At last night’s school board meeting, “Citizens for Change” a group of concerned parents and community members spoke to the board members for fifteen minutes about their raised concerns towards academic performance, transparency, school closures, and teacher retention.
It was mentioned that that middle and high school results are below state averages, while local elementary schools like Salem elementary (which faces closure) have outperformed other schools in the district. They also expressed concern over declining enrollment since 2018, urging the board to prioritize academic improvements to attract and retain students.
A major point of discussion was transparency. Many attendees felt the district had not adequately communicated decisions regarding school closures and facility changes. Some questioned whether relocating early childhood programs would actually expand resources or simply shift them. Others criticized the district for not informing taxpayers sooner about the purchase of buildings at Iowa Wesleyan university.
Teacher retention was also a pressing issue, with concerns that high turnover disrupts student learning and increases financial strain due to recruitment and training costs. Attendees also questioned whether the district could effectively maintain both new and existing facilities.
Safety and logistics were additional concerns, particularly regarding increased traffic congestion, railroad crossings near school sites, and emergency response challenges. Some worried that consolidating students into fewer buildings could pose additional risks.
As the meeting concluded, “Citizens for Change” urged the board to focus on academic success, preserve neighborhood schools as an option, and ensure greater transparency in decision-making. Many emphasized the need for more public involvement in shaping the future of the district.