Superintendent reports staffing pressures and facilities projects to Ames Comm School District board

Superintendent Mister Davis briefed the board on three operational priorities: the annual dropout-prevention funding report, facilities work near 13th and Northwestern, and staffing trends heading into the next school year.

On dropout prevention, Davis described the program’s purpose and said it supports school-family counselors and ‘success teachers’ in roles similar to Title I reading supports. He read the modified allowable growth figure ($1,796,051) and the total dropout-prevention budget ($2,394,735), noting the district’s 25% match requirement ($598,648).

Davis outlined facilities work in the area of 13th and Northwestern, reporting that garages and a three-story office previously used by service support have been demolished and that planned work will refresh the middle school, beginning with cafeteria and administrative-office renovations. He said a public meeting with neighbors on the Northwestern/13th project had been held.

On staffing, Davis said 11 staff members have filed for early retirement for next year and that 48 staff are eligible for the incentive; enrollment is down from the prior year. He said more detailed staffing and budget information, including any implications for programming and state funding, will be provided to the board in January.

The board accepted the report and scheduled further discussion of staffing and budgeting for the next regular meeting on Jan. 12.