Working through the beginning processes of remodeling the Fort Dodge Community School District’s transportation facilities spotlighted Monday’s meeting of the district’s board of directors.

Ryan Utley, director of buildings and grounds, shared three bids for the project with the group. Jensen Builders, Ltd., of Fort Dodge and Des Moines, presented the low bid of $698,000 which, according to Utley, came in $125,000 below the estimate of $823,000.

The board approved the low bid.

Utley said upgrades will be made regarding a hard surface parking lot, utilities and water work, and a new fence being installed around the property.

A public hearing regarding the second phase of the project was also heard. Utley told the board the second phase includes inside work on heating and cooling and LED lighting as well as outdoor sprinkler work. Bids are due May 8.

In a separate hearing, Brandon Hansel, the district’s executive director of financial services, talked about the 2025-26 property tax levy. He said a 43-cent increase from $15.22 to $15.65 is on the table.

“It’s the first increase we’ve had in some time,” he said. “The biggest reason is due to enrollment declining.”

The second reading of the 2025-26 property tax levy is scheduled for April 28 during the next regular session. A 2024-25 budget amendment will also be discussed that evening.

District Director of Communications and Community Relations Lydia Schuur discussed some exciting initiatives regarding promotions. The district’s current smartphone app has more than 1,000 downloads with another push set when registration comes around for 2025-26; the district website continues to go through updating for search engine optimization utilization; emergency communications have been upgraded with the help of Director of Safety and Security Roger Porter, which includes news going out quickly to homes as part of a newly-created matrix; a brochure was printed displaying many positives of the district for families in the area and region who may be considering Fort Dodge schools; and a podcast spotlighting stories from all corners of the district is scheduled to premiere in May.

Schuur also noted that creating a district branding guide and how best to use a large amount of previous central office photos is part of the summer work plan going into the 2025-26 school year.

In other action items, the board approved:

n An intercom system update for the high school. “The current system has older parts and was down for service for three to four months recently,” Utley said. “The new system will use the current wiring and speakers we have in place.” Superintendent Josh Porter added that the upgrade is a two-year measure until the bond referendum, which includes new speakers and other advances.

n Sending Jen Cordle to Dallas, Texas, in July for Volume 2 Lexia LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training to be a facilitator at a cost of $17,000. According to district curriculum director Teri Boezinger, Cordle’s training will allow the district to have an onsite facilitator to develop and train instructors districtwide in the process. “It will be a cost saving down the road, as we won’t have to have off-site training personnel come in,” Boezinger said.

n Continuation of a district-wide literacy eight-year initiative at a cost of $424,000. According to Boezinger, Tier I curriculum was put in place last year with the next step being Tier II and III instruction support. “We need all three,” she said. “This will align resources over the total span and allow us to keep momentum going in this vital area.”

n Second reading of revision of Board Policy 415.01 Professional Support Employees, 415.01-R(1) Professional Support Employees – Benefits for Professional Support Employee Group, and review of 415.02 Professional Support Employees Reduction in Force, effective July 1, 2025.

n Second reading of revision of Board Policy 507.09 Wellness.

Porter added a quick update that progress continues to be made on the Dodger Stadium project. “We’re still aiming at getting keys from the construction company on May 5,” he said. “There will still be small work being done after that, but it will be open barring any unforeseen issues.” He also told the board plans are being made for a ribbon cutting and open house with more information to be announced.

The next meeting of the board is scheduled for April 28 at 6 p.m.