March 19, 2024

NCSD board to discuss bond

Special education the focus of pre-meeting workshop

One of the many pluses for the Newton Community School District in re-opening Emerson Hough as an everyday elementary school this year will be outfitting the 90-year-old building with some of the latest technology.

Emerson Hough, like the district’s other three K-4 campuses, will have a computer lab. At Monday’s regular meeting, the board will consider the purchase of 24 desktop computers for the lab, along with 80 staff laptop computers.

Monday’s meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the EJH Beard Administrative Center, formerly known as the Hy-Vee West building.

That’s the only main action item on a relatively light agenda for Monday’s meeting. The other action item is to accept a recently made donation of a Cardinal statue at H.A. Lynn Stadium.

There will also be an overall update of the facilities projects at Emerson Hough. This summer’s upgrades include classroom modifications, carpeting and a new HVAC system.

Prior to Monday’s meeting, there will be a board learning workshop, which is open to the public, at 5:30 p.m. Tina Ross, director of special programs and NCSD special education teachers, will present on “Providing Special Education Services through the Delivery of Specially Designed Instruction.”

Ross will also present during the regular meeting about this summer’s school registration process, which will include an online portion.

Harry Heiligenthal of the Iowa Association of School Boards will make a presentation about direction for board learning leadership.

There will be a recap of this summer’s Capturing Kids’ Hearts professional development program activities.

The board will also discuss the Denison Survey Process.

Board members Josh Cantu, Andy Elbert, and Travis Padget will provide an update of the progress of the Berg Bond Committee. A $26.9 million general obligation bond vote is set for Sept. 13.

A public forum about the bond is set for 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the Beard Center.

The board will review Public Financial Management engagement letters.

Aug. 8 is the date of the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com