[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",6568446,"mediaKeyId","3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c","parentId",3194558,"title","Urbandale history project to be presented at library; district publishes centennial materials","audioSeconds",946,"startMs",681000,"endMs",1627000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c&start=681&end=1627","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c/thumbnail_681000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568446/Iowa/Urbandale-history-project-to-be-presented-at-library-district-publishes-centennial-materials","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568446-d62aba987920767d796171ad511c6343/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450732&Signature=TnqGM2xDveHl4GWwYpBO-FJxPeA-VhDS3rI-vZo0QxOe4r-dvYrvmA-L1h7GYXhTVgzRddEJwekgxRNRrvIO~5wGIepkRZ-zg~9eRlNe0Uz4IaVBb2PtSi8dDVkLrah0rGS2q0piSLtRt38fPkWnvUlhfvXyJwtSPaRba17yZtoLF9IKQqtrWs1R63cWOSAFAMu-RWDZxrsFpSc2siMzn7HraUvhDzKc6-KyggQF7s~7tAQhVpDMC2GS75OHtH1pteKYC-YVBIUMCtU8J9s6e2YXmD00lhT17E2j2L~g27bEjeMDQPmBR-GsDgP8C3E6hWNyVjTJEprYfOUEaWrTtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Urbandale Comm School District","date","2025-05-06T01:51:17.55Z","article","Board members and project contributors Dean Hatch and Katie Knowles presented a multi-month history project documenting the first 100-plus years of the Urbandale Community School District.

The project breaks district history into three eras and includes enrollment data, historic photos, yearbooks and other memorabilia. A short video was shown as a preview; the full presentation and video will be shown at the Urbandale Public Library on June 8 at 2 p.m., where the first 100 attendees will receive a copy of the book documenting the district’s history.

The presenters said they attempted to verify dates and materials, invited corrections from community members and plan to make the material available on the district website as a living archival resource. Items such as yearbooks and a historic bell will be displayed at the library event.

Why it matters
The project aims to preserve local educational history and create resources for community members, alumni and researchers.

What’s next
The full presentation, video and books will be available at the Urbandale Public Library on June 8; additional copies may be printed if demand exceeds the initial 100 books.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Urbandale CSD School Board Meeting 05.05.25","oneSentenceSummary","The board previewed a district history project and video compiled with the Urbandale Historical Society; a public presentation and book distribution will be at the Urbandale Public Library on June 8.","taxTitle","Urbandale Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",56850,"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},6568452,"Urbandale advances high-school curriculum reviews; board hears proposals for electives, visual arts and world languages; state waiver proposed for PE",1491,3605000,5096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c&start=3605&end=5096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c/thumbnail_3605000.jpg","/articles/6568452/Iowa/Urbandale-advances-high-school-curriculum-reviews-board-hears-proposals-for-electives-visual-arts-and-world-languages-state-waiver-proposed-for-PE","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568452-b9967408df03c29084f1c2769466dd57/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450732&Signature=IwWnib5K2~Eu7E-L9xhCjuYYLnvC8mAOQXsm750ttSMl6VG-1lcxPqS9Nx2Bf9VG5ijhY4Oywz5Vm4djKs40Vyyd20Jco9sa59p2aP95cw56zAzNZgWgIcOyNq9SXfiz3geIoiuxqm3SAu6h6fg5GB6xQLTwvGJzYGM2m5UUifw6JoEJc3wZ3J6BdfWdqiBjN4zaPkWYgOoCvkkE~ygadmtFSJYaUaDmH~WaHKW3J8qT8cpSxN8dr3E7Q9me736cXlXIClr221RMMKAD87gUkblR-mjzXL3QrV778PXDhJP0loCv1d1pkEmNSWN6FQc8iqOEbA9qGj29i3TtxrMNKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urbandale Community School District presented a set of curriculum reviews and a request to apply for a Department of Education flexibility waiver that would change the high-school physical-education requirement.

Curriculum facilitators Candy Bridal (social studies/ELA) and Janine Heltzer (science/math) summarized a year-long review of 9–12 electives. Recommendations included adopting or continuing publisher materials for AP courses (AP Human Geography, AP European History, AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, AP Government) and a new course, Street Law (McGraw Hill). For AP biology and human anatomy and physiology, the district recommended Visible Body (Cengage) resources and noted the availability of digital and print class sets.

The K–12 visual-arts team recommended Deep Space Sparkle for K–5 teachers and requested studio and organizational materials to equalize inventory across buildings. The 6–12 art program plans to retain current materials while the elementary program adopts a common digital resource to unify the student experience.

World-language teachers and facilitators reported participation in an acquisition/practice workshop and recommended a mix of comprehensible-input resources and more traditional texts that support grammar development as students progress. The district currently offers Spanish, Japanese and German at the high school, and facilitators discussed historic reasons Japanese has remained in the program.

Flexible student-support application (PE requirement)
Administrators requested board approval to apply to the Iowa Department of Education for a flexible-student-support application that would permit the district to shift high-school PE from a per-semester requirement to a one-semester requirement. The district said the change would open schedule space for students and could reduce the need for certain learning-center placements. Contract PE and exemptions would remain options; administrators said they have improved contract-PE requirements and will manage eligibility closely. The district estimated about 20 students currently use contract PE.

Why it matters
Adoption of instructional materials and course changes affect classroom instruction, course schedules, inventory and future textbook and digital purchases. Approval to apply for the PE waiver would require state approval before the district could implement the scheduling change.

What’s next
The board received the recommendations; adoption or purchase of materials will follow normal procurement steps. Administration will proceed with the application to the state Education Department; the district said it has had preliminary conversations with a state consultant and that similar flexible arrangements exist in nearby districts.","Board received recommendations for 9–12 electives in social studies and science, visual-arts materials for K–12, and world-language materials. Administrators also requested permission to apply for a Department of Education flexible student-support waiver to change the high-school physical-education requirement from each semester to one semester.",{"_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},6568457,"Urbandale board hears technology-plan update: OneEdTech, AI guidance and screen-time monitoring highlighted",499,1983000,2482000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c&start=1983&end=2482","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c/thumbnail_1983000.jpg","/articles/6568457/Iowa/Urbandale-board-hears-technology-plan-update-OneEdTech-AI-guidance-and-screen-time-monitoring-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568457-4a33af468ec208ebb655a46ec31a8162/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450732&Signature=EuDXHRHPY6rmid~K-bvfGDyc3ImibDOip3-2P3hA2bjlmAtjIG27FLiI4yvytMgtUukYx4bDfAS1hKdD7hoISA6foshPKX130YD74tt~9PKGD0SocHCbv-2T2JvRKpQGirjk8mK0IPOq-6X2vcWaNdhpomNAauAihxlpTcXDUcSc8P1O5ypUwjWZMc~T7-AaP0cErolXqLTopZCG6lzAYEMPctLxOJGVpLV4N1Xe-4lRrRsTQEdYmOLulIRy8CeZRXR70tk35IoULr2Fu-LdklrIZt1Ejr~9XagL9n7cFJqYmLYVioIrvBZyKXNDiVeK9tj9fueLQnueelVH1s6RXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District technology leaders told the Urbandale board they have made systemwide changes to infrastructure, vendor vetting and classroom guidance and are rolling out a public catalog of approved educational technology.

Brandon Straub, director of teaching and learning, and Elizabeth Whitford, prek–12 digital learning facilitator, said the district created a technology-integration leadership team, defined technology-support roles for teachers, and adopted a vetting framework for educational products. The district also developed written guidance for staff on responsible AI use that aligns with board policy and drafted preK–12 digital-citizenship standards, Whitford said.

A product called OneEdTech was approved for purchase to house the district’s adopted EdTech and provide a public-facing catalog so families and staff can see what tools the district has vetted and adopted. Officials said OneEdTech will also help assess data-security agreements with vendors.

On screen time, administrators said they started a rollout of a district screen-time guidance and are monitoring usage through GoGuardian and ClassLink; they have invited staff to self-report students’ classroom technology use and said the district will become more structured about monitoring next year. Officials said they have begun restricting access to non-educational websites and platforms when a tool lacks clear instructional value.

The district also discussed paid AI tools for staff. The board heard that the district obtained a paid version of a generative-AI product (named in agenda materials) based on enrollment pricing; administrators said a paid account offers improved data-security and additional features over free versions.

Why it matters
The changes affect classroom practice, student data security and family transparency. A public catalog of approved EdTech aims to make vendor contracts and data protections more transparent.

What’s next
Officials said they will continue professional development on technology-integration strategies, finalize AI-use guidance and expand structured monitoring of technology usage in the coming school year.","District technology leaders updated the board on an annual review of the district technology plan, including adoption of OneEdTech to catalogue approved EdTech, written AI guidance for teachers, stronger vetting and data-security practices and expanded screen-time monitoring via GoGuardian and vendor reporting.",{"_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},6568462,"Urbandale reports gains on state assessments; ELA, math and science scores reach five-year highs",379,479000,858000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c&start=479&end=858","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c/thumbnail_479000.jpg","/articles/6568462/Iowa/Urbandale-reports-gains-on-state-assessments-ELA-math-and-science-scores-reach-five-year-highs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568462-3b5a59ea4090f74f7829cae44d6ddc6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450732&Signature=FgWjZxx8QciYWtDUhhV1IOoI8iOkg8b6lBty0dnzoVLYHXuPS0rJW6fOvN7fiK1MyxZdKNhTrrLeNMNUZ-GPnwf51Bd5skJkrs6amrklnDC7VpO2ece5qzLNzNaVeWFjJvoYzvU2fpEcXwu1oMYQT5UxZ5GEV6fWgQv6S~b0mxX66mZ2gPXG0FgJmy1mP6~bF3pWpbhS~R34dIZy8Oe5RF4JthwZQNvUvnGZT~V2uXc2AiBWsUxP8i6XSP-FMwrpizX0LzMOuzhKXfPhuPKARon98Eb5X5lRNbJDtqRR7rlXuBRJJVqtkEUybFiucJ8WXeAbwvU3FRTmCNVH9l9o7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Urbandale Community School District officials reported measurable improvements in student proficiency on state assessments and other accountability measures during the board meeting.

The district’s English language arts proficiency reached 73.9 percent, up from 68.3 percent in 2022, and math proficiency rose to 70.9 percent from 66.3 percent. Science proficiency for grades five, eight and ten improved to 70.3 percent from 58.3 percent the previous year; administrators said these are the highest scores the district has seen in five years.

Superintendent Dr. Dutka told the board the District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP) score improved from 12 out of 36 last year to 31 out of 36 this year. Administrators said the district also met several goals on family, staff and teacher surveys and will provide a more detailed strategic-plan update in June.

Enrollment and registration figures presented to the board showed about 2,200 returning students have completed re-registration, 244 returning families have started but not finished the process, and 146 new students (including pre-K) are registered with 84 having started registration but not finished. Administrators said returning registration numbers help determine staffing needs.

Why it matters
Improved proficiency rates and a stronger DCAP score bear directly on curriculum priorities, staffing decisions and categorical funding considerations. Board members praised teachers and curriculum staff during the presentation.

What’s next
Administrators said a fuller strategic-plan update will come in June. The district also promoted an upcoming literacy event, Read Around Urbandale, and reminded families that kindergarten registration continues online or at district offices and schools.

Quoted
\"Our ELA proficiency overall for the district is up to 73.9 percent,\" a district official said during the presentation. \"This is the highest scores in five years.\"","District officials reported districtwide increases in ISASP proficiency: English language arts 73.9 percent, math 70.9 percent, science 70.3 percent; District Career and Academic Plan score rose to 31 of 36 from 12 of 36.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6568466,"Urbandale board approves 2025 contracts, sets certified-budget hearing; superintendent receives 3.5% raise",0,6156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c&start=6156&end=6156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194558-e14daf19410033a196ae3a0e8fb4745c/thumbnail_6156000.jpg","/articles/6568466/Iowa/Urbandale-board-approves-2025-contracts-sets-certified-budget-hearing-superintendent-receives-35-raise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568466-b8f52bdcab1ccf0e0c98cee2de8c2112/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450733&Signature=kmnFv2-MnC1YYzRFUUdbtCkXeaKG1F-NF6uBtDe5KQzqfA2qXw0~XVbxlI2UZfzBCQup~8A-cI-7hPasLtH99qeBjJd0DMsbyCmT4GeFaenCP5GkUbFcqCs~png5sQa-MB8lfnC2ZtwBr3XYTV1iaCYAE7BgZ95LTz0gjGqQM5pyMk~tOrfPVpezX4TKZEdncpNPftHbVXAb9ckuKi0MQilnMel9UGZ39Tp~P0T6lRUXmw1VfOUXAHkuqZRxVLX~eQbPbfaYAsnsC~ihmrI7ojpUlO5OCCG3n~0ICFGrH6nuim~BduJrxfqyyrSZ~rUqHyDAnIBH0YbKlfd3E7zyig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urbandale Community School District Board of Directors approved a package of employee contracts, set a public hearing on the district’s amended 2024–25 certified budget and, after a closed session, approved a 3.5 percent pay increase for Superintendent Dr. Dutka.

Board members voted separately to approve the Urbandale Education Association teacher contract, certified staff issuance dates, coaching contracts, administrative contracts, classified exempt assignment letters and the UEW classified agreement. All motions passed by recorded roll call votes; one board member recused herself from votes that involved her spouse.

The board set a public hearing on the amended 2024–25 certified budget for May 19, 2025, at the high school media center.

In closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to consider the evaluation and compensation of an individual, the board unanimously approved offering Superintendent Dr. Dutka a 3.5 percent increase, the same rate authorized for teachers and staff, and approved her contract.

Votes at a glance
- Urbandale Education Association (teacher) contract, 2025–26: approved (motion moved; roll call recorded). Vote: 5–0 with 1 recusal on an early vote; later recorded motions show 6–0 for other items where applicable. (Transcript roll-call lines included.)
- Certified staff contract issuance/return dates: approved by roll call (5–0 with 1 recusal recorded on the motion noted in the minutes).
- Coaching contracts for 2025–26: approved by roll call (motion carried).
- Administrative contracts for 2025–26: approved by roll call (motion carried 6–0 where recorded).
- Classified exempt letters of assignment (2025–26): approved by roll call (motion carried).
- United Education Workers (UEW) classified agreement and certified wage schedules: approved by roll call (motion carried 6–0).
- Consent agenda: approved by roll call (motion carried 6–0).
- Public hearing set: amended 2024–25 certified budget public hearing scheduled for 05/19/2025 at Urbandale High School media center (motion approved).
- Closed-session motion and superintendent contract: the board entered closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i); after reconvening it approved a 3.5 percent increase and contract for Dr. Dutka (motion carried 6–0).

What the board said and did
The board conducted separate roll-call votes for each category of employment agreement and issued motions to proceed with contract distribution and signature. One board member (Carissa Williams) recused herself from at least one vote because of a spouse’s employment.

Why it matters
These votes determine salary schedules and contracts that affect staffing, budget planning and classroom operations for the 2025–26 school year. The superintendent’s approved pay increase aligns her compensation with the package approved for teachers and staff.

What’s next
The district will distribute contracts for signature and hold the certified-budget public hearing on May 19, 2025. Implementation of contract provisions and any follow-up administrative steps will proceed according to the usual personnel and finance timelines.","At its regular meeting the Urbandale Community School District board approved multiple labor and administrative contracts, set a May 19, 2025 public hearing on the amended certified budget, and, after closed session, approved a 3.5 percent salary increase for Superintendent Dr. Dutka.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Urbandale history project to be presented at library; district publishes centennial materials

Urbandale advances high-school curriculum reviews; board hears proposals for electives, visual arts and world languages; state waiver proposed for PE

Urbandale board hears technology-plan update: OneEdTech, AI guidance and screen-time monitoring highlighted

Urbandale reports gains on state assessments; ELA, math and science scores reach five-year highs

Urbandale board approves 2025 contracts, sets certified-budget hearing; superintendent receives 3.5% raise