Oskaloosa School Board Meeting Addresses Budget Transparency, Leadership Hiring, and Facility Upgrades
The Oskaloosa School Board on April 14th, 2025.
OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa School Board met Monday, April 14, 2025, with a full agenda that included public comment on administrative hiring practices, consultant spending, and approval of significant facility upgrades. Several community members used the public comment period to call for greater transparency and accountability in school district decision-making, particularly in areas of fiscal policy and hiring.
Concerns were raised regarding the reported $118,000 salary for incoming Activities Director Jamie Jacobs. Residents questioned why the new hire, reportedly with fewer years of direct AD experience than the outgoing director, was being offered a higher salary. The administration explained that Jacobs holds a full administrator’s license and was evaluated under a compensation framework that considers credentials and job responsibilities, including the potential to conduct teacher evaluations.
The hiring process was defended by Superintendent Mike Fisher, who outlined the scope of the national search led by a recruitment firm and noted the involvement of 49 community members in the interview process. Board members questioned aspects of the search, including the use of consultants and the cost of the recruitment process, which included a $7,500 fee to TWR Consulting and $15,000 for a separate culture and climate assessment.
In addition to administrative issues, the board voted to approve a proposed weight room equipment and flooring renovation. The $163,000 project is being funded through a combination of district funds and nearly $100,000 in grants and donations. The board approved up to $70,000 from the district’s Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund, which is sourced from local option sales tax, not property taxes. The project includes new Power Lift equipment and specialized flooring intended to support growing student participation in wellness programs.
Also approved was the renewal of the district’s participation in the Local Government Risk Pool for natural gas costs. The board discussed the financial efficiency of the program, which allows energy expenses to be paid from the management fund, preserving general fund resources for student needs.
Budget adjustments were made through a certified budget amendment. The amendment did not raise taxes but accounted for changes in expenditure categories, such as grant-funded safety improvements and higher-than-expected costs in nutrition and construction. The district cited delays in receiving final state budget numbers, which may not arrive until June, complicating planning efforts.
Public comment included testimony from a parent alleging that school staff failed to comply with his autistic son’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and used unreasonable force during a gym class incident. The parent expressed frustration over the district’s internal investigation process and denial of video evidence. The board took no direct action but listened to the complaint during the designated comment period.
Also recognized at the meeting was the Mahaska County YMCA and Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center for receiving the Mahaska Chamber’s Community Improvement Award. YMCA leadership provided an update on ongoing pool repairs and expected facility reopening timelines.
The board concluded with approval of a student baseball trip to Wrigley Field, supported by outside sponsorship and at no cost to the district.
