Policy Changes Ahead for Decorah Community School District in 2025–26 School Year

Your financial contribution empowers watchdog reporting that protects and informs us all. DECORAH —As students across Decorah Community School District prepare to return to class, district leadership is rolling out a series of updates for the 2025–26 academic year. From curriculum changes aligned with new state laws to continued safety enhancements and transportation adjustments, Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin says the district remains focused on student success and well-being. Phone Usage Policy Aligns with State LawRegarding student use of personal electronic devices, the school board approved Board Policy 503.09 at its August meeting, aligning with Iowa House File 782. The new regulation restricts cellphone use in classrooms, reinforcing efforts to maintain focus and reduce distractions. "While we are pleased to support both the law and the board policy, much of this reflects practices already in place, particularly at the middle and high school levels," said Dr. Cronin. "As a result, there will be no significant changes to day-to-day operations." Vaping Enforcement Continues with Stronger Support and DetectionThe district continues its proactive stance on vaping, particularly in middle and high schools. In partnership with the Decorah Police Department, school administrators will continue to enforce anti-vaping policies and use vape detection devices to monitor usage within the school setting. "Principals and guidance counselors will continue to offer support to students and families to educate on the negative physical and social effects of vaping," Dr. Cronin emphasized. Transportation Updates: Safety Leads to Route ChangesFollowing last year's implementation of the Transversa routing system, families received bus route information earlier and more efficiently, with updates shared on August 11 this year. However, ongoing issues with stop-arm law violations have prompted a shift in some high-traffic areas. "Issuing citations and public notices has not fully resolved the issue," said Dr. Cronin. "Out of concern for student safety and recognizing that some driver behavior does not change, we believe this adjustment is necessary. While we expect all drivers to obey the law for the protection of our children, a few routes in high-traffic areas will transition from bus pick-up to van pick-up." This change allows the smaller vans to enter driveways, reducing the need to stop directly on busy roadways such as Highway 9. Security Upgrades Enhance Building Access and SurveillanceLast year, the district upgraded its surveillance systems and improved building access with key card entry. Additional steps were taken at Carrie Lee Elementary, where all deliveries now route through the Central Office. "This is a significant step in increasing security at Carrie Lee, as now the building remains more secure during the school day," noted Dr. Cronin. Curriculum Changes Reflect New State Education LawsThis school year brings several curriculum adjustments, many mandated by recent Iowa legislation: Human Growth & Development: Students in grades 5–12 will now receive instruction on pregnancy and fetal development, including visuals from fertilization onward. Instructional content must not originate from organizations affiliated with abortion services (Senate File 175). Mathematics: A renewed focus on early math proficiency will guide instruction in grades K–6. The Iowa Department of Education will supply resources for schools and families, professional development for teachers, a comprehensive math plan, and a list of math screeners, with students tested three times annually. Those identified as "persistently at risk" will receive personalized plans, frequent assessments, and small-group or intensive interventions as needed. (House File 784). Career Education: Career investigation, connection, and intention now begins in grade 5, with high schoolers eligible to earn diploma seals for industry-recognized credentials earned through Career and Technical Education. The Iowa Department of Education will maintain a list of recognized credentials. (House File 316). Handwriting: Under the 2024 Academic Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy, cursive handwriting returns to the curriculum for Iowa public schools. Students will learn foundational handwriting in kindergarten through grade 1, begin cursive in second grade, and demonstrate proficiency by third grade. Civics Graduation Requirement: Starting in the 2026–27 school year, students must pass the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization civics test to graduate or obtain a GED (Senate File 369). Facilities Improvements and Future PlanningThe district continues to work on plans for a new Pre-K to 2nd-grade elementary school. "We are eager to share updated information as plans become finalized and available," said Dr. Cronin. In the meantime, the district tackled significant summer maintenance projects. At Decorah High School, roof repairs were completed over the cafeteria and an adjacent section. Carrie Lee Elementary saw the full replacement of the pitched roof over the gymnasium, including all shingles. For more information or questions regarding policy changes, families can contact the Decorah Community School District office. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.