[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6070077,"mediaKeyId","3066149-7d434ed6aa259d625a5e82f0dba0473d","parentId",3066149,"title","Lewis Central board approves high-school fire alarm RFP, weight-room overhaul, van purchase and budget guarantee","audioSeconds",4844,"startMs",359000,"endMs",5203000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3066149-7d434ed6aa259d625a5e82f0dba0473d&start=359&end=5203","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3066149-7d434ed6aa259d625a5e82f0dba0473d/thumbnail_359000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070077/Iowa/Lewis-Central-board-approves-high-school-fire-alarm-RFP-weight-room-overhaul-van-purchase-and-budget-guarantee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070077-f1c40cb36833cc1429d28b99eefa1571/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178321&Signature=WeT5idVJYy4JKBVysPqeQfLZ5zGNbWTXmrwMoZ2LWsfN78as7JVF427qGJBr0TZLOpOytpB8Lq5JSCWznXQ8LbdEY6slrqJw0pdpayVSqNHmz~YDZJJ84yZkuLqZepWN206Pdfkhman6V0uFRwYgKFeNGTujluuIJ~vzf6PWjJy-wXpLRqVpUEIXg3pKo3~tgyKMiSwtugcARkjIUJS2f5i1FMEBuAl-ac5VKoYaeGbNaBZd1LgR6B2bsI2OKdOnWNAjgbrcpaZhsGEFluOa75T3CxQf8ooAMrA8HbpYhJgdFfsNVhcYD8LPIPJ~M1mnu~LvTvFn7KTmhU1CCIjNpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lewis Central CSD","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","The Lewis Central Community School District Board of Directors on March 3 approved multiple safety, facilities and budget actions, including moving forward with a replacement high‑school fire alarm system, a planned renovation of the high‑school weight room and purchase of a used 12‑passenger van.

The board opened a public hearing under Iowa Code section 26.12 for a public improvement project to replace the high‑school fire alarm system, which district staff said is obsolete and requires replacement to meet current code and messaging requirements. District presenters placed an estimated total cost at about $250,000 and said the work would be paid from bond dollars already set aside for safety and security. The board voted to approve the fire‑alarm specifications and release the RFP as presented.

Why it matters: district officials told the board that parts for the current system are no longer produced, that some sensors are not functioning and that modern systems require voice‑message and visual notification capabilities the current installation lacks. Replacing the system will require design, bidding and summer installation, district staff said.

Body and other actions
- Weight room equipment: The board approved a motion to purchase new weight‑room equipment from Push Pedal Pull for $168,007, a purchase district staff described as the first phase of replacing piecemeal, secondhand equipment with a matched set designed to improve safety and sightlines. Staff said the district has been setting aside funds for two years and that the purchase is intended to serve students for decades; some existing bumper plates and other durable items will be retained and reallocated to the middle school. The board approved the purchase in a recorded vote.

- Weight room flooring: The board approved a separate bid for weight‑room flooring to Kelly’s Carpet. Two bids were presented; district staff recommended the Kelly’s Carpet option. The motion to accept the Kelly’s Carpet bid passed.

- Van purchase: The board voted to approve the purchase of a previously owned 2022 Chevrolet 3500, 12‑passenger van from Edwards Auto for $37,490 (trade allowance applied). District staff said used 12‑passenger vans with low miles are rare and the vehicle price was considered favorable.

- Budget guarantee resolution: The board adopted a resolution to levy property tax for the district’s regular‑program budget adjustment under section 257.14 of the Code of Iowa. The superintendent and business staff said the district is eligible under state guidance and that the initial maximum property‑tax figure was set to $20,785,821 for submission to the county auditor; staff noted the figure is the high‑end placeholder until final state aid numbers are known. The board set the first required public hearing on the budget for April 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Education Resource Center.

- Employee leaves: Following a closed‑session review under Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(a), the board approved two employee leave requests (one unpaid leave and one request for other paid leave) as presented in closed session.

Votes at a glance
- Approve high‑school fire‑alarm specs and RFP as presented — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).
- Approve purchase of weight‑room equipment from Push Pedal Pull for $168,007 — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).
- Approve weight‑room flooring bid to Kelly’s Carpet — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).
- Approve purchase of 2022 Chevy 12‑passenger van from Edwards Auto for $37,490 — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).
- Adopt budget guarantee resolution and set initial maximum property tax at $20,785,821 and public hearing for 04/07/2025 at 6 p.m. — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).
- Approve employee A unpaid leave — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).
- Approve employee B other paid leave — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).

Context and next steps: District staff said the fire‑alarm RFP will go to bid, with installation anticipated this summer. The weight‑room work will include removal of existing equipment, remediation where needed (staff raised potential moisture/mold concerns), repainting and new lighting; some serviceable equipment will be moved to the middle school, and unusable items will be surplused. The board will hold the statutorily required hearings on the property‑tax levy in April before certifying the final levy.

No public comments were offered during the fire‑alarm hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lewis Central CSD School Board Meeting March 3, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","The Lewis Central Community School District Board of Directors on March 3 approved multiple safety, facilities and budget actions, including replacing an obsolete high‑school fire alarm system and authorizing new weight‑room equipment and flooring.","taxTitle","Lewis Central Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",65477,"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},6070066,"Lewis Central recognizes state‑qualifying winter athletes in wrestling, swimming and bowling",641,591000,1232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3066149-7d434ed6aa259d625a5e82f0dba0473d&start=591&end=1232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3066149-7d434ed6aa259d625a5e82f0dba0473d/thumbnail_591000.jpg","/articles/6070066/Iowa/Lewis-Central-recognizes-statequalifying-winter-athletes-in-wrestling-swimming-and-bowling","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070066-cefc4ae3d3cb5fb1409c2e2dab452dbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178321&Signature=Z9RGWyuIckY0sqP7PJEZ9gLEXBMlBFkixd29DEpVq8tkKQOGqx6wgmERBhCzztKjU1H5bJ437JR03Ef-4-H7ro~QIIZRP7tdAkZ2cIs1WgSHCPOvcSnsSrJaeKrbQNu5jMdDTCVBmeUMzQvSOQKhZACfBCl~jabawiZjVjbClW-GDMA0EkfUtZn2luw1fu1xTXAqq7OamuTx8ESZbnN9M5GbNQpixdS3ihHMjv7cn3qhFTZmQDCmhhn7dQcCccN18akdbcUjtHf0R5v7~ievv5SChu7RHSzRB~Xmg8SJVk4sKA7W1T3QPQyR7bpTEmTg4yWk1N6fMEYvr9VVD0sUoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its March 3 meeting the Lewis Central board paused regular business to recognize winter athletes who qualified for state competition in wrestling, swimming and bowling.

Wrestling: Coach Mann told the board the girls' team had eight state qualifiers, was regional champion for the third consecutive year, with two girls placing as state champions (one a repeat champion and Avaya Smith a first‑time champion as a sophomore). The girls placed fourth as a team in Class 2A. The boys had nine state qualifiers and three state placers (Weston Porter, Joe Manje and Paxton Blanchard). Students who spoke described the state experience as intense but rewarding.

Swimming: Coach Bruce said the high‑school pool — built in 1979 — remains a top eight‑lane facility and praised student performances. The board heard from freshman Rio Hammett, who posted top‑10 all‑time Lewis Central performances in multiple events, and senior Jimmy Cook, who earned top‑10 placements across events and said he enjoyed competing at the state level.

Bowling: Board members recognized the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams. The board highlighted seniors Caleb Hod Walker and Jade Morgan, captains of the boys team and part of a state title run; two girls, Alexandria Ford and Kendall Karnes, were noted as collegiate commitments (College of Saint Mary and Midland respectively). Coaches described bowling as momentum‑driven and praised the teams’ leadership and state performances.

Why it matters: The presentations publicly acknowledge student achievement and college commitments and gave board members a chance to thank coaches, players and booster supporters.

No board action was required for the recognitions. The board took photos of teams and thanked coaches and families for their support.","The board recognized wrestlers, swimmers and bowlers who qualified for or placed at state tournaments, including individual state champions and student commitments to college programs; coaches and student athletes described the experience to the board.",{"_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},6070071,"Titan Hill teachers tell board Fountas & Pinnell Classroom coaching raised student engagement in reading and writing",860,1792000,2652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3066149-7d434ed6aa259d625a5e82f0dba0473d&start=1792&end=2652","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3066149-7d434ed6aa259d625a5e82f0dba0473d/thumbnail_1792000.jpg","/articles/6070071/Iowa/Titan-Hill-teachers-tell-board-Fountas-Pinnell-Classroom-coaching-raised-student-engagement-in-reading-and-writing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070071-584780d7cc865dd9a2f77d7f6e7169c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178321&Signature=UVPbkrBOWPuzRNCljK7cPFjghqu9-cAeMpTOCISH-liSaDKy8IfU0lV5XwUJddC81LEF8YeYOSMoxTp~yDJ5EbjCZ0g9X3EnLy1QO2eiw953SdlmTSqPGYIwb3gYDahgNTscJuQWmn4mOZv6-wKwcFsz7fKBFGJBoISp-qJtP~L0klcZD4zH5wVF9o5Xx7UWovTylPiOh245hGr3S4HpCMBQUl-5KP9BiQS~8OLpXxHovXRWCkPuCD5JAd6mHB7-yPFASgWtE150yCgfj4vdedaaxB~zMrv-8Tlz2N6EujDBp8-rko1KWbWMoQsxj42MBDRHxDlBSzpnSjJ88toq9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Teachers and instructional coaches from Titan Hill Intermediate presented to the board on March 3 about the school’s recent adoption of Fountas & Pinnell Classroom, a literacy resource for reading and writing. Michelle Hoffman, associate principal at Titan Hill, and multiple classroom teachers described a year‑plus program rollout that included substantial professional development with consultant Christy Wright and one‑on‑one coaching sessions.

Nut graf: Presenters told the board the program’s components — interactive read‑aloud, reading mini‑lessons, shared reading, phonics and expanded writing mini‑lessons — combined with intensive coaching have led to increased student enthusiasm for reading and measurable classroom changes in instruction and student writing time.

Third‑grade, second‑grade and fifth‑grade teachers who addressed the board described practical effects in their classrooms: students seeking text sets on their own, excitement about read‑alouds and writers’ notebooks becoming a valued tool; one teacher reported second graders literally jumping from their seats in eagerness to write during mini‑lessons. Staff noted the district purchased additional text sets so classrooms can provide student access to multiple books in the same set.

Presenters also described the professional‑learning model: several full‑staff sessions from Christy Wright, multi‑day onsite coaching visits and 20‑minute observation/feedback conferences for each teacher. Instructional coaches said the work reinforced core instructional practices — clear learning goals, student talk and opportunities to write — that transfer across literacy programs.

Why it matters: District presenters tied the program to broader goals around building vocabulary, background knowledge and a culture of engaged readers and writers. Staff said they will continue to use coaching, walk‑throughs and evaluation feedback to sustain the work and measure student outcomes.

No formal board action was taken on this presentation; it was provided as an informational item.","Titan Hill Intermediate staff and instructional coaches told the Lewis Central board that implementation of the Fountas & Pinnell Classroom resource, supported by consultant Christy Wright, has increased student engagement, with extended coaching, one‑on‑one sessions and new writing mini‑lessons cited as key supports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lewis Central board approves high-school fire alarm RFP, weight-room overhaul, van purchase and budget guarantee

Lewis Central recognizes state‑qualifying winter athletes in wrestling, swimming and bowling

Titan Hill teachers tell board Fountas & Pinnell Classroom coaching raised student engagement in reading and writing