[{"_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",6610053,"mediaKeyId","2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e","parentId",2905058,"title","District presents rooftop HVAC replacement plan for Thomas Jefferson and Rue elementary; community raises refrigerant and cost concerns","audioSeconds",678,"startMs",900000,"endMs",1578000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e&start=900&end=1578","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e/thumbnail_900000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6610053/Iowa/District-presents-rooftop-HVAC-replacement-plan-for-Thomas-Jefferson-and-Rue-elementary-community-raises-refrigerant-and-cost-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610053-8ef2a742fb138a5468b9565abaa3aff2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066554&Signature=fhmRYUTLaoYLyDgqMGcTopl-cZtqRXn1UFQ17Q1QQ2~BjK-KBYPRCnARad7xsZk8gMjZpb4zgvDIzr2VFuqHUExAoSq37eQQpxaOix-NS8w06VYDxYlp1Xh9dZsDX4sS666zQpso5lWi5PH-Wpq-h0TvYZZY9vvqOy9Ek7O2cWTjzdinLa6u-oYTfPO-2~cJPiNoJoTptTey1R2q4qWQO5qzvdaAgrEsXpZLh2aow4D64NdCk-6ge-UB1YLgmy70ML24~A1nTZvdjIbaZKr6QDaT8ikimGARTloWvdh~1koZ1UG5SfljvIpeleM3TRjNDSvNDYc2068J0f41K98b8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Council Bluffs Comm School District","date","2025-04-09T01:21:22.3Z","article","District facilities staff presented a packaged plan to replace end-of-life rooftop heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units at Thomas Jefferson (TJ) and Rue elementary schools and said combining projects may reduce costs and scheduling conflicts.

A facilities representative explained the TJ unit includes a large energy recovery ventilator (ERV) that has exceeded its typical 15–20-year useful life, has a refrigerant leak and mechanical problems that contribute to vibration and noise in adjacent corridors. At Rue Elementary the district said three rooftop units serving the gym and other spaces are beyond useful life; staff proposed consolidating the rooftop components into a two-unit package to simplify ductwork and future maintenance. The presentation included preliminary opinions of cost, commissioning and integration into the district’s controls platform and a tentative construction schedule beginning July 1 with a roughly year-long construction timeline.

Staff said industrywide refrigerant transitions are in progress: older refrigerants (for example R-22 or earlier blends) are being phased out and manufacturers are moving toward newer refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. The presenter noted the new refrigerants have different handling considerations and are slightly flammable, though he said rooftop location reduces indoor risk. He said many existing district units use R-410A today and the industry is still adapting to supply and pricing differences; the district is vetting multiple manufacturers and expects to consider American-made options where feasible.

Board members asked technical questions about the source of noise at TJ and whether vibration isolation or ductwork changes might reduce sound. Staff said vibration isolation and ductwork adjustments are part of the design options but could increase cost. They also said the district would work with contractors on scheduling to avoid the cost premium that often results from compressing multiple projects into a single summer.

During an open public comment portion addressing the HVAC presentation, multiple residents with HVAC experience pressed the district for more detailed specifications, tonnage and bid documents; one former HVAC professional warned about risks from slightly flammable refrigerants if evaporator leaks occur and urged clear specifications and testing protocols. A member of the public asked about the total project cost; staff said detailed specifications and cost figures would be released at the board's next meeting, and one commenter referenced a preliminary figure of about $600,000 but board staff clarified formal bid documents would be provided at the subsequent meeting.

Staff indicated existing rooftop equipment is not in immediate failure mode and the district has schedule flexibility, but also acknowledged that some units may fail unexpectedly and require immediate repairs before full replacement. The district said selected vendors will be asked to integrate new equipment into the master controls platform and to include commissioning in the contract work.

No formal action or vote was taken on the HVAC projects at the workshop; district staff said the board would receive bid and specification materials and a recommended contract at a later meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - April 8 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District facilities staff presented a packaged plan to replace end-of-life rooftop HVAC units at Thomas Jefferson and Rue elementary schools, citing obsolete refrigerants, noise and equipment age.","taxTitle","Council Bluffs Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",38241,"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},6610056,"Council Bluffs school board holds public hearing on FY26 budget, proposes slight levy increase",466,898000,432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e&start=898&end=432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e/thumbnail_898000.jpg","/articles/6610056/Iowa/Council-Bluffs-school-board-holds-public-hearing-on-FY26-budget-proposes-slight-levy-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610056-d9d9d958bcc656a26c6ede5429d4c6eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066554&Signature=bF2vDoNT6D7cfcJHMvip~3MUl3kE0wVkbTqAyjx8r5f6-sBzASrRZRIY8dgWm8ZMyXoyy73PCn4WQ0UYHRrsxeIOePI8lm9Lhwkkng-lWhcENp70h3qLCx2pIg9lL2vHOlp6B3BKhVRAwmEJ-Vu0TmlfivtNJSkHvyHwbQV90JoyclabIlZU5~lWq5Fj1bAjSqnaFipIZfAyxUeH4LuAPx8AaRVCPYReG7Xk1WdqQUv43-Q0532FlWwAdA6HA~DVGzUbtyCg17eD1Xy8LRQ~axY4JclC1r~1kZU-rd~fOkN9IWIPd1LAA3zT1RaEf-7i8Mdw~8MuJz8zSaNUZ1coXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Council Bluffs Community School District Board of Directors held a public hearing on its initial fiscal year 2026 budget and reviewed a proposed maximum property tax levy that would rise from 15.97 to 16.15 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

District presenter Ms. Lehan said the change follows the Iowa Legislature’s House File 718, which altered parts of the property taxation process and introduced the annual taxpayer statement many residents have received. The statement compares current and proposed school, city and county rates and lists the district’s proposed maximum levy for FY26.

The district noted an updated statewide SSA (school support) rate of 2 percent set by the governor. Ms. Lehan said the 2% rate and the state’s “budget guarantee” mean that, if enrollment declines, the district’s new state aid may result in a funding increase of less than 1 percent; state law allows districts a 1% increase over the prior year if approved by the local board. The district’s staff explained that the budget guarantee is intended to give districts time to adjust expenditures after funding reductions.

Board members asked clarifying questions about recent SSA rates and how the new 2% figure compares with prior years. A board member noted the district was on the state budget guarantee because of enrollment declines and that more than 150 Iowa districts are in a similar situation.

The district outlined how its main funds are used: the general fund for staff salaries and benefits, curriculum, textbooks, transportation and utilities; the PPEL fund for building and grounds improvements, equipment and technology; and the management fund for property and casualty insurance and workers’ compensation. Staff said management-fund insurance costs are expected to rise 4 to 6 percent.

Because state statute restricts public comment during a formal levy public hearing, board president Mr. Tripp told members of the public the hearing itself did not include comment but that those present could offer input during the board’s regular meeting immediately following the hearing or at the second public hearing scheduled for April 22, when the final budget is expected to be adopted.

Public speakers who later addressed the board raised concerns about the proposed tax increase, the district’s capital structure in light of declining enrollment, and how rising property assessments and other living costs affect seniors and fixed-income residents. Several speakers requested clearer public access to district audit reports and budget details before the next hearing.

The board closed the public hearing and moved on to its workshop meeting; the final FY26 budget and any levy adoption are set to be considered at the subsequent public hearing on April 22.","The Council Bluffs Community School District Board of Directors held a public hearing on its initial fiscal year 2026 budget and reviewed a proposed maximum property tax levy that would rise from 15.97 to 16.15 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.",{"_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},6610039,"Board approves Green Hills AEA MOU and Council Bluffs Education Association contract",41,5159000,5200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e&start=5159&end=5200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e/thumbnail_5159000.jpg","/articles/6610039/Iowa/Board-approves-Green-Hills-AEA-MOU-and-Council-Bluffs-Education-Association-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610039-2a3601a372d03c6ec0cf1e6177ebbf5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066554&Signature=htjWY6l9LJ7htb04~YAsHMZySwevEs63GD5w6ba0QATC4LzW~2VGG8R8V5oL92pXLuIQMOGZv-Nbh44rE9CF4XfVd7R1a86XUJLHVO2qecneBBgJ4nBi7Ts1cG094eLimbZqqwJbhFadobeIrDPczAO8l7fBHRCg93xVuGGUPxgMw5qthacd3uCYZvbZpVEwZ2QRjsyMMEbL2ORW8JYJBz9xKOpQvKED62IECS1O1PgcSa0-cO5KjODOijyDA1olDEVvBkLCWdMjmXhkzSgHlUhs5hotpYvAURApQY0PB30Wb8oKbPO5-rjeyOxtAZLPPB8ZxNBbto65XniNVxQJyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Council Bluffs Community School District Board of Directors approved two resolutions at the workshop: an MOU with the Green Hills Area Education Agency (Green Hills AEA) for the 2025'26 school year and a bargaining agreement with the Council Bluffs Education Association for the 2025'26 school year.

For the Green Hills AEA memorandum of understanding, a board member moved to approve the MOU and a motion was seconded. During a roll-call vote, each named board member recorded a vote of \"Yes.\" The roll call in the record includes Mr. Cozier, Ms. Myers, Dr. Ozello, Mr. Peters, Mr. Tripp, Ms. Hardiman and Mrs. Griner; the motion carried.

On the Council Bluffs Education Association agreement (the teachers'bargaining contract), the board motioned and seconded approval. The same roll-call sequence recorded \"Yes\" votes from the listed board members and the contract was approved; a district representative praised the negotiation team and specifically thanked CBA negotiator Preston Vorthmann and others for their work. The district said formal ratification will be recorded in the minutes.

No additional conditions or dissent were recorded on the motions. Both approvals were taken during the workshop and recorded via roll call; the district indicated implementation details will follow as specified in each agreement.","The Council Bluffs school board unanimously approved an MOU with Green Hills AEA for 2025'26 and ratified the Council Bluffs Education Association contract for 2025'26, both by roll-call votes recorded as unanimous yeses.",{"_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},6610044,"District completes grading work groups; staff to finalize guides and rollout in August",323,4547000,4870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e&start=4547&end=4870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e/thumbnail_4547000.jpg","/articles/6610044/Iowa/District-completes-grading-work-groups-staff-to-finalize-guides-and-rollout-in-August","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610044-63fb8a7c1518367e5a8f7527e2022f57/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066554&Signature=nqrCeyQBiAB133wQQ9Q6zu5PZ7srcdgxF1vtAQwQvD1DhoXz48F5Woeb7D5QlQ-ark4U6fn54mN00PVfJLcA07AbpywUHknC~PazpsZ4Ic4-yZrX6J7~nUBSKJPJCkiBEOAtSzhnxFWwRSpv6SUo71yCkj2BqzUhUUQ6W6tV5Em15U6b4nIdx20BvofKLg3u6oYcGSV~u0lY5~Cl0VbfBL3icyZ~u3vg2B3IiBHee9x1D5Cxlo~ze9Ns~hBzI2wWZByYVicqa2f3qwk95O9gmXTVj4~NtKbrwets8cPHJq325M-I-VsQZPCt5pDHV0G3nyUC3vYByQOgQevb4~wi-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff reported the completion of K'5 and 6'12 grading work groups that reviewed grading philosophy, practices and communication needs and recommended a set of educator and family guides to reduce confusion and \"mission drift.\" The work is intended to standardize messaging and clarify grading practices across the district.

Melissa Chlepnick, director of professional learning, said the groups were formed after an external review by HYA Associates recommended revisiting grading philosophy and practices. The district surveyed administrators, teachers, parents and students and used the HYA report and best-practice research to inform the work groups. Members sought consensus in drafting changes and recommended both an educator guide and a family-facing guide to explain grading and transitions from elementary (1'4 scale) to secondary (letter grades).

Chlepnick said the work groups will deliver drafts to Superintendent Dr. Merillo for review, and after any revisions the district will finalize materials and run a facilitated video-based professional learning session for staff during the August in-service day. The district also plans building-level communications and will involve principals and work-group volunteers in post-implementation support.

Board members asked about ongoing coaching and help for teachers after rollout; staff said work-group members and building principals will serve as supports and that the district plans targeted communication to families to ease the grade-scale transition.

No formal action was required; staff will proceed with final edits, superintendent review, and an August implementation and communication plan.","K-12 grading work groups reviewed district grading philosophy and practices, produced recommended educator and family guides, and plan to finalize drafts with superintendent feedback before an August professional learning rollout and ongoing building-level support.",{"_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},6610049,"District presents DCAP updates, aims for 90% Diploma +1 completion and expanded work-based learning",900,3450000,4350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e&start=3450&end=4350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905058-2b9329c8ad836bbfb20b3a9d8022641e/thumbnail_3450000.jpg","/articles/6610049/Iowa/District-presents-DCAP-updates-aims-for-90-Diploma-1-completion-and-expanded-work-based-learning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610049-958221a106f0632a80c55c8601584ccc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771066554&Signature=o26N3hGm7LsphjAjetae1Lxj2ZnPDbf-3KrodANAfbo8fZSdh~MhnFpVFgQR0Mc9U9LZCyFNQlkQuovTDkriNFN1sxbwEB9jFEjMvpCGqJgdOSg73Kk2I1jF~sZDH1VEuqzxinIcmQQ7tE2lbU8Z6Lnn1KHsTNUjuOEpWK6ILwsKY0Hg6cGi1k6aX8uyblFLaOizkUcugGt5DUNkeMKkuy3cFekzq9sA~26qngWy~d8rT5oxwciVQm2nlhHBZGXOLptzTEVFH7nT9Dqs0qr7wjAxaokNlXgO-A79eaJonUEj~ALdtVHDmrcTebLIxn1tdbpzMAzqWoHBkOmoLs~ung__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented the Council Bluffs Community School District's annual District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP), which the district says aligns with state requirements and focuses on career-connected learning and postsecondary readiness.

Kathy Schmieding, coordinator of career and technical education, told the board the DCAP is tied to the district's strategic goal of ensuring each student graduates with a high school diploma and a second credential (the district calls this \"diploma plus 1\"). Schmieding said the DCAP and the individual career and academic plans (ICAPs) guide student self-understanding, career exploration, postsecondary planning and reflection, and that the district provides multiple supports including advisory lessons, 1-on-1 counselor meetings, career fairs, FAFSA nights and college visits.

The presentation reviewed recent outcomes: the Class of 2023 achieved 87% completion of diploma plus 1 and the district documented 1,291 work-based learning experiences. Schmieding said the district has added pathways including biomedical sciences and aviation and is emphasizing industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) and partnerships with local employers and organizations. She highlighted collaborations with the Chamber of Commerce, Advanced Southwest Iowa, Iowa Western and the Council Bluffs Public Library among others.

Schmieding said evaluation of the DCAP is performed by Green Hills AEA and the Iowa Department of Education; the district's prior score was above regional averages. Next steps include formal submission to Green Hills AEA and an evaluation over the summer. The DCAP will return to the board for a resolution after that regional/state review.

Board members and a parent praised the work, noting middle-school career exploration labs and the district's structured 6'8 grade elective that exposes students to career pathways. One board member asked about ongoing review of curriculum to identify new IRC opportunities; staff said the CTE team and regional partners review options and coordinate with Iowa Western where appropriate.

No formal vote occurred on the DCAP during the workshop; the plan will be submitted for review and then brought back to the board for formal approval.","The district outlined its District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP), described a range of career-connected learning activities and reported progress including 87% Diploma +1 completion for the Class of 2023 and 1,291 work-based learning experiences. The plan will be submitted to Green Hills AEA for evaluation and later the state.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District presents rooftop HVAC replacement plan for Thomas Jefferson and Rue elementary; community raises refrigerant and cost concerns

Council Bluffs school board holds public hearing on FY26 budget, proposes slight levy increase

Board approves Green Hills AEA MOU and Council Bluffs Education Association contract

District completes grading work groups; staff to finalize guides and rollout in August

District presents DCAP updates, aims for 90% Diploma +1 completion and expanded work-based learning