The Iowa City Community School board of directors plans to further analyze potential elementary plans after community members were again outspoken at a regular meeting Tuesday.
The speakers want more clarity on the future of the 20 elementary schools in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty.
More than 50 community members attended the meeting, 12 of whom gave public comments to share their concerns with the district's various future elementary school models. Four of the public commenters also spoke at the previous meeting on Sept. 10.
Several speakers offered alternative solutions that were not initially included in the reenvisioning plan, such as grade sharing and increased philanthropy from district donors. Others emphasized that the neighborhood school structure is why they chose to send their kids to ICCSD.
Iowa City CSD's " Reenvisioning our elementary schools " is exploring ways to eliminate inefficiencies within each district elementary school while creating more consistent class sizes.
Different variations of the plan include a move to 18-section schools, optimal-size schools, paired schools, academy schools, and preschool centers.
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Superintendent speaks on elementary plans
The ICCSD has not committed to a deadline as to when they plan to finalize a new elementary structure.
Superintendent Matt Denger discussed the plan's next steps, which include a more in-depth demographic report to help the district and school board make an informed decision on the 20 elementary schools in the district.
Degner said the district's initial message created stress and frustration within the community.
"I'd like to apologize for that, as your superintendent, (we) decided to revisit the process we laid out at our last meeting and, most importantly, collect some more information and slow down," Degner said. "(It) will provide more accurate data.
Degner also said the district will receive a clarified budget this fall that will include enrollment numbers, how vouchers have impacted the district and what alterations need to be made to adapt to ADA requirements.
"All this information will inform our discussions about what changes we need to make," the superintendent said.
More: Community voices concern over elementary plans at Iowa City school board meeting
School board responds to concerned community members
Superintendent Degner and the board said the increased community presence and feedback is why they are conducting more research.
"I think this is a necessary step back; it's very important that we started this conversation because we're already ahead by having this conversation and this engagement with our community," director Jayne Finch said. "We have an existing infrastructure of small neighborhood schools that is just working well for our families, and we need to find creative solutions to make that work (for the district). We are listening, and we are responding."
Board Director Mitch Lingo encouraged the community to continue enrolling their kids in the district. He said monetary donations help, but having a robust enrollment is really what drives the district's success.
"That is what funds our buildings," Lingo said. "I'm willing to push back on the board and coach community members on this, but I don't have the hubris to sit up here and state superlatives about the school district. We have plenty of room for improvement.
I will sit up here and push for improvement, and I hope you will contact us and push us for improvement instead of just unenrolling your students in the school district."
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Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City Community School District delays restructuring of elementary schools
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