Highlights from the May 6th School Board Meeting
During the May 6th school board work session the Board of Education heard presentations by the City of Marion and RSP & Associates.
City Manager Lon Pluckhahn discussed areas of future residential growth in the city including housing developments near Indian Creek, south of Fernow Road (near Highway 13) and west of the district near Tower Terrace Road. The types of housing and an estimate of how many school-age residents per household was also discussed.
Rob Schwarz, from RSP & Associates, followed the City’s presentation with a five-year enrollment analysis. The presentation focused on enrollment and demographics, housing developments and future projections. Key points of the presentation included:
- District enrollment is projected to increase by more than nine percent (750 students) over the next five years.
- The elementary level will see the biggest increase in enrollment at 12.8 percent (more than 450 students).
- Middle school enrollment is projected to see an increase of 120 students with the high school projected to see an increase of 170 over the next five years.
- There is significant land available for residential development throughout the district. The speed of residential development will affect the rate of enrollment increase.
The full presentation can be viewed in Exhibit 302.1 on the school board website.
During the regular meeting, Linn-Mar students Taylor Haan and Sophia Lange shared their experiences in Iowa BIG. The LMHS seniors discussed various projects they were part of in the program and how they have benefited from participating in Iowa BIG.
Iowa BIG Executive Director Trace Pickering discussed the program’s principles and values, in addition to results from a survey recently given to former Iowa BIG students who are now seniors in college. The survey indicated that the former students have seen a variety of benefits from taking part in the program and that Iowa BIG successfully prepares students for college.
The board also approved the FY2019 Certified Budget Amendment and set a public hearing for 7:00 pm on May 20th regarding the street and sewer package for the 35th Avenue intermediate building. The complete agenda for the meeting can be viewed on the school board website.
The school board will host their next meeting on Monday, May 20th in the boardroom of the Learning Resource Center. The work session will begin at 5:00 pm, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 pm.