The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Community School District held its School Improvement Advisory & Advocacy Committee Meeting on May 15, 2024. Superintendent Joe Nelson led the meeting, which included Principals from all three buildings, Jared Carder, Aaron Patrick, and Paul Hansch. CGD Tech Director Kevin Katz, and CGD Board of Education Members Elizabeth Severson, and Megan Ring were invited to attend. Other notable staff members in attendance were Jose Herrera, Raejean Chapman, and Jenny Smith. Those attending from the public were Marcia Larson, Craig Luttrell, Rod Brooks, Bob Powers, and Andy Young.
Though the Wright County Monitor wasn't present, Superintendent Nelson provided meeting notes for reporting.
Student Support Initiatives
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WIN (What I Need) Time: Implemented at both the high school and middle school, WIN time allows for dedicated student-teacher interactions and has received positive feedback.
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Targeted Tutoring for migrant and other struggling students.
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English Language Learning Proficiency: Notable growth in ELL student proficiency, thanks to staff efforts and targeted strategies.
Infrastructure and Tech Updates
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Middle School Gym: The floor replacement issues have been resolved, and the gym will reopen on June 1.
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iPads for Virtual Snow Days: Using ESSER funds, 700 iPads were purchased.
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Security Enhancements: A new camera system and emergency communications platforms were installed, funded by the Iowa Governor’s security grant.
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Classroom Technology: 75-inch touchscreen TVs were installed in math and science classrooms.
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Moving the 5th-grade classrooms to the middle school as it is “consistent with other schools in our conference.”
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Making a move to broadcast school announcements on both major news channels in Iowa
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
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Dual Credit Classes are offered through Iowa Central Community College, providing a cost-effective head start on college education.
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Esports Club: Newly launched and already popular among high school students.
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Dean of Students: Tricia Rosendahl was appointed to alleviate administrative burdens and enhance classroom observation.
Community and Mental Health
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Mental Health Support: Professional counselors regularly visit each school.
Notes from the meeting stated,“There is some information that can't be shared because of confidentiality but as a district, we have made changes and hired more staff to try and meet the mental health of our students.” -
Bullying Prevention: Discussions on reducing bullying and promoting openness about seeking help.
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New Extracurriculars: Exploration of activities for non-sport-oriented students.
Facility and Curriculum Discussion
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Auditorium Proposal: A committee is gathering information and ideas for building an auditorium. The group hopes to propose those ideas at the end of the next school year.
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Parking Improvements: Discussions on improving parking facilities and adding short-term parking spaces near school entrances.
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Life Skills Class: A proposal for a high school class covering practical skills like changing tires and financial literacy was heard.
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Requests for more secure entry points at the elementary school.
Moving on in the meeting, a parent who recently moved to the area praised the “Sparks Clubs”, which involves community members working with students, as a sound idea. Parents requested more musical and theater activities for students who are not interested in sports. There was a suggestion of having one Valedictorian for each graduating class as well.
There was also concern shared about the entrance to the elementary building, noting that it only has a single double-door entrance. This is a security concern. It was proposed to install more double entrances like the middle and high schools have. The district hopes that the new cameras and monitors will improve security.
The next steps include addressing feedback from the meeting and continuing efforts to improve the district's facilities, academic programs, and student support services. For more information on this committee and their meetings, please contact the CGD School District.
