Iowa City Community School District
Update on District Planning and Future Community Engagement
![west high students playing the cello]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734016183/iowacityschoolsorg/g0adm99nlgaf0xyiksl5/Allstatemusic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734016183/iowacityschoolsorg/g0adm99nlgaf0xyiksl5/Allstatemusic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734016183/iowacityschoolsorg/g0adm99nlgaf0xyiksl5/Allstatemusic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1734016183/iowacityschoolsorg/g0adm99nlgaf0xyiksl5/Allstatemusic.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1734016183/iowacityschoolsorg/g0adm99nlgaf0xyiksl5/Allstatemusic.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734016183/iowacityschoolsorg/g0adm99nlgaf0xyiksl5/Allstatemusic.png","width":1796}])
Earlier this school year, we began exploring a variety of ideas surrounding our elementary schools through our Elementary Re-Envisioning work. After sharing initial ideas, such as pairing schools or specific academy programs and gathering feedback, our next step was to collect additional data before forming a committee to explore the re-envisioning ideas further. I’m pleased to share that we now have several key data points and expert reports to help guide our next steps, including:
- 10-Year Enrollment Projections (February 2025 Board Meeting)
- Feasibility and Capacity Study of District Facilities (April 2025 Board Meeting)
- Fine Arts Study, which has helped guide the development of Facilities Master Plan 2.3 (Fine Arts Study, FMP 2.3 Timeline)
We are also encouraged by our current financial outlook. This school year, we saw an increase in certified enrollment, and our Certified Annual Report confirmed that the district's financial position has improved. We’re cautiously optimistic about the years ahead and grateful that the difficult decisions made in recent years have positively impacted our budget.
That said, it’s important to recognize that variables like enrollment shifts, school vouchers, or changes in federal and state funding could quickly alter that trajectory. Because of the unpredictability of school funding, there is always the possibility we may again be faced with difficult decisions. But if that time comes, no decisions will be made without input and feedback from our community.
Rather than forming a formal committee at this time, we’d like to hear directly from you, our families, students, staff, and community members, about how we can continue to be the BEST choice in Iowa.
This fall, we will invite you to participate in a variety of engagement opportunities to help us better understand your values and priorities for our students and schools. Your feedback will guide our future planning, helping us identify areas for continued investment, opportunities for growth, and initiatives to explore further.
Thank you for a great school year. We are grateful for your partnership and honored to serve your family and students. We look forward to working together to shape a strong future for our district.