Interstate 35 Schools will be closed today Friday, February 20. Daycare will open at 6:30 am and operate normally. There will no bus transportation to State Wrestling.
Interstate 35 Schools will have a 2 hour late start today, Friday, February 20. There will be no morning activities, no breakfast service. Daycare will open at 6:30 am. There will no bus transportation to State Wrestling.
Introducing Roadrunner Radio!
This new community resource is a place to learn more about the Interstate 35 Community School District, explore general education topics, and stay informed in a convenient, podcast-style format. Episodes are designed to be short so you can listen on your drive, over lunch, or whenever it fits your schedule.
Our goal is simple: clear information, real context, and transparent conversations about the issues that impact our students, families, and community.
🎧 Episode 1 - Understanding School Funding: Supplemental State Aid (SSA) Facts and Impacts is now available! (Please note: Since recording - the House has proposed a 2.25% increase which is still almost 2% less than the REC estimate of 4.2% of state growth in revenues for FY27. The final SSA rate has not been set).
Link to listen: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTECBYqPB_DKdjZ70W8Ga0PEEysPpQtC4
We've also included a school funding graphic, so you can see how various school operations and their "funding buckets" work for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
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Episode 1 Summary:
Understanding School Funding: Supplemental State Aid (SSA) Facts and Impacts
In our first episode, we break down how school funding works in Iowa — and why the numbers matter for districts like Interstate 35 Community School District.
Key topics include:
- Iowa’s enrollment decline and its impact on statewide funding
- Projected 4.2% state revenue growth for FY27
-How enrollment changes create approximately $140.9 million in potential buying power
- What different State Supplemental Aid (SSA) percentages actually mean in real dollars
- Why a 1.75% SSA proposal represents only a fraction of available revenue
- How long-term underfunding compounds over time
- The potential impact of proposed property tax changes and SAVE bonding restrictions
This episode explains not just percentages on paper, but how funding decisions influence staffing, programs, student supports, facilities, and long-term sustainability.
Because when we talk about school funding, we’re really talking about opportunities for students, today and in the future.
This new community resource is a place to learn more about the Interstate 35 Community School District, explore general education topics, and stay informed in a convenient, podcast-style format. Episodes are designed to be short so you can listen on your drive, over lunch, or whenever it fits your schedule.
Our goal is simple: clear information, real context, and transparent conversations about the issues that impact our students, families, and community.
🎧 Episode 1 - Understanding School Funding: Supplemental State Aid (SSA) Facts and Impacts is now available! (Please note: Since recording - the House has proposed a 2.25% increase which is still almost 2% less than the REC estimate of 4.2% of state growth in revenues for FY27. The final SSA rate has not been set).
Link to listen: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTECBYqPB_DKdjZ70W8Ga0PEEysPpQtC4
We've also included a school funding graphic, so you can see how various school operations and their "funding buckets" work for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
----------------------------
Episode 1 Summary:
Understanding School Funding: Supplemental State Aid (SSA) Facts and Impacts
In our first episode, we break down how school funding works in Iowa — and why the numbers matter for districts like Interstate 35 Community School District.
Key topics include:
- Iowa’s enrollment decline and its impact on statewide funding
- Projected 4.2% state revenue growth for FY27
-How enrollment changes create approximately $140.9 million in potential buying power
- What different State Supplemental Aid (SSA) percentages actually mean in real dollars
- Why a 1.75% SSA proposal represents only a fraction of available revenue
- How long-term underfunding compounds over time
- The potential impact of proposed property tax changes and SAVE bonding restrictions
This episode explains not just percentages on paper, but how funding decisions influence staffing, programs, student supports, facilities, and long-term sustainability.
Because when we talk about school funding, we’re really talking about opportunities for students, today and in the future.
There is a special Board meeting of the I-35 Board of Directors scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm.
The agenda is available at: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=27269
The agenda is available at: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=27269
📅 New: 2026–2027 District Calendar — Now Posted!
The I-35 School Board approved the 2026–2027 District Calendar at last night’s meeting. 🎒✅ It includes important dates for families and staff: first/last days of school, holidays and breaks, staff development days, early-release days, and grading period timelines.
🔗 Read the full calendar and download a printable copy here: https://aptg.co/STf5zZ
The I-35 School Board approved the 2026–2027 District Calendar at last night’s meeting. 🎒✅ It includes important dates for families and staff: first/last days of school, holidays and breaks, staff development days, early-release days, and grading period timelines.
🔗 Read the full calendar and download a printable copy here: https://aptg.co/STf5zZ
The agenda for the special board meeting to conduct Superintendent Interviews on Wednesday is below.
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=26033
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=26033
Good afternoon,
The I-35 Board of Education wishes to provide a formal update as the district prepares for superintendent finalist interviews scheduled for Wednesday, January 28. The search process yielded 17 applications, resulting in a strong and competitive pool of qualified candidates. Due to a family-related circumstance, one finalist has elected to withdraw from the interview process. Following careful consideration and consultation with the district’s search consultants, the Board determined that it is in the best interest of the district to proceed with the two remaining committed finalists. The Board appreciates the continued professionalism, flexibility, and support of I-35 staff as this important process continues.
Thank you
The I-35 Board of Education wishes to provide a formal update as the district prepares for superintendent finalist interviews scheduled for Wednesday, January 28. The search process yielded 17 applications, resulting in a strong and competitive pool of qualified candidates. Due to a family-related circumstance, one finalist has elected to withdraw from the interview process. Following careful consideration and consultation with the district’s search consultants, the Board determined that it is in the best interest of the district to proceed with the two remaining committed finalists. The Board appreciates the continued professionalism, flexibility, and support of I-35 staff as this important process continues.
Thank you
Reminder — Community Conversations + Board Meeting (Mon, Jan 26)
Join us Monday, January 26 at 5:00 PM for the first session of I-35’s Community Conversations in the High School Library — immediately before the Regular Board Meeting. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The agenda for the I-35 Board of Directors’ regular meeting is available here:
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=25190
See you there!
Join us Monday, January 26 at 5:00 PM for the first session of I-35’s Community Conversations in the High School Library — immediately before the Regular Board Meeting. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The agenda for the I-35 Board of Directors’ regular meeting is available here:
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=25190
See you there!
Interstate 35 Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 23. There will be no Middle School activities, High School practices will be communicated by coaches. Daycare will be closed.
TRURO, IA — The Interstate 35 Community School District Board of Education met in closed
session Thursday (January 15, 2026) afternoon to review superintendent candidates with
Grundmeyer Leader Services representatives. In 2024, the community members completed a
survey of what they are looking for in the next superintendent, this information was considered
while narrowing the best candidates for I-35 CSD. From a strong pool of seventeen applications
submitted, the board came to consensus around three finalists.
The candidate pool had three candidates from outside the state of Iowa. There were 14 males
and three female applicants. Four candidates had a terminal degree (EdD or PhD) and seven
had a Specialist Degree.
The board will utilize mixed interview groups and tours along with their own formal interview of
finalists on January 28. After interviewing finalists in closed session and considering feedback
from administration, staff, and community stakeholder participants, the board plans to make a
verbal offer of employment the night of January 28. The announcement of the district’s next
superintendent should occur later that week. Up until that point, the district is utilizing a
confidential search in order to respect applicants’ current work and maximize the candidate
pool.
session Thursday (January 15, 2026) afternoon to review superintendent candidates with
Grundmeyer Leader Services representatives. In 2024, the community members completed a
survey of what they are looking for in the next superintendent, this information was considered
while narrowing the best candidates for I-35 CSD. From a strong pool of seventeen applications
submitted, the board came to consensus around three finalists.
The candidate pool had three candidates from outside the state of Iowa. There were 14 males
and three female applicants. Four candidates had a terminal degree (EdD or PhD) and seven
had a Specialist Degree.
The board will utilize mixed interview groups and tours along with their own formal interview of
finalists on January 28. After interviewing finalists in closed session and considering feedback
from administration, staff, and community stakeholder participants, the board plans to make a
verbal offer of employment the night of January 28. The announcement of the district’s next
superintendent should occur later that week. Up until that point, the district is utilizing a
confidential search in order to respect applicants’ current work and maximize the candidate
pool.
The I-35 Preschool Pre-Registration is now open for the 2026-27 school year. Preschool is a proven way to help children get an academic jumpstart using play-base learning techniques. We'd love to work with your children to start them on their education journey!
Pre-registration will take place in-person by appointment only. I-35 CSD will work to make sure there is a spot for every student wanting to attend preschool.
REQUIREMENTS:
The preschool is program is available to students who are or will be 3 years old or 4 years old on or before September 15, 2026. The pre-registration event is for both 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Preschool. Official registration will take place in July 2026 using Infinite Campus. Please don't try to register using IC right now as it won't be for the 2026-27 school year.
REGISTRATION EVENT:
When: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. by appointment only. Window will be selected within the pre-registration form.
Where: I-35 Preschool Entrance (Door #7)
Park by the football field and walk towards the building. This will help keep the pick-up traffic after school free-flowing.
How: Click this registration link (https://tinyurl.com/bdz7u9dk). Complete the form andTina Burkhead, the I-35 Elementary School Secretary, will email an appointment time.
Pre-registration will take place in-person by appointment only. I-35 CSD will work to make sure there is a spot for every student wanting to attend preschool.
REQUIREMENTS:
The preschool is program is available to students who are or will be 3 years old or 4 years old on or before September 15, 2026. The pre-registration event is for both 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Preschool. Official registration will take place in July 2026 using Infinite Campus. Please don't try to register using IC right now as it won't be for the 2026-27 school year.
REGISTRATION EVENT:
When: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. by appointment only. Window will be selected within the pre-registration form.
Where: I-35 Preschool Entrance (Door #7)
Park by the football field and walk towards the building. This will help keep the pick-up traffic after school free-flowing.
How: Click this registration link (https://tinyurl.com/bdz7u9dk). Complete the form andTina Burkhead, the I-35 Elementary School Secretary, will email an appointment time.
The agenda for next week's Special Board meeting to review Superintendent Applications is available. The Board will enter a closed session to review applications. Agenda can be found below.
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=26031
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=26031
Be Bold. Go Gold. Join us in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Our school community has been directly impacted by pediatric cancer and the I-35 PTO, I-35 HS Student Council, Devin Jelsma and Regan Anderson have come together to help raise funds and awareness about pediatric cancer.
T-shirt Store: Order a shirt to support the awareness effort here: https://roadrunnerstrong.itemorder.com/shop/home/. The store closes January 7th at 9:00 a.m.
Change Wars: From January 7-14, Pre-K-12th Grade is hosting a change war! Send/bring spare change to school to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. The proceeds will be donated to the Pink Tractor Foundation.
Game Night Celebration: January 16th during the halftime of the boys varsity basketball game, the proceeds of the change war will be presented to the Pink Tractor Foundation. We hope to see you there as part of our #RoadrunnerStrong effort.
Our school community has been directly impacted by pediatric cancer and the I-35 PTO, I-35 HS Student Council, Devin Jelsma and Regan Anderson have come together to help raise funds and awareness about pediatric cancer.
T-shirt Store: Order a shirt to support the awareness effort here: https://roadrunnerstrong.itemorder.com/shop/home/. The store closes January 7th at 9:00 a.m.
Change Wars: From January 7-14, Pre-K-12th Grade is hosting a change war! Send/bring spare change to school to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. The proceeds will be donated to the Pink Tractor Foundation.
Game Night Celebration: January 16th during the halftime of the boys varsity basketball game, the proceeds of the change war will be presented to the Pink Tractor Foundation. We hope to see you there as part of our #RoadrunnerStrong effort.
Mark your calendars for January 26, 2026! This is the inaugural Community Conversations session, which will take place monthly before school board meetings. These Community Conversations are designed to be an informal way for the community to ask questions, share concerns, offer ideas, get to know school decision-makers and learn more about how the school district runs. There's no agenda and no formal speeches.
Everyone is welcome! This includes parents, neighbors, staff, students and general community members. We hope you'll join use in this effort to increase transparency and build trust.
We'll also share questions and thoughts from these sessions via social media for those who can't attend. Those posts will use a template like what you see here, but with the conversation bubble holding the question or thought from a community member which was voiced at the in-person session.
We hope you'll join us!
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Note: The cartoon figures within these graphics are not meant to represent any specific person(s). Nor will they ever. They are merely a design element to show of a conversation.
Everyone is welcome! This includes parents, neighbors, staff, students and general community members. We hope you'll join use in this effort to increase transparency and build trust.
We'll also share questions and thoughts from these sessions via social media for those who can't attend. Those posts will use a template like what you see here, but with the conversation bubble holding the question or thought from a community member which was voiced at the in-person session.
We hope you'll join us!
-----------------------
Note: The cartoon figures within these graphics are not meant to represent any specific person(s). Nor will they ever. They are merely a design element to show of a conversation.
Winter break is just around the corner but one of our most popular elementary family events is just under a month away! STEM Night is January 12, 2026 and registration is now open.
You can scan the QR code on the flier or you can register by clicking on the link: https://tinyurl.com/3deefu37
STEM Night is all about families having fun doing STEM activities together. This year, we are gearing up for all sorts of MAGIC! We would like to thank our donors for their generous contributions that fund our materials and a meal for attendees. Please join us in thanking the I-35 Foundation, Union State Bank and F&M Bank for their continued financial support which makes events like these possible!
#TheRoadrunnerExperience
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Please note: At least one adult must be present throughout the evening with their PK-6th grade student(s). Late registrations can't be accepted. We did reach capacity at this event last year, so please register early if you'd like to attend. One registration per household.
You can scan the QR code on the flier or you can register by clicking on the link: https://tinyurl.com/3deefu37
STEM Night is all about families having fun doing STEM activities together. This year, we are gearing up for all sorts of MAGIC! We would like to thank our donors for their generous contributions that fund our materials and a meal for attendees. Please join us in thanking the I-35 Foundation, Union State Bank and F&M Bank for their continued financial support which makes events like these possible!
#TheRoadrunnerExperience
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Please note: At least one adult must be present throughout the evening with their PK-6th grade student(s). Late registrations can't be accepted. We did reach capacity at this event last year, so please register early if you'd like to attend. One registration per household.
The agenda for Monday's Regular meeting of the I-35 Board of Directors can be found below.
December Regular Meeting
Immediately following the Regular meeting, the Board will hold a work session. That agenda can be found below.
December Board Work Session
December Regular Meeting
Immediately following the Regular meeting, the Board will hold a work session. That agenda can be found below.
December Board Work Session
At the November 24th I-35 Board of Directors meeting, the Board thanked Melissa Keller for serving her school and community as a Director for the last 4 years. They also welcomed Tom Bryant to the board to begin his term as a Director. Thank you Melissa for serving in this capacity, we are grateful for your service to the school community!
The agenda for Monday's regular I-35 School Board may be found at the following link: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=23819
The agenda for the I-35 Annual School Board meeting is available at: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=24879
The agenda for the I-35 Annual School Board meeting is available at: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=24879
11/19/25
Dear Interstate-35 School District Community,
I am writing to inform you that our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Chad Grandon, has announced his resignation effective June 30, 2026.
Mr. Grandon has decided to pursue new career opportunities outside of education for personal reasons. Throughout his time with Interstate-35, he has shown dedication to our students, staff, and community, and we are grateful for the leadership he has provided. His commitment to remain through the end of June ensures a smooth conclusion to the school year and a thoughtful transition of leadership.
The Board of Education will begin a comprehensive search for our next superintendent. Input from community members, administrators, teachers, and staff will be vital in this process, and more details will be shared as we move forward. Selecting a Superintendent of Schools is one of the most important responsibilities of the Board, and we are committed to finding the most highly qualified leader to guide our district into the future.
We thank Mr. Grandon for his service and wish him success in his future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Nathan Gibson
President, I-35 Board of Education
Dear Interstate-35 School District Community,
I am writing to inform you that our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Chad Grandon, has announced his resignation effective June 30, 2026.
Mr. Grandon has decided to pursue new career opportunities outside of education for personal reasons. Throughout his time with Interstate-35, he has shown dedication to our students, staff, and community, and we are grateful for the leadership he has provided. His commitment to remain through the end of June ensures a smooth conclusion to the school year and a thoughtful transition of leadership.
The Board of Education will begin a comprehensive search for our next superintendent. Input from community members, administrators, teachers, and staff will be vital in this process, and more details will be shared as we move forward. Selecting a Superintendent of Schools is one of the most important responsibilities of the Board, and we are committed to finding the most highly qualified leader to guide our district into the future.
We thank Mr. Grandon for his service and wish him success in his future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Nathan Gibson
President, I-35 Board of Education
Enjoy this "Inside I-35" snapshot! 8th grade students were challenged to find an explorer during the 1400s and 1500s and debate one why that explorer should have the "Most Influential of All Time" title. The students were expected to do research, create rebuttals, think of counterarguments, and have a strong closing statement. All classes participated and students went through many different elimination rounds. The finalists were from 1st and 2nd hour.
🎉 Congratulations to the group that had Jacques Cartier!🎉
Pictured (left to right): Jared Jelsma, Carter Hinkle, Carly Gehringer, and Camille Hutton-Edwards. Not pictured: Kinsley Miller.
#TheRoadrunnerExperience #LearningLookIn #InsideI35
🎉 Congratulations to the group that had Jacques Cartier!🎉
Pictured (left to right): Jared Jelsma, Carter Hinkle, Carly Gehringer, and Camille Hutton-Edwards. Not pictured: Kinsley Miller.
#TheRoadrunnerExperience #LearningLookIn #InsideI35
