[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6745209,"mediaKeyId","2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570","parentId",2383163,"title","Board accepts Prairie Meadows check and approves Sphero grant application to expand K–6 coding","audioSeconds",1764,"startMs",1566000,"endMs",3330000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570&start=1566&end=3330","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570/thumbnail_1566000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6745209/Iowa/Board-accepts-Prairie-Meadows-check-and-approves-Sphero-grant-application-to-expand-K6-coding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745209-593ca74c250d87e9090b336ef5635622/orig.mp4?Expires=1777320069&Signature=Nm5rtpfj4HKcQnriEf6ur7LKqHx6swp1vd1qbwAd5wRh5dBMUOyqLuNjNSnlL0na-DiKnzgve7VwWllzGsE8tCyf9LJ9hqVSprN7kOPPWUBVz5q-iwYA9Ikx0mYJ1HQb2SWZRa4OZ-XNOZJiaJ4BF5ZKh9ZCzvTMI5slR4tmR8Zw30d5U10Run4XZjIqLm9aAHkz1xTOqbQIYTq1HGTcWsrpu87ZbS2J-XSJX0je62Iq13MRyDIlbOLUqwwHz310kcUEleGWnP7Lvzr3t8e1hMfI5VC90gsUWCTgJMsLC4XLDtb3RKTachlRDDNgcCWldPGDUM8pERIVacfQm7K9Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dallas Center-Grimes Comm School District","date","2025-02-25T03:14:01.427Z","article","Polk County supervisor Jill Altringer and Prairie Meadows senior vice president Brian Orelko presented the district with a discretionary check totaling $31,976.62 and reminded staff about the Prairie Meadows grant deadline.

Adam Churchwell, curriculum facilitator, described a proposed Prairie Meadows community betterment grant to purchase six Indisphero class packs (each pack includes multiple Sphero robots and teaching mats) for use in elementary libraries and classrooms across the district. Churchwell said the devices support coding, algorithmic thinking and hands‑on problem solving aligned to district computer science standards. The proposal calls for one class pack per elementary school and one for district checkout; if only partial funding is received the district would prioritize K–4 classrooms.

Board members asked about device management and whether trustees could try the devices; librarians and Churchwell said kits can be checked out to classrooms and that trainer support would be part of the proposal. Director Dickinson moved to approve submission of the Prairie Meadows grant application; the board approved the motion.

Ending: Administration said it would submit the grant later the same week and would inform the board of the award outcome and any implementation details if funded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DCG School Board Meeting - February 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Polk County and Prairie Meadows presented a discretionary check of $31,976.62 to the district; trustees approved the district's submission of a Prairie Meadows community betterment grant to buy Sphero classroom kits for elementary computer science.","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},6745214,"Parents and teachers press DCG board to act as enrollment falls at Dallas Center Elementary",8841,153000,8994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570&start=153&end=8994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570/thumbnail_153000.jpg","/articles/6745214/Iowa/Parents-and-teachers-press-DCG-board-to-act-as-enrollment-falls-at-Dallas-Center-Elementary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745214-0b77253c2fe3ed8753a28e635a19c2a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1777320069&Signature=JtShKHgazc6vFp6FQY0yfL0YXbS4IO5u1uYg-P0ngmLcHetmBSfjHsEMMbD-LErluLImPyjbyNRJEn6W8tj1BYHmFuERJQDLH-sRh~kjr~GmB3u2Hut51mR9T-WhlKB9pMQzda4EIJ-xAd3ZIjAYw8iW7JGY311KfbaYivZ-y383M6jIgEHXUyDI6zmjfTz72lPnU8H5mf-84Pz5YAVKJRMm8FyYMxLxD4cDYiPkgCStTl-t0SmSpEDUlxTer3d5Skoz3qv0cFkEDo7GDzcVQAx098YeGLst2ujtor84Q8fqsecd1Sd-8Euqw-MLa7nfL8sURSE8g6DURlnpIZD8KA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several teachers and parents urged the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District board to take prompt, coordinated action after administrators warned enrollment declines could reduce Dallas Center Elementary to single sections for several early-grade cohorts.

Tara McCaffrey, a teacher at South Prairie Elementary, said the district’s mission “is not merely a statement, it reflects our commitment to fostering an environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.” Parents and community members described choices families have already made — including open‑enrolling students to other buildings and altering childcare plans — because neighborhood sections have reached capacity.

Leslie Erlbeck, a Grimes resident and parent, urged the board to develop both short‑ and long‑term plans to preserve Dallas Center Elementary’s culture and teaching staff. “Trust is the foundation for a positive culture and trust is created with not only open and honest dialogue, but with the formation of a plan,” Erlbeck said.

Speakers described practical impacts: families losing access to before‑and‑after care if students are sent to other buildings, siblings being separated across campuses, and the risk of teachers seeking other positions if a one‑section environment persists. Amy Strutt, a Dallas Center city council member and parent, asked the board to support creation of an ad hoc committee focused on attracting and retaining teachers and students at Dallas Center Elementary.

Board members and administration agreed community members could be part of a working group, but trustees said the committee should be drafted with districtwide equity and clear scope. Director Dickinson moved to form an ad hoc committee; the board debated composition and scope, then directed staff and trustees to draft a resolution and refine committee membership and charge. The board set a plan to discuss a proposed resolution in a March work session before taking final action.

The board stopped short of committing to any operational changes at the meeting; members emphasized that short‑term staffing and bussing decisions are constrained by collective bargaining, state funding (SSA) levels, and the certified‑budget timeline.

Trustees said they would continue district planning work and encouraged community participation in upcoming meetings and the March 4 voted PPEL election.

Ending: The board agreed to continue the discussion at a scheduled work session and to circulate a draft resolution defining committee membership and scope before a formal vote.","Multiple teachers and parents told the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District board that falling enrollment at Dallas Center Elementary is already affecting class sections, teacher retention and wraparound care; the board agreed to develop a resolution and bring the matter back after an ad hoc committee framework is drafted.",{"_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},6745200,"Board accepts bids and awards contracts for Northridge LED lighting and heat pump replacement projects",71,8719000,8790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570&start=8719&end=8790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570/thumbnail_8719000.jpg","/articles/6745200/Iowa/Board-accepts-bids-and-awards-contracts-for-Northridge-LED-lighting-and-heat-pump-replacement-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745200-78ec4a5fa5566ed78c6c006828c0b205/orig.mp4?Expires=1777320069&Signature=W5hTjX6AK-QzbYftPVYBiW-ZGVsMnQQ78ldvzcmihBqsDf4hBh83ACiNYak4XNvoH9AHNQW89eR-K1EirrWXugC3AO9yPNM9v3LniXR-nwnrKMq7bIh2eHytLBC8JfN~j~-3suF4PRR9Uqrqpt2lVm~oKHVL7GkQ8C36CnaH9pTQ0NuRsM3HS2HfnuUjTjKE1OK~oVij5myXFeXE7ew5JKY6xmsZumGRLqMeYok5nLivU2-5wlrePPNt2OPxNXBmVuD4TbKjcspon6XEdN9Mae9KM4Idwhcu4KDGpT1Z5G3KZtN6azlm1VW1Vjk8450zMbwnTBgeMdu2oEkYO5QKeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board considered multiple bids for facilities projects and approved awards for several items affecting Northridge Elementary.

After staff reviewed bids for LED lighting upgrades at Northridge, trustees accepted the low responsive proposal and approved a contract with Vision Electrical for $31,088. Board members confirmed the bids had been evaluated with rebate assumptions accounted for in the comparative analysis.

For a Northridge heat pump replacement project, the board accepted bids and awarded the equipment contract to VHF Sales in the amount of $261,536. Administration said equipment‑only awards will be followed by scheduling and coordination for installation work.

Board approval of these items followed standard bid acceptance and award procedures. Trustees also accepted other related bid packages and asked administration to move forward with procurement and project scheduling.

Ending: Administration will coordinate installation timing and continuing communications with principals about temporary impacts to building access during installation.","Trustees accepted competitive bids and awarded contracts for Northridge Elementary LED lighting replacement and heat pump replacement equipment; awards include Vision Electrical ($31,088) for LED lighting and VHF Sales ($261,536) for heat pump equipment.",{"_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},6745205,"Board adopts budget‑guarantee resolution; administration highlights enrollment, PPEL vote and staffing outlook",1518,7403000,8921000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570&start=7403&end=8921","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383163-5b22e9ccaa1d0313ca1ec178b61bf570/thumbnail_7403000.jpg","/articles/6745205/Iowa/Board-adopts-budgetguarantee-resolution-administration-highlights-enrollment-PPEL-vote-and-staffing-outlook","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745205-9bc5f7db2bda27ab419df7efab595e26/orig.mp4?Expires=1777320069&Signature=O7kJc97MLuZUGyYlnn-HCtPk7YpgpvSA9rSGsH5D2ulRUy59KmwBeAXhGWeCz0fc3UuzT4qNzAXKMWkqoVKA4X43hNHIBHZlzOjOqCd-PQlhu8XlLFmSaQlXC2tmDlnRkD4s~0gyitdKeC3ogCb3fWFq5jX6d~ar0n0JDgkv7FY0ZvzRgAGtiPTIkyuLtaodtT3fyxb2tSwlKw4imduM2gQXC7ZPTQ-DptcfJoU57OASJv~tiJldUNiVphzNYjTR9Xjf9mSsZizfchskA53Bpsi4lLvUjymV0qPVQsoEx41oXH9ZfHHFc-LUY8rRyokzONEL~~L6GIY6vH5tSySUrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michelle Wormeth, director of business services, reviewed the district’s revenue and expenditure status and explained how state Supplementary State Aid (SSA) percentages affect the certified budget. Wormeth told trustees that a 2 percent SSA recommendation would leave the district in budget guarantee and illustrated how a 2.25 percent change would have only a small fiscal effect.

Trustees adopted a resolution to request budget guarantee for FY26 (motion: Malmberg; second: Vander Belden). Wormeth explained the board must pass the resolution so the Department of Management may apply the budget guarantee mechanism when state aid and enrollment declines would otherwise create a steeper drop in district resources.

Superintendent Dr. Bloom reported a net decline of three resident students since the prior month and summarized staffing changes: recent retirements and multiple resignations that the district is beginning to fill. Bloom reiterated that the district would continue internal reassignments first and then post openings externally.

Financial staff reminded the public of the March 4 election to renew the voted physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) and the local option sales tax revenue purpose statement; officials said those dollars pay for buses, technology, building repairs and other capital needs. Trustees set the public hearing for the FY26 certified budget for March 31 at 5:30 p.m. and asked administration to publish the proposed budget as required.

Ending: Trustees encouraged community members to contact legislators about SSA funding levels and noted the district would continue outreach and post materials as the budget process continues.","Trustees adopted a budget‑guarantee resolution as the district faces declining enrollment and state funding uncertainty; administrators reiterated March 4 PPEL election and reported a net loss of three resident students this month and ongoing personnel changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board accepts Prairie Meadows check and approves Sphero grant application to expand K–6 coding

Parents and teachers press DCG board to act as enrollment falls at Dallas Center Elementary

Board accepts bids and awards contracts for Northridge LED lighting and heat pump replacement projects

Board adopts budget‑guarantee resolution; administration highlights enrollment, PPEL vote and staffing outlook