By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — The Eagle Grove Community School District Board of Education approved its 2025-2026 budget during its regular monthly meeting held April 14 at the Emerson Building. The budget was set based on a 2.25% state supplemental aid (SSA) increase, though the actual SSA was later finalized at 2%. Superintendent Jess Toliver explained the discrepancy during the public hearing, noting the state will adjust funding accordingly.
In addition to budget approval, the board moved forward with a real estate purchase agreement to acquire the First State Bank building and three adjacent lots for approximately $400,000. The bank intends to relocate across the street, freeing up the facility for district use. If finalized, the building will be converted into administrative offices and classroom space, with fleet vehicle parking supported by the additional parcels. Toliver said the goal would be to move in by spring 2027, pending funding and renovations.
The board also reviewed and accepted the district’s FY24 audit report. Toliver noted that while the audit listed a few technical deficiencies, such as a budget coding oversight and ongoing IPERS liability reporting, the district maintained a positive financial balance. “We still spent less than we brought in,” he said.
The meeting featured presentations on academic progress and student activities from elementary, middle, and high school staff. Elementary Principal McKristie Logan-Willard reported that I-Tests at the elementary level were completed, and praised new curriculum initiatives for preparing students effectively. Middle school Principal Josh Schild highlighted science labs using the new OpenSciEd curriculum and shared early ISASP testing results showing positive trends. High school Principal Dr. Heidi Vasquez reported that high school students created custom branding stickers for a local business, participated in tornado and speech drills, and attended a career fair at Iowa Central, receiving praise from employers for their professionalism.
In other business:
- A $29,000 renovation of the district’s concessions and restroom facilities was approved, along with a $25,000 locker room upgrade.
- The board approved a continued contract with juvenile court services to fund a shared school-based supervision role.
- E.G.E.S.A. staff contracts for 2025-2026 were reviewed, with Toliver noting a 40-cent increase to the base pay and a 3-cent step increase.
- The board adopted updated policies reflecting legislative changes, primarily removing “gender identity” from protected class definitions, per state law.
- Board members discussed the potential for a future bond issue to fund additional security and facilities upgrades, though no timeline has been set.
Toliver warned that the continuation of federal CEP funding, which currently allows for universal free school lunches, is uncertain for next year. “We need to keep an eye on the CEP program,” he said. “There’s a good chance they’re not going to fund it.”
Finally, Toliver confirmed the district is monitoring fluctuating student enrollment but has not observed a significant decline within the Hispanic student population despite national concerns over immigration enforcement. “We’re definitely keeping an eye on it,” he said.
Graduation is scheduled for May 18, with the board’s year-end meeting tentatively planned for June 30.
