenda includes contracts and agreements for board consideration, including financial statements, accounts payable, donations, contracts, open enrollment, and human resources items.
Highlighted proposed agreements include:
- Employee & Family Resources renewal agreement for an employee assistance program at a cost of $17,400.00 from the General Fund.
- Employee & Family Resources renewal agreement for a student assistance program at a cost of $35,715.00 from the General Fund.
- Heartland AEA agreement to share building and grounds director services for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 at no cost, with Heartland AEA purchasing one day per week of services from the district.
- Flippin Group agreement to provide Capturing Kids Hearts support at a cost of $18,100.00 from the General Fund.
Capital, Nutrition, and Community Education Purchases
The packet includes proposed purchases and agreements in several funds:
- School Specialty agreement to purchase 80 student desks and chairs for Beaver Creek at a cost of $15,694.00 from PPEL.
- Communication Innovators agreement to provide an updated AV/sound system in the Horizon gym at a cost of $28,000.00 from PPEL.
- Wilson’s Restaurant Supply agreement to purchase a new combi oven for Summit Middle School at a cost of $28,042.13 from the Nutrition Fund.
- Community Education agreements including graphic design services for The Connection at a total cost of $9,000, music entertainment for the 2026 Sundae in the Park event at $300, and football camp instruction agreements with costs to be determined by camp proceeds.
Policy and Governance Items
Employee Handbook Updates
The board is scheduled to review proposed and drafted changes to employee handbooks for the 2026-2027 school year. The packet identifies changes for certified staff, JESPA staff, and substitute handbooks.
The proposed handbook updates include changes related to E-Verify notifications, board policy updates, classroom animals, terminology updates, insurance language, continuing education, classroom management expectations, compensation language, and equal opportunity/non-discrimination language.
Board Policy Items
The agenda includes action items related to several policy updates:
- Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings and 213.E1 Public Comment Form, including proposed changes related to public comment procedures and the public comment form.
- Policies 203 Board of Directors Conflict of Interest, 206.03 Secretary, and 206.04 Treasurer, with proposed updates related to current law and best practices.
- Policies from the 600 Series Five Year Review, including policies where no changes are recommended and one regulation update related to contact information and job title.
Action Items Scheduled for Consideration
Meal Price Increases
The agenda includes a proposed approval of 2026-2027 meal price increases. The recommendation proposes a $0.10 per meal increase for student breakfast and lunch prices, a $0.10 increase for extra entree prices, a $0.10 per meal increase for adult breakfast prices, and a $0.15 per meal increase for adult lunch prices.
School Violence Prevention Program Grant Application
The board is scheduled to consider approval of an application for a U.S. Department of Justice School Violence Prevention Program grant. The packet states that the program funding is intended for school security improvements through evidence-based school safety programs and technology, with a maximum federal share of $500,000 per award.
Policy Approvals
The board is scheduled to consider approval of multiple policy items, including public participation policies, conflict of interest and officer policies, and 600 Series policies following prior readings.
Human Resources Items
The consent agenda includes human resources recommendations and updates. The packet lists proposed hires, resignations, transfers, and other staffing actions for administrative, certified, classified, seasonal, and coaching positions.
Examples include:
- Derek Schultz listed for Assistant Principal at JHS effective July 1, 2026.
- Richard Stark listed for Director of Buildings and Grounds effective July 1, 2026.
- Multiple certified staff hires and transfers effective August 2026.
What to Watch at the Meeting
- The board’s consideration of proposed meal price increases for the 2026-2027 school year.
- The proposed application for a $500,000 School Violence Prevention Program grant.
- Policy updates involving public participation, board governance, and the 600 Series policy review.
- SIAC recommendations related to student support, academic opportunities, communication, and school improvement topics.
Upcoming Dates
The packet lists upcoming district and board dates, including:
- June 25, 2026 — Johnston Legislative Action Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m.
- July 1, 2026 — Finance Committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom.
- July 8, 2026 — Policy Committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom.
- July 13, 2026 — Johnston Community School District Board of Education regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
