[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6675485,"mediaKeyId","3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4","parentId",3388974,"title","Board votes: agenda, minutes, personnel, policies, utilities and facilities contracts approved","audioSeconds",4430,"startMs",61000,"endMs",4491000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4&start=61&end=4491","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4/thumbnail_61000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6675485/Iowa/Board-votes-agenda-minutes-personnel-policies-utilities-and-facilities-contracts-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675485-9f23aa0baea9274daf42fd6f50416394/orig.mp4?Expires=1770828604&Signature=M18aaEhgqK3dgGMIKCNlWaadmfVkPj-sOkRI1iqpN~3302Bo5HjgU-y2z51l0fESBJRTQqPVPUX5A6LILESpr0XQbZiEPrF0XaqZb5jUQdIhFY3mfyAiFZTiccAWsRTPeGQVONmyhn5NLE4vLQSJQ9A4jq~yV1~gNuNeMKLx2TI3NcRwepktWNizJawNmvAZxJE4s3bC~3JeyKuzCCkDU3BhjIESDjUrofxtEBkQmGQ7Zl2VObnLaKkOra6NVQVMKFolD4Ies-wQaKGkFYea3fJ8cHJhXAsYQ1F9FmCuOHagDIFA5DyPEubCCX8p8wthVrSfSRRs3AfjJ4sUttfogw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dallas Center-Grimes Comm School District","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","The Dallas Center‑Grimes Community School District board took multiple actions at its regular meeting. The following summarizes motions the board voted on and the outcome of each action; the meeting transcript records aye votes without roll‑call tallies for most matters.

Key votes and motions (outcomes as recorded)
- Approval of agenda — Motion to approve by Trustee Dickinson; second McNeese. Outcome: approved.
- Approval of minutes (April 28 regular, May 12 special) — Motion by Malmberg; second Dickinson. Outcome: approved.
- Presentation of bills (payment authorization) — Motion by Viela; second Baker Curtis. Outcome: approved.
- Consent agenda — Motion by Almberg; second Van der Velde. Outcome: approved.
- City presentation (Dallas Center) — informational; no district action required.
- Class size guidelines for 2025–26 (no changes except a kindergarten classroom associate exception to accommodate a larger kindergarten section at Dallas Center) — Motion to approve by Lundberg; second Dickinson. Outcome: approved.
- First reading of multiple board policy revisions (400, 500, 600, 700 series and selected 200/800/900 series policies) — Motion by Biella; second Malmberg. Outcome: approved on first reading.
- Contract: DCG high‑school principal employment/benefit package — Motion to approve contract; mover noted as McNace (second Lundberg). Outcome: approved; contract salary discussed as $140,000 for incoming principal.
- Distribution of Education Support Personnel salary supplement (retention stipends for classified staff funded via state ESSP funds) — Motion by Dickinson; second (recorded). Outcome: approved. Stipend schedule: $250 (first year) up to $850 (10+ years) by years of service (presented in packet).
- Cooperative sharing agreement with Johnston Community School District (boys/girls swimming and bowling) — Motion by Van der Velde. Outcome: approved.
- School‑bus use/transportation agreement with North Polk Community Schools for an individual special‑education student’s routing — Motion by Dickinson. Outcome: approved (the arrangement funds North Polk transportation for the student while DCG assumes costs as the student resides in DCG).
- 2025–26 transportation and activity fee schedules — Motions to approve fees; outcomes: approved.
- Facilities and energy actions: Baker Group engineering study and remedial work for administration HVAC balancing and a Woodman Controls quote for high‑school heat‑pump loop — motions to approve (movers recorded). Outcomes: approved.
- Participation in the Iowa Local Government Natural Gas Risk Pool via Wood River Energy (one‑year risk‑pool arrangement to provide budget certainty for natural gas) — Motion to approve. Outcome: approved; district finance reported it will move most natural‑gas costs into the management fund and the pool cost equals a one‑time payment of about $171,000 starting July 1 (as presented).
- Financial statements and budget summary for May 2025 — Motion to approve. Outcome: approved.
- Board commendations — Motion to approve seven pages of recognitions. Outcome: approved.
- Closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(a) and subsequent action — The board entered closed session, then returned and approved a separation agreement (motion and vote recorded). Outcome: approved.

Notes on voting record and tallies
The transcript records the customary “All those in favor say ‘aye’” wording for votes and does not include a named roll call or per‑member yes/no tallies for most motions. Where a motion failed to appear in the transcript as a formal vote it is recorded here as “informational” or “no action.”

What happens next
Several approved items (contracts, facility work, energy pool participation and stipend payments) will be implemented administratively. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, June 23, 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DCG School Board Meeting - Monday, May 19","oneSentenceSummary","At its regular meeting the Dallas Center‑Grimes board approved routine agenda items and multiple contracts and agreements, authorized a classified staff retention stipend distribution, approved class‑size guidelines with a kindergarten exception, and moved into and returned from a closed session that resulted in a separation agreement approval.","taxTitle","Dallas Center-Grimes Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",55543,"location","Iowa","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6675490,"Special education, transition and ELL teams outline expanded transition planning and language supports",574,4518000,5092000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4&start=4518&end=5092","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4/thumbnail_4518000.jpg","/articles/6675490/Iowa/Special-education-transition-and-ELL-teams-outline-expanded-transition-planning-and-language-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675490-23e95f397d6315f68929c51325524ba8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770828604&Signature=Eh6us0VtyVHVJTWCQsy97o1osWmy3W2-yWfDjopwE9EeRnpSVc4r5beDTct6~PO2gzSwxf82bl0lNjh8sqAha0DDUGpzK66g7749JhEu3cU3pzfWqpV0jjXI16D7ykHRsiRIXKrqWF7c3XO70HrVI9sm~~mmJigN6yqH-XJLG0BnwujZrb37DTTwuGLO2RJLM3JdkvmfZkBf39nGRBWKtZtQuEY7a3RNTxoEA96HoW18HQlYkn26MmeGnztI3wkBAUAXZ6EIjSVwYyvGUYoLfJ2fSdpqyeIsP-OrFR7EGe6MFrBVX4y8BDlSFU7Z6YhGnnhPtqJXEWWRY-ARADdclA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Special education and English‑learner staff told the board about training and programs intended to improve post‑secondary transition outcomes and classroom language supports.

Kendra Spolstra, a special education teacher at Oak View, summarized district training for transition planning for students on IEPs. “By the time our students turn 14, all students on their IEP…we must have gathered information and have goals written to support them in their reaching those goals,” Spolstra said, describing vocational assessments, employability skills and connections to recreational rehabilitation services.

Elementary special education teachers described a case‑study model: teams brought specific students to regular workshops to identify strengths, needed supports, measurable outcomes and next steps. “We have teachers that excel in academics and some in behavioral needs…being able just to pick each other's brains and figure out how are we going to help our students get to the next level,” one teacher said.

English‑learner program presenters Mary Hudson and Kayla Holland described PD sessions focused on literacy foundations for ELs, scaffolding strategies, sentence frames and supports for SLIFE (students with limited or interrupted formal education). Hudson said staff aligned instruction with ELPA standards and saw positive changes in classroom engagement and language acquisition.

Why it matters

District leaders said the training will change how transition IEPs are written and implemented, and will give teachers practical scaffolds to support ELs across content areas. The presentations were informational; no board action was required.","Special education teachers described expanded transition‑planning training for students with IEPs and elementary SPED case‑study work; EL staff described targeted PD on scaffolding and supports for newcomers and SLIFE students.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6675495,"District outlines multi‑year instructional framework, curriculum review and new literacy resources",1438,3072000,4510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4&start=3072&end=4510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4/thumbnail_3072000.jpg","/articles/6675495/Iowa/District-outlines-multiyear-instructional-framework-curriculum-review-and-new-literacy-resources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675495-a6190494c9c2444a39a704d52a9b8fe4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770828604&Signature=LkQ1VCRRJeXPv-C3AhjttNi81olHmsHcj5xOJXC6Z3pzjczH-G-yPAUwUzllnopc6He2MubqBpPMtDccVNGGbFFIlB8sVd~dm~40CIXNv~fvQxH9qWkSuxER1zkpSY6cbQ7e2JUP1IZIweJJVJpxIJ3Ib1Ymr3PmgCW4XaH2lbc2bqgvTbhA-oM0Mtv5flWww7k-nExi~Dq4Fm8~aZf2zDTeVU8hiRVl2W1i3ftma7ejz1OzVK3-~D-oUqSpzhRD1H8CFb894UoYhz2I41dHyMNf8Lv3HDq9tX7YFir8gzirKMe-xiYV7lrGBSinmcQ4lZrqPJ2nTNZF0YBD3vKkFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District instructional leaders described a multi‑year professional development plan anchored in a six‑standard instructional framework and a seven‑year curriculum review cycle designed to align curriculum, assessment and teacher growth.

Director of Teaching and Learning Jim Shot and colleagues described the “strong instructional framework,” with six standards (professional knowledge, instructional planning, instructional delivery, assessment, learning environment and professionalism). “It gives us a common language,” Shot said, and the district set a long‑range goal that 100% of staff will use the framework by 2029.

Building‑level work and new resources
- Heritage Elementary instructional coach Abby Crannell described a personalized PD approach in which teachers selected focused goals, implemented research‑based strategies, collected data and repeated the improvement cycle. Crannell reported a kindergarten classroom increased measured active engagement from about 70% in November to 95% by May after targeted coaching and implementation.
- High school coaches described a strategy symposium in which teachers share tested classroom techniques tied to effect sizes from John Hattie’s work; examples included scaffolding (0.82 effect size) and data‑driven practice in vocational and arts classes.
- Curriculum facilitators said math and music are in year two of the seven‑year review cycle; K–2 teachers received UFLI training for foundational literacy and grades 3–6 received MyView/MyPerspectives professional learning tied to newly adopted ELA resources.

Why it matters

Superintendent and board members praised the expanded Wednesday professional learning blocks as producing tangible classroom changes. Leaders said the approach is intended to build coherent instruction across buildings and to support the district’s improvement goals and state assessments.

What was not decided

No policy or contract changes were proposed; the presentation was informational and detailed how district PD days and coaching will be used in the coming year.","The district presented a coordinated professional‑development rollout tied to a six‑standard instructional framework, a seven‑year curriculum review cycle and new K–6 ELA materials (UFLI and MyView/MyPerspectives). Buildings described personalized PD models and learning‑walks to increase engagement.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6675499,"Dallas Center officials tell DCG board housing plans could double town’s households; city citing tax abatements for entry‑level homes",335,152000,487000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4&start=152&end=487","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6675499/Iowa/Dallas-Center-officials-tell-DCG-board-housing-plans-could-double-towns-households-city-citing-tax-abatements-for-entrylevel-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675499-895cf0370d871fb0a30d43de9f409f2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770828604&Signature=bxbSYZlkXf7TpRxAapPvlCZ62dbGXnvzk9sTnJwsABSYveAq3aDLEa2176kZGRsdD1CML0JHtugzbi3YebaXiHd3WQCQZ~e2N4235issuhxasqtG1Go6U2KykLOnb6W-HgZksoAc4iJNufLiH5NoRDoeS6r1vSYvw0TnTo~1BAokKUDXUuIbTJLKDAt93PMSpy40qi~Yn1GFqraplILXS9g7lSnU019mBalSqPlc55p~vAAaKUbCu5ffA2rwBBJqHW1rromZFES6oE6QV3oMWQvCAW5Jc21Qft5OiEA4FGgcM5eWwa-UtPP4467JpWywmuNynBqwu-rUq0QEWfJBmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dallas Center Mayor Danny Beyer and City Administrator John Cook updated the Dallas Center‑Grimes board on housing and downtown projects they say are intended to attract young families and support school enrollment.

“Over the past 10 years…we've worked hard to create a city that's welcoming to young families,” Mayor Danny Beyer said, listing prior investments including an expanded library and a new pool. John Cook said the city has three approved developments — Burkett Plat, Skyview and a neighborhood plat — clustered near Fairview and 44, and that when built out they would “double the number of homes that we have in Dallas Center.”

Cook said the city has offered limited tax abatements to encourage builders to produce entry‑level homes. “To clarify…when we say we're doing the tax abatements for the 1 development, it's only on the first 75,000,” Cook said, adding the policy is intentionally modest and not intended to substantially reduce school or city revenue.

City proposals and timing
- Cook described downtown revitalization plans that include extending Walnut Street to Fairview, façade and storefront improvements, and a proposed amphitheater near Heritage Park.
- The city is studying the state ADU law recently signed by the governor and will consider accessory dwelling unit ordinances once legislative language is clarified. Cook said the city may explore ADUs for older residents to downsize and free larger homes for young families.
- Officials said one development with abatements focuses on entry‑level housing; another (Spurgeon Manor) would add townhomes.

Board response and concerns

Trustees asked how the three Dallas Center plats relate geographically and which are likely to start first. Cook said build‑out timing depends on developers: “whoever puts the shovel in the ground first will likely then kick start the other 3 because they'll feel like they're behind,” he said. Trustees also asked about stormwater and capacity; Cook said stormwater flows to a new retention pond and that the city monitors potential developments near the school.

What was not decided

The city provided an informational update; no board action or district‑level commitments were made. Board members invited Dallas Center officials to return for a follow‑up with Grimes representatives next month.","Mayor Danny Beyer and City Administrator John Cook described three approved developments in Dallas Center that officials say could double the town’s housing stock when fully built, highlighted tax abatement incentives targeted at entry‑level homes and described downtown revitalization plans.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6675501,"Demographer RSP forecasts about 300-student growth for Dallas Center‑Grimes over five years",1431,778000,2209000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4&start=778&end=2209","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388974-6d395bc30cc408d7a83fc9262763a7b4/thumbnail_778000.jpg","/articles/6675501/Iowa/Demographer-RSP-forecasts-about-300-student-growth-for-Dallas-CenterGrimes-over-five-years","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675501-f7e9de49a88c2552d88233215faaa6ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770828604&Signature=CmVAylKpphsGzLIPXsxQa7erg414oJY6PNyWdtgB0SAFbSFzBykooLLHpS--T2ALou9p~4dqoE7wQhxdi8srQqjZnfdXQ8ZX3GYpTBxmxy99yyw9iLT5ErPVOEnfqKStur9A07VIKqp~RIEgjMNkTR1zdbm3YElOLAGsH3vB2yYuzcLlQAn3aaQgqrQrKyCbDlLmMiXvadSlOx4NNJgTpUrGX1ohF~a0rXZmBi8VnAZ6v0ucT4fOMZs8BibF3iDcSij7XDF2-TNkYNgLkQzThvknPmyQL1ik6ObObiS32-yJRc61YTHy-IQv9k3MpB2K7pZA6gJMcCUJ9IgfanC2oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Good evening. RSP, the district’s demographer, told the Dallas Center‑Grimes Community School District board that the district is likely to grow by about 300 students over the next five years, with most gains at the elementary and high school levels.

RSP planner Jenna Wallace said the forecast combines four analysis parts: enrollment and demographics, development and growth trends, yield (students per housing unit) and migration, and the projection model. “The report…is broken down into our 4 main parts,” Wallace said. She told trustees the district’s most likely scenario shows about 300 more students districtwide, with elementary growth of about 140 students (roughly a 10% increase) and smaller gains at middle school and high school.

Why it matters: the district’s capacity calculations and facility planning — including discussions of a possible high‑school addition — depend on these projections. RSP said the forecast assumes some near‑term building activity that the consultant classed as “current or active,” plus additional potential units over a five‑ to ten‑year horizon.

Key points from the presentation
- RSP’s model uses fine‑grained “planning areas” (neighborhoods, complexes) rather than census blocks to estimate local yields (students per 100 housing units). The district’s historical yield for single‑family homes is high: about 59 students per 100 single‑family units. Multifamily yields fewer students per unit.
- Active and near‑term developments account for about 1,400 units the consultant judged likely to start within five years; the consultant listed roughly 5,800 potential units over ten years but warned timing is uncertain.
- Birth‑rate trends are a limiting factor: RSP noted slightly lower live births in Polk and Dallas counties, which reduces the pool of future kindergarteners unless the district increases its market share.
- Open‑enrollment and out‑of‑district students matter: RSP reported 380–420 students living outside the DCG boundary attend DCG schools, with Johnston and Waukee as the largest contributors.

Board questions and clarifications

Trustees pressed on assumptions about which subdivisions will build first and how yields for new units were modeled. Wallace said the model differentiates by housing type, price and planning area; she also noted that the projected yield for future units may differ from the district’s overall, historical yield because of differences in unit mix and price. Trustee discussion also centered on how many of the Dallas Center developments (Burkett, Skyview and another plat) would come online and how rapidly: RSP said local city officials expect more activity but the timing depends on developer decisions and infrastructure.

RSP also reported strong model accuracy historically (last year’s projection was about 98.9% accurate), and said the district’s year‑to‑year cohort movement (how classes grow or shrink as they advance) is built into the forecasts.

What the district will do next

RSP recommended annual updates, continued monitoring of birth‑rate and legislative changes (for example, ESA rollouts), and scenario planning tied to the near‑term developments the consultant identified. Trustees and staff said they will use the forecast in facility planning and in bond and budget timelines.","RSP presented a district enrollment analysis projecting roughly 300 additional students over five years, driven largely by planned housing; the consultant flagged birth-rate declines and open‑enrollment dynamics as constraints.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board votes: agenda, minutes, personnel, policies, utilities and facilities contracts approved

Special education, transition and ELL teams outline expanded transition planning and language supports

District outlines multi‑year instructional framework, curriculum review and new literacy resources

Dallas Center officials tell DCG board housing plans could double town’s households; city citing tax abatements for entry‑level homes

Demographer RSP forecasts about 300-student growth for Dallas Center‑Grimes over five years