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Linn‑Mar board passes program changes and several fiscal motions; sets Jan. 13 public hearing
Summary
The Linn‑Mar board approved the high‑school Program of Studies and carried motions including SBRC applications, distribution of a state salary supplement, fundraising approval, and setting a public hearing on the 2025–26 and 2026–27 calendars.
At its meeting in the new District Administration Building, the Linn‑Mar Community School District Board of Directors approved the 2025–26 high‑school Program of Studies and carried several budget and administrative motions.
Key board actions
- Program of Studies (Exhibit 701.1): Approved after a presentation and discussion (mover: Barry; second: Director Thomas). The program adds cybersecurity, certification courses (lifeguard, sports officiating), calculus‑based AP physics offerings, and a formal practicum field experience; several niche courses were deferred due to staffing.
- Early graduation requests: Approved (mover: Bridal; second: Laura). Directors congratulated the students.
- Public hearing on school calendars: The board set a public hearing for 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in the District Administration Building to consider recommended changes to the 2025–26 calendar and the proposed 2026–27 calendar (mover: Laura; second: Britt).
- Fundraising request (Exhibit 704.1): Approved (mover: Laura; second: Barry).
- SBRC application — modified supplemental amount for open‑enrolled out students: The board approved filing an application requesting a modified supplemental amount of $1,334,658 for open‑enrolled out students not counted on the prior‑year head count. Administrators clarified that SBRC approval grants spending authority; it does not provide cash to the district.
- SBRC application — limited English proficient instruction: Approved a $43,903 application to cover instruction for English learner students served beyond five years.
- Distribution of education support personnel salary supplement: The board approved distributing the state supplement appropriated under House File 2612, division 3, section 52, as a flow‑through to eligible non‑salaried regular and part‑time employees.
- Consent agenda: Approved; the board included a transparency statement noting the hand‑tally results for the previous board‑president roll call will be included in the minutes. Director Barry recognized four retirees: Kelly Kretchmar, Sandy Clabaugh, Lisa Lloyd and Anne Matthews.
Fiscal and enrollment context
Superintendent Kortmeyer reported certified enrollment at 7,493.73, a decline of 72.89 students from the prior year, and noted average daily attendance improved slightly from 95.01% to 95.45% after the state’s chronic‑absence law (Senate File 2435) took effect. District leaders also discussed early planning for a potential roughly $10 million bond issuance to fund facility needs, including an indoor activity center; those plans remain in schematic design and financial conversations.
Next steps
Staff will publish the approved Program of Studies and registration materials. The public hearing on the school calendars is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the District Administration Building.
