[{"_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",5976675,"mediaKeyId","5841201-9130e72f288dddf0db6ad81b59ed5811","parentId",5841201,"title","District finance update: unspent budget at 18.5% as year-end balance declines","audioSeconds",548,"startMs",4377000,"endMs",4925000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841201-9130e72f288dddf0db6ad81b59ed5811&start=4377&end=4925","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841201-9130e72f288dddf0db6ad81b59ed5811/thumbnail_4377000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5976675/Iowa/District-finance-update-unspent-budget-at-185-as-year-end-balance-declines","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976675-3fe447c823fcc530cec14734cc8a3e48/orig.mp4?Expires=1770601205&Signature=F3-VlRH-wAetmpYovYgd11vBxvaWmSGn~LF66~A205rRaiG6~xLANBS~XtaW2rq3x6V85ne6oP6AcapKsuQP6ez9SGc5mK1bfvrynvaivs2pkfwbFJLhNBvSbXMkcMUJseFUMaDx2-5YmC1y4qaFadenuRU71ZcP5ARlky4Wbc5rGAHt58DkxHyHMTgG52avKEaHDD8-ZhWKDbuO-w~PrekULxZDS56OdPQaM~TK8FdZhbe~Vd1VF0ta8xTXxT3zi-e4bquZgz87bUHaXqQ1-DvImNbRO-9hOA5fID6HUO-JLkzmlBl1sGvSzDBMKuXaGTAIxlEShX4OoTcNF~S0QQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Davenport Schools","date","2025-09-23T00:00:00Z","article","District finance staff told the Davenport Community School District board that the fiscal-year ending balances remain healthy but reflected the expected use of one-time funds and planned projects.

Kevin, a district finance presenter, said the district ended the fiscal year with an approximately $50 million ending fund balance and that the year-to-year cash position decreased by about $7.5 million. He reported an unspent authorized budget (UAB) ratio of about 18.5 percent and a solvency ratio of 24.2 percent, and he explained those figures reflect a move to spend down prior ESSER-funded purchases and other capital projects.

Why it matters

The UAB and solvency measures gauge how much of the district’s tax-authorized budget remains unspent (authority) and whether the district has cash reserves for operations and projects. Staff said the district expects to continue moving toward spending its budget authority as multi-year projects and capital work proceed.

Supporting details

• Fund and account movements: Finance staff said federal ESSER funds were heavier in FY23–24 than FY25, and the reduction in ESSER-related carryover contributed to revenue changes. Supplies and materials purchases tied to curriculum purchases in prior years were lower in FY25. A $1.0 million audit adjustment related to E-rate timing affected the reporting for one line item.

• Debt and capital: Staff reported the district’s first $80 million project loan is drawn down (approximate balance $42 million remaining) and that the board may consider a second $80 million borrowing in March 2026 for planned facilities projects. The sales-tax fund showed declines tied to project transfers to debt-service accounts.

• Other funds: The internal service (self-insurance) fund balance was about $20 million, and the nutrition fund balance was adjusted downward after a state audit recommendation. Staff said some food-service capital projects will reduce that fund balance further as planned kitchen work proceeds.

Board questions and next steps

Board members asked clarifying questions. Staff said the district will continue multi-year forecasting (five-year outlook) and monitor solvency; they expect to request appropriate authority and present agenda items related to planned borrowing and project funding in future meetings.

Ending

Finance staff described the fiscal position as “healthy” while noting planned spending on capital projects and timing differences that will affect reported balances over the next two fiscal years. The board asked staff to continue reporting key measures and to provide details on upcoming borrowing and project timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Davenport Schools - Meeting of the Board - 9/22/2025","oneSentenceSummary","District finance staff reported a $50 million ending fund balance, a fiscal-year deficit of about $7.5 million, and an unspent authorized budget ratio of 18.5% while noting ESSER timing and planned borrowing.","taxTitle","Davenport Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",12936,"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},5976680,"Davenport students perform ‘Les Misérables’ excerpts; district musical invited to state festival",589,587000,1176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841201-9130e72f288dddf0db6ad81b59ed5811&start=587&end=1176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841201-9130e72f288dddf0db6ad81b59ed5811/thumbnail_587000.jpg","/articles/5976680/Iowa/Davenport-students-perform-Les-Misérables-excerpts-district-musical-invited-to-state-festival","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976680-ef1cc57732488a0446208638c8bba2dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770601205&Signature=exoWw5yMrUqVDLMk4yd9OPGqBRVAChng~GCQouUuv043Gmoq-6kOtX6Vg-jzmDmVM1rByZRwJJxD3Z2H92t8WbSzSOLd~vI03Jd1rJOS00qqP3Dg1cGt-G41Tz~KkVgqscjSbzksj1chKGckn2okK2vAnZ3LZAnPVaB-OphoyvFmUkJ~R7-8ePDgiUQ8gdoESvuTo0Fy20TRy2sjZqU5JoqkRoaGHX29xNb0ITe-v36CbUDszzwkyELCbFKf5HROBtgN7qr9tMzw8egv0euSgFLydA4DQXl4iRevctvh00d~IOs5N6w6~URReijifi3yfvpQ0CJdEGZKboPtbg1itQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Davenport Community School District board heard a recognition of the district’s first all-district musical, which brought together students from Davenport North, Central and West and was supported by district funding and volunteers.

Arts specialist Rudy Newkirk and directors from the three high schools described the project as a collaborative effort that included about 100 students and multiple teachers and boosters. Thea Enfeld, artistic director at Central High School, told the board, “We are here today to thank the board for the financial support for this all district musical,” and said the production will perform at the Iowa State Thespian Festival on Nov. 14 at the University of Northern Iowa.

Why it matters

District presenters emphasized that the production provided opportunities for students across buildings to work together, build new friendships and gain performance experience at a higher level than typical single-school shows. Janet Gilhousz and other directors said the show was a “colossal risk” that succeeded with the help of parents, administrators and district staff.

Supporting details

• Scope and recognition: Presenters reported roughly 100 students from Davenport North, Central and West participated and said the production has been invited to perform at the Iowa State Thespian Festival. Staff also said they plan to submit the show for adjudication with the hope of selection for the International Thespian Festival in Indiana.

• Financial and logistical support: Directors thanked the board and district cabinet for financial backing and described parent boosters, community partners and district staff as instrumental in staging the production.

• Student voices: Senior students who performed described the experience as formative; one student said performing with peers from other schools felt “very eye opening” and like “a really big family.” A student performer, Mason Vans Goy, sang an excerpt during the meeting and directors later presented the board with a signed poster from the cast and crew.

Board reaction and next steps

Board members praised the production and thanked the students and staff. No formal action was required; presenters offered to provide photos and a poster for district display and invited board members to the Nov. 14 performance at UNI.

Ending

The board acknowledged the program as an example of cross-school collaboration made possible by district funding and volunteer support, and directors said they will share follow-up materials and invitations for the festival performance.","Board members heard recognition of an all-district musical that combined students from multiple high schools; presenters said the production will perform at the Iowa State Thespian Festival and may seek national adjudication.",{"_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},5976686,"Davenport presents CTE expansion plan as students and residents protest loss of vocational minutes",2315,1477000,3792000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841201-9130e72f288dddf0db6ad81b59ed5811&start=1477&end=3792","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841201-9130e72f288dddf0db6ad81b59ed5811/thumbnail_1477000.jpg","/articles/5976686/Iowa/Davenport-presents-CTE-expansion-plan-as-students-and-residents-protest-loss-of-vocational-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976686-9ae1c522cd890b7842159ec22fdfd40a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770601205&Signature=Nh1A5TJsa2E9Bo6EkYBy6J8Mg6llHr8wtF1Msc76cEnfsePhqPFRO3SimmubgiyGQTwll95W~rqDXlX8VXs40cK~rQkZZ36ZU~L00b1D5COmxaqESW9n8lDKsehZtfYrqmyZUzgmHdtUUVh92kwxZ4GemrclqfVhCrtjvmf9soTSo~I-mVIZUfP9~3V4b5d7vAeFy1RObmHTFZ1-cG-xfWNvZpaKSNe2BrcKVdbD0R6lCGg3p3hCCtyXH~HLSbk2tn0OGAkT1ge0iiqrqdJC-ZFlRdV4kzn18prq9au6EvCd8h0MvuAsFJDqM15yk~pY0r4GXA5ezC9PQ81iW9iTvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District officials presented an updated vision for Career and Technical Education at a Davenport Community School District board meeting while students and residents challenged recent schedule changes that they say cut vital hands-on time in vocational classes.

The district’s CTE presentation, led by CTE specialist Mike Elliott and executive director of secondary schools John Flynn, described a multi-part strategy: update pathways (including computer science and public safety), strengthen regional planning partnerships (RPPs) and local advisory councils, increase teacher support through content leads and specialists, and standardize course durations for CTE pathways. Elliott said, “This is the CTE vision we’ve got,” and described classroom visits and curriculum work he has begun since joining the district.

The presentation matters, officials said, because CTE pathways connect students to local employers and postsecondary opportunities. Flynn and other staff said the district is using RPP meetings with teachers and industry partners to align curriculum and grow programs. Mike Vukovich summarized the governance steps: a high-school implementation team meets to vet course changes and teachers may submit requests to change course length through Oct. 1; the team will act before the board considers the course guide on Oct. 13.

Discussion and supporting details

• Program structure and staffing: Elliott said he visited 25 classrooms and emphasized curriculum development and teacher support. District staff described three coordinating groups: teacher-led budget committees, content-area RPPs that meet weekly, and a CTE advisory council that includes teachers, parents, industry partners and representatives from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC). The district reported roughly 28 teachers regularly participating in RPP content meetings.

• Course-length standardization: District staff explained a standard that introductory and intermediate CTE courses remain 45 minutes and advanced/capstone courses move to 90 minutes. Officials said teachers can request exceptions through the established process; three course-change submissions were under review, with one lacking required materials and two pending a decision.

• Apprenticeships and industry partnerships: Presenters said the district is working with Iowa Workforce Development and local employers (including John Deere, named in discussion) to expand apprenticeships beyond welding into other pathways, and staff noted existing barriers the district is studying.

Public comment and controversy

Two speakers during open forum pressed the board sharply over the district’s schedule change, which moved many CTE sections to 45 minutes from longer blocks. Delaney, who identified herself as a student in these classes, said, “45 minutes is not enough” for hands-on learning and asked how district leaders could justify the change. Rob Ewalt, a Davenport resident, said the shortened schedules and elimination of early-bird sections removed “7 and a half weeks, roughly, of instructional time” for some students and said his family left the district because of the changes.

Board members and staff responses

Board members asked for more detail on student input and staffing. Director Beck asked whether staff had solicited student perspectives; Elliott said he hadn’t yet interviewed students in class to avoid interrupting instruction but that he teaches a class and receives daily student feedback. On staffing and budget, Elliott said he needs more time to evaluate resource sufficiency and that district leaders are continuing recruitment efforts, with December mentioned as a time to look for recent graduates for openings.

What the board decided and next steps

There was no board vote on CTE policy or funding during the meeting. Staff outlined a timeline: teacher course-change requests are due Oct. 1; the high-school implementation team will process requests and provide recommendations; the board will consider the course guide on Oct. 13. Staff also said RPPs and advisory councils will continue meeting to shape pathways and apprenticeship opportunities.

Why it matters

CTE programs are a direct link between high school coursework and local labor markets; changes to scheduling and course duration affect hands-on instructional time, course sequencing, and apprenticeship readiness. Community speakers asked the board to reconcile the district’s stated support for CTE with schedule decisions that, they say, reduce lab time for vocational courses.

Ending

District staff asked for more time to gather student and teacher feedback and to report back on course-change outcomes; board members asked that committee meetings produce written updates for the board. Teachers and families who raised concerns said they will continue to press for clarity about instructional minutes and staffing.","District leaders outlined a plan to expand and align career and technical education (CTE) with industry partners while students and community members criticized a schedule change that shortened hands-on vocational class time.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District finance update: unspent budget at 18.5% as year-end balance declines

Davenport students perform ‘Les Misérables’ excerpts; district musical invited to state festival

Davenport presents CTE expansion plan as students and residents protest loss of vocational minutes