LEGAL PUBLICATIONCommunity School District of Fort Dodge, IowaMinutes ofBoard of Education MeetingBoard of EducationRegular MeetingMonday, May 11, 2026Note: Minutes are unofficial until approved by the Board at the next regular meeting.
Members present: Emily Dencklau, Zach Mason, Molly Nelson, Brian Pederson, Diane Pratt, Keenan Schuur, and Dan Scott.
Absent: None.
Others present: Superintendent Porter, Executive Director of Financial Services Hansel, Director of Curriculum Boezinger, Principal Ayal-Thompson, Preschool Director Ahrens, Principal Resnick, Principal Simpson, Principal Flaherty, Principal Fitzgerald, several other interested parties, and a media representative.
Call to Order.The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors, Fort Dodge Community School District, Fort Dodge, Iowa, was called to order by President Nelson at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Fort Dodge Community School District's Central Office, with Secretary Utley present.
Approval of Agenda.Moved by Keenan Schuur, second by Dan Scott, to approve the agenda as presented. All present voting aye, motion carried.
Consent Agenda.Moved by Diane Pratt, second by Keenan Schuur, to approve the consent agenda items: 3.1 Approval of minutes of the April 27, 2026, Regular Meeting; 3.2 Personnel; 3.3 Open enrollment requests; 3.4 Approval of contracts with Taher; JC Music Xpress; Des Moines Independent CSD; and Iowa Judicial Branch (JCL); 3.5 Approval of fundraising requests – none submitted; 3.6 Approval of gifts received from Iowa Association of School Business Officials, CNOS, Hypertherm & Associates, and Northwest Bank; and 3.7 Approval of out of state travel – none submitted. All present voting aye, motion carried.
Recognition/Awards.District art teachers Ms. Hill, Ms. Daniel-Wiseman, and Ms. Thomas selected three students as the winners of the 2025-2026 Art Purchase Awards. Member Pratt presented each student with a $100.00 check and a plaque on behalf of the district.Elementary: Mazie Hayes, "Northern Nights”Middle School: Marley Coulter, "American Gothic Parody”Senior High: Sawyer Parcel, "Feline Unities”
Building principals recognized their volunteers and Board Member Pederson presented certificates of appreciation to each individual.ECC: Sandy Markey, Virginia Hacker, Carol SiebenButler: Lisa Balm, Kristin Teske, Barb Cummins, Damien Miller, Deb Becker, Jessica Zimmerman, Clark Fletcher, Joel GrowthCooper: Kelly Hinds, Gretchen BrownDuncombe: Jessica Ruiz, Barb SchulzeFeelhaver: Emily Mason, Amy Peterson
Communications/AnnouncementsNone.
Action Items/Presentations/Discussions.Moved by Zach Mason, second by Keenan Schuur, to approve the District's Technology Device Plan for the 2026-2027 School Year and the purchase of Apple devices and AppleCare in the amount of $557,613.00. All present voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Brian Pederson, second by Dan Scott, to approve Resolution 2026-08 Appointing UMB Bank, N.A. of West Des Moines, Iowa to Serve as Paying Agent, Bond Registrar, and Transfer Agent, Approving the Paying Agent, Bond Registrar and Transfer Agent Agreement and Authorizing the Execution of Same. Roll Call: Emily Dencklau - Yes, Zach Mason - Yes, Molly Nelson - Yes, Brian Pederson - Yes, Diane Pratt - Yes, Keenan Schuur - Yes, Dan Scott - Yes, Motion carried (7-0).
Moved by Zach Mason, second by Keenan Schuur, to approve of Form of Tax Exemption Certificate. All present voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Zach Mason, second by Emily Dencklau, to approve of Continuing Disclosure Certificate. All present voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Dan Scott, second by Keenan Schuur, to approve Resolution 2026-09 Amending the Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $42,040,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2026, and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof Adopted February 9, 2026. Roll Call: Emily Dencklau - Yes, Zach Mason - Yes, Molly Nelson - Yes, Brian Pederson - Yes, Diane Pratt - Yes, Keenan Schuur - Yes, Dan Scott - Yes, Motion carried (7-0). Communications/Updates.
The staff update from the Early Childhood Center will be presented during the regular meeting on May 26, 2026.
Superintendent's update: 1) congratulated the Art Award recipients recognized during the meeting and thanked the district's volunteers for their service and support; 2) Fort Dodge hosted the State Rugby Tournament last Friday at Dodger Stadium; 3) district track for both boys and girls will take place Thursday in Waukee, and baseball and softball seasons will begin next week; 4) reminded the Board that Graduation will be held Saturday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Dodger Stadium; 5) the last day for students is Thursday, May 28, with a two-hour early dismissal, and the last day for staff is June 1; and 6) announced this week's Podcase will feature retiring teachers Joan Ascherl and Susan Winters.
Board update: Member Dencklau noted that the State Special Olympics will be held Friday, May 22, in Ames. Member Pratt recognized last week as Teacher Appreciation Week and School Nurse Appreciation Week.
AdjournmentMoved by Diane Pratt, second by Brian Pederson, to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 p.m. All present voting aye, motion carried.
Adriana UtleyBoard SecretaryAn Equal Opportunity Employer L90004 5/18/26
