The Decorah Community School District is hosting two separate types of events to address the facility challenges at John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Childhood Center, as well as the upcoming bond referendum.

First, there will be two open house events on August 21 and August 28 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at both schools. These open houses are hands-on opportunities for residents to tour the facilities, speak with current and former district staff, and gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges the schools present.

In addition, the district is holding two community forums focused on sharing the work of the facility committee and their recommendation to build a new elementary school. These forums will provide detailed explanations of the upcoming elections on September 10 and November 5. The community forums will take place in the Decorah High School auditorium on September 5 at 5:30 p.m. and September 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Voters will consider three ballot measures related to the proposed project. If approved, these measures will support the construction of a new elementary school for students in grades PK-2, replacing the aging John Cline and West Side buildings.

“We encourage all residents to attend one of these events and learn more about the facility challenges our students, teachers, and staff members face on a daily basis,” said Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin. “The elections in September and November are an opportunity to provide our youngest learners with the educational environment and resources necessary for their success.”

On September 10, voters will consider renewing the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement through 2051, allowing Decorah CSD to continue using state revenue from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund. Additionally, voters will decide whether to authorize the district to levy up to $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value for debt service.

The November 5 election will ask voters to consider a general obligation bond measure, which, if passed, will fund the construction of a new elementary school. The bond amount will not exceed $38 million.

If these measures are approved in September and November, the projected impact on property taxes would be an increase of $0.86 per year on every $1,000 of taxable property value, or approximately $7.96 per month for a home valued at $250,000.

John Cline, which opened in 1964, and West Side, built in 1939, face significant issues including outdated structural, mechanical, and electrical systems; inadequate HVAC systems; deteriorating roofs; and playground drainage problems. Both schools also lack configuration needed for effective security measures, along with insufficient classroom and storage space.

For more information, please visit www.decorahcsdfuture.org.

The Decorah Community School District is proud to welcome seven new teachers and nine new paraprofessionals.  The new teachers include Heidi Snell-Anderson (5th Science), Sarah Kowitz (Middle School Orchestra), Chris Hadley (Middle School Band), Matthew Steven (Carrie Lee Elementary School Counselor), Alaina Otto (4th Grade), Alyssa Marso (High School Business), and Bretta Schwartz (MS Special Education).

Serving as new paraeducators for the district include Stephanie Radloff, Lycia Jens, Robert Johanningmeier, Kendra Smorstad, Tatianna Woods, Payten Hardy, Mhari Pitts,

Ale Halse, and Rick DeLaRosa.

New Faculty Photo ID (L-R):

Heidi Snell-Anderson (5th Science), Sarah Kowitz (Middle School Orchestra), Chris Hadley (Middle School Band), Matthew Steven (Carrie Lee Elementary School Counselor), Alaina Otto (4th Grade), Alyssa Marso (High School Business), Bretta Schwartz (Middle School Special Education)

New Paras Photo ID (L-R):

Stephanie Radloff, Lycia Jens, Robert Johanningmeier, Kendra Smorstad, Tatianna Woods, Payten Hardy, Mhari Pitts, Ale Halse. Missing from photo: Rick DeLaRosa

Lucas Arendt, Connor Evelsizer, Gabriel Hiner, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, and Anders Lovstuen–all members of the DHS class of 2024– earned a trip to Geneva, New York, in late July to represent Iowa in Envirothon international competition. This was the second year in a row this same team of five young men scored the highest in Iowa and traveled to the NCF-Envirothon Annual Competition. Winning teams from 50 states, provinces, and countries gathered in Geneva, vying for top honors.

The Envirothon is a five-member team competition for high school students testing their knowledge of natural resources. Whether in the field or classroom, students are challenged to use their knowledge and critical thinking skills to conduct hands-on investigations, solve real-life scenarios, and answer written questions covering five categories: Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and a current environmental issue. This year, students focused on the current issue topic of “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.”

Decorah finished in a very respectful 13th place, improving from a 19th place finish last year in New Brunswick. The experience proved invaluable as far as team bonding, meeting students from around the world, and making memories. During the week in New York, all students also traveled to wondrous Niagara Falls for viewing and getting wet on the “Maid of the Mist” and the “Wind Cave.”

Allysen Lovstuen served the team as an invaluable assistant advisor. Without her help and guidance, keeping everyone on a tight schedule would have been much more difficult. As an added bonus, Lovstuen kept the families back in Decorah supplied with daily updates and photos. She also proved to be a first-class navigator to and from the drive to New York.

After last year’s air transportation problems, activities director Adam Riley made it possible for the team to travel to New York via school van. Driving allowed the team the opportunity to visit Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Lake Erie, and awesome “Grand Canyon of the West”–Letchworth State Park in New York.

Very generous contributions were made to the program from the State Envirothon, Smithfield Foods, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Barb Schroeder and the Winneshiek County Conservation Board, Marc Nichols, and Kevin and Leslie Sand. Advisor Larry Berland remarked, “We are very grateful to all of our sponsors and for all of the positive support from the Envirothon family and friends.”  Berland added, “I cannot express adequately how much I enjoy working with the Envirothon students. The number of total participants and their results indicate an awesome display on the part of our Decorah students with regard to awareness and concern of the natural environment. Living in this community is advantageous for these students because so many residents model excellent stewardship of their surroundings. A big thank you goes out to all of the administrators and faculty in the district who have helped develop these fine students. The students’ success is directly proportional to their never-ending efforts.”

Assistant Advisor Allysen Lovstuen, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Gabriel Hiner, Advisor Larry Berland, Anders Lovstuen, Connor Evelsizer, and Lucas Arendt

Front row: Allysen Lovstuen, Anders Lovstuen, Gabriel Hiner
Back row: Lucas Arendt, Connor Evelsizer, Aidan Nalean-Carlson

The Decorah Community School District invites community members to attend the upcoming Open House events on August 21 and August 28 at John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Childhood Center.

The two facilities will be open both evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for attendees to tour the schools, speak with district leaders, and see the facility challenges students, teachers and staff members face every day. Attendees can also learn more about the elections on September 10 and November 5 that–if approved by voters–would support the construction of a new elementary school for students in grades PK-2.

 

John Cline and West Side have proudly served generations of students. However, many years of facility assessments and consultation have determined that continuing to invest limited resources into these facilities is no longer a practical or cost-effective plan. As the needs of students and staff have evolved through the years, it has become increasingly clear the two schools present significant challenges that affect the quality of education and the safety of students.

Key Concerns

● Architectural issues: Additions and modifications to the buildings in previous decades have led to a range of challenges, including a shortage of classrooms and insufficient square footage that does not meet industry standards.

● Lack of adequate space: John Cline and West Side have a shortage of rooms for meetings, conferences, AEA services, testing, and other essential activities. Shared gymnasium and lunchroom space interferes with indoor activities and recess periods, limiting students’ opportunities for physical education and recreation.

● Outdated infrastructure: The buildings’ structural, mechanical, and electrical systems are outdated and no longer sufficient to support a safe and effective learning environment. Renovations alone will not address the significant deficiencies.

 

● Health and safety concerns: Both schools present a wide range of issues, including ineffective building security, the presence of asbestos, and inadequate ventilation. Many rooms lack windows or proper air circulation, and the absence of air conditioning has led to frequent school closures on hot days. Window air conditioners are no longer a viable solution.

● Sanitary concerns: The sanitary sewer systems require complete replacement. Common plumbing issues, such as toilet leaks and sewer backups, create challenges for students and staff.

For more information about Decorah CSD’s facility needs and to find answers to frequently asked questions, please visit https://www.decorahcsdfuture.org.

The Decorah Community School District Board of Education will receive a recommendation from the district’s Facility Committee at its regular meeting on July 8. The Facility Committee consists of community leaders who have met multiple times over several months to consider the future of the district’s elementary facilities, which currently include John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Childhood Center.

Reviewing Decorah CSD’s facility needs at the early childhood and elementary level is a process that dates back to 2008. Past and current members of the Board of Education and administration have examined John Cline and West Side and discussed potential replacement options for both schools.

This process, spanning more than 15 years, has included engagement with residents about the district’s needs, multiple building assessments by architects and engineers, and the formation of committees tasked with exploring possible solutions. The district is currently partnered with Emergent Architecture as part of its ongoing planning effort.

Last fall, the district purchased from the City of Decorah land adjacent to John Cline Elementary on what has been referred to as the “Heivly Island.” This purchase also included the acquisition of the varsity softball field and a portion of the varsity baseball diamond, land which the school district has long occupied but did not own. 

“Many years have been invested by many people in the pursuit of providing our youngest students with the type of environment needed for 21st century learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin. “We want to thank everyone for their dedication to this shared mission, and we will continue to provide updates for the community as this process moves forward.”

West Side was constructed in 1939, and John Cline opened in 1964. Today, students and staff face numerous deficiencies, including outdated structural, mechanical, and electrical systems; aged HVAC systems lacking air conditioning and proper ventilation; a sewer system in need of replacement; playground drainage problems; and roofs in poor condition that require replacement. Additionally, building configurations hinder effective security measures, and there is a shortage of both classrooms and adequate space within existing classrooms.

In April, Decorah CSD hosted a survey and asked residents for input about the potential construction of a new school to replace John Cline and West Side. More than 76 percent of the 1,151 respondents said they would support the construction of a new school, while 15.4 percent said they would not support such a project. Another 8.1 percent said they were unsure.

An election on , will ask voters to approve the renewal of the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) through 2051. The RPS specifies the uses for which income generated through the existing Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund can be utilized. Renewal requires 50 percent approval from voters.

If the school board accepts the recommendation of the Facility Committee, a second election would be held on November 5, asking voters to approve the issuance of general obligation bonds for the construction of a new elementary school. Bond issues need 60% approval by voters in order to pass.

Project updates and details will be released as available at https://www.decorahcsdfuture.org.

John Cline School

Decorah Elementary Schools recently hosted a Viking Pride Family event.  Families enjoyed a complimentary dinner followed by a fun playdate for students and shared learning opportunities for the adults. 

Elementary school counselors, Positive Behavior Teachers, and staff from Keystone AEA led sessions on anxiety, emotional regulation, healthy habits, growth mindset, belonging, and social emotional skills. 

This event was funded by the Therapeutic Classroom Grant to support family and community members in raising awareness and understanding of mental health concerns, social emotional learning, and how to support children and youth. Event organizer Shanna Putnam Dibble shared, “Our therapeutic classrooms, supports, and events such as these assist our students and families in navigating the complexities of not only school–but life in general–as we foster the well-being of our students. And that is what Viking Pride is all about.”

Elementary Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Hahn, leads a session on Emotional Regulation: Connections from School to Home

Calling all patriots and music enthusiasts! Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of our nation’s heritage at the DHS Patriotic Band Concert, taking place on May 16th, starting at noon. Hosted at the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street, this event promises to be a stirring tribute to our country’s rich history and enduring spirit.

Led by band directors Dustin Bliven and Matt Cody, this special concert will feature an exhilarating lineup of patriotic melodies guaranteed to inspire and uplift audiences of all ages. From the stirring strains of the Armed Forces Salute to the majestic sounds of Semper Fidelis, the repertoire will showcase the finest in patriotic music, highlighting the courage, sacrifice, and unity that define the American experience.

Bliven remarked, “Join us for an afternoon of music and camaraderie as we come together to honor our nation and those who serve it. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and settle in for a stirring performance that will leave you feeling proud and inspired.”

In case of rain, please check the band’s social media and the school website for further details.

For more information, please contact Dustin Bliven at dustin.bliven@decorah.school.

DHS Concert Band

Decorah High School is proud to announce its 143rd commencement ceremony, which will take place in the main gym on Sunday, May 19th. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM, with doors opening at 12:30 PM. A total of 134 students will receive their diplomas in recognition of their hard work and commitment.

The members of the DHS Class of 2024 class have distinguished themselves with remarkable academic and extracurricular achievements. The class boasts ten valedictorians and three salutatorians, reflecting their exceptional dedication to academic excellence. The valedictorians include Lucas Arendt, Annika Brynsaas, Peter Essa, Gabriel Hiner, Simon Kutz, Anders Lovstuen, Alexander McGohan, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Brynn Storhoff, and Henry Weis. The salutatorians are Brady Bohner, Brenna Parker, and Spencer Rix.

Additionally, 15 graduates will be honored as Silver Cord recipients for their significant volunteer contributions, while 53 members will be recognized for their involvement in the National Honor Society (NHS). The ceremony will include performances by the Decorah High School Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Choir, along with speeches by three seniors.  

The ceremony will also highlight the accomplishments of 29 Career and Technical Education (CTE) completers, who have successfully finished rigorous programs that provide practical, hands-on skills in various trades and technologies. Further demonstrating the breadth of commitment to service and leadership, one graduate will enter the military, proudly representing Decorah High School as they prepare to serve our country.

Decorah High School invites family, friends, and community members to join in celebrating these young adults’ achievements. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. The Decorah community is incredibly proud of its graduates for their achievements and contributions during their time at high school and looks forward to their future successes.

Decorah High School

On April 8th, fifteen 4^th grade students from Carrie Lee Elementary Extended Learning Program led by Mrs. Kari O’Hara competed in the Noetic Learning Math Contest.  Cassius Sadler and Sam Bills were the team winners and also won the National Honor Roll title.

Noetic Learning Math Contest is a national mathematics contest for elementary and middle school students. The goal of the competition is to encourage students’ interest in math, to develop their problem-solving skills, and to inspire them to excel in math. This spring, a total of 39,078 students participated in the contest, where 4,355 students earned the prestigious National Honor Roll title, and 16,069 students earned the Honorable Mention title.

The following students from Carrie Lee received National Honorable Mention, awarded to approximately the top 50% of participating Mathletes:  Brandon Bailey, McCoy Bonnet, Hunter Goedken, Elle Hanson, Eli Lyon, Ida Sauer, Ellery Schwickerath, Quinn Soland, and Ivan Maki.   All other students received a participation certificate for their great effort.

O’Hara remarked, “Congratulations to all the winners! The contest results demonstrate the students’ excellent problem-solving skills and math talents. They also show that the students can rise to the occasion and can meet the challenge.”

More detailed information about the Noetic Learning Math Contest can be found at http://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest.

 

Noetic Challenge Team Winner and National Honor Roll title holders: Cassius Sadler and Sam Bills

All Noetic Participants

Front row: Frances Zielinski, Sally Scott, Charlotte Yu, Ivan Maki, Ellery Schwickerath

Middle Row: Quinn Soland, Elle Hanson, Cassius Sadler, Sam Bills, Eli Lyon

Back Row: Ida Sauer, Cora Giddings, Hunter Goedken, McCoy Bonnet, Brandon Bailey