Dallas Center-Grimes board creates ad hoc committee to study K–4 enrollment and retention

The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District Board voted at a special meeting to establish an ad hoc committee to study elementary (K–4) enrollment and retention and to recommend programs and resources the district could implement.

The committee’s purpose, as drafted by district staff, is to “identify a long-term plan that could potentially be implemented by the 2026–27 school year for identifying programs and resources that will both attract and retain teachers and students to DCG.” The board’s draft resolution directs the committee to use relevant components of research-based organizational frameworks, including the NEA collaborative-practice guidance, as scaffolding for its work.

Board members and staff said the committee is intended to be narrower and more time-limited than standing advisory groups. “This is focused on that specific issue, and with a narrower view,” said Meg (district staff who drafted the resolution). Meg told the board she revised language to make the document district-centered, and added that a board-designated representative would serve on the committee. “I will happily throw my hat in the ring for that,” she said.

Discussion at the meeting repeatedly returned to recent enrollment data and outside projections. Board members referenced an RSP enrollment forecast that had previously projected growth; the board was told updated numbers from that firm are expected in the coming weeks. Board members and one parent volunteer who shared local analysis during public engagement said kindergarten and lower-grade enrollments are declining across several metro districts, and Central Iowa birth rates have fallen in recent years, a point several speakers cited when framing the issue.

The board left the committee’s membership terms intentionally broad to allow flexibility in assembling representatives from across the district. The resolution as revised includes a leadership structure with two co-chair positions: one filled by a DCG administrative representative and one appointed by the committee. District staff recommended Cary Justman (human resources) as an administrative representative and Dr. Bloom offered to serve as a resource to the committee rather than facilitate each meeting.

Board members also discussed how the committee could partner with existing advisory groups such as SIAC (the school improvement advisory committee). Several directors said SIAC’s statutory duties and ongoing schedule make it a different vehicle but that SIAC members could be asked to participate or receive committee reports. The resolution asks for regular updates from the ad hoc committee and sets a target for a comprehensive recommendation to come to the board by April 2026.

Board members framed the committee’s work broadly — not solely about housing or city-led development — and listed a range of actions that could influence enrollment, from program offerings (transitional kindergarten, preschool models, differentiated services) to budgeting and community engagement. Several directors emphasized the limits of the district’s authority on housing and economic development and noted that partnerships with city governments would be part of any long-term solution.

The motion to create the ad hoc committee was moved and seconded on the record, and the board approved the resolution by voice vote.

The board also discussed scheduling for future meetings and work sessions tied to strategic planning while the ad hoc committee is formed and begins work.