The Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Directors met on July 14, 2026, for a regular meeting focused on preparing for the 2026-27 school year, reviewing strategic initiatives, approving operational items, and considering investments in student services and district facilities. The meeting agenda included major discussions about special education improvement efforts, staffing, policies, financial management, and future middle school facility improvements.
One of the most significant items was consideration of a three-year Special Education Action Plan designed to improve special education and talented-and-gifted services. District leaders described the plan as the result of four years of research, data collection, site visits, staff development, and pilot programs intended to identify effective practices and expand them across the district.
The board also reviewed several financial and operational decisions, including a proposed purchase of a new John Deere 1600 Turbo Terrain Cut mower for $45,804 using Physical Plant and Equipment Levy funding, a proposal to move district funds to Bank Iowa for a 3.75% APY high-yield savings account, and continued planning for additional middle school improvements after the renovation project came in under budget.
Personnel and organizational preparation for the upcoming school year were also central to the meeting. The board considered resignations, retirements, new hires, internal transfers, higher education agreements, and updates to student and staff handbooks.
Major Discussion and Action Items
Special Education Action Plan and Student Support Improvements
The board considered approval of the district’s Special Education Action Plan and related budget for the 2026-27 school year. The plan supports the district’s strategic goal of leading in special education and talented-and-gifted services by increasing student growth and achievement.
District leaders explained that the initiative was developed through a multi-year process involving the board, district leadership teams, school leadership teams, data reviews, assessments, best-practice research, and staff capacity building. The proposed plan represents a move from research and pilot work toward broader implementation.
The item was presented by Steven Sattz, Associate Principal and Special Education Coordinator, and Marcia DeVore, Director of Teaching and Learning. Approval would allow the district to begin implementing the three-year vision and related strategies.
Paraeducator Vanguard Team Presentation
The meeting included a presentation on paraeducator work and recommendations connected to the district’s special education goals. The district highlighted the importance of building staff capacity and strengthening instructional support systems.
Paraeducators play a direct role in supporting students with individualized learning needs. Changes in training, organization, or support structures could affect students, classroom teachers, families, and special education services throughout the district.
Staffing Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
The board reviewed and approved personnel items through the consent agenda, including resignations, retirements, appointments, and transfers. The approved items included the retirement of Mike Mott from maintenance effective August 20, 2026, and resignations from Loghan Hunt, Oskaloosa High School full-time paraeducator, and Jodi Steinlage, Oskaloosa High School social studies teacher.
The district also approved multiple new paraeducator positions, a behavior interventionist position, an educational secretary position, and FFA summer hours. Several existing employees moved from part-time paraeducator roles into full-time assignments or received other internal transfers.
These changes reflect the district’s preparation for staffing needs before the new academic year begins.
Policy Updates and Governance Changes
The board reviewed annual policy updates recommended by the Iowa Association of School Boards. The proposed updates addressed changes related to Iowa Code requirements, including civil rights complaint procedures and school finance policies.
The board also considered adoption of a Naming Rights policy after several years of discussion. The policy is intended to clarify the process for naming district facilities and establish consistent procedures for future decisions involving facility recognition.
Student and Staff Handbook Updates
The board considered approval of updated student handbooks for elementary, middle, and high school students. The district stated that changes were minor and that the handbooks remained substantially similar to the previous year.
Staff handbooks were also reviewed. The district reported that the Certified Staff Handbook and Support Staff Handbook updates included clarification of professional leave for children’s school events and creation of illness leave provisions combining employee sick leave and family sick leave.
Middle School East Wing Improvements
The board discussed next steps for possible additional improvements to the middle school east wing. The district reported that the middle school renovation project was nearing substantial completion and had finished significantly under budget, creating available funds for additional work.
The Facilities Committee recommended considering improvements including replacement or rebuilding of the east gym floor, east gym upgrades with new hoops and volleyball nets, and installation of a new fire alarm system for the entire campus.
The board considered setting a public hearing for October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the George Daily Auditorium Board Room. The hearing would allow review of project specifications and possible bidding plans. The district emphasized that setting a hearing would not commit the board to completing the project.
Financial Matters
The district considered several financial issues affecting operations and long-term resource management.
A major financial decision involved purchasing a John Deere 1600 Turbo Terrain Cut mower for $45,804 after trade-in allowance. The purchase would use Physical Plant and Equipment Levy funding and follows the district’s five-year facilities strategic plan, which schedules replacement of vehicles and maintenance equipment.
The board also reviewed a proposal to transfer district funds from the Iowa School Joint Investment Trust to Bank Iowa. The district reported that Bank Iowa’s offer of 3.75% APY, with no interest cap and no fees, best met the district’s criteria after requesting five local financial institution quotes. The stated goals were maximizing taxpayer returns while keeping public funds invested within Iowa.
The board approved publication of fiscal year 2026 annual wages in the Oskaloosa Herald as required by Iowa law. It also considered approval of Middle School Pay Application #10 related to the renovation project.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The board reviewed policy updates related to Iowa Association of School Boards recommendations. The changes included updates involving civil rights complaints and school finance policies.
The Naming Rights Board Policy moved through a second reading process. The proposed policy would establish clearer expectations for naming district facilities and provide a formal framework for future decisions.
The primary informational presentation focused on special education improvement efforts. District administrators presented findings from a four-year review process that examined current practices, student needs, staff capacity, and opportunities for improvement.
The board also received financial updates from Shayla VanWyk, Director of Finance, and reviewed operational recommendations from district administrators.
The superintendent’s final evaluation for the 2025-26 goals and leadership evidence was scheduled as an open-session board activity.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
The board approved personnel actions supporting the 2026-27 school year. These included new hires, transfers, resignations, and retirement decisions.
Approved appointments included paraeducator positions at Oskaloosa Elementary School and Oskaloosa Middle School, a behavior interventionist role, an educational secretary position, and FFA summer responsibilities.
The board also approved an Indian Hills Community College contract and a Central College Student Teaching Agreement for 2026-27, supporting partnerships with higher education institutions.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
The district continued work connected to the middle school renovation project. With the project substantially complete and under budget, district leaders began exploring whether remaining funds could support additional improvements.
Potential projects include east gym improvements, a new gym floor, athletic equipment upgrades, and a campus-wide fire alarm system. A future public hearing and possible bidding process would provide additional information before any final project decision.
The mower purchase also reflects ongoing maintenance planning under the district’s facilities replacement schedule.
The board considered scheduling a public hearing for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the George Daily Auditorium Board Room regarding specifications for possible Middle School East Wing improvements.
The hearing would provide an opportunity for community members to review potential project details before the district considers whether to proceed with bidding or construction steps.
- Residents and taxpayers may be affected by decisions involving facility investments, savings strategies, and use of district funds.
- Students receiving special education services may benefit from expanded practices and improved support systems if the action plan is implemented.
- Families may see updated student handbook expectations for the 2026-27 school year.
- Teachers, paraeducators, and support staff may experience staffing changes and updated handbook procedures.
- District employees may be affected by staffing assignments, transfers, and leave policy updates.
- Community members interested in school facilities may have opportunities to comment on future middle school improvements.
- What specific outcomes will be used to measure success of the Special Education Action Plan?
- How will the district track improvements in student growth and achievement?
- What are the estimated future costs of the proposed Middle School East Wing improvements?
- How will remaining renovation funds be prioritized among possible projects?
- How will the district evaluate the financial benefits of moving funds to Bank Iowa?
- What timeline will be used for decisions after the October public hearing?
- How will staffing changes affect classroom support and student services?
- What additional policy updates may be considered during the school year?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- July 14, 2026: Regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
- August 11, 2026: Next regular board meeting scheduled in the George Daily Auditorium Board Room.
- August 20, 2026: Scheduled retirement date for maintenance employee Mike Mott.
- October 13, 2026: Proposed public hearing date for Middle School East Wing improvement specifications at 6:00 PM.
Key Takeaways
- The board reviewed a major three-year Special Education Action Plan for improving student services.
- The district prepared for the 2026-27 school year through extensive staffing approvals and transfers.
- A $45,804 John Deere mower purchase was recommended using Physical Plant and Equipment Levy funding.
- The district considered moving funds to Bank Iowa for a 3.75% APY savings account.
- Middle school renovation work is nearing completion and finished significantly under budget.
- Additional middle school improvements may be considered, including gym and safety upgrades.
- The board reviewed annual policy updates from the Iowa Association of School Boards.
- Student and staff handbooks for 2026-27 were presented for approval.
- Higher education partnerships with Indian Hills Community College and Central College were approved.
- A public hearing may occur in October before any decision on additional middle school work.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Oskaloosa Community School District
- Organization type: school-district
- Government body: school-boards
- Location: Oskaloosa, iowa
- County: Mahaska
- Provider: simbli
Keywords
Oskaloosa Community School District, school board, Board of Directors, regular meeting, Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa, special education, talented and gifted services, student achievement, paraeducators, staffing, student handbooks, staff handbooks, policy updates, naming rights policy, middle school renovation, east wing improvements, facilities planning, Bank Iowa, savings account, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, John Deere mower, superintendent evaluation, Indian Hills Community College, Central College, school operations, public hearing, George Daily Auditorium
