Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves nearly $2 million spending authority for at‑risk and dropout prevention programs
Summary
Trustees approved a modified supplemental amount request for dropout prevention totaling $1,993,725 for FY25–26; administrators said funds support partnerships, SRS positions, Edmentum course access, and summer programming.
Marshalltown administrators requested and the board approved spending authority for at‑risk and dropout prevention programs on Dec. 16.
District leaders described the at‑risk program as supporting students identified through an early‑warning system (attendance, grades, homelessness, engagement). They outlined key uses for the funding: maintaining staff (SRS positions), partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters and local mental‑health agencies, Edmentum courseware for credit recovery, Saturday school and Bobcat University summer programming. Administrators noted some prior grant sources for mental‑health work have expired and emphasized preserving those services via at‑risk funds.
Finance staff explained the requested spending authority figure reflects prior‑year carryover dynamics and an October enrollment increase of 30 students. The board approved the modified supplemental amount request (listed at $1,993,725 on the agenda) by unanimous vote; administrators said the program requires a 25% local match and that final budgeting will be incorporated in the district’s budget process.
Board and staff discussion touched on data lags for certified dropout counts and the importance of maintaining supports that keep students connected to school.
