Iowa City Community School District leaders reported enrollment increases, selective staffing additions and external recognitions as they opened the 2025–26 school year, Superintendent Matt Degner and Deputy Superintendent Kristen Ravey told the board of directors at their Aug. 26 meeting.

The administration said first-day counts were higher than the same day last year across multiple categories: preschool was up by 106 students, elementary up by 33, secondary up by 82 and overall K–12 up by 115 students compared with last year’s first-day count. Deputy Superintendent Kristen Ravey said the district expects the official October count to change the totals but described the first-day numbers as “a very positive indicator.”

The enrollment update mattered to the board because student counts affect staffing and the district budget. Ravey told directors the district added 10 elementary sections for the new school year, and that only two classrooms districtwide now exceed 30 students. She also said the district increased full-time-equivalent math support at each middle school and added targeted support at Liberty High School.

“Our goal was to anchor new staff in purpose and relationships,” Ravey said, describing summer professional development and orientation work for new teachers.

School leaders also noted external recognitions. Ravey said the district was named one of Iowa’s best employers by Forbes and that all three comprehensive high schools ranked among the top 12 in Iowa according to U.S. News & World Report; she noted West High has been ranked No. 1 overall in the state for four years, a point she said the district celebrated.

Directors asked follow-up questions about the enrollment numbers, including whether the district could quantify how many students returned from voucher programs or changed their choice of school. Director Lingo asked for more data on “how many people have changed their choice”; Ravey and other staff said they would work with the data team to provide more detailed counts in future reports.

Board President Malone and other directors praised staff work over the summer to prepare buildings and programming for the new year.

The remarks occurred during the board’s scheduled discussion item labeled “back to school update.” No formal action was taken on the enrollment or recognition items; board members requested follow-up data and future presentations.

Ending: The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Sept. 9 and asked staff to return with additional enrollment detail and other standing agenda items.