Author: Decorah Community School District

State Fire Marshal Approves Decorah Elementary School Project

DECORAH, Iowa — — The Decorah Community School District is pleased to announce that Emergent Architecture has received approval from the Iowa State Fire Marshal for the District’s new elementary school construction project.

The State Fire Marshal’s approval has been submitted to Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken, who will now issue the construction permit for the project. Receiving the approval allows construction to continue as planned and keeps the project moving forward without anticipated delays to the construction schedule.

“We are very pleased to have received the State Fire Marshal’s approval and appreciate the work of everyone involved in getting us to this point,” said Superintendent Tim Cronin. “This has been an important step in the process, and receiving the approval allows us to continue moving forward with confidence and keep the project on schedule.”

Over the past several weeks, Emergent Architecture and the project team have worked directly with the State Fire Marshal’s office to address questions identified during the review process. The District appreciates the work of Emergent Architecture in working through the review process with the State Fire Marshal.

The District is happy with the work of Miron Construction, the District’s Construction Manager at Risk, in managing the project and coordinating construction activities throughout the approval process. Miron’s planning and efficient management of the construction schedule have helped keep the project moving forward and on its established timeline.

The District also extends its appreciation to the City of Decorah for its flexibility, cooperation, and support while the District awaited final State Fire Marshal approval. The City worked collaboratively with the District and project team to identify ways for appropriate construction activities to continue during the review process. In addition, Cresco Building Supply provided a third-party review of plans and recommended that construction could continue. Throughout this process,  the City maintained the requirement that final State Fire Marshal approval be received before issuance of the construction permit.

“We greatly appreciate the City’s partnership,” Cronin said. “The City understood both the importance of following the required approval process and the significant scheduling and financial consequences that could result from unnecessarily stopping a major construction project. Their willingness to work collaboratively with the District helped us navigate the process while keeping the project moving.”

With State Fire Marshal approval now received and the construction permit moving forward, the District looks forward to continuing construction and maintaining the project’s planned schedule.

The new elementary school remains scheduled to open for students in fall 2027.

Decorah Community School District Provides Update on Elementary School Construction Project

The Decorah Community School District is pleased to report that construction of the district’s new elementary school remains on schedule and significant progress continues on site, including the recent installation of precast concrete wall panels. The new elementary school project, approved by voters in November 2024, will replace the current John Cline Elementary School and is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year.

Construction continues to make significant progress. Early site work and utility relocations were completed this spring, followed by the successful installation of rammed aggregate piers ahead of schedule and a community groundbreaking celebration in May. Throughout June, crews completed the building’s footings and foundations, laying the groundwork for vertical construction. In July, the project achieved another major milestone as precast wall panels were erected and the first structural steel components arrived on site, bringing the future facility into view.

The district is still awaiting final approval of project plans from the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office. Project plans were originally submitted to the State in January of 2026. Since that time, the District’s architects, Emergent Architecture, and the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office have maintained communication throughout the review process.

The remaining discussions are not related to the structural integrity, safety, or overall design of the building. Instead, they focus on occupancy and operational considerations and ensuring the State has a complete understanding of how specific spaces will be used so that the appropriate life-safety requirements can be applied. Emergent Architecture continues to work closely with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, providing additional information and discussing potential solutions, and is confident the remaining items can be resolved through continued collaboration and clarification of the building’s intended use.

Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin said the District appreciates the constructive dialogue with the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“We appreciate the ongoing communication with the State Fire Marshal’s Office as they work to fully understand how the building will function and how each space will be used,” Cronin said. “We look forward to completing the approval process and moving this important project forward.”

The City of Decorah has worked closely with the district, design team, and construction team to evaluate the project and determine how work can proceed safely while awaiting the final state review. Project partners have confirmed that any additional modifications required through the review process can be accommodated without impacting completed work.
At this time, district officials do not anticipate the ongoing state review will affect the overall project schedule.
“We appreciate the community’s continued support and patience as we work through this process,” Cronin said. “The progress taking place on site is exciting to see, and we remain focused on delivering a state-of-the-art learning environment for the students and families of Decorah.”

Additional project updates will be shared as information becomes available on Decorah’s District website at: https://www.decorahelementaryupdates.org/

Decorah Community School District Launches ParentSquare to Strengthen School and Family Communication

Decorah Community School District is pleased to announce the adoption of ParentSquare, a new district-wide communication platform designed to simplify communication between schools and families while strengthening family engagement across the district.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, ParentSquare will become the primary communication platform for district announcements, school news, classroom updates, athletic and activity information, forms, and more. The platform replaces multiple communication tools with one unified system that is accessible by email, text message, phone call, mobile app, or web browser.

ParentSquare was selected to provide families with a more consistent and user-friendly experience while giving staff a single platform for communicating with parents and guardians.

One of ParentSquare’s most valuable features is its ability to automatically translate communications into families’ preferred languages. The platform also gives families the flexibility to choose how they receive notifications and provides convenient access to forms, calendars, volunteer opportunities, and school updates from any device.

Decorah Community School District believes this investment will strengthen partnerships with families by making communication more timely, accessible, and convenient for everyone.

Families will receive additional information before the start of the school year explaining how to activate their ParentSquare accounts, download the free mobile app, and customize notification preferences.

Community members who do not currently have children attending our schools can receive notifications by signing up for the DCSD ParentSquare Community Groups.

About ParentSquare

ParentSquare is the leading family engagement platform helping K-12 school districts nationwide connect with every family through an award-winning, all-in-one communication system. Serving more than 22 million students across the United States, ParentSquare combines messaging, websites, attendance, forms, payments, and more into one easy-to-use platform. With automatic translation into more than 190 languages and multiple communication options, ParentSquare helps schools ensure every family stays informed and engaged. Learn more at www.parentsquare.com.

PHYSICAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT LEVY

Election Day:

On Tuesday, , residents of the Decorah Community School District will consider renewing the district’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL).

More than 85% of Iowa school districts rely on a voted PPEL, which generates funds that can only be used for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. Voted PPELs must be approved by voters every 10 years.

Decorah CSD’s existing voted PPEL has a rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable property value (not assessed value). The measure on the ballot would keep the voted PPEL in place through June 2039 at the same rate. This means a renewed PPEL WILL NOT increase property tax rates.

WHY IS A VOTED PPEL NEEDED?

Like many rural school districts, Decorah CSD faces facility and equipment challenges that extend beyond what can be addressed alone with its annual operating budget and general fund.

Decorah CSD receives approximately $1.1 million annually from its voted PPEL. In recent years, these have used to:

  • Repair and replace roofs at all campuses
  • Purchase new school buses and vans
  • Purchase computers and technology for students
  • Replace classroom furniture
  • Replace band and orchestra instruments
  • Purchase a new piano and update the vocal music room at DHS
  • Improve the Transportation Building and purchase new equipment
  • Maintain sidewalks and parking lots
  • Improve athletic fields and facilities
  • Pay for swimming pool and bowling center fees

If the levy is not renewed by voters, the district will be forced to use general funds or SAVE revenue to support maintenance, transportation, and technology needs previously covered by the levy. This could delay other projects or result in budget cuts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a voted PPEL?

A Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a voter-approved levy that generates funds school districts can use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. This money can only be used for these specific purposes.

Voted PPEL measures must be approved by at least 50% of voters.

What happens if the voted PPEL is not renewed?

If the voted PPEL is not approved by at least 50% of voters, we will need to spend money from our general fund to support facility and equipment needs, which could lead to delaying other projects or potential budget cuts. This is significant, as the general fund is used to support employee wages and benefits, as well as curriculum and supplemental materials.

When is the district’s current voted PPEL scheduled to end?

The existing voted PPEL will sunset in June 2029 unless renewed by voters.

What is the district’s voted PPEL rate?

Our voted PPEL has a rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The measure on the March ballot would renew the levy at that same rate through June 2039.

How would a renewed PPEL affect property taxes?

A renewed PPEL would maintain the existing levy rate, meaning it would not increase property taxes.

Can I cast an absentee ballot?

In-person absentee voting for Decorah CSD residents began on , and can be completed at the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is located on the second floor of the Winneshiek County Courthouse (201 W. Main St., Decorah). The last day for in-person absentee voting is Monday, March 2.

Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day (March 3) to be considered for counting.

When is election day?

The election is on Tuesday, . The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Do I need an ID to vote?

Yes, a valid ID is necessary to cast a ballot.

Where do I vote on election day?

All Decorah CSD voters will vote at the Winneshiek County Courthouse Annex (201 W. Main St., Decorah).

What is the exact question that will appear on the ballot?

Voters who reside in the Decorah Community School District will see the following question on their ballots:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Decorah Community School District, in the Counties of Winneshiek and Allamakee, State of Iowa, for the purpose of purchasing and improving grounds; constructing schoolhouses or buildings and opening roads to schoolhouses or buildings; purchasing of buildings; purchase, lease or lease-purchase of technology and equipment; paying debts contracted for the erection or construction of schoolhouses or buildings, not including interest on bonds; procuring or acquisition of libraries; repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses; expenditures for energy conservation; renting facilities under Iowa Code Chapter 28E; purchasing transportation equipment for transporting students; lease purchase option agreements for school buildings or equipment; purchasing equipment authorized by law; or for any purpose or purposes now or hereafter authorized by law, be authorized for a period of ten (10) years, to levy annually, a voter-approved physical plant and equipment property tax not to exceed One Dollar Thirty-Four Cents ($1.34) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of the assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district commencing with the levy for collection in the fiscal year ending , or each year thereafter?

Decorah High School Earns National Unified Champion School Recognition

What began with a single email has grown into a nationally recognized movement of inclusion at Decorah High School. After a Special Olympics Iowa representative encouraged Decorah Special Olympics Coach John Dunt to consider pursuing Special Olympics Unified Champion School status, Dunt consulted with Principal Brad Hurst and Activities Director Adam Riley—launching a year-and-a-half journey that has now earned Decorah High School National Unified Champion School Recognition.

Unified Champion Schools must meet ten standards across three key areas: Unified Physical Education, Student Leadership, and Whole-School Engagement. Decorah High School had long maintained a strong Unified Physical Education program. To build the remaining components, Dunt partnered with the DHS Student Leadership Committee, sparking a wave of student involvement.

“It has been amazing,” said Dunt. “The first meeting we had, there were so many students who wanted to get involved. This year, I’ve had students come up to me in the hallway asking how they can participate.”

Students echoed this excitement. Senior Mady Lippe shared, “I chose to become part of Unified Champions because every person should be given the same opportunities in life— inclusion matters for all, and who doesn’t want to have fun?” 

Senior Ari Albert added, “Being a Unified Champion means that I get the wonderful opportunity to participate with my classmates, creating long-lasting relationships and memories.”

From its start, the Unified Champions group—composed of Special Olympians and their peers—met monthly to plan inclusive events and expand awareness within the school. Their first major accomplishment was launching Decorah High School’s First Annual Inclusion Week, followed by the school’s first Unified Basketball Game, pairing Special Olympians with varsity boys’ and girls’ players.

The momentum continued. Last year, with support from Head Football Coach Mike Tangen, the group created a new Homecoming tradition: a flag football game where Special Olympians and senior football players played in front of the entire school. “I believe the football players have as much fun as our Special Olympians do,” Dunt said. “All of the smiles are so genuine and contagious.”

Students also produced a video for the Second Annual Inclusion Week, which was shared by Special Olympics Iowa and viewed more than 1,200 times.

A significant highlight came when the group—joined by coach Shannon Quandahl—traveled to Des Moines to play a Unified halftime basketball game at Casey’s Arena during the Boys’ State Basketball Tournament. Sophomore Special Olympian Emily Green shared, “You can have wonderful memories. My favorite memory was the basketball game on . We took the whole group to Des Moines and took pictures after.” 

Senior Special Olympian Donnie Hrdlicka agreed, adding, “Going to Wells Fargo for state basketball was a lot of fun!”

Later in the spring, the team partnered with Boys’ Track Coach Brian Waskow to host two Unified Shuttle Relays during home track meets.

One requirement for Unified Champion School status is the ability to self-fund. With an initial grant from Special Olympics Iowa, the group sought a creative way to build sustainability. The result was the Cool School Polar Plunge, hosted on campus. The event raised more than $15,000, split between Special Olympics Iowa and the Decorah Unified Champions program.

“It was so popular that I was stopped by students for days asking if we would do it again,” said Dunt. “Students who were reluctant the first time now want to take the plunge.”

With support from Liz Fox, Dunt submitted the official application to Special Olympics North America. In September, the school received word: Decorah High School had earned the prestigious designation of National Unified Champion School. The school’s Special Olympics team was officially presented with the recognition banner at the State Bowling Tournament in Waterloo on November 22.

The program’s growth is far from slowing. This winter, the Unified Champions plan to host intrasquad halftime games during varsity basketball events, return to Des Moines for another Unified basketball appearance at the state tournament, participate in additional track relays, and expand to more sports.

The group also hopes its example inspires neighboring schools. Junior Nate Rhodes shared, “It truly shows that any school can do it. We are very isolated from other nationally recognized schools, and I hope it can spread.”

Decorah Middle School Excels at Regional Mock Trial Competition

The Regional Middle School Mock Trial Competition was held November 21 at the Waterloo Convention Center, where twelve teams competed using this year’s case, State of Iowa v. Dannie Dawson. The fictional case centers on a fire at the Paul and Frances Lubben Natural Sciences Building at Tabard University. The investigation focused on whether high-achieving student Dannie Dawson intentionally set a chemistry lab hot plate to its maximum temperature and burned down the science building. The trial challenged students to analyze evidence, build arguments, and present compelling courtroom performances.

Decorah Middle School delivered an exceptional showing at the regional event. All Decorah teams won every one of their trials, making them the only undefeated teams in the entire competition. Because of their outstanding performances, a point tie-breaker was required to determine which of the undefeated teams would advance to the state competition.

The top three teams earned advancement to the State Middle School Mock Trial Tournament which will be held in Altoona on December 1 and 2. The eighth grade team Trial By Fire as well as the seventh grade teams of Trial Blazers and Justice Ignited qualified for the state competition.

“I am so proud of all four teams.  They have worked hard for months preparing their cases and their efforts showed in the strengths of their performances.  The skills they have gained will benefit them in many ways,” commented Coach Dana Hogan.

In addition to winning all trials as a team, many individuals earned awards as well.  The following students were named Outstanding Attorneys: Brent Burkey, Hattie Sauer, Elsa Propson, Iris Wadsworth, Mara Olson, Camille Rueckert, Maximus Rinkol, and Alice Peterson. Outstanding Witness awards were earned by Elsa Propson, Anna Bailey, Emma McFarlane, and Eva Butler.

Honorable Mention Attorney award winners included Niva Anderson, Eben Tripp, Lilly Sailor, Kellen McGee, Carter Todd, Hazel Opheim, Gray Bassford, Gabrielle TerBeest, Emma Kadlec, Carson Bateman, Viola Vrtis, and Jeremiah Davis.

Niva Anderson, Hattie Sauer, Brent Burkey, Johnny Crose, Carter Todd, Emma Kadlec, Gabrielle TerBeest, Maci Nielsen, Gray Bassford, Karl Wicks, Jeremiah Davis, Viola Vrtis, Hudson Delaney, and Alice Peterson were all named Honorable Mention Witnesses.

Many mentors and experts assisted the DMS students in preparing for Mock Trial competition including Attorney Jacob Stock, Attorney Ray Rinkol, Attorney John Anderson, Attorney Jana Evelsizer-Olson, Attorney Bekah Krueger, Attorney Andrew Casper, Attorney Jeremy Thompson, law student Grace Gerleman and Carole Sand, former mock trial coach. Numerous high school students also volunteered as high school coaches and mentors to assist students with writing and delivery; Luther College mock trial students also provided performance feedback. Teams are coached by Dana Hogan and Scott Boylen. Mock Trial is part of the DMS Extended Learning Program.

Tickets on Sale for the DHS Fall Musical Chicago: Teen Edition

The Decorah High School Drama Program is thrilled to present this year’s fall musical,
Chicago: Teen Edition, November 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2025. 

 
Tickets are available online at decorahschools.ludus.com and in person at the Decorah High School office and at the high school auditorium’s box office one hour before each show. Performances are November 13th, 14th, and 15th at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday, November 15th at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. 

Chicago premiered in 1975, with a revival in 1996, and is now the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Set in 1920s Chicago, the story satirizes corruption in the justice system, and the media frenzy that follows two murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who are competing for the spotlight and the services of celebrity lawyer Billy Flynn. Based on actual newspaper accounts, the story was further popularized by a 2002 feature film.

Chicago: Teen Edition offers a spirited, jazz-filled take on the Broadway favorite — adapted especially for high-school performers and recommended for ages 12 and up. This version removes explicit content while keeping the show’s signature humor, music, and sharp social satire. Though the story includes comedic portrayals of crime and courtroom
drama, our production presents these elements with a theatrical style appropriate for middle school audiences and older. Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the teen edition was adapted by David Thompson. 

Decorah High School’s production features Ariana Albert, Kenyon Bartels, Lulu Bellrichard, Olivia Blake, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Kennedy Carlson, Spencer Christensen, Elsa Christman, Emma Cline, Nathaniel Crose, Brody Darling, Simone Downing, June Fassbinder, Marri Feuerhelm, Margaret Hahn, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, Caleb Johnson, Kaya Johnson, Klara Kelly, Claire Ko, Eva Kriemelmeyer, Kaelyn Kuhn, Nora Lesmeister, Jayden Lundtvedt, Lula McAbee, Violet Martinsen-Burrell, Harper Menke, Teagan Menke, Emma Neeble, Raelyn Newhouse, Clarence Nimrod, Leonard Nimrod, Noah Potvin, Simon Potvin, Olivia Rissman, Will Robinson, Vivian Searcy, Grace Stockman, Colin Thompson, Graham Torkelson, Jillian Volz, Autumn Wagner, Kaylie Wemark, and Kylie Zoulek. Student crew members are Xavier Ahrndt, Ava Burreson, Andrew Carolan, Jaylyn Carson, Esme Cuevas, Zoe Gerber, Ava Hanson, Marley Harmening, Regine Hougen, Jackson Irwin, Asher Iverson, Nessa Kane, Charlotte LaBelle, Myla Leitz, Morgan Malo, Alexander Mercado-Arneson, Carlton Nordschow, Anna Severtson, Veda Shimek, and Christian Volz, under the leadership of stage manager Nathan Rhodes and assistant stage manager Isaac Bentley.  Set design is by Scott Olinger, with direction by Chris Hadley, Jason Rausch, Karen Trewin, and Kristen Underwood.

Luther College and Decorah Schools Launch Preferred Admission Partnership to Expand College Access

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, officials from Luther College and the Decorah Community School District formally launched a Preferred Admission Partnership aimed at expanding access to higher education for some of the region’s most accomplished students.

This type of partnership is a new one for both institutions. Qualifying Decorah High School students will have the opportunity for Preferred Admission to Luther, including a Preferred Admission scholarship. 

“Strengthening connections with local partners is a priority for Luther College, and we are excited by how this new partnership with the Decorah Community School District will deepen the relationship between our two organizations,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “The partnership reflects a mutual commitment to invest in our local community by improving opportunities for students from Decorah to access and afford a Luther education.”

Eligibility requirements for Decorah High School students include a 3.25 GPA (unweighted) and completing Algebra II by the conclusion of their junior year. Eligible students who opt in to the program will be offered Preferred Admission to Luther College, provided they remain in good academic standing at Decorah High School. This status makes them eligible to receive a $500 Preferred Admission award, plus other institutional scholarships.  

“The Preferred Admission Partnership opens doors for Decorah students to pursue an excellent academic opportunity close to home, recognizing their hard work and supporting their next steps,” said Cindy Goodner, president of the Decorah Community School District Board of Education.  

Decorah High School has a strong record of fostering high academic achievement and providing well-rounded educational opportunities. It is a two-time National Blue Ribbon School, most recently in 2024, along with only four other Iowa schools. “U.S. News & World Report” has consistently ranked Decorah High School among the top five high schools in Iowa since the rankings began, including multiple years at the No. 1 spot. 

“Students from Decorah High School are among the best in the nation and its graduates have consistently thrived at Luther,” said Matthew R. Beatty, vice president for enrollment management at Luther. “We are delighted to create a clear and supportive pathway for them to continue their education and reach their full potential on our campus.”  

Decorah Community School District Superintendent Tim Cronin added that this partnership “represents an important step in supporting the aspirations of our students.”

“Many Decorah High School students already excel in academics, the arts and athletics, and this agreement provides them with the opportunity to continue their education at Luther while remaining connected to the community that has fostered their growth,” Cronin said. 

Luther College is ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. As measured by the “Wall Street Journal,” Luther is ranked first for learning opportunities among private Iowa colleges and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) consortium. 

Decorah students who do not meet the Preferred Admission criteria are still encouraged to apply to Luther. They will be considered through Luther’s holistic review process for acceptance and potential merit awards.  

To participate in the Preferred Admission Partnership, students and families are encouraged to contact the Decorah High School counselors, Pat Trewin and Brigit Storhoff, or Luther College Assistant Director of Admissions Mary Hellmark.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu. 

About Decorah Community School District

Decorah Community School District is located in northeast Iowa and is dedicated to providing academic and service excellence to approximately 1,600 students from early childhood through twelfth grade. At Decorah Community School District we embrace student learning and well-being as our fundamental purpose; we will, in partnership with our students, families and community, make the world a better place.

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