The Fort Dodge Community School District School Board met Monday for a financial workshop, as well as their regularly scheduled meeting. The workshop began at 5:00 P.M., and the regular meeting was at 6:00 P.M.
Brandon Hansel, Executive Director of Financial Services, led the Annual Financial Health Report. There has been some salary savings this year, due to unfilled teaching positions. Educator shortages have been an ongoing issue for Districts across the State. It was noted that all major funds, including Physical Plan and Equipment, Sales Tax, and Nutrition Fund are in good standing. Fort Dodge continues to offer free breakfast and lunch to students. Preliminary enrollment figures show a 122 student reduction compared to the 2024-2025 school year. Rising special education costs are putting pressure on the property tax levy overall, and will require an increase in future years.
The Board also approved a one time bonus for each support staff member. The bonus for some will be prorated on their full time equivalency.
The Board moved to purchase iPads, Apple Pencils, and Dongles to Support Handwriting Instruction in Grade 3. The total cost of the purchase is $183,043.25.
Josh Porter, Superintendent, updated the Board that it was Homecoming Week. There will be a two-hour early out on Friday, and the Homecoming parade begins at 2:45 P.M. The Dodgers will face off with the Lemars Bulldogs that evening.
Superintendent Porter also touched on the upcoming bond vote. The election is scheduled for November 4th. There will be a Community Forum on October 23rd at 6L00 P.M. in the Little Theater at Fort Dodge Senior High.
