Davenport Community School District public meetings in 2025

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The board will hold a public hearing and vote on approving the 95% plans and specifications for the North High School Additions and Renovations Project, with an estimated construction cost of $28 million. Other action items include approving $1.7 million for Chromebooks and laptops, a $211,348 geometry curriculum adoption, and several consent-agenda renewals for IT maintenance and software. The meeting also includes recognition of fine arts students and Seal of Biliteracy recipients.

• Public hearing and vote on North High School Additions and Renovations Project (estimated $28,000,000)
• Approval of Chromebooks, laptops & peripherals purchase for $1,711,530 from CDW
• Approval of HMH Into Geometry curriculum adoption for $211,348.36
• Consent agenda: Aercor Aruba maintenance renewal ($73,174.39), Fortinet renewal ($115,081.66), Infinite Campus renewal ($167,619)
• West High School tennis courts replacement design discussion

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The Davenport Community School District Board will consider multiple action items including approval of a one-year milk contract renewal with Prairie Farms for approximately $775,832, several curriculum resource and professional development contracts totaling over $570,000, and a College Connection agreement with Eastern Iowa Community College. The board will also hear student reports, recognize scholarship recipients, and approve a consent agenda with open enrollment denials, minutes, bills, and personnel changes.

• One-year milk contract renewal with Prairie Farms for approximately $775,832
• Lexia LETRS training for elementary literacy, $186,480 for 2025-26
• Amplify CKLA professional development contract, $152,700 for 2025-26
• HMH Into Algebra 1 digital resources and workbooks, $90,175.68
• College Connection Memorandum of Agreement with Eastern Iowa Community College for 2025-2026

The Board approved a consent agenda including the April 28 meeting minutes, a bill listing, and various personnel appointments. Administrative actions included a salary and title correction for a Williams Middle School principal and several new contracts for athletic and academic advisors. Multiple classified staff appointments for para educators and support workers were also approved.

• Approved April 28 Regular Meeting minutes
• Approved bill listing for period 4.23.25 - 5.6.25
• Approved title change and salary increase to $126,018.00 for Ellen Weishaar (Principal, Williams Middle)
• Approved additional contracts for Todd Alberts, James DeCook, Aubrey Gradin, and Natalie McDermott
• Approved classified appointments for Karver Burgess, Rebecca Carver, Emily Eiselstein Lafrenz, Eric Howard, William Kranz, Parker LeGrand, and Hannah Savely

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AT WEST HIGH SCHOOL @ 5:30 PM

The Davenport Community School District Committee of the Whole will meet at West High School on May 5, 2025. Agenda items include a presentation on the Kenya Water Project and Robotics Tour, an update on the Portrait of a Graduate initiative, and discussions on evaluations of the superintendent and board secretary. The meeting is open to the public but will not be livestreamed or recorded.

• Kenya Water Project and Robotics Tour presentation
• Portrait of a Graduate Update (discussion and presentation with file attachment)
• Evaluation of Superintendent (discussion)
• Evaluation of Board Secretary (discussion)

The board performed annual evaluations for the superintendent and the board secretary. Members reviewed updates on the Portrait of a Graduate plan and received presentations on the Kenya Water Project and the robotics team. No formal votes on policy or spending were recorded.

• Conducted annual evaluation of the superintendent
• Conducted annual evaluation of the board secretary

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The board will hold a public hearing and vote to approve 95% plans for $2.3M renovations at Central, North, and West High Schools. It will adopt the FY2026 budget of $542,471,643 with a property tax levy of $13.83173 per $1,000 taxable valuation, plus a budget guarantee resolution due to a 1.6% enrollment decline. Other actions include a $69,500 contract with Bray Architects for facility planning, approval of policies on chronic absenteeism and student devices, and public comment on a petition to revert CTE classes to block scheduling.

• Public hearing to approve 95% plans and specs for Central, North, West High Schools renovations ($2.3M estimated cost, bid opening May 28)
• Adoption of FY2026 budget with $542,471,643 in resources and $13.83173/$1,000 tax levy rate
• Resolution authorizing levy for 101% budget guarantee ($665,155) due to enrollment decline
• Contract with Bray Architects for Phase 2 of Long-Range Facility Planning ($69,500)
• Public comment on petition to revert CTE classes to block schedule for 2025-26 school year

The Board approved the 95% plans and specifications for the Central, North, and West Facilities Renovations Project. The meeting also included a presentation on the iJAG program and public comments regarding CTE classes.

• Approved 95% plans and specifications for Central, North and West Facilities Renovations Project (All ayes)

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The board will vote on several construction and procurement contracts, including classroom furniture replacement ($1,139,451.85), tuckpointing repairs at McKinley Elementary, demolition of five houses, and a parking lot replacement. They will also discuss the FY26 budget for formal adoption at the next meeting and receive an update on long-range facilities planning. Consent agenda items include minutes, bill listings from March 5 to April 8, and personnel actions.

• Classroom furniture replacement at Garfield, Jackson, and McKinley for $1,139,451.85
• McKinley Elementary tuckpointing repair awarded to Bi-State Masonry, Inc.
• Demolition of four houses on East 36th and one on 53rd Street for $119,850
• Harrison parking lot replacement for $57,640
• FY26 budget discussion ahead of formal adoption on April 28

The Board approved a consent agenda that included meeting minutes, bill listings, and various personnel appointments. These appointments covered administrative, certificated, additional contract, and classified roles across multiple district schools.

• Approved March 24 Regular Meeting minutes
• Approved March 24 Special Call Open Meeting minutes
• Approved bill listings for period 3.5.25 to 3.18.25
• Approved appointment of Michael Vukovich as Program Director – Secondary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment ($151,498.00)
• Approved certificated appointments for Monique McNesby (North High) and Travis Plambeck (West High)
• Approved additional contracts for athletics and musical directors at Central, West, and North High and Williams Middle
• Approved classified appointments for para educators and campus security at West High, Davenport Learning Center, Wood Middle, and Hayes Elementary

SPECIAL CALL MEETING INCLUDING CLOSED SESSION Immediately Following Regular Meeting

The Davenport Community School District Board will hold a special meeting, moving immediately into closed session under Iowa Code to evaluate the professional competency of an individual. After the closed session, the board will return to open session to consider termination of an administrator's contract. The meeting includes procedural actions for adjournment.

• Closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i)
• Possible action to terminate an administrator's contract after closed session

The board held a closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual. Upon returning to open session, the board voted to consider the termination of an administrator's contract.

• Moved into closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual (All in favor)
• Voted to consider termination of an administrator contract (All in favor)

Special Call Open Meeting: Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Property Tax Levy Public Hearing @ 5:30PM

The Davenport Community School Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 property tax levy. The proposed levy is no more than $13.83173 per thousand of taxable valuation, an increase of $0.12298 from the current $13.70875. No action will be taken at this hearing; the board will discuss a draft budget in April and adopt on April 28, 2025.

• Proposed FY2026 property tax levy increase to no more than $13.83173 per thousand
• Increase of $0.12298 per thousand (0.008971%) from current $13.70875
• Public hearing only; no action taken
• Budget discussion scheduled for April and adoption on April 28, 2025

The board conducted a public hearing to receive oral and written comments regarding the proposed fiscal year 2026 property tax levy. No votes were taken on the levy during this meeting; the certified budget will be adopted by April 30th.

• Held public hearing for FY 2026 property tax levy

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM Immediately Following Special Call Open Meeting

The Davenport Community School District board will consider several action items including a tentative collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Secretaries for 2025-2028. Other items include purchasing a dump truck, awarding bids for roofing and foundation projects, and transferring funds for a fire-deductible expense. The meeting also includes consent agenda items for minutes, bills, and personnel changes.

• Tentative AFSCME Secretaries collective bargaining agreement for 7/1/25-6/30/28
• Purchase of F350 dump/plow truck for $79,425.80 from Lindquist Ford using PPEL funds
• Award of Fillmore Elementary Roofing bid to Sterling Roofing for $724,375
• Fund transfer of $75,000 from Management Fund to PPEL Fund for Madison Elementary fire deductible
• Award of North High School Footings and Foundations project to Ihrig Works for $474,600

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included the March 10 regular meeting minutes and bill listings for the period of March 5 to March 18, 2025. The agenda also included several new classified staff appointments and additional contracts for athletics and musical directors. Recognition for Fall and Winter Athletics was postponed.

• Approved March 10 Regular Meeting minutes
• Approved bill listings for period 3.5.25 to 3.18.25
• Approved additional contracts for athletics and musical directors
• Approved classified staff appointments for various schools
• Postponed Fall and Winter Athletics recognition

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The Davenport Community School District Board will decide on five tentative collective bargaining agreements covering teachers, paraeducators, custodial/security/warehouse, food & nutrition, and maintenance employees, along with salary increases for non-bargaining and administrator groups. The board will also discuss a $1.5 million classroom furniture replacement at Garfield, Jackson, and McKinley elementary schools, a dump truck purchase, and an update on high school scheduling.

• Approval of tentative agreements with Davenport Education Association (DEA - teachers) for 2025-28, AFSCME Food & Nutrition Services for 2025-28, AFSCME Para Educators for 2025-28, AFSCME Custodial/Warehouse/Security for 2025-28, and Maintenance wage reopener for 2025-26
• 3% wage increases for non-bargaining, administrators, and cabinet administrators for 2025-26
• Discussion of $1.5 million classroom furniture replacement at Garfield, Jackson, and McKinley elementary schools using SAVE funds
• Discussion of purchasing a new dump truck to replace a 2007 F350, using PPEL funds
• Update on high school schedule changes

The Board approved a consent agenda including February 24 minutes, bill listings, and various personnel actions. Key changes include the appointment of a new principal for North High effective July 1, 2025, and several classified staff hires.

• Approved February 24 Regular meeting minutes
• Approved bill listings for the period of 2.19 to 3.4.25
• Appointed Eric Johnson as Principal of North High effective July 1, 2025 ($153,642.63)
• Approved additional contracts for Tyland Johnson Sr., Michael Lizak Jr., and Brittany Roach
• Approved classified appointments for Allyssa Bedford, Carolyn Bernal McWilliams, Donna Bowdre, Cynthia Flores, Brittany Hicks, Elizabeth Lindsey, Charles Pugh, and Paola Scamardella-Norris

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The Davenport school board will hold a public hearing and consider approving the 95% plans and specifications for McKinley Elementary tuckpointing repair (estimated $250,000). Action items include approving the 2025-26 academic calendar and Policy 501.22 on home instruction. The consent agenda covers minutes, bill listings from Feb 5-18, 2025, and personnel changes.

• Public hearing for McKinley Elementary tuckpointing repair, estimated cost $250,000, bid opening March 26, 2025
• Proposed 2025-26 academic calendar for board approval
• Policy 501.22 Home Instruction recommended for approval
• Consent agenda: Bill listings (Feb 5-18, 2025) and personnel appointments, resignations, retirements, leaves
• Open forum for community input

The board approved the 95% plans and specifications for the McKinley Elementary Tuckpointing Repair project following a public hearing. The board also approved a consent agenda including bill listings and various personnel appointments.

• Approved 95% Plans and Specifications for McKinley Elementary Tuckpointing Repair (All Ayes)
• Approved February 3, 2025 COW minutes
• Approved February 10, 2025 Regular meeting minutes
• Approved bill listings for period 2.5 to 2.18.2025
• Approved additional contracts for Philip Armer, Kaitlin Carr, Liliana Garcia, Cari Le Grand, and Ashton Westerfield
• Approved classified appointments for Jorja Benck, Fallon Boyd, Mason Burrage, Meagan Cain, Haleigh Coates, Michelle Fogle, and Benjamin Ford

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The board will hold public hearings to approve 95% plans for the North High School Additions and Renovations Footings and Foundations Project ($2.4M) and Fillmore Elementary Roofing Improvements ($950k). Other action items include approving Pepsi contract extensions at West and North High Schools, playground replacements at Jackson, Garfield, and McKinley Elementary ($681,723), and change orders for the bus lot relocation to the Armory project totaling $84,654.93. The meeting also includes consent agenda items such as personnel actions, bill listings, and minutes.

• Public hearing for North High School footings and foundations project, estimated $2,400,000
• Public hearing for Fillmore Elementary roofing improvements, estimated $950,000
• Playground replacement at Jackson, Garfield, and McKinley Elementary for $681,723
• Pepsi contract renewal extensions: 10 years at West High School, 15 years at North High School
• Bus lot relocation change orders: $35,818.41 (water line) and $48,836.52 (electrical service)

The Board approved 95% plans and specifications for footings and foundations at North High School and roofing improvements at Fillmore Elementary. The board also reviewed architectural renderings for broader updates to North High School.

• Approved North High School Additions and Renovations Footings and Foundations 95% plans (All Ayes)
• Approved Fillmore Elementary Roofing Improvements 95% plans (All Ayes)
• Approved contract renewals and extensions with Pepsi for West and North High Schools
• Approved Bus Lot Relocation to the Armory Project Change Orders #1 and #4
• Approved bill listings for period 1.22.25 through 2.4.25
• Approved personnel appointments, including certificated, additional contract, and classified staff

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE @ 5:30 PM

The Committee of the Whole will meet to receive a presentation and overview regarding Youth Leadership Teams. The remainder of the agenda consists of procedural items.

• Youth Leadership Teams update presentation

The meeting consisted of a presentation regarding the Youth Leadership Teams (YLT) and their role in student voice and school climate. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made.

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The Board of Directors will interview four candidates to fill a vacant board seat. The meeting also includes public hearings on the 2025-26 school calendar and instructional hours.

• Public hearing on using a 1,080 hour instructional model vs. 180 days for 2025-26
• Public hearing on a proposed August 25, 2025, start date for the 2025-26 school year
• Interviews and appointment of a board member to fill the vacancy left by Daniel Gosa
• Discussion regarding playground replacements at Jackson, Garfield, and McKinley schools
• Appointment of delegates for the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency Board of Directors election

The board approved a schedule of 1080 hours of instruction for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, the board set the start date for the 2025-26 school year as August 25, 2025.

• Approved 1080 hours of instruction for 2025-26 school year (All Ayes)
• Approved August 25, 2025, as the start date for 2025-26 school year (All Ayes)

REGULAR MEETING @ 5:30PM

The Davenport Community School District Board will decide on awarding a $40.2 million construction contract for the F.L. Smart Middle School addition and renovation to Bill Bruce Builders, and a $3.99 million HVAC contract to Trane U.S. Inc. The board will also consider a $50,000 fund transfer from the Management Fund to the PPEL Fund for a mercury spill deductible at Williams Middle School. Discussion items include replacing the south parking lot at Harrison Elementary and a process to fill a board vacancy left by Gosa's resignation. A presentation on the FY2024 audit by Bohnsack & Frommelt LLP is also scheduled.

• Award of $40,200,000 bid to Bill Bruce Builders for F.L. Smart Middle School Addition and Renovation Project
• Award of $3,990,003 bid to Trane U.S. Inc. for Smart HVAC and Controls Project
• Fund transfer of $50,000 from Management Fund to PPEL for mercury spill deductible at Williams Middle School
• Discussion of replacing south parking lot at Harrison Elementary near 53rd Street
• Process to fill board vacancy, with applications due Jan 22 and interviews Jan 27

The Board approved a consent agenda covering personnel appointments, bill listings, and architectural specifications. The meeting also included a presentation on the FY24 audit and a highlight of the 'Freedom is Beautiful' African American history project.

• Approved Legat Architects McKinley Tuckpointing Specs and Plans
• Approved December 16 2024 Regular meeting minutes
• Approved bill listings for periods 12.4 to 12.17.24 and 12.18.24 to 1.7.25
• Approved certificated appointments for Emily Goldsberry, Kelsey LeCompte, Francesca Manuel, Melissa Oechsner, and Cari Rasmussen
• Approved additional contracts for Adam Creighton, Van Finn, Emily Goldsberry, Steven Holland, Kelsey LeCompte, Jacob Nichols, Melissa Oechsner, Cari Rasmussen, Connie Ross, and Randy Tucker

Legislative Events at 8 AM and 11 AM

This is a discussion-only legislative event hosted by the Board of Education Legislative Committee. No votes or action items will take place. The meeting covers state education issues with elected officials, administrators, and local leaders.

• Legislative events at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM to discuss Iowa education issues

The school board's legislative committee held two sessions on January 8, 2025, to discuss Iowa education issues with elected officials and local leaders. No deliberation or action took place during these meetings.