Focus Group - Minutes - 2026.07.13

EBF Focus Group Minutes

July 13, 2026

 

The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District Focus Group met at the Board Offices on July 13, 2026, at 6:30 pm.  Visitors in attendance

Call to Order:

Ed Glenn – Superintendent committee called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.  Roll Call:

 

Ed Glenn

Tyrone Lobberecht

Travis Albertson

Sean Hedge

Nathon Hinton

Kellie Vroegh

Nick Batterson - Absent

Dakota Johnson

Kyle Kirkpatrick - Absent

Kourtni Shelquist

Danielle Hoover

Jean Ann Mayberry

Dimitri Boyer - Absent

Scott Williamson

 

 

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.

 

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