[{"_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",5974652,"mediaKeyId","5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c","parentId",5834661,"title","Mann Elementary students demonstrate safety patrol leadership to school board","audioSeconds",668,"startMs",80000,"endMs",748000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c&start=80&end=748","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c/thumbnail_80000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5974652/Iowa/Mann-Elementary-students-demonstrate-safety-patrol-leadership-to-school-board","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974652-385776a60ee41830c38e3ced3e942678/orig.mp4?Expires=1773655801&Signature=S8Rn6VXOuldZG8IcDI4x6wf1-5NwYay-IVbqwRTcPu9n54LyMXbdA1VCARZl6SD0VsPQR6gx-6N9IOwdYkzS2oBBz9UAEys6~mWOybr1X95MpP9ux7qm0AMg0as1tAg7jVjcys9DuqVTSge3hFcUpzJDaUCH18QFFyLMJtprA621gnCMjZaV4w9TbzixfaYTvn9R~5qTjKxQoMMIQ610oIUA5XDHaG1f0Hxl4zpE4znkAMnENVRGUDmIZFpCEDddX6SB7iW-vyn7toge4vBV0ukNF1AYJDXnRhbFRTYVtmotueM4-FHWKEqeXiF7uhMOiknUrXAcMehxc2rxaTwJrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Iowa City School Board","date","2025-09-25T00:00:00Z","article","Mann Elementary students and staff presented a safety patrol showcase at the Sept. 23 Iowa City Community School District board meeting, describing duties, expectations and the leadership skills they practice.

Fifth‑grade teacher Amy Nugent introduced student representatives who explained specific patrol roles: door duty during arrival (07:45–07:55 a.m.) and dismissal (by 3 p.m.); morning and afternoon flag duties with attention to flag etiquette; and teacher‑helper responsibilities in preschool, kindergarten and first grade. Student speakers included Elizabeth Rorta, Lily McConnell, Theo Barrell and Frank Bitterman, who described how safety patrol members are “positive role models” and listed the district’s PBIS values of responsibility, integrity, determination and empathy.

Board response: Directors applauded the students’ presentation. One director said it was among the best education showcases of the year and noted the value of the flag‑raising duties as a life skill. The board session included brief questions but no formal action.

Why it matters: The presentation highlighted the district’s student leadership and school safety practices at the elementary level and gave board members a chance to observe PBIS values in practice.

What students said (selected): “We show responsibility by holding the doors for students to enter,” student Lily McConnell said during the presentation. The students explained that safety‑patrol assignments rotate monthly and that expectations include being punctual, walking quietly and returning to class on time.

What didn’t happen: The showcase was for information and recognition; the board did not vote or change policy based on the presentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Directors Meeting - 9/23/25","oneSentenceSummary","Mann Elementary fifth‑grade safety patrol members demonstrated morning and dismissal duties, flag etiquette and classroom support to the Iowa City school board and were praised by directors.","taxTitle","Iowa City Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",15385,"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},5974658,"Board hears progress on FMP 2.3 projects; approves Dream Accelerator contract amid split vote",950,6997000,7947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c&start=6997&end=7947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c/thumbnail_6997000.jpg","/articles/5974658/Iowa/Board-hears-progress-on-FMP-23-projects-approves-Dream-Accelerator-contract-amid-split-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974658-6dfbe984e573a7bcb17414cd59f7f2df/orig.mp4?Expires=1773655801&Signature=oaJWCtRbyH0h8w4sNpx6PJGbFOD9PY3R8e-FKctCPIZa8CnPoFTAzE5ysPNySMOeuCOeDdylOd3D7UP7Y0yU6rG0OSVUI8G-2CRQH9b-mphoKx7cnwLAamRITS5s0TXVZthkTQtjtLhzehV8tyeOXSAgGaoT6V87XKGTg0SZ4~yZwk8o5AH8gMRw~hB1YXcLQbbePG5aVZbS5EA4QUvQkogr7vSTHyO5aox34W2tPTFYv9FcR1FxhuJ-0kj8LHsVlZzRsIol9EV9XRgn8VchQ90cPfjpMoE6O2rA4zpk~smGlWwO31lRky41YlxPeYqaJ-WRWY6u-GOPEz2hJ2nq7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Iowa City Community School District presented an update on Facilities Master Plan 2.3 at its Sept. 23 board meeting, reviewing fine‑arts upgrades, athletic field resurfacing and new indoor multi‑purpose practice facilities for the district’s three comprehensive high schools. The board later approved an award for the Dream Accelerator contract during the same meeting.

Facilities director Curt (Curtis) and staff summarized work under way and planned projects: auditorium and little‑theater renovations at City, Liberty and West high schools; band‑room and fine‑arts rehearsal space additions; turf replacements and expansions for soccer and football fields; phased track and field work; baseball and softball relocations; and multi‑purpose indoor practice facilities (field houses) at each campus. The district said it has committed $14,500,000 toward the West/Liberty pool project in coordination with the City of Coralville.

Nut graf: The board’s facilities presentation described staged project timelines and neighborhood engagement; the meeting ended with a roll‑call vote awarding the Dream Accelerator contract, which passed 5–2.

What the board learned: Curt described phased plans for upgrades, noted project sequencing to avoid displacing competitions and rehearsals, and said neighborhood meetings have begun for West High projects. He said the multi‑purpose indoor practice facilities are in schematic design and that community engagement sessions for City and Liberty campuses will be scheduled once site plans are confirmed.

Pool and funding: Officials reiterated the district’s financial commitment to the Weston/Liberty pool project and said Coralville is continuing work on parallel funding and planning.

Vote on Dream Accelerator contract: Later in the meeting the board took a formal vote to award the Dream Accelerator contract. The roll‑call tally recorded directors Abraham, Eastham, Eyestone, Malone and Williams voting “yes,” and directors Finch and Lingo voting “no.” The motion passed.

Why it matters: FMP 2.3 includes major capital investments that will affect scheduling, program capacity and community use of district facilities. Several directors asked for further stakeholder outreach (for example, City High soccer families asked to be engaged about turf plans), and the board discussed sequencing so that construction does not displace fall/spring seasons.

What’s next: District staff will continue neighborhood engagement sessions, refine project timelines and meet with school activity stakeholders as plans move from schematic design to construction documents.","Facilities staff outlined progress on the district’s FMP 2.3 projects — fine‑arts upgrades, turf and track work, field houses and a pledged $14.5 million toward a West/Liberty pool — and the board approved award of the Dream Accelerator contract by roll call vote.",{"_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},5974662,"District reports lower chronic absenteeism, preschool expansion and early math gains in annual teaching and learning review",1810,3945000,5755000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c&start=3945&end=5755","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c/thumbnail_3945000.jpg","/articles/5974662/Iowa/District-reports-lower-chronic-absenteeism-preschool-expansion-and-early-math-gains-in-annual-teaching-and-learning-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974662-814b9f89ee172eadfeb83462f8b84a52/orig.mp4?Expires=1773655801&Signature=jsyw8Se0-~S5xorOEkSte78nIyWLjQrLrBwyIOy~bQmiUoOZojQTo4WD61Gvz48rPts1k4G-71axXRdXTl9ORSxPvwjJkGJqNMshSCUAFlkzSCGCARCkZVusbApQF35Nq5DkL2MUng97c7biD~mkSE3m4gkGaVfrSo5kHFT2n63v4sjN3y5cKEIXFKHc6-P9~I-~CwgKfXs7jJ5mgzVz2HRKayN8xAsw0pRGdmW3flCkhOKIJMp-64-swlbLHWhbTunpTtRGXIr2115oPfag2alSNb1wRCUL0F4UG1rhqDx5uvy8nt2kJCUdYVI6mRSB2qce6uVT10ry7Hb3zei~oQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 23 meeting, Iowa City Community School District staff delivered the district’s annual teaching and learning report covering the 2024–25 school year and early items for 2025–26. Superintendent Matt Degner and the teaching and learning team highlighted declines in chronic absenteeism, the districtwide expansion of preschool and early signs of positive movement after a new K–8 math adoption.

“The center of everything we do is our 14,550 students,” assistant presenters said as they summarized last year’s initiatives, including curriculum and assessment work, preschool expansion and increased coaching for teachers.

Nut graf: The district reported a significant reduction in chronic absenteeism and a three‑year low in suspensions. Officials said they increased preschool access, adopted a new K–8 math curriculum with early gains in year one, and expanded teacher coaching: 73% of teachers met with an instructional coach during the year.

Key details from the presentation:
- Attendance: Staff reported a reduction in chronic absenteeism compared with prior years and called the drop a notable achievement after a multi‑year focus on attendance supports.
- Preschool: The district said it now has a dedicated preschool classroom in each of the 20 elementary schools; staff reported about 620 children enrolled in district preschool classrooms and about 650 students served overall when partners are included. The district also said it now offers 25 full‑day preschool programs and has added about 10 dually certified preschool teachers to meet demand.
- Curriculum and instruction: The district piloted proficiency skills in K–5 and adopted a unified K–8 math program. Presenters said early data show a small increase in math scores during the first year of implementation; staff noted research generally anticipates a short dip when districts adopt new curricula, so early gains were presented as encouraging.
- Teacher development: The Office of Professional Development reported that 73% of teachers met with an instructional coach in 2024–25, with an average of six coaching meetings per teacher that participated. District staff also described a centralized professional‑development calendar and a November 4 PD day that will be teacher‑led.
- Student supports and health services: District health staff reported 15,766 student health visits and said Medicaid reimbursement claims produced about $3,400,000 in reimbursements. The district said seven schools have achieved a Heart Safe School designation.
- Special education: District leaders described investments in special education staffing levels (about 150 special‑education teachers, roughly 513 paraeducators and 45 behavior interventionists) and said they are increasing coaching and administrator capacity for IEP implementation.

Board reaction: Directors praised the attendance gains and asked for deeper breakdowns of behavior and special‑education metrics. Director Finch requested more detail about the “critical incident stress management” team, which district staff said has core members with backgrounds in school counseling and social work and will be expanded with a small stipend for members. Directors also asked for districtwide data from the Say Something reporting system and for more details on where teachers were receiving coaching.

What’s next: The district said it will publish the full 63‑page report as an attachment to the meeting record and will return with follow‑up data, including more detailed profiles on behavior, special education and post‑secondary readiness measures that feed the Iowa School Performance Profiles.","Superintendent Matt Degner and district curriculum staff told the school board that chronic absenteeism declined, preschool is now offered in every elementary school with roughly 620 preschoolers served, and initial math curriculum implementation shows modest gains; the board asked for additional data on special education and behavioral supports.",{"_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},5974667,"Community speakers urge action after Coralville Central teacher assaulted; district outlines data review and supports",98,958000,1056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c&start=958&end=1056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834661-b959ee6ed0e2735a6b30458e10fc8a0c/thumbnail_958000.jpg","/articles/5974667/Iowa/Community-speakers-urge-action-after-Coralville-Central-teacher-assaulted-district-outlines-data-review-and-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974667-3d256f039e2f4c8d805ed47406e64a6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773655801&Signature=W0SsOCURnTzUQQALcH5PV8iYwuxIGPkh5xFdpvRRjE8UNahL4vPzfjrjfEfh37vwIR9inVCkRgnyby~I~mmMnxjFrOo8c8H~ttDXByrlOz5L3lhl2f3vFre2qDoFloL-Cmis3R5vrIe9YGcsRQfm9RnBFlfPg5Kw-kOqbGPBbzbF5VMJOe9NlHUC1fDZpCecIvPHBZbUCOMPqise9ox4ih~U9WAjF1Joos1472cdAY4R3lPWTYStHLMbVQ3VGNE51LOa-S5J5EJ03M8swwg6ogugYmqVnMoraPk3d0aUVDLsyn9b~okB9rVm5BahWzYwHaHaPFXneifcru3E26cpEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 23 meeting of the Iowa City Community School District Board of Directors, more than a dozen community members urged the district to investigate and respond after a Coralville Central first‑grade teacher, Aspen Lohman, said she left the classroom after repeated assaults. The board heard personal accounts from colleagues, family members and former principals and received a district presentation describing ongoing efforts to review discipline data, expand staff supports and refine special‑education and threat‑assessment processes.

Speakers called for immediate, independent review and stronger measures to protect staff. “I began to fear for my life,” a statement from Aspen Lohman read aloud by Danella Van Tassel said, describing assaults and ongoing medical and mental‑health effects that Lohman attributed to incidents last school year. Her family members and former colleagues told the board that the district’s response felt inadequate and demanded changes to keep teachers safe.

The district’s leadership framed those personal accounts as the rationale for a coordinated review of data and procedures. Superintendent Matt Degner and Deputy Superintendent Ramey summarized steps the district has taken and pledged additional cross‑department work to identify trends and improve supports. “We need to be willing to acknowledge hard problems and develop solutions,” Degner said during the board’s staff presentation.

Why it matters: Commenters said the incidents at Coralville Central signal a broader safety problem that affects classroom learning and staff retention. The district’s response — a plan to examine incident reports, expand staff supports and provide targeted professional development — addresses both immediate employee needs and longer‑term systems change, but no formal policy change or discipline action was taken during the meeting.

What the district described: District staff said they will convene a cross‑department review team to analyze school incident forms, Chapter 103 seclusion/restraint reports and staff injury reports, and to track office discipline referrals that involve physical aggression. Human Resources Director Nick Proud reviewed existing employee supports, including an upgraded Employee Assistance Program and a district provision of additional paid sick leave in cases where staff are assaulted. Special education director Ashley Reedy described staffing and coaching levels the district has invested in, including about 150 special‑education teachers, roughly 513 paraeducators and 45 behavior interventionists intended to support high‑need students and coaches in buildings.

Board discussion and next steps: Directors asked for clearer, disaggregated data and for evidence the district is building trust so employees will report incidents. Deputy Superintendent Ramey and other administrators said the district will:
- carve out and track incidents that involve intentional student contact with staff, to make assault‑specific counts more visible;
- form a multi‑department data review team to look for trends and share findings across the district;
- expand opportunities for staff feedback, including focus groups and built‑in time for teacher input on IEPs and behavior plans; and
- continue using and promoting existing supports (nurse visits, EAP, temporary additional paid sick leave for assault incidents) while refining reporting and response procedures.

What didn’t happen: The board did not vote on or adopt a new policy or order an independent investigation during the meeting. Several public commenters requested an independent probe and a stronger, district‑level accountability process; the board directed staff to return with further data and work plans.

Context and background: Community members said the district reported 11 instances in 2024–25 in which a staff member needed outside medical attention following intentional student conduct; staff and parents at the meeting expressed skepticism that that aggregate figure fully captures unreported incidents. Commenters stressed the need for both staff safety and increased support for students who act violently, including trauma‑informed services.

What’s next: District officials said they will provide a fuller set of disaggregated data and proposed operational steps to the board in coming weeks. Meanwhile, staff members at Coralville Central and other schools said they will continue to press for clearer reporting and faster, visible interventions.","Multiple public commenters told the Iowa City Community School District board that teacher Aspen Lohman resigned after repeated assaults; the district responded with a presentation on its continuum of services, data‑review plans and employee supports but took no formal disciplinary action at the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mann Elementary students demonstrate safety patrol leadership to school board

Board hears progress on FMP 2.3 projects; approves Dream Accelerator contract amid split vote

District reports lower chronic absenteeism, preschool expansion and early math gains in annual teaching and learning review

Community speakers urge action after Coralville Central teacher assaulted; district outlines data review and supports