Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

Absentee Voting Now Available for Decorah Community School District Residents

In-person absentee voting is now available for registered voters who reside within the Decorah Community School District ahead of the local election on Tuesday, September, 10, 2024.

Ballots can be cast at the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office, which is located on the second floor of the Winneshiek County Courthouse at 201 W. Main St., in Decorah. The auditor’s office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A valid ID is required.

Registered voters may also request a mailed absentee ballot by completing a request form and returning it to the auditor’s office. The deadline to submit this request is August 26. Ballots must be received by the county auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on September 10 to be considered for counting.

The polls will be open on election day, September 10, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A valid ID will be needed to cast a ballot. Polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx.

Voters will see two measures on the September 10 ballot. The first asks voters to consider renewing Decorah CSD’s Revenue Purpose Statement through 2051, allowing the district to continue using state revenue from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund.

The second measure asks voters to consider raising the district’s debt levy limit from $2.70 to $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

These measures are precursors to the general election on Tuesday, November 5, when voters will be asked to consider approving a $38 million general obligation bond for the construction of a new PK-2 facility that would replace John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Education Center.

The estimated tax impact of an approved debt levy limit increase and a general obligation bond is $0.86 per $1,000 of taxable property value per year. For a home with a value of $250,000, the monthly tax impact would be approximately $7.96.

West Side opened in 1939 and John Cline followed in 1964. These schools present a variety of challenges that no longer make either facility conducive to 21st century learning, including inadequate HVAC systems, deteriorating roofs, playground drainage problems, and outdated structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Both schools also lack the configuration needed for effective security measures, and they also have insufficient classroom and storage space.

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

Decorah CSD to Host Community Open House Events on Facility Challenges and Bond Referendum

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.

Decorah CSD Welcomes New Staff for the 24-25 School Year

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.

DCSD New Faculty 24 25

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)

DCSD New Paras 24 25

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

DHS Envirothon Team Performs Well at International Competition

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.”

Envirothon Internationals 24 all

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

Envirothon Internationals 24

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

Decorah CSD to Host Community Open House Events at John Cline, West Side

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.

John Cline Elementary - Grades K-2
West Side Early Childhood Center

Learn how Luther’s Cafeteria is reducing food waste through community partnerships

Every day in the Luther Cafeteria, potential food waste is diverted to make rich compost to replenish the land, and prepared food that was not served is repackaged to serve food insecure people in Decorah and surrounding areas. A Luther video highlights how the college is reducing food waste, motivated by its commitment to environmental and civic sustainability. 

This work toward the college’s Zero Waste goal exemplifies Luther’s Civic Sustainability Initiative. Since 2020, this Luther initiative has developed partnerships between student, faculty, and staff groups and similarly minded organizations in the Decorah and northeast Iowa community. 

Working toward Zero Waste

This video highlights how the college is reducing food waste, motivated by its commitment to environmental and civic sustainability. 

Reducing food waste through composting

“Food waste used to be the largest element coming from Luther’s Union and going into the landfill,” said Jon Jensen, director of the Center for Sustainable Communities which runs the Caf to Community program. “Composting is the best and most ecological way to deal with our food waste.” 

Located in the Dahl Centennial Union, the Luther Cafeteria (commonly known as the Caf) is the resident dining hall. 

Notably, the Luther Caf has no trash cans. Instead, the Caf staff separates all compostable food waste and napkins in the dish room, where they are rinsed into a trough, sent into a pulper, and collected in buckets. Compostable scraps created in the food preparation process (such as stems and peels) are also collected by the Caf staff for composting.

Two students and Jon Jensen stand in front of a stack of hay bales

Jon Jensen (center), director of the Center for Sustainable Communities, and two student sustainability workers stand at the composting site on the Luther farm.

Some of the food waste is taken to the Luther farm, which is on the edge of campus. There, Luther has its own compost pile for food waste. Student workers in sustainability collect compostable food waste from bins throughout campus and from the Caf and bring it to the Luther farm.

Luther has also worked with the city of Decorah to compost its food waste. The city worked with residents to develop a sustainability plan, which includes the city being zero-waste by 2040. To achieve this goal, the city received a grant to reduce food waste in the Winneshiek County Landfill. 

“As part of this grant, one of the community partners was Luther College,” said former city engineer Jeremy Bril. “The city is working with Luther to collect some of the food waste that Luther’s already collecting on campus.” 

About twice a week, city workers come to collect food waste and take it to the city’s yard waste site. The city collects an average of 2,000 pounds of food waste from Luther. 

Donating unused food to local pantries

Luther also has the Caf to Community program, which aims to ensure good food goes to people who need it — another way to reduce food waste. This program not only strengthens Luther’s environmental sustainability, but also extends the notion of civic sustainability and builds communities of mutual support.

Because Luther serves buffet-style food prepared in advance, some of the food is left over and not served. Caf to Community volunteers collect this unused food and repackage it into single-serving frozen meals. It is delivered to local pantries such as the Decorah Community Food Pantry and Northeast Iowa Community Action. 

Caf to Community is a student-run program. Rising senior Owen Matzek has been the assistant manager of the program. He will take over as manager in fall 2024.

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Luther College announces the 2024-25 Center Stage Series, with a theme of migration

Luther College is proud to announce the 2024-25 Center Stage Series, which annually presents outstanding performances to uplift, inspire and expand your world. Season tickets are available now for six exciting performances by international artists from September 2024 through April 2025. Individual ticket sales start Aug. 19. 

About the 2024-25 Center Stage Series season

The 2024-25 season performances are:

  • Venezuelan jazz singer Nella on Fri., Sept. 27
  • Grammy Award-winning quintet Imani Winds on Thurs., Oct. 10
  • Internationally beloved The King’s Singers on Tues., Nov. 12
  • Premier touring dance company Ailey II on Fri., Feb. 14
  • Renowned Irish ensemble Danú on Fri., March 14
  • String quartet ETHEL with Native American storyteller and musician Robert Mirabal on Fri., April 11

All Center Stage Series performances are held in Luther’s Center for Faith and Life at 7:30 p.m. 

Tying the season’s diverse programs together is the theme of migration and the commemoration of the first organized migration from Norway to North America 200 years ago. Luther is the first U.S. college founded by Norwegian immigrants. 

“This commemorative year gives us a chance to honor the strength it takes to leave home for the unknown and to better understand the migration of people that continues today,” said Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming. “Whether immersing yourself in the rollicking sounds of Venezuela or Ireland, the colors and perspectives of the American Southwest, or the artistry of the Ailey II dancers, we hope you will find moments of joy and awe.” 

Tickets for shows and dinner series

Tickets and more information about each of the performances can be found at tickets.luther.edu. 

The Center Stage Dinner Series offers a gourmet three-course dinner before each show in the Peace Dining Room, overlooking lower campus and the Upper Iowa River. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Information for the dinner series can also be found at tickets.luther.edu, with menus posted two weeks before the corresponding event. Luther chefs can easily accommodate dietary restrictions when notified in advance.

Discount for season subscribers 

Season subscribers may choose five or six performances, as well as five or six Center Stage Dinners, before September 27 to waive any ticketing fees and receive 15% off. 

Center Stage student matinees

The Center Stage Series also offers matinees for school groups and families. 

  • Charlotte’s Web, presented by TheatreWorks USA, is recommended for grades K-5 but open to all, on Wed., Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 
  • JazzReach presents Hangin’ with the Giants (K-4) and Get Hip! (grades 3-6) on Thurs., March 20, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

To reserve tickets for a matinee performance, contact Bradley Phillips at phillibr@luther.edu or 563-387-1293. Financial support is available for school group tickets and transportation; additional community members are welcome as space allows. To request financial support for school groups, email programming@luther.edu.

Sponsors make the series possible

The Center Stage Series is made possible by the generous support of major season sponsors, including Emplify Health, WinnMed, Decorah Bank and Trust, Minnesota Public Radio, John W. Kurtich Foundation, and Luther College Music, with support for student matinees from Dragonfly Books.

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Luther College student-athletes break a wall to mark the launch of Gerdin Fieldhouse construction

Surrounded by more than 90 prospective student-athletes and their families, Luther College current student-athletes broke a wall to mark the launch of construction on the $24 million Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness.

The event on August 1 marked a historic day for the college in two ways, as it coincided with the inaugural Norse Athletic Prospect ID Showcase.

President Jenifer K. Ward and Director of Athletics Renae Hartl presided over the event.

“Today, we mark the start of renovations of what has been known for a long time as the Regents Center, but thanks to the generosity of our ’92 basketball alumni donor Mike Gerdin; his wife, Nicole; and the Gerdin Family Foundation, it will be known as the Gerdin Fieldhouse,” Ward said. “To our visitors today, as you take your campus tour, keep in mind that you will be among the first generation of students to practice, train, compete and gather with fellow student-athletes at Luther College in this new space.”

With original sections of the 200,000-plus-square-foot facility dating to the 1960s, the project is an extreme makeover of the majority of the interiors. As most of the work involves gutting and rebuilding, a wall breaking was held rather than a ground breaking.

“The new locker rooms, athletic training and rehab area, competition arena and wrestling complex will be a game changer for our Norse student-athletes,” Hartl said. “We wanted to have this ceremony today to kick off the fall for our current Norse, and to show the next generation of Norse what is on the horizon.”

Jack Bell takes a swing of the sledgehammer at the Gerdin wall breaking, August 1, 2024.

Jack Bell takes a swing of the sledgehammer at the Gerdin Fieldhouse wall breaking ceremony, August 1, 2024.

Three current Luther Norse athletes—all-conference soccer goalie and NCAA qualifying diver Jack Bell of Madison, Wisc.; all-conference and NFCA All-Region first base softball player Riley Sauser of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and 2024 all-American wrestler Walter West of Plymouth, Minn.—took swings at a ceremonial wall which displayed some of the original facility blueprints from the mid-1960s.

“We are extremely proud to have alumni and donors who are stepping up to make this happen,” Sauser said.

“The locker rooms and team room sketches look amazing,” Bell said. “These will be great spaces for our teams to bond, train and have fun.”

“I think I’m most excited about the air conditioning in the arena and the construction of the new wrestling room,” West said. “President Ward, how fast can we get this going so the three of us can start using it?”

President Ward recognized representatives of Opus Design Build, senior vice president for construction Jeff Smith and the Gerdin project manager, Jeremiah Cunningham, who were in attendance representing Opus and their project partner RDG Planning and Design, as well as Luther College’s director of facility services, Jay Uthoff, who will be the college’s project manager.

An artists rendering of the entrance to Luther's proposed new Gerdin Fieldhouse.

An artist’s rendering of the north entrance to the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness.

The opening phase is a new north lobby entrance for the facility, which will include a new concession stand, new restroom facilities for events, and an expanded lobby experience that will salute the spirit of all 21 Luther varsity teams and provide a new home for the athletic Hall of Fame. The second phase of work will renovate numerous team locker rooms and other athletic department support areas.

This academic year, Norse teams will compete a final season on the existing gym floor, with ceremonies tentatively planned to turn out the lights on the historic space in late February. The conversion of the space into an arena configuration, including the Birkestrand Family Court, will begin immediately afterwards.

The first three phases of work will focus on the interior renovations of the former Regents Center. The planned fourth phase is the construction of a new wrestling workout area which will add additional space to the complex.

With work set to begin within the month, fundraising for the project continues, particularly for phases two through four. Leadership gifts made in 2023-24 have given the renovation campaign sufficient momentum to begin.

“We’ve surpassed 60 percent of our newly-expanded fundraising goal and are striving for full funding by the end of 2025,” Vice President for Development Mary Duvall said. “We invite additional investment from alumni and friends who wish to partner with Luther in this transformative facility renovation.”

To learn more about how individuals can help Luther reach its goal, contact the Development Office at development@luther.edu. To see more details of the phases and to watch a video related to this announcement, the entrance rendering and the wrestling training facility concept drawings, go to the Gerdin Fieldhouse Renovation page at luthernorse.com.

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Luther College recognized for commitment to first-generation college student success

Luther College has become one of 80 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network, formerly known as the Center for First-generation Student Success. Among Iowa institutions, Luther joins the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and Drake University in the 429-member nationwide network. 

To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, Luther College displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.  

The FirstGen Forward Network empowers higher education institutions to benefit first-generation college students in many ways, such as advancing their academic and co-curricular outcomes and building more inclusive institutional structures. First-generation students are those whose parents or guardians have not completed a 4-year college degree. They come to college with a unique set of strengths as well as challenges. At Luther College, 21 percent of the student body was first generation as of last fall. 

head shot of Ann Smith

Ann Smith, assistant dean of student success and director of disability services

“We are very honored to have been selected for membership in the FirstGen Forward Network, and we are excited to maximize the opportunities this partnership will allow,” said Kate Elliott, Luther’s dean of student success. “I want to publicly commend my team in the Office of Student Success, especially Dr. Ann Smith, assistant dean and director of disability services, and Dr. Jennifer Hanifl, director of TRIO Student Support Services.”

“We are pleased to welcome Luther College into the network,” said Sarah E. Whitley, executive vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was evident that Luther College is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.”

“Being named as a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for Luther College to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know Luther College will be a significant contributor.”

head shot of Jennifer Hanifl

Jennifer Hanifl, director of TRIO Student Support Services

A commitment to first-generation college students is personal for several key Luther staff members. Smith and Hanifl, as well as Provost Brad Chamberlain, were all first-generation college students in their own families. Smith and Hanifl will serve as Luther’s leadership team for FirstGen Forward. “Because of our personal experience as first-gen students, we are especially excited about this program and the resources it will bring to help our current generation of first-gen students,” said Hanifl. 

Both Hanifl and Smith have extensive professional experience working with the first-generation population. Before Luther, Hanifl was the director of the first-generation initiatives student program at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minn. As Luther’s director of TRIO Student Support Services, she serves first-generation college students, as well as income-eligible students and students with disabilities. Ann Smith supports TRIO in her role as assistant dean and works directly with providing services for students with disabilities at Luther. Luther has an over 50-year history with the federally funded TRIO programs.  

Group of smiling students at a table

At the 2024 TRIO Student Support Services banquet, students show the community they have formed in the program.

First-generation students in TRIO SSS are more likely to persist in their education, compared to their peers not in the program, largely because of TRIO’s support services. Based on federal funding levels, however, Luther’s TRIO program is able to serve less than half of Luther’s eligible first-gen students. “Of the 216 first-generation college students at Luther College in spring 2024, only 91 first-gens (approximately 42%) were served by the TRIO Student Support Services program,” said Hanifl. “The FirstGen Forward program will allow us to have nationwide support for more programming opportunities and, hopefully, funding to build out support for first-gens not in TRIO.”

She envisions programming such as persistence and academic recovery workshops, community-building, mentoring and networking geared toward first-generation students. “We will spend time digging deeper into what the students’ needs are,” Hanifl said. 

The FirstGen Forward program has three phases. After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion.

Hanifl is excited to work toward the champion phase of the network. 

“It’s all about creating community,” Hanifl said. “Luther is a wonderful community, but everyone needs a niche or group of their own. That’s what we are trying to create. Everyone needs a cohort or a family and a place that they can call their home away from home.”

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