Decorah School Board Approves At-Risk Plan, Sets March Vote on Facilities Tax

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. DECORAH — The Decorah Community School District board on Monday evening approved plans related to student support services, set the stage for a March vote on a facilities tax, and took initial steps toward planning calendars and budgets for the coming years. The board unanimously approved an updated at-risk and dropout prevention plan, a more detailed document than in previous years that identifies staff roles, program goals and student supports. Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin clarified the plan does not add new positions but reorganizes existing efforts to better align with current state guidelines. Board members also approved a request to the Iowa School Budget Review Committee for $570,303 in modified supplemental funding for at-risk and dropout prevention programs, along with the required local match of $191,191. Cronin explained requesting the maximum allowable amount helps ensure continued funding in future years, "One of the first things they taught you at superintendent budget meetings," Cronin said, "was to always ask for your maximum at-risk amount, then spend it down to zero. When we don't spend it down, next year they reduce the funding."In organizational business, the board nominated and approved Denise Gulrud as board secretary. Gulrud was sworn in and will serve as secretary moving forward. The board voted to place a renewal of the district's voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, commonly known as PPEL, on the March 2026 ballot. The levy, which supports long-term maintenance, equipment and capital projects, is set to expire in 2026. Cronin said renewing the levy now will help with financial planning as the district moves forward with a major construction project. The board approved consent items, including December meeting minutes, bills and a personnel list that adds a supervisory position for a new high school mock trial program. Two Decorah High School sophomores, Nils Peterson and Sophia McGee, spoke during the public comment period in support of the mock trial program. They said the activity helps students develop public speaking and critical-thinking skills and noted that local law firms have pledged $1,400 to help offset costs if needed. The board also approved an interagency agreement related to a student attending another district and approved a memorandum of understanding with the Decorah Education Association clarifying timelines and procedures for staff service leave. In financial reports, School Business Official Joan Loew noted the recent sale of $10 million in bonds for district projects and said the funds are earning interest while awaiting use for construction. The board briefly discussed utility costs and sustainability efforts, including future energy audits and potential solar options. The board reviewed, but did not take action on, a first draft of the 2026–27 school calendar. Board President Cindy Goodner said the calendar will need to accommodate an early end to the school year to allow for a longer summer as the district prepares to move into a new school building for the 2027–28 school year. Public hearings were scheduled for Feb. 9 on the type of calendar and the 2026–27 school calendar, and for March 23 and April 13 on the 2026–27 school budget. Superintendent reports included updates on the upcoming school construction project, with bids expected later this month, and coordination with the city regarding temporary closures of tennis courts and other areas during construction. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.