Decorah School Board Welcomes New Leadership, Honors Longtime Member Brian Petersburg

DECORAH — The Decorah Community School District (DCSD) Board convened for its regular meeting on Monday, November 11, for a key annual transition in leadership, among other significant district matters. The session began with the outgoing board concluding its duties, approving the 2023-2024 Treasurer's report, and finalizing last year's accounts. The previous board retired, forming a new board with Cindy Goodner as President and Ronald Fadness as Vice President. The board members took their oaths, pledging to fulfill their roles impartially and uphold the district's focus on student learning, well-being, and community engagement. A key presentation highlighted the district's ongoing family and community engagement efforts. The board discussed events that have strengthened school-community ties, notably through family-oriented programs like Viking Pride and educational activities designed to support student success. Preschool Program Director Shanna Putnam-Dibble commented, "It takes a village to raise a Viking." Financially, the board acknowledged a decline in enrollment that may impact future funding. This year's data showed a decrease of about 72.5 students, attributed to shifts in local population dynamics and increased enrollment in virtual academies and private schools. Despite this number being concerning, the impact is less severe than the figure alone suggests. In response, Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin discussed potential budget adjustments, emphasizing the need to be "proactive, not reactive" in managing district resources. He noted, "We have to pay a lot of attention and make some changes," stressing a cautious approach to planning. The meeting also honored outgoing board member Brian Petersburg, who resigned after 17 years of service. The board recognized his dedication with an award, commemorating his years of leadership and commitment. In his farewell remarks, Petersburg reflected, "It's been a great 17 years. We have great kids from great parents, and amazing teachers that take it from there. I don't think there's another district in Iowa that has the family or the village, if you will, to make such a wonderful school district." He expressed his gratitude for the community's support, saying, "I'm just happy to have been part of it [for those years]." The board will reconvene soon to appoint a new member to fill Petersburg's seat, with a focus on maintaining a diverse leadership. They aim to make an appointment before November 20 to allow the new member to attend an upcoming educational conference. The session closed with the approval of key policies and future board roles for upcoming projects, including the establishment of meeting dates and assignments for committee representation: The meeting concluded with approvals of essential policies and plans for future projects, including setting meeting dates and assigning committee roles: CTE Advisory Committee: The board approved recommendations for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisory committee. The group, which includes teachers, students, and community members, supports student learning and career readiness, focusing on community engagement and work-based learning. Early Graduation Requests: Four early graduation requests were approved. These students, who are on track to meet graduation requirements, will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony but not in extracurricular activities. SBRC Application: The board scheduled a review of the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) application for modified supplemental aid related to open enrollment but postponed the approval pending additional documentation. As the board moves forward, it faces a full agenda, particularly in implementing initiatives related to the recently-passed bond measure for building a new elementary school. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.