Oskaloosa School Board Reviews Sharing Agreements, Strategic Planning, and Construction Progress

The Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Directors held its regular meeting this month at the George Daily Auditorium, covering a full agenda that included routine approvals, strategic planning updates, policy changes, and construction project progress.

Following the standard opening procedures, the Board reviewed and approved a consent agenda that included staff resignations and new appointments for the upcoming school year. Several staff transfers were also approved, moving teachers into new grade levels and coaching roles.

One point of discussion focused on continued sharing agreements with neighboring districts. These agreements include shared services for transportation management with Twin Cedars, human resources management with Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, and board secretary services with Sigourney. Board members discussed ensuring that these arrangements remain sustainable for district staff capacity, agreeing to revisit some details in future meetings.

In leadership matters, the Board named a new Vice President, Matt Sherlock, and reviewed annual strategic goals. The strategic planning process remains in place, emphasizing student achievement, staff development, and community engagement. Board members discussed the scope of goals, balancing ambition with staff workloads.

A student handbook update for the 2025-26 school year was approved, reflecting changes to align with updated state laws, including new attendance rules and policies on student cell phone use. A second reading of the district’s new electronic device policy was also completed and approved. The policy mandates that cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal devices be secured during instructional time to promote focus and limit distractions.

The Board received a detailed progress report on the ongoing renovation and construction work at Oskaloosa Middle School. The administrative area and wellness spaces are on track to be ready before students return for the new school year, although a few finishing items will extend into the fall due to material lead times. The overall project remains within its original contingency budget, with only minor changes approved so far.

In other financial matters, the Board approved publishing the annual staff wages and discussed wage and benefit modifications for administrators, directors, and support staff. Wage increases align with those negotiated for teachers, and some administrative contracts were extended to two-year terms to help with leadership stability.

The meeting concluded with routine business, including setting dates for upcoming meetings and an update on the closing out of the sale of a student-built home through the district’s Building Trades program.