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
------------------------------
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
Dear Roadrunner Families,
I want to thank everyone who took time to vote in the Bond 2025 election. The measure earned support from more than half of our community but did not reach the 60% supermajority required for passage. While a majority of voters agreed with the proposed improvements, it was not enough to move forward.
At this time, the district and Board of Education do not yet know what the next steps will be to address the critical facility needs identified through four years of study, two community-led facilities committees, and two school boards. We know these needs will not go away, and costs will only rise in the coming years, but we will continue working to determine a responsible path forward for our students and community.
Go Roadrunners!
Chad Grandon
Superintendent
Interstate 35 Community School District
I want to thank everyone who took time to vote in the Bond 2025 election. The measure earned support from more than half of our community but did not reach the 60% supermajority required for passage. While a majority of voters agreed with the proposed improvements, it was not enough to move forward.
At this time, the district and Board of Education do not yet know what the next steps will be to address the critical facility needs identified through four years of study, two community-led facilities committees, and two school boards. We know these needs will not go away, and costs will only rise in the coming years, but we will continue working to determine a responsible path forward for our students and community.
Go Roadrunners!
Chad Grandon
Superintendent
Interstate 35 Community School District
Dear Interstate 35 Families,
Interstate 35 Community School District is seeking your feedback on our Special Education Service Delivery Plan. As required by Iowa Code, this plan outlines how special education services are provided across our district.
Your input is important. Feedback collected during this review period will be used to refine and enhance the plan before it is presented to the Interstate 35 Board of Directors for approval.
Please review the plan and share your feedback using the link below:
https://forms.gle/ceNC9epJXLiGEjK67
The feedback period will be open until 11/19/25. Thank you for taking a few moments to share your thoughts and help us ensure the best possible services for our students.
Interstate 35 Community School District is seeking your feedback on our Special Education Service Delivery Plan. As required by Iowa Code, this plan outlines how special education services are provided across our district.
Your input is important. Feedback collected during this review period will be used to refine and enhance the plan before it is presented to the Interstate 35 Board of Directors for approval.
Please review the plan and share your feedback using the link below:
https://forms.gle/ceNC9epJXLiGEjK67
The feedback period will be open until 11/19/25. Thank you for taking a few moments to share your thoughts and help us ensure the best possible services for our students.
Let's take a moment and celebrate National Principals Month! At I-35 CSD, we are honored to have two great principals helping our students grow as learners and as people. Thank you for all you do for our school community and beyond!
#TheRoadrunnerWay
#TheRoadrunnerWay
The agenda for Monday's regular meeting of the I-35 Board of Directors is available here:
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=23818
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=23818
📢 Attention 6th-8th Grade Parents!
Join us in the school auditorium one week from today on Wednesday, Oct. 29th at 6:30 p.m. to learn all about the upcoming 2027 Washington, D.C. educational trip!
If you're wondering what the trip looks like, check out some photos from this past summer's trip!
Students were able to visit the Capital Building, the White House, the Smithsonian's, Mt. Vernon, Gettysburg, Army Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Holocaust museum and plenty of memorials like WWII, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Jefferson, MLK, FDR, and the Washington Monument. Last year's trip was even able to see the president fly over!
At the meeting, you'll learn how each traveler can qualify for a $500 Early Bird Scholarship.
Your student brought home an invitation on Monday (Oct. 20). You can also view a digital copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yIS3xael2bHEZJLOpZEP94yWDZoq2xDE/view
👉 Click here to RSVP to the meeting: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms. com/inperson/26874477076?rsvp_ id=26874477076
We hope to see you there!
Join us in the school auditorium one week from today on Wednesday, Oct. 29th at 6:30 p.m. to learn all about the upcoming 2027 Washington, D.C. educational trip!
If you're wondering what the trip looks like, check out some photos from this past summer's trip!
Students were able to visit the Capital Building, the White House, the Smithsonian's, Mt. Vernon, Gettysburg, Army Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Holocaust museum and plenty of memorials like WWII, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Jefferson, MLK, FDR, and the Washington Monument. Last year's trip was even able to see the president fly over!
At the meeting, you'll learn how each traveler can qualify for a $500 Early Bird Scholarship.
Your student brought home an invitation on Monday (Oct. 20). You can also view a digital copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yIS3xael2bHEZJLOpZEP94yWDZoq2xDE/view
👉 Click here to RSVP to the meeting: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms. com/inperson/26874477076?rsvp_ id=26874477076
We hope to see you there!
Here is the second installment of the Bond 2025 proposal's Pro & Cons lists.
Today's post discusses the academic classroom reorganization. If you'd like more background on the why behind these pros & cons lists, you can find it at the bottom of this post.
We also received feedback during the recent forum that there was confusion about which projects the bond proposal covered. To clarify, all of the projects being shared on these lists, posters or the facilities website are contained within the Bond 2025 proposal that goes to vote on November 4th. The community is voting to "say yes" or "say no" to all of these projects at one time.
As always, if you have any questions about the Bond 2025 proposal, please contact the District Office at 641-765-4291.
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Pro & Con List Background:
Following our most recent community forum, we worked to create "Pros & Cons" lists for the various big projects covered within the Bond 2025 proposal. These lists will be shared for each umbrella project over the coming days. The goal with these graphics is to keep the community informed about what concerns the projects solve (pros) and the downsides the projects present (cons).
Today's post discusses the academic classroom reorganization. If you'd like more background on the why behind these pros & cons lists, you can find it at the bottom of this post.
We also received feedback during the recent forum that there was confusion about which projects the bond proposal covered. To clarify, all of the projects being shared on these lists, posters or the facilities website are contained within the Bond 2025 proposal that goes to vote on November 4th. The community is voting to "say yes" or "say no" to all of these projects at one time.
As always, if you have any questions about the Bond 2025 proposal, please contact the District Office at 641-765-4291.
--------
Pro & Con List Background:
Following our most recent community forum, we worked to create "Pros & Cons" lists for the various big projects covered within the Bond 2025 proposal. These lists will be shared for each umbrella project over the coming days. The goal with these graphics is to keep the community informed about what concerns the projects solve (pros) and the downsides the projects present (cons).
Hey Roadrunners! Just a reminder that school gets out early today (and Thursday, Oct. 23) due to fall conferences. Students are dismissed at 1:20 p.m. and conferences run from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
We hope to see you there!
he School Improvement Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 21 @ 5:30 in the Secondary Library. The agenda can be found at the link below.
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=24743
It's Book Fair Week! The Interstate 35 Book Fair is open from Monday, October 20th - Thursday, October 23rd. It is open runs school 7:45 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. and during conferences Tuesday and Thursday 4-8 p.m.
Shop online or create your child’s Book Fair eWallet so they can shop cash-free, worry-free, and independently! It’s easy to set up and easy for others to contribute funds. Start here: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/interstateelemschool1
Please note: To shop at the book fair in the morning, students will need to have cash on hand or proof of funds in their eWallet. Thank you for your understanding!
Shop online or create your child’s Book Fair eWallet so they can shop cash-free, worry-free, and independently! It’s easy to set up and easy for others to contribute funds. Start here: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/interstateelemschool1
Please note: To shop at the book fair in the morning, students will need to have cash on hand or proof of funds in their eWallet. Thank you for your understanding!
The I-35 Board of Directors will be holding a Special Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 15 @ 6:00pm in the High School Library. This will be our final Facilities Public Meeting. Rick Seeley, OPN Architects, and Garrett Pochop, Vice President - Des Moines Public Finance Services at Piper-Sandler & Co, will be present to share and answer questions regarding our upcoming facilities Bond vote in November. Agenda may be found at
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=24658
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031611&MID=24658
Let's celebrate! Blake Scrivner auditioned for the SCIBA (South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association) 8th Grade Honor Band, competing against students from schools like Indianola, Waukee, Bondurant Farrar, and as far north as Ames. Blake had a great audition and landed in first chair for his section, earning the top placement for his instrument! Congratulations Blake! Your hard work and dedication paid off, this is a huge accomplishment!
We're hiring! The I-35 CSD has an *urgent* need for bus drivers, both full-time and part-time drivers. Bus drivers are a critical piece in school logistics as they help students get to and from school and/or extracurricular activities. Check out the quick details in the image.
View and apply for this position here: https://iowa.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5169865.
You can view all open positions for I-35 CSD on TeachIowa at https://iowa.schoolspring.com.
Additional Resources:
"Why I-35?" Prospective Employee Brochure: https://5il.co/2liz9
To learn more, please contact Transportation Director, Bobbie Finley, at bfinley@i-35.k12.ia.us or at 641-765-420 or HR Director, Jennifer Baughman, at jbaughman@i-35.k12.ia.us.
View and apply for this position here: https://iowa.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5169865.
You can view all open positions for I-35 CSD on TeachIowa at https://iowa.schoolspring.com.
Additional Resources:
"Why I-35?" Prospective Employee Brochure: https://5il.co/2liz9
To learn more, please contact Transportation Director, Bobbie Finley, at bfinley@i-35.k12.ia.us or at 641-765-420 or HR Director, Jennifer Baughman, at jbaughman@i-35.k12.ia.us.
Mark your calendars for the community-wide flu clinic! Full details are below or in the graphic:
Date: October 6, 2025
Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Location: High School Commons
Notes:
- Bring your insurance card.
- There's no copay with most plans.
- $45/adult vaccine (under 65 years old) for anyone not using insurance
For anyone wanting to arrive at 3:30 p.m., please be aware that buses park in front of the High School Commons. Upon dismissal, they typically leave between 3:25-3:30. Then the parking spaces located in front of the school will be open for visitor use.
Date: October 6, 2025
Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Location: High School Commons
Notes:
- Bring your insurance card.
- There's no copay with most plans.
- $45/adult vaccine (under 65 years old) for anyone not using insurance
For anyone wanting to arrive at 3:30 p.m., please be aware that buses park in front of the High School Commons. Upon dismissal, they typically leave between 3:25-3:30. Then the parking spaces located in front of the school will be open for visitor use.
We have some Homecoming 2025 reminders and news to share:
- The I-35 Backpack Meal Fundraiser is 5-7PM tomorrow (9/25) in front of the Commons. $7/meal (water, hamburger, chips, and dessert). The funds raised help serve students in need of assistance and is their major fundraiser every year.
- The Homecoming Parade is also tomorrow night at 6:00PM. Participants in the parade should line up at the youth baseball fields at 5:30PM.
- Following the parade, we have the Homecoming Coronation ceremony and Wall of Prode Inductee recognition.
We'd also like to wish a congratulations the 2025 Homecoming Court!
Back row: Porter Cannoy, Walker Nelson, Jack Glenn, Ben McCuddin, and Hutch Howard
Front row: Aimee Blahauvietz, Kenzy Howard, Jaley Graf, Addisyn Edwards, and Lillian Knapp
📸: Breanna Maxwell Photography
- The I-35 Backpack Meal Fundraiser is 5-7PM tomorrow (9/25) in front of the Commons. $7/meal (water, hamburger, chips, and dessert). The funds raised help serve students in need of assistance and is their major fundraiser every year.
- The Homecoming Parade is also tomorrow night at 6:00PM. Participants in the parade should line up at the youth baseball fields at 5:30PM.
- Following the parade, we have the Homecoming Coronation ceremony and Wall of Prode Inductee recognition.
We'd also like to wish a congratulations the 2025 Homecoming Court!
Back row: Porter Cannoy, Walker Nelson, Jack Glenn, Ben McCuddin, and Hutch Howard
Front row: Aimee Blahauvietz, Kenzy Howard, Jaley Graf, Addisyn Edwards, and Lillian Knapp
📸: Breanna Maxwell Photography
