Focus Group - Minutes - 2026.07.13

 

 

 

Agenda Review – No Changes

 

Data Reviewed

Survey data shared between multiple schools with very similar K-6 enrollment. 

School Districts serving 379 to 434 students in grades K-6 from 2025 fall enrollment.

EBF served 406 students K-6.

• General information from multiple districts
• Survey – K-6 Staffing results

 

Financial Data

• Current data has deficit spending at $770,000  General Fund Expenses and Revenue
• The “Certified Annual Report” to the Iowa Department of Education is not completed until September 15.  The special education expenses and revenues are not finalized until that report is completed.  A special education deficit increases EBF’s Unspent Authorized Budget (UAB).  The UAB is the most important financial number of the general fund.  EBF can expect a decrease in our UAB.
• Financial Breakdown

All documents in one pdf file:  All Documents

 

The committee discussed items viewed from the data presented. Questions and statements.

• Need 3 sections for EBF elementary students. How?
• Is there more opportunity to attract Open Enrollment. 
• Budget Guarantees require action on expenditures.
• Should class section size trigger points be implemented?  What would be the required action if a class is below that minimum number?
• What are the outcomes around a single elementary or all grades in the same location with 3 sections.
  
  • Preschool may need relocation if all K-6 is at one building.
  • Special Education services would be more efficiently implemented.
  • Specials: Art, Music, Band, PE, and Health would be stronger with more participants and efficiency.
  • Cafeteria sizes would be challenging with all students in one location.
• Building Configuration
  
  • Jr-Sr High serves grades 9-12
  • Eddyville Elementary would serve grade 5-8.  Keeps extra-curriculars near their practice and allows for acceleration in academics to high school courses.
  • Fremont and/or Blakesburg serves PK-4
• Staff Reduction is a priority
  
  • Early Retirement is an offer to do this through other financial funds and attrition.
  • Recognizing responsibilities may be combined in administration and other areas.
• Blakesburg buildings may have a land trust agreement if the property is no longer used by the school district.  More information is required.

Other Points at the conclusion of the discussion:

• Centralized location –
  
  • This is very tough, it is likely to lose students to travel if students need to go to from Fremont to Blakesburg for grades.
  • Do not get blinders on this as the solution.
• Understand changes are required, they are significant changes.

At the August meeting provide thoughts on actions.

 

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Scott Williamson

Superintendent Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont CSD