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School board approves bargaining agreements, construction contracts and orders PPEL election
Summary
At its May 11 meeting the Dubuque school board approved multiple labor agreements, construction contracts (totaling several million dollars across projects), authorized sale of three 2017 buses, and ordered a special election to seek PPEL renewal at $1.34; the board also accepted the superintendent's recommendation to terminate a teaching contract.
The Dubuque Community School District board approved a series of consent and action items on May 11, including labor contracts, construction awards, a resolution to sell three buses, a resolution ordering a PPEL special election, and a personnel termination.
Labor and personnel: the board approved agreements reported by Brian Kuhle covering the Dubuque Education Association (teachers) and multiple other bargaining units, noting settlement amounts around 3% for most groups. Board members praised the work negotiating the new salary schedule; one board member said it was "a miracle on a page" in reference to completing the schedule.
Construction and procurement: motions carried to approve construction contracts and awards: Tricon Construction Group for the Sageville Elementary fuel oil tank replacement ($314,000); Portzen Construction Inc. for Dalzell South retaining wall repairs ($125,505); Jim Giese Commercial Roofing Inc. for Irving Elementary roof replacement ($674,750); Play Power LT Farmington (PlayPro Recreation) for the Irving playground replacement ($301,300). The board also approved the third amendment to the Learning Campus Condominium Declaration and authorized offering three 2017 IC Corp school buses for sale by public bid with a possible public hearing set for June 8, 2026.
PPEL election and grant programs: the board approved a resolution ordering a special election in September to continue the voter‑approved physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) at $1.34 per $1,000 valuation (the district currently levies $0.67). The Educational Programs & Policy Committee reported a first‑year literacy grant award of $619,679 (renewed for additional years for a three‑year total cited at $1.9 million) to accelerate reading proficiency, and renewal of the iJAG contract for $475,000 was recorded in the consent agenda.
Personnel termination: the board received and filed the superintendent's recommendation and voted by roll call to terminate the continuing teaching contract of Melinda Janes, effective at the end of the 2025/26 school year.
The motions were approved by voice or roll call as recorded in meeting minutes; presenters noted the district will continue project work and follow standard procurement and reporting procedures.
