The July 8, 2026 Regular Board Meeting centers on several major decisions that will shape Maquoketa Community School District's facilities, finances, instructional programs, and operations for the coming school year. The largest issues involve financing ongoing construction projects, approving multiple construction change orders, planning a potential property tax election, and continuing work on the Briggs Elementary renovation.
A significant portion of the meeting focuses on long-term facility funding. The district explains that changes in Iowa's statewide School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax (SAVE) distribution reduced its borrowing capacity from approximately $7.105 million to about $5.36 million, creating an estimated $1.75 million funding gap. Board members will discuss financing options and consider calling a September 8, 2026 election asking voters to approve an additional voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) of up to $0.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.
The board is also scheduled to consider numerous educational and operational items for the 2026-27 school year, including student fee schedules, meal prices, substitute wage adjustments, updated student and staff handbooks, special education planning, career education programs, mental health partnerships, online learning contracts, and continuation of the district's Leader in Me initiative.
Additional attention is devoted to ongoing capital projects. Along with approving architectural services for a future high school track replacement project, the board will review several change orders affecting the Briggs Elementary Addition project, discuss naming the remodeled elementary facility, and consider purchasing nearby real estate that may support district operations or future planning.
Major Discussion and Action Items
Construction Financing and Proposed PPEL Election
Perhaps the most consequential topic involves financing district construction projects after significant changes to Iowa's SAVE revenue formula. District officials explain that a previously planned approximately $7.105 million SAVE bond sale could not close after state legislation reduced projected district revenues and eliminated the required bond coverage ratio.
Current projections reduce bonding capacity to approximately $5.36 million, leaving an estimated $1.75 million funding gap. Administration explains that one option would use future Physical Plant and Equipment Levy revenues to finance remaining costs, requiring approximately $150,000 to $200,000 in annual PPEL debt payments and reducing future flexibility for other facility and infrastructure needs.
To address future capital needs, the board will consider ordering a September 8, 2026 election asking voters to approve an additional voter-approved PPEL levy of up to $0.34 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for ten years beginning with FY2028 collections.
Briggs Elementary Construction Project
The district continues advancing the Briggs Elementary Addition project through multiple contract amendments.
Board members will review six separate change orders that collectively reconcile the guaranteed maximum price, incorporate previously identified design revisions, account for unforeseen construction conditions, add permanently installed kitchen equipment, and complete numerous field adjustments and design clarifications.
Notable changes include:
- Administrative reconciliation establishing a guaranteed maximum project cost of $18,303,613.53.
- Change Order #5 adding $165,046.53.
- Change Order #6 adding $6,092.18.
- Change Order #7 adding $35,481.86 after discovering a previously unidentified second roof assembly.
- Change Order #8 adding $251,652.88 for permanently installed food service equipment.
- Change Order #9 adding a net $584.09.
Following these amendments, the construction contract would total approximately $18.76 million while maintaining a substantial completion target of March 5, 2027.
High School Track Replacement Planning
The administration recommends moving forward with professional design services for replacing the Maquoketa High School track surface.
Bray Architects, which has completed similar projects throughout eastern Iowa and the athletic conference, would provide architectural services including schematic design, construction documents, bidding support, construction administration, and permitting assistance.
The recommendation includes:
- Bray Architects contract: $21,000
- IMEG Consultants topographic survey: $5,300
Approval would position the district to begin the formal bidding process for the future project.
2026-27 School Year Programs and Student Services
Several instructional initiatives are presented for approval.
The district recommends continuing its partnership with Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency for the Home School Assistance Program, renewing Driver Education services for 2027-28 at $425 per student, approving the District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP), authorizing the Eastern Iowa Community College dual-credit course list, and adopting a revised Special Education Service Delivery Plan after receiving no public comments during the review period.
The board will also consider purchasing first-semester online coursework from Imagine Learning for $20,250, with quarterly monitoring of enrollment and participation.
Student Mental Health and School Culture
The packet emphasizes continued investment in student well-being.
The district seeks approval to continue using Classroom Clinic telehealth mental health services. The agreement carries no cost to the district, with funding provided through Iowa behavioral health programs.
Another memorandum of understanding would continue partnerships with Bethany for Children & Families, allowing therapists to provide school-based services during the school day. Families would use insurance coverage while students lose less instructional time.
The board will also consider renewing the three-year Leader in Me program totaling $79,212, funded through Teacher Quality professional development dollars. District leaders report measurable improvements in implementation of safety, respect, and rapport expectations.
Calendar Amendments
A required public hearing will precede board consideration of amendments to the 2026-27 school calendar.
Two primary changes are proposed:
- Moving second semester to January 19, 2027 to accommodate Iowa's revised student count requirements and improve semester balance.
- Moving graduation from Friday, May 21, 2027 to either Sunday, May 23 or Sunday, May 30 to avoid conflicts with the State Track Meet while complying with Iowa graduation timing requirements.
Personnel and Compensation
The consent agenda includes hiring recommendations, resignations, contract amendments, and compensation changes.
Among the notable personnel items:
- Angela Brown would receive horizontal movement from BA to MA with a $3,000 salary increase.
- Michelle Conner's annual salary would increase from $90,000 to $93,000.
- Pat McCloy's vacation balance would be corrected from 104 to 102 hours.
- Sydney Snyder would transfer from Briggs Special Education to third grade.
Separate board action is also recommended to increase substitute teacher, nurse, support staff, custodial, secretarial, paraeducator, and transportation wages for 2026-27.
Financial Matters
Major financial items include:
- Approximately $1.75 million projected construction financing shortfall following reduced SAVE bonding capacity.
- Proposed Bray Architects contract for $21,000.
- IMEG Consultants survey contract for $5,300.
- Imagine Learning first semester online learning quote of $20,250.
- Three-year Leader in Me contracts totaling $79,212.
- Purchase of 206 N. Decker Street for $75,000.
- Briggs Elementary contract adjustments increasing construction costs to approximately $18.76 million.
- Driver Education tuition established at $425 per participating student.
- Proposed increases in registration fees and meal prices, generally ranging from $0.10 meal increases and $5 increases in annual book fees.
- Continued mental health partnerships through Classroom Clinic and Bethany for Children & Families at no direct district cost.
Routine bills, reimbursements, payroll adjustments, and financial reports are also included within the consent agenda.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The board will consider several governance actions.
The most significant is the resolution ordering a September 8, 2026 election regarding an amendment to the voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. If approved by voters, the measure would authorize an additional levy of up to $0.34 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for ten years beginning with FY2028 collections.
Board members will also consider approving revised student and staff handbooks, establishing 2026-27 registration fees, approving the Special Education Service Delivery Plan, adopting the District Career and Academic Plan, and authorizing the superintendent to execute routine educational contracts on behalf of the district.
The meeting includes financial reports prepared by the business office, legislative updates from the district's Legislative Action Network representative, and the Superintendent's Report.
Board members will also receive updates regarding construction financing, Briggs Elementary naming discussions, progress on district safety and culture initiatives, and implementation planning for academic, career, and special education programs.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
Personnel matters include recommended hires, resignations, contract amendments, horizontal movement, substitute compensation schedules, and open enrollment items.
Support staff substitute wages would generally increase to align with Step 1 wage schedules, while substitute teachers and nurses would receive daily increases. The district also proposes eliminating additional incentives previously provided for long-term support staff substitute assignments.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Facilities remain a major focus.
Key operational items include:
- Briggs Elementary Addition construction management.
- Future high school track replacement planning.
- Naming discussion for the remodeled Briggs Elementary facility.
- Purchase of nearby real estate.
- Long-term facility financing strategy.
- Authorization for the superintendent to execute recurring educational service agreements efficiently throughout the year.
Residents have two primary opportunities for participation.
Public comment remains available during regular board meetings under district policy. Speakers must notify the board secretary before the meeting, comments are generally limited to three minutes, and the board receives comments without taking action during the public comment period.
The board will also conduct a public hearing beginning at 5:30 p.m. regarding proposed amendments to the 2026-27 school calendar before considering final action.
If the board orders the proposed PPEL election, voters will have the opportunity to decide the property tax measure during the scheduled September 8, 2026 election.
Students and families could experience modest increases in registration fees and meal prices while benefiting from continued investments in mental health services, online learning opportunities, career planning, special education, and school culture initiatives.
Taxpayers may ultimately vote on increasing the voter-approved PPEL levy to support facility improvements and address reduced state-supported bonding capacity.
Employees would benefit from revised substitute wage schedules, updated handbooks, continued professional development, and organizational changes supporting student services.
The Briggs Elementary project and future high school track improvements represent substantial long-term investments in district facilities that will affect students, staff, families, and the broader community.
- How will the district address the $1.75 million construction funding gap if voters reject the proposed PPEL amendment?
- What projects would receive priority funding from the proposed additional PPEL levy?
- Why did state SAVE funding changes reduce the district's borrowing capacity so significantly?
- What additional construction risks remain on the Briggs Elementary project?
- What benefits are expected from the Leader in Me renewal over the next three years?
- How many students currently receive services through Classroom Clinic and Bethany for Children & Families?
- What factors influenced the proposed increases in registration fees and meal prices?
- How will the revised calendar improve state funding and instructional planning?
- What timeline is anticipated for replacing the high school track?
- What long-term plans exist for the property at 206 N. Decker Street?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- July 8, 2026: Regular Board Meeting and public hearing on the proposed calendar amendment.
- July 8, 2026: Potential approval of construction contracts, change orders, educational agreements, fee schedules, and personnel actions.
- At least 46 days before September 8, 2026: Proposed PPEL election materials must be submitted to the Jackson County Commissioner of Elections if approved.
- September 8, 2026: Proposed election on the amended voter-approved PPEL levy.
- January 19, 2027: Proposed beginning of second semester under the revised calendar.
- March 5, 2027: Current substantial completion target for the Briggs Elementary Addition project.
- May 23 or May 30, 2027: Proposed revised graduation date pending board approval.
- 2027-28: Proposed implementation of amended PPEL collections if approved by voters and continuation of Driver Education contract.
Key Takeaways
- The district faces an estimated $1.75 million construction financing gap due to state SAVE funding changes.
- Board members may call a September 8, 2026 election on an additional PPEL levy.
- Briggs Elementary construction remains on schedule for March 2027 completion.
- Multiple construction change orders would raise the project to approximately $18.76 million.
- A $21,000 architectural contract is proposed for high school track replacement planning.
- Student fees and meal prices would increase modestly for 2026-27.
- Mental health partnerships continue without direct district cost.
- The district recommends renewing the Leader in Me initiative through a $79,212 three-year agreement.
- Calendar changes would adjust graduation timing and move second semester to January 19, 2027.
- Personnel recommendations include wage increases, contract amendments, and staffing changes.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Maquoketa Community School District
- Organization type: school-district
- Government body: school-boards
- Location: Maquoketa, iowa
- County: Jackson County
- Provider: simbli
Keywords
Maquoketa Community School District, Regular Board Meeting, July 8 2026, Briggs Elementary, elementary addition, PPEL election, SAVE bonds, construction financing, Bray Architects, IMEG Consultants, high school track, Leader in Me, Classroom Clinic, Bethany for Children & Families, District Career and Academic Plan, Special Education Service Delivery Plan, Driver Education, Home School Assistance Program, registration fees, meal prices, substitute wages, school calendar amendment, graduation date, real estate purchase, 206 N Decker Street, Jackson County, Cardinals, facilities, school construction
