School Board Meeting Summary – Lewis Central (LCCSD) – July 13, 2026

Community Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Public Body: Lewis Central Community School District
• Organization Type: school-district
• Government Body: school-boards
• Meeting Body: Board of Education
• Meeting Title: Board Meeting
• Meeting Date: 07-13-2026
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• City: Council Bluffs
• County: Pottawattamie
• State: iowa
• Meeting Source URL: https://lewiscentral.org/files/board_meetings/2026-07-13_agenda_90568.pdf
• Meeting Listing URL: https://lewiscentral.org/board/meetings/
• Public Body Website: https://lewiscentral.org/board/meetings/
• Meeting Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R9IUEtMljE
• Video Channel URL: https://www.youtube.com/@LewisCentralCSDIowa

What Community Members Should Know

The Lewis Central Community School District Board of Education met for its regular meeting on July 13, 2026, and completed a wide-ranging agenda focused on district operations, facilities, student opportunities, strategic planning, and preparation for the upcoming school year. After removing the scheduled board policy updates from the agenda because revised recommendations were not yet available, the board unanimously approved the amended agenda and later approved every action item considered during the meeting by 6-0 votes.

One of the largest themes of the meeting was continued investment in student opportunities. District leaders highlighted substantial improvements in Advanced Placement participation and performance over the past several years. Administrators reported that AP testing increased dramatically since 2019, average scores improved, and the percentage of students earning passing scores more than doubled. Leaders emphasized that while the district has expanded career and technical education opportunities, it continues to prioritize rigorous academic preparation for students planning to attend four-year colleges.

The board also recognized several accomplishments outside the classroom. Members celebrated a successful softball season, the middle school production of Alice in Wonderland Jr., and a memorial donation from the Hamilton family supporting Special Olympics and Special Education programming. Administrators also highlighted examples of student volunteerism and community service performed by district athletic teams.

Facilities and capital projects occupied a significant portion of the superintendent's report. Administrators provided detailed updates on renovations at Titan Hill, the middle school, the athletic complex, and the high school. Work includes security improvements, HVAC upgrades, accessibility improvements, lighting upgrades, exterior renovations, construction of new athletic facilities, and repairs following roof damage that affected the high school kitchen and gymnasium. District leaders expressed confidence that most projects remain on schedule while acknowledging several areas that will continue into the school year.

Several policy and governance discussions focused on preparing for future operations rather than responding to immediate concerns. The board approved updates to the high school handbook governing early graduation, clarifying expectations for students who complete graduation requirements before the traditional end of senior year. Administrators explained that the revisions are intended to better prepare early graduates for post-secondary transitions while also ensuring compliance with district policy and state funding requirements.

The board also approved revisions to the activity handbook following recent state changes allowing eighth-grade students to participate in high school athletics under certain circumstances. Rather than adopting a blanket rule, the district chose to establish a review process allowing administrators and coaches to evaluate requests individually based on student readiness, participation levels, and the needs of each sport.

The meeting concluded with approval of several operational agreements, curriculum purchases, and the district's five-year strategic plan. Together, these actions position the district to continue academic improvement, complete major facility investments, strengthen administrative collaboration with neighboring school districts, and implement long-term priorities during the coming years.

Major Discussion and Action Items

Academic Performance and Student Achievement

District administrators reported significant improvements in Advanced Placement participation and student achievement since 2019. Officials noted substantial growth in the number of AP exams taken, higher average exam scores, and a dramatic increase in passing rates.

Administrators emphasized that these gains demonstrate the district's continued commitment to academically advanced students while simultaneously expanding career and technical education opportunities. District leadership stressed that both college preparation and workforce preparation remain important priorities rather than competing initiatives.

The board also recognized the success of the middle school summer production of Alice in Wonderland Jr., which provided students with hands-on experience in theater production in addition to acting.

No formal board action was required for these informational updates.

Early Graduation Handbook Changes

The board discussed revisions to the high school handbook governing early graduation.

Administrators explained that students graduating early would complete a short transition course intended to prepare them for employment, college, military service, or other post-secondary plans. District leaders also explained that keeping students enrolled through the state's January enrollment count protects district funding while still allowing eligible students to graduate early.

The discussion included questions regarding:

• Student participation in prom and extracurricular activities after graduation.
• Recognition at awards ceremonies.
• Scholarship eligibility.
• Effects on insurance and government benefits.
• Flexibility for students entering college or military service.

Administrators clarified that early graduates become district alumni rather than enrolled students, although they remain eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies and certain graduation-related recognition events.

Following discussion, the board formally approved the handbook revisions.

Activity Handbook Updates

Following changes in Iowa law permitting eighth-grade students to participate in high school athletics under certain circumstances, administrators presented updates to the district activity handbook.

Rather than creating one rule covering every sport, district leaders recommended evaluating requests individually. Considerations include:

• Student maturity and athletic readiness.
• Available participation opportunities.
• Team roster sizes.
• Safety.
• Developmental needs.
• Recommendations from coaches.
• Final administrative review by the activities director.

Administrators noted that some sports may rarely involve eighth-grade participation while others could benefit from additional participants.

The board approved the revised handbook.

Facilities, Construction, and Capital Projects

Administrators presented extensive progress reports on multiple construction and renovation projects across the district.

Updates included:

• Titan Hill exterior doors, security improvements, and pool-area maintenance.
• Middle school classroom renovations, accessibility improvements, corridor renovations, and HVAC upgrades.
• Construction of the new athletic facilities and locker room complex.
• High school secure entrance improvements.
• High school lighting upgrades.
• Roof damage repairs affecting the kitchen and gymnasium.
• Planned replacement of the damaged gym floor.
• Installation of electronic door monitoring systems and improved building security.

District leaders discussed scheduling, contractor progress, contingency planning, and preparations for the opening of school.

Most of these updates were informational, although the board separately approved one construction contract related to office bathroom renovations.

High School Office Bathroom Renovation

The board reviewed a proposal from 7ER Construction to repair plumbing serving the high school office bathrooms.

Administrators explained the need for repairs before recommending approval of the construction contract.

The board approved the contract.

Operational Sharing Agreements

The board considered two operational sharing agreements intended to share administrative services with neighboring school districts.

One agreement covers transportation director services with Missouri Valley Community School District.

The second agreement provides for shared human resources director services with Underwood Community School District.

Administrators recommended approval of both agreements, and the board approved each unanimously.

Math Curriculum Renewal

District curriculum staff recommended renewing mathematics instructional materials through Imagine Learning.

The renewal supports continued classroom instruction and curriculum implementation across the district.

The board approved the purchase.

Five-Year Strategic Plan

District leadership presented the Lewis Central Community School District's updated five-year strategic plan.

Administrators described the strategic plan as providing long-term direction for district priorities and future decision-making.

Following discussion, the board formally adopted the strategic plan.

Votes, Decisions, and Direction

• The board approved an amended meeting agenda after removing the scheduled final reading of board policy updates. Motion by Mr. Sturm, second by Ms. Adkins. Approved 6-0.
• The consent agenda was approved. Motion by Mr. Sturm, second by Mr. Bach. Approved 6-0.
• Early graduation handbook revisions were approved. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Mr. Sturm. Approved 6-0.
• Activity handbook updates were approved. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Mrs. Sandau. Approved 6-0.
• A $27,046 contract with 7ER Construction for the high school office bathroom renovation was approved. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Mr. Sturm. Approved 6-0.
• The 2026-27 APEX Consortium Agreement was approved. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Ms. Adkins. Approved 6-0.
• The operational sharing agreement with Missouri Valley Community School District for transportation director services was approved. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Mr. Sturm. Approved 6-0.
• The operational sharing agreement with Underwood Community School District for human resources director services was approved. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Mr. Sturm. Approved 6-0.
• The Imagine Learning math curriculum renewal for $55,858.80 was approved. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Ms. Adkins. Approved 6-0.
• The district's five-year strategic plan was adopted. Motion by Mr. Sorensen, second by Mr. Sturm. Approved 6-0.

Financial Matters

Financial actions during the meeting included:

• Approval of the district's regular financial reports and bills through the consent agenda.
• Approval of a $27,046 contract with 7ER Construction for high school office bathroom plumbing repairs.
• Approval of the Imagine Learning math curriculum renewal totaling $55,858.80.
• Approval of the APEX Consortium agreement for the 2026-27 school year.
• Approval of two operational sharing agreements supporting transportation and human resources administration.

Administrators also discussed insurance-related repairs following roof damage to portions of the high school, including replacement of the gymnasium floor and repairs to the kitchen. While project costs were discussed generally, no separate financial action beyond the approved renovation contract occurred during the meeting.

Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance

The board removed the scheduled final reading of legislative board policy updates because revised recommendations had not yet been received. Those policy items were postponed until the August meeting.

The board approved revisions to the high school handbook governing early graduation requirements and approved updates to the activity handbook reflecting new state law regarding eighth-grade participation in high school athletics.

The board also adopted the district's five-year strategic plan to guide future decision-making.

Reports, Presentations, and Updates

Administrators presented reports covering:

• Student academic performance, including Advanced Placement testing improvements.
• Student activities and extracurricular accomplishments.
• Summer theater programming.
• Community donations supporting Special Olympics and Special Education.
• Community service performed by student organizations.
• Comprehensive summer construction progress.
• Security improvements throughout district facilities.
• Planning for the upcoming school year.
• Long-range strategic planning.

Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters

The consent agenda included approval of several employment recommendations, including assistant coaching and weight room supervision positions.

The board also accepted several resignations and staffing changes through the consent agenda.

Operational sharing agreements continue cooperative administrative arrangements for transportation and human resources leadership with neighboring districts.

Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations

Major operational updates included:

• Continued middle school renovation work.
• Construction of the athletic facilities addition.
• High school secure entrance improvements.
• Building security enhancements including electronic door monitoring.
• Accessibility improvements.
• Pool ventilation and maintenance discussions.
• Exterior door replacement.
• High school lighting upgrades.
• Roof damage restoration.
• Replacement of the high school gymnasium floor.
• Ongoing planning for project completion before or shortly after the start of the school year.

Administrators also described new license plate reader technology installed at the high school to enhance campus security and improve awareness of unauthorized vehicle access.

Public Comment and Community Input

No public comments were recorded during either public comment opportunity.

Questions and Answers

Board members asked numerous questions regarding:

• Whether Titan Hill pool ventilation issues contribute to brick deterioration.
• Construction schedules and contingency planning.
• Expected completion dates for middle school and athletic facility projects.
• Impacts of roof damage on athletics and school operations.
• Procedures governing early graduation.
• Eligibility for prom, awards, scholarships, and activities after early graduation.
• Implementation of new eighth-grade athletic participation rules.
• How coaches and administrators will evaluate requests for eighth-grade participation.

Administrators provided detailed explanations throughout the meeting and clarified how proposed policies would operate in practice.

Community Impact

Students and families will experience updated graduation requirements, revised athletic participation policies, improved security measures, renovated facilities, and continued investment in academic programs.

Employees will continue working within updated facilities while benefiting from shared administrative services designed to improve operational efficiency.

Community organizations will continue partnering with the district through programs such as Special Olympics and regional operational sharing agreements.

Taxpayers will see continued progress on voter-approved facility improvements and implementation of the district's long-term strategic plan.

Questions Community Members May Want to Ask

• How will the new early graduation course be structured for students entering college or military service?
• How will requests for eighth-grade participation in high school athletics be evaluated across different sports?
• When will the postponed board policy updates return for consideration?
• What additional work remains before the middle school renovation is complete?
• When is the new athletic facilities project expected to be fully operational?
• What long-term solutions are being considered for moisture issues around the Titan Hill pool?
• How will construction affect students during the beginning of the school year?
• What priorities are included in the newly adopted five-year strategic plan?
• How will the district measure continued improvements in Advanced Placement performance?
• What future facility projects remain after current construction is completed?

Important Dates and Next Steps

• Board policy updates postponed from this meeting are expected to return in August.
• Continued completion of middle school and athletic construction projects before and during the opening of school.
• Continued implementation of new handbook provisions for early graduation and student activities.
• Regular Board Meeting — August 3, 2026 — 6:30 p.m.
• Regular Board Meeting — August 17, 2026 — 6:30 p.m.
• Regular Board Meeting — August 31, 2026 — 6:30 p.m.

Key Takeaways

• The board approved all action items considered during the meeting by unanimous 6-0 votes.
• Board policy updates were postponed until August.
• Early graduation handbook revisions were approved.
• Activity handbook updates were approved.
• New guidance addresses eighth-grade participation in high school athletics.
• The district reported major improvements in AP participation and success.
• Summer theater programming involved dozens of student participants.
• The Hamilton family donated funds supporting Special Olympics and Special Education.
• Construction continues at multiple district facilities.
• High school security improvements remain underway.
• Middle school renovations continue on schedule.
• Athletic facility construction is progressing.
• The board approved a $27,046 bathroom renovation contract.
• The board approved the APEX Consortium Agreement.
• Transportation director sharing with Missouri Valley was approved.
• Human resources sharing with Underwood was approved.
• Imagine Learning math curriculum renewal totaling $55,858.80 was approved.
• The district adopted its five-year strategic plan.
• No public comments were received.
• Additional board policy updates are expected during August meetings.

Official Sources

• Meeting source: https://lewiscentral.org/files/board_meetings/2026-07-13_agenda_90568.pdf
• Meeting listing: https://lewiscentral.org/board/meetings/
• Public body website: https://lewiscentral.org/board/meetings/
• Meeting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R9IUEtMljE
• Video channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LewisCentralCSDIowa

About the Public Body

• Name: Lewis Central Community School District
• Organization type: school-district
• Government body: school-boards
• Location: Council Bluffs, iowa
• County: Pottawattamie
• Provider: wordpress-board-table

Keywords

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