Urbandale parents demand school board accountability and new leadership in public comments

The Urbandale Community School District Board meeting on June 9, 2025, featured significant public comments regarding the district's leadership and ongoing issues affecting students and parents. The meeting began with a reminder of the board's policy on public comments, emphasizing civility and order during discussions.

One of the key speakers, Mark Solomon, expressed deep frustration with the board's handling of various issues, particularly concerning the district's superintendent, Rosalie Daca. Solomon highlighted several critical concerns, including record high teacher turnover, increasing truancy rates, declining enrollment, and ongoing legal issues related to assault and child abuse within schools. He criticized the board for what he described as a culture that prioritizes protecting administrators over addressing the concerns of parents and students.

Solomon pointed out that despite frequent meetings, parents have not been given adequate opportunities to voice their concerns in an open forum. He noted that a significant majority of parents—77%—supported leaving the current athletic conference, indicating a strong desire for change within the district. He urged the board to conduct a survey to gauge public opinion on the superintendent's performance over the past four years.

The meeting underscored the growing tension between the school board and the community, with calls for new leadership and a reevaluation of current policies to better serve students and families. The board's response to these concerns will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the Urbandale School District.