We are writing to remind you about Free & Reduced Meal applications for the 2026-27 school year. Please remember that applications must be completed every year per federal guidelines, and this is a separate process from school registration.

If you believe your student may qualify, please complete the 2026-27 Application for Free & Reduced Meals as soon as possible. We encourage you to complete this form before the start of the school year to ensure your benefits are active on the first day

The first day of school is Monday, August 24, and we have been busy preparing to welcome students back. It's been exciting to see our schools come back to life as everyone gets ready for students to return.

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete your child's registration before the first day of school. Completing registration now helps ensure a smooth start to the year. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school or email enroll@iowacityschools.org.

As part of the Iowa City Community School District's ongoing commitment to strengthening financial transparency, accountability, and public trust, the process to establish the District's new Financial Oversight Committee reached an important milestone this week.

After receiving 113 applications, a community-based Vetting Committee convened this week to review the submissions and recommend nominees to serve on the Financial Oversight Committee. Greater Iowa City, Inc. served as a neutral convener throughout the process, bringing together respected leaders from education, business, finance, and the nonprofit community to independently evaluate applicants.

Please join us in welcoming our new admin for the 2026-27 school year as they step into their new roles. We look forward to accomplishing great things together this year! Their leadership will be instrumental in fostering a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where every student can thrive.

In total, the USDA has awarded our district $498,259.81 to advance the opportunities of all of our students. Middle schoolers will engage with their own greenhouse, elementary students will connect their gardens to the greenhouses, and high school students will mentor middle school students on the best practices of environmental science. Our district is grateful to the USDA for its support and investment in providing broader environmental and agricultural opportunities to our students and families.

A new Iowa law (House File 2591) allows school districts to offer eligible 8th-grade students the opportunity to participate in high school athletics under specific circumstances. The Iowa City Community School District has established guidelines to ensure these opportunities are provided thoughtfully and in the best interest of students and athletic programs.

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening financial transparency, accountability, and public trust, the Iowa City Community School District Board of Education has established a Financial Oversight Committee and is now seeking community members to serve on it.

The Iowa City Community School District Board of Education has hired Amy Kortemeyer as Interim Superintendent, effective July 1, 2026. Mrs. Kortemeyer brings more than three decades of educational experience to the role, including significant leadership experience within the Iowa City Community School District.

Behind every achievement is a story of hard work. Teachers who inspired, staff members who cared deeply, volunteers who gave their time, families who encouraged, and students who seized opportunities.

As this school year comes to a close, one feeling rises above all others: gratitude.

Gratitude for the students who continue to inspire us. Gratitude for the educators and staff who make public education possible each day. Gratitude for a community that believes in its schools and in the incredible potential of its students.

The Iowa City Community School District is pleased to once again participate in the Summer Food Service Program, providing free meals and snacks to children throughout our community during the summer months.

All children ages 18 and under are welcome to participate, and no registration is required. Meals and snacks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program will run from June 15 through August 7, 2026, with no meal service on June 19 and June 29-July 3. Additional schedule variations are noted below.