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The Iowa City Community School District serves over 14,000 students and is the 5th largest school district in the state of Iowa. The District covers roughly 133 square miles with 19 preschool sites, 21 elementary schools, 3 junior high schools, 3 comprehensive high schools, 1 alternative high school, and our Transition Services Center, a program for special education students ages 18-21. Our high schools rank among the best in the state, and our ACT test scores sit well above the state and national averages. We aim to create an exemplary school district that is acknowledged for the caliber of our graduates, the quality of our staff, and the excellence of our programs.
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Learning Model Information (11/25/20)
As we shared with you last evening, the District will remain in a 100% off-site learning model through December 11, 2020. Students will continue to utilize the Continuous Online Learning Schedules to participate in school each day. As we approach the second trimester, beginning December 8, please be aware of the following:
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Extension of 100% Off-Site Learning
As we previously shared with you, the District petitioned the State for permission to extend 100% off-site learning for an additional two week period. This was based on the COVID-19 positivity rates in Johnson County, as well as support from Johnson County Public Health and our School Board. The District was notified yesterday that we have been granted permission from the Iowa Department of Education to extend 100% off-site learning. During the Board Meeting this evening, our Board of Directors discussed the next steps regarding this new information.
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Stakeholder Survey and Public Forums
School discipline policies and practices are essential in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. While we have always strived to create this environment, our data shows we have more work to do, specifically regarding racial inequities in some students’ school experiences with regard to safety and discipline, suspensions, and office referrals. In listening to our community, we recognize and embrace the need to revise our discipline policies to promote better experience and outcomes for students, educators, and families. We thank the Iowa Freedom Riders, Black Voices Project, ICCSD Equity Advisory Committee, and others that have been advocates and partners so far in this work.
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Transition to 100% Off-Site Learning Model
As we previously shared with you, the District petitioned the State for permission to transition to a 100% off-site learning model for a two-week period. This was based on the rapidly rising COVID-19 positivity rates in Johnson County, as well as support from Johnson County Public Health and our School Board. The District was notified today that we have been granted permission from the Iowa Department of Education to make this transition to a 100% off-site learning model. During the Board Meeting this evening, our Board of Directors discussed the next steps regarding this new information.
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COVID-19 Update (11/9/20)
The District has continued to monitor the escalating COVID-19 positivity rates in Johnson County. Based on a fourteen-day positivity rate of 13.3% as of Saturday, November 7, and support from both Johnson County Public Health and our School Board, the District petitioned the State for permission to transition to a 100% off-site learning model for a two week period. At this time, we have not yet received an answer from the Iowa Department of Education on the status of our request.
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Virtual Teacher Job Fair
Calling all aspiring teachers! The Iowa City Community School District will be hosting a two-day Virtual Teacher Job Fair on December 3rd and 4th. We are looking to hire building substitute teachers, long-term substitute teachers, and individuals in high need areas like Special Education, ELL, and more. The district will also be considering applicants for the 2020-21 school year.
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When people think about our schools, words like traditional and established come to mind, but also responsive, innovative, creative, inclusive, and progressive. For more than one hundred years, the Iowa City Community School District has been the instructional leader in eastern Iowa, across the state, and throughout the nation.
What makes the Iowa City Community School District so special? A talented and dedicated staff is the foundation of our success. Walking through the halls of our schools, you will notice the pride our employees take in their work. Everything we do is focused toward providing the finest educational opportunities for the children of our community. Expectations are high — for students and employees — and it shows time and time again in the recognition of our people and programs.
Our community sets a high priority on the education of its youth. Strong, open communication and efficient use of tax dollars are cornerstones of citizen support for the District’s educational programs. Community partnership and input into our planning are key components of our schools’ success.
There are many ways to measure the quality of education in a community. We feel confident that you will find that quality is the hallmark in each of our schools. When you visit our classrooms, you will see firsthand what educational excellence is all about in the Iowa City Community School District.
Matt Degner
Interim Superintendent of Schools
degner.matt@iowacityschools.org
