Board approves at‑risk dropout‑prevention application and requests $1,132,617 MSA from state

District staff presented the annual at‑risk/dropout prevention application and requested board approval to submit for the modified supplemental amount (MSA) for the 2025–26 school year.

Presenters summarized prior-year spending, six service areas funded by at‑risk dollars (intensive academic supports, counseling, alternative programming, CTE supports, family/parent engagement and transportation/operations), and the district’s ongoing cap issue: a statutory limit that set domiciled districts to 2.6% rather than the 5% some districts receive. Staff said the cap forces the district to cover a funding gap from the general fund for services required by at‑risk students.

The board moved to approve the application and the district’s request for a modified supplemental amount of $1,132,617, with language noting the figure may be adjusted by the Iowa Department of Education. Motion by Director Kunkel; second by Director Kanwisher. Roll call vote: Missus Wheeler — Yes; Doctor Wagle — Yes; Missus Smith — Yes; Missus Penkel — Yes; Missus Brockman — Yes.

Presenters and board members discussed the policy history that created the 2.6% cap (dating to fiscal 2013–14), the district’s continued use of general‑fund dollars to maintain programs, and the legislative prospects for raising the cap. Staff framed the request as needed to continue existing services (including mental‑health supports tied to chronic absenteeism and dropout prevention).

The board approved the application and the requested MSA, subject to final Department of Education adjustments.