The New London Community School District Board of Education approved several action items during its regular board meeting last night, April 20th, including the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, personnel matters, fundraising requests, and a restructuring plan for sixth grade.

The board also heard concerns from members and patrons regarding district finances, transportation decisions, and the direction of future budget reductions.

Budget Approved, Tax Rate Reduced

Board members approved the FY27 proposed budget with a tax rate of 15.65, which administrators said was a slight reduction from the previous year. Superintendent Chad Wahls explained adjustments were made after legislative decisions regarding budget guarantee funding.

Discussion also focused on the district’s management fund, which covers costs such as insurance, unemployment, workers compensation, and early retirement obligations.

Insurance Costs Rising

Representatives reviewing the district’s insurance renewal projected an estimated 12.3% increase overall for property, casualty, and workers compensation coverage.

A major factor was the district’s workers compensation experience modifier, which moved from a favorable rating last year to 1.4, reflecting prior claims history. Officials said those impacts could remain for several years.

The district’s insurance loss ratio was also discussed, with presenters stating claims paid out over several years significantly exceeded premiums paid in.

Sixth Grade Restructuring Approved

One of the most discussed items of the night involved the 2026-27 building structure plan.

Administrators reported the district has advertised since January for a qualified math teacher but has not secured one. Superintendent Wahls said one applicant would require sponsorship and could cost the district anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 in legal and related expenses.

After debate, an initial motion to leave current grade structures unchanged failed on a 3-2 vote.

The board then approved a second motion to restructure sixth grade into a K-6 and 7-12 model, while leaving the exact placement and logistics of sixth grade students up to district administration.

Some board members expressed concern about disruption to students and using sixth graders to test a new structure, while others emphasized protecting higher-level math opportunities for older students as higher level math classes may need to be supplemented through online learning opportunities if 6th grade stayed in the current 6-12th structure due to a lack of qualified candidates for the open math position.

Hiring High School Students as Associates

The board also debated language changes that could allow high school seniors to serve as associates or aides in some school settings.

Members discussed the balance between creating student employment opportunities and ensuring adequate training, privacy awareness, and appropriate placements.

After discussion, revised language requiring candidates to have a high school diploma or be a senior was approved by a 3-2 vote.

Student Achievement Highlighted

District administrators shared several positive student achievement statistics:

• 82% of kindergarten students were reading at or above grade level by year-end.
• 86% reached end-of-year benchmark levels.
• 70% of graduating seniors successfully completed a college course.
• 92% of the Class of 2026 earned industry credentials or dual credit tied to career pathways.
• 76% of seniors have applied for at least one scholarship.
• The district scored 72 points in work-based learning on the school performance profile, above the state average of 45.

High school and middle school principal Scott Kracht credited teachers, advisory programs, college and career planning efforts, and mentoring support for the strong outcomes.

Other Actions Approved

The board also approved:

• Fundraisers for esports, FFA, softball, and baseball
• Personnel appointments and contract changes
• Sharing agreements with Mount Pleasant Community School District and Danville Community School District for several activities and sports
• Naming the New London Journal as the district’s official publication
• Approval of the 2026 senior graduation list

The meeting also included recognition that May is School Board Recognition Month.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is teaming up with the Iowa Department of Revenue to crack down on underage drinking.

In a press release issued today, officials announced they will begin conducting underage alcohol compliance checks at local liquor-licensed establishments. The effort is part of a statewide program aimed at reducing illegal alcohol sales and improving public safety.

During these checks, underage individuals—working under the supervision of law enforcement—will attempt to purchase alcohol. Businesses that sell to minors could face citations, and employees involved may be subject to fines ranging from $645 to nearly $2,000.

Police say the goal is not just enforcement, but education. Compliance checks are designed to remind businesses of the importance of properly training staff and following Iowa’s alcohol laws.

Officials also point to broader safety benefits, saying responsible alcohol sales can help reduce impaired driving, accidents, and alcohol-related injuries.

The Iowa Department of Revenue is also offering free training through its I-Pact program, which helps alcohol sellers and servers better understand state laws and prevent illegal sales.

Mount Pleasant Police say the partnership is about creating a safer community by encouraging responsible practices and holding establishments accountable.

The New London Community School District Board of Education will meet tonight in regular session at the Middle/High School Success Center.

Prior to the regular meeting, the board will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, giving community members an opportunity to provide input before the board considers approval later in the evening.

The regular meeting will begin at 6:10 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a public forum and approval of consent agenda items, including minutes, financial reports, and claims.

Several fundraising requests are scheduled for consideration, including esports t-shirt sales, baseball and softball apparel sales, and an FFA silent auction.

Under personnel matters, the board will consider the resignation of special education teacher Malissa Nelson. Appointments on the agenda include Matthew Schwenker as assistant high school softball coach and Taran VanAmerongen as summer custodian. The board will also review the termination of overload contracts for Joseph White, elementary art, and Lindsay Wesely, special education teacher.

The board will also consider several sharing agreements with neighboring districts, including transportation services with the Danville Community School District and cooperative athletic programs with both Danville and the Mount Pleasant Community School District.

In board business, members will discuss insurance coverage for the upcoming school year, consider approval of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, review building structure plans for the 2026–2027 school year, and consider naming the New London Journal as the district’s official publication.

The board will also take action on approving the list of 2026 graduating seniors before adjourning the meeting.

Local officials are highlighting both prevention and recovery as part of ongoing efforts to address prescription drug misuse in southeast Iowa.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during the upcoming DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25. Collection hours will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sheriff’s office lobby.

Keeping unused medications at home can increase the risk of misuse, particularly among teens, while also posing dangers to children and pets. Proper disposal helps prevent those risks and protects the environment, as flushing or throwing medications in the trash can contaminate water systems.

Needles and liquid medications will not be accepted, but a secure drop box is available at the sheriff’s office 24 hours a day for year-round disposal.

At the same time, local health providers are working to connect people with help. An outreach effort at The Hub inside the Lee County Health Department is offering walk-in support for individuals concerned about opioid use.

The service, provided in partnership with Counseling Associates, is available Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Organizers say appointments are not required, and services are free and confidential. Visitors can speak with a counselor, receive an assessment if needed, and get connected to treatment and support services in the area.

Counselor Garrett Anthony says the goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space for people to start the conversation about recovery.

Together, efforts like drug take-back events and expanded access to counseling are key steps in reducing misuse and helping more people find a path to recovery.