The New London Community School District is considering a proposal to move sixth-grade students from the middle school back to the elementary building, a change that could affect student learning, class sizes, staffing, and school operations.
The proposal would shift the district’s current 6–8 middle school structure to a model where sixth grade joins kindergarten through fifth grade, leaving seventh and eighth grades to become part of a 7-12 model. This is a common structure based on staff licensures that are typically a 5-12 licensure.
District officials recently shared research and enrollment data outlining possible benefits and challenges associated with the change. Now, district leaders are inviting the public to attend a special board session where several key reports related to the proposal will be presented.

Research Highlights Effects of School Transitions
According to studies presented by the district, moving students to middle school at younger ages can create academic challenges.
Some research shows students who transition to middle school in sixth grade may experience drops in achievement in subjects such as math and reading. These effects can last for several years and may be more significant for students who begin with lower academic performance.
Other research suggests students often benefit from fewer school transitions, such as in K–8 systems, where students remain in the same building longer.
However, education experts also note that no single school structure guarantees success. Strong teacher collaboration, clear expectations, and student support systems are considered key factors in student achievement regardless of grade configuration.
District leaders noted that while New London’s middle school performs well overall, student performance data shows more variability when students first transition into middle grades.

Enrollment Numbers Show Potential Impact
District enrollment figures show relatively small elementary class sizes compared to current sixth-grade classes.
For the 2025–2026 school year, elementary enrollment includes:

• Kindergarten: 30 students in two classes
• First Grade: 49 students in three classes
• Second Grade: 47 students in three classes
• Third Grade: 37 students in two classes
• Fourth Grade: 46 students in two classes
• Fifth Grade: 57 students in three classes

Most elementary classes average between 15 and 23 students per classroom.
The current sixth grade includes 57 students divided into two classes, averaging 28 to 29 students per class, making it one of the largest class groupings in the district.
Projected enrollment for 2026–2027 shows similar patterns, with most elementary class sizes remaining below 23 students per class.
If sixth grade is moved to the elementary building, officials say the district may need to consider classroom space and staffing assignments based on teacher licensure and endorsements.

Possible Benefits and Challenges Identified
Supporters of the proposal say moving sixth grade to the elementary building could create a more age-appropriate learning environment and may improve the quality of school transitions students experience.
District leaders also noted that shifting sixth grade could allow additional academic support opportunities for seventh and eighth grade students at the middle school by providing more opportunities for intervention.
However, the change could also affect existing middle school systems, including teacher collaboration teams and student advisory programs.
School traditions may also be impacted. For example, fundraising time for the eighth-grade trip could be reduced, and some sixth-grade activities may be relocated.

Board Discussion Expected
At the March regular board meeting it was shared that a meeting or two be created for continuous conversations and information presentations to better help the board make a decision around the building restructures.
The board worked out one date which is this Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Following the discussion about the building restructures the Board will have the decision to either approve a plan for restructure or maintain the same structure that is currently in place. If the board doesn’t feel like they can make that decision they can table the decision to a later date.
The New London Board of Education will meet tonight, Wednesday April 8, in a special session beginning at 6:30 in the Middle/High School Success Center.

There has been an update with the culvert replacement project on 170th Street.

Officials with the Henry County Engineer’s Office say that beginning Monday, April 13th, the road closure on 170th Street will be extended from Lexington Avenue to Marsh Avenue for a box culvert repair. That portion of the closure is expected to last three to four weeks, weather permitting.

The project originally began Tuesday, April 7th, closing 170th Street between Kentucky Avenue and Lexington Avenue for a culvert replacement. That section of the roadway is expected to remain closed for approximately six to eight weeks.

A marked detour route is in place for drivers traveling through the area.

Anyone with questions about the project can contact the Henry County Engineer’s Office at 319-385-0762.

A Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop early Monday morning led to drug charges for a Mount Pleasant man.

Deputies say the stop occurred at approximately 12:01 a.m. April 6 at U.S. Highway 34 and Roosevelt Avenue in Des Moines County for an equipment violation. The driver was identified as 50-year-old Justin Travis Long of Mount Pleasant. Authorities say a license check showed Long was barred from driving in Iowa.

A K-9 unit conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics. Deputies then searched the vehicle and reported locating methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Long was arrested and charged with driving while barred and possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A dentist who previously worked for the State of Iowa is facing disciplinary charges from the Iowa Dental Board alleging improper and unprofessional conduct.

The board has charged dentist Paul Scot Kunch with unethical or unprofessional behavior, including actions described as abusive, coercive, intimidating, or harassing in connection with the practice of dentistry. The complaint also alleges suggestive, lewd, or improper remarks or advances toward a patient or coworker.

A disciplinary hearing on the charges is scheduled for November 5, 2026. Officials say the alleged conduct occurred while Kunch was practicing dentistry in Fort Madison, though the board has not publicly disclosed additional details.

State employment records show Kunch worked in 2025 as a full-time dentist at the Iowa State Penitentiary with a reported salary of nearly $96,000. He currently practices at Trail Ridge Dental Care in Grimes.

As with all disciplinary matters, the charges are allegations, and the case will be reviewed during the scheduled hearing later this year.

NEW LONDON — The New London Community School District will hold a special board meeting this evening to continue discussions about a possible restructuring that would move sixth-grade students from the middle school back to the elementary building.

The proposal, which would shift the district’s current 6–8 middle school structure to a model placing sixth grade with younger students, has been under review as district leaders evaluate research, enrollment trends, and facility capacity.

The special session will take place Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle/High School Success Center. Community members are encouraged to attend.

Research and Enrollment Data Drive Discussion

District leaders previously presented research suggesting that students who transition to middle school at younger ages may experience temporary drops in academic performance, particularly in math and reading. Other studies suggest students benefit from fewer school transitions and more stable learning environments.

Local enrollment numbers also factor into the discussion.

Elementary classrooms currently average 15 to 23 students per class, while the district’s sixth grade includes 57 students split into two sections, averaging 28 to 29 students per class.

If sixth grade moves to the elementary building, district officials say adjustments may be required to classroom space, staffing, and scheduling.

Board to Review Key Reports

During Wednesday’s special session, the school board will review multiple reports related to the proposed restructuring.

Among the topics scheduled for discussion:

• Building Restructure — Discussion and Action Item
  • Proposed 2026–2027 building structures
• Five-Year Financial and Enrollment Projections
  • A consultant will present projected district finances and enrollment trends.
• Facility Conditions and Capacity
  • Review of building space and infrastructure needs.
• Teacher Certifications and Licensure
  • Evaluation of staffing qualifications and placement needs.
• Academic and Program Impact
  • Review of how the restructuring could affect student programs.
• Proposed Building Schedules
  • Draft schedules for elementary and middle school operations.

In addition to restructuring discussions, the board will also address routine personnel matters.

Personnel and Policy Items Also Scheduled

Personnel items listed on the agenda include:

Resignations

• Wyantt May — 6–12 Science

Appointments

• Antonio Bailey — Head High School Football
• Evalitzy Rangel (Ruiz) — 6–12 Band and 3–5 Music

Board members will also review policy matters and enter an exempt session to discuss negotiations, as permitted under district policy.

Parents, staff, and residents are encouraged to attend the session to better understand how potential changes may affect students, staffing, and school facilities.