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Board hears program updates and legislative funding concerns; attendance improving
Summary
The educational programs and policy committee reported improvements in chronic absenteeism, updates on ELPA21 testing, approval of an external evaluator for a literacy grant, and a legislative update noting a 2% supplemental aid increase and concerns about a proposal to divert up to 30% of 1¢ sales tax away from public education.
At the March 9 meeting the Dubuque Community School District’s educational programs and policy committee reported several programmatic developments and raised concerns about pending state legislation.
Committee chair Bradley opened with a student presentation by Lily Kroger of Dubuque Senior High School’s Student Academic Support Services (SAS) group, which helps plan activities and supports middle-to-high school transitions. Bradley said the group is 25–30 students and meets monthly.
Officials reviewed ELPA21 testing procedures for English-language learners and said test results would be reported to the board in May. Staff noted the district arranged testing on a non-school day for some high school students to avoid pulling them from regular classes.
The committee also noted approval of an external evaluation contract tied to the elementary comprehensive literacy state development grant; Lisa Feltes recommended the evaluator as required by the grant.
Director of student services Becky Fellenzer presented data showing year‑over‑year improvement on chronic absenteeism following pandemic-era declines in attendance; the committee described progress as the result of coordinated efforts among parents, staff and community partners.
Bradley delivered a legislative update: the board was informed the governor signed supplemental aid at 2%, while board members warned that cost‑of‑living increases outpace that aid. Bradley also flagged a bill the board saw as a risk to public education that would gradually divert up to 30% of a 1¢ sales tax away from public schools; she urged community engagement on the matter.
The board encouraged public participation and said the superintendent and finance team would continue to monitor state actions and their local fiscal impact.
