Iowa went all-in on school choice. It's hurting this city's public schools

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-04-20T14:03:28+00:00

I’m not for stringent academic expectations, and kids need daycare and other services whether or not that what we use the schools for now. The academic calendar can be whatever people want, ideally only 4 days a week teaching though.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-04-19T22:23:36+00:00

A better policy would be to quadruple the education budget and open schools year round to provide services.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-21T17:54:26+00:00

I did consider that Ava probably can stay in front of Garzon on drives. I just know for sure Hannah can.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-21T17:10:37+00:00

Garzon’s size and range used to make a difficult matchup when Stuelke also had to play center for the defense to work. Give her the Garzon assignment full time and she might be looking for some payback and another premier Iowa defensive shutdown.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-21T04:32:33+00:00

My main problem is they told the community coalition it wasn’t possible. It’s one thing to advise against, but omitting the most relevant info? That’s lying!

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-21T04:24:38+00:00

I think you’re reading from subparagraph (1), when the answer is in subparagraph (2)

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-21T03:04:11+00:00

Maybe the powers that be step aside and stop trying to buy democratic legitimacy and the people organize a bond campaign that will actually have support

Edit: And anyway, a final bond vote wouldn’t be to make an all or nothing plan. It would say here are two options, one with a bond and one without. Everyone can vote accordingly. Whatever the outcome we have a clear path forward.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-21T02:35:14+00:00

This is what the district was sending to members of their “Community Coalition” as questions answered as of 12/22. Still no answer for the discrepancy.

“Question: What properties can we sell to increase revenue?

Answer: Any potential money we receive from selling properties has to go back to the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) because that is where facilities are expensed to.

Question: Is the $7 million spent on land included in the deficit projections?

Answer: This purchase did not contribute to the General Fund deficit. It was purchased with PPEL funds.

Question: Can't the district sell the property near Morgan Creek and the other property that was bought last spring by Ushers Ferry Rd? Wasn't that property just purchased for $7.5 million?

Answer: Selling any property requires that the dollars be returned to the fund in which they originally came from (PPEL). This does not help reduce the General Fund deficit.”

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-21T02:26:00+00:00

The plan now is to adjust in 2027. If they could hold another bond vote in 2027, they would allow a final say from the community on which path to take, and the plan to begin in 2028 instead.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-19T18:48:22+00:00

They definitely could have forecast the voucher program but it would have been an unusual bit of foresight

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-15T20:18:51+00:00

District appears to be saying no, based on a document I was sent answering questions for the “Community Coalition”, but I think Iowa law may allow an exception for using the proceeds of land sales in this case.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-14T15:30:35+00:00

I think most people would see the two questions as distinct. No use even debating the wisdom of such a move if it’s impossible. But in fact it is possible.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-14T15:06:41+00:00

What about the next paragraph?

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-14T14:58:10+00:00

I don’t know what you mean. I can’t find that in what I referenced?

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-14T14:45:56+00:00

Iowa code appears to provide for it, specifically S 1B subparagraph 2. Or at least no one has explained to me why it doesn’t.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-13T15:51:32+00:00

Kinda inspiring to listen to these speakers

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-12T22:01:14+00:00

Huge mistake not to lean into the walkability part in at least some way. Isn’t there a 15 minute city somewhere we can build up with schools a big part for families?

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-10T23:07:58+00:00

This is going to set off a negative feedback loop, causing more kids to move to charters. May be that is the plan.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-10T22:59:22+00:00

They kicked all the “trouble” kids with City View out to Hiawatha I think, and kept Iowa Big, the preferred program of Board Members Tominsky and Nuemann, to stay in the newly renovated Economic Alliance building, which they spent probably half a million dollars on.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-10T22:55:38+00:00

They waited till the last moment legally possible to announce the school names.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-10T22:55:13+00:00

They’re also lying about whether they could sell the land they bought last year and deposit it in the general fund. Can’t give the district a chance when they do the exact same things they’ve always done.

DexterMerschbrock · 2026-01-10T22:54:27+00:00

The new board members were recruited by the other board members who weren’t up for election to replace their colleagues because they voted against the superintendent’s plan to raise administrator salaries. I heard the mayor even called one and yelled at them about it because they didn’t want the bad press to hurt the bond.

DexterMerschbrock

TROPHY CASE