Project manager John updated the board on Phase 1 construction: turf fields and dugouts nearing punch list, Sudlow classroom wing and North cafeteria/admin on track for phased occupancy, and SMART junior high classroom wing targeted for May 2027 completion; some weather/mud risks noted but contingencies not yet tapped.
External auditor reported an unmodified (clean) FY25 opinion, no internal control findings, an emphasis-of-matter related to GASB 101, and a roughly $30.9M decrease in intergovernmental (federal ESSER) revenue; the federal single-audit report remained pending due to delayed federal guidance.
The Davenport Community School District board voted to call a March 3, 2026 special election asking voters to renew a 10-year physical plant and equipment levy capped at $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed value; the board also approved routine personnel items and adjourned.
Board members discussed renewing the Alltown transportation contract (staff favor option 2, a two-year renewal with a three-year option), debated chiller and HVAC replacements at Adams and Davenport Central, and heard staff plan to place a PPEL renewal on the March 3 ballot. A formal Alltown vote is expected Jan. 12.
The Davenport Community School District board approved SBRC funding requests totaling several million dollars, adopted preschool and continuum-of-care pathways (phase 2), and awarded the Central High tennis court resurfacing contract to McConnell's of Saint Louis for $157,792.30. Several votes were by voice; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the meeting.
A facility master planning committee recommended a hybrid model combining three regional children’s‑village centers and school‑based preschool rooms to expand district preschool capacity toward 700 kids and create a regional continuum of care for students with moderate to significant special education needs.
The board approved a consent agenda by voice vote, cast the district's weighted AEA ballot, adopted annual settlement/payment resolutions and approved legal counsel and depositories; canvass results were read and new directors were sworn in and officers elected.
A Davenport preschool teacher spoke during open forum saying her medical condition prevents her from meeting the consistency and safety demands of teaching and asked the board for understanding; she expressed gratitude for her time in the district.
The board recognized employee Shaney Ford for donating over 70% of her liver to her sister, honored Rudy Newkirk as Iowa Fine Arts Administrator of the Year, and unveiled a quarterly 'Heart of Excellence' staff-award program with four categories and a rubric-based selection process.
Project SEARCH staff and interns described internships, weekly curriculum and use of the VocFit assessment; presenters said the nine-year program typically achieves at least an 80% employment success rate for participants by the programs Feb. 28 cutoff.