10/13/2026
Whole-Grade Sharing Questions and Answers:
Q: Will the school be moving away from its current partners and adding Madrid, or would Madrid be an additional partner?
A: The current intent of negotiating with Madrid is to end the whole-grade sharing agreements with Ames and Boone. However, parents may still choose to enroll their children in either district through Iowa’s open enrollment process. The application deadline is March 1, and the application is available at this link: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/10175/download?inline
Q: Will students currently in grades 7–12 attending Ames or Boone through whole-grade sharing be grandfathered in so they can continue attending those districts?
A: Students cannot be grandfathered in to continue attending Ames or Boone through whole-grade sharing. However, families may apply for open enrollment to allow their children to continue attending the district of their choice. The application deadline is March 1, and the application is available at this link: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/10175/download?inline
Q: Why aren’t the details of the agreement being shared at this time?
A: The whole-grade sharing process involves several steps:
Study potential partner districts.
Announce the intent to negotiate an agreement.
Negotiate the details of the agreement.
Hold a public hearing.
Make a final decision.
The process is currently in the negotiation stage. Additional details will be developed as negotiations progress, before the public hearing and final decision.
Q: When would a new whole-grade sharing agreement with Madrid take effect?
A: The current whole-grade sharing agreement with Ames and Boone ends at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. The new whole-grade sharing agreement would start with the 2027-2028 school year.
Q: Has a final decision been made to partner with Madrid?
A: No final decision has been made at this stage. The district is currently negotiating with Madrid. The process will include a public hearing before a final decision is made.
Q: Why is the district considering Madrid as a potential partner?
A: The district is exploring options for whole-grade sharing to determine the best path forward for its students and school community. The potential agreement with Madrid is currently being negotiated, and additional information will be shared as the process progresses. Based on its review, the board identified Madrid as its preferred partner, citing the district's academic performance, small class sizes, willingness to coordinate school calendars and start times, and considerations related to student safety.
Q: What will happen to students who currently attend Ames or Boone through whole-grade sharing?
A: If the current whole-grade sharing agreements end, students would no longer attend those districts through those agreements. Families who wish for their children to continue attending Ames or Boone may apply through Iowa’s open enrollment process. The application deadline is March 1, and the application is available at this link: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/10175/download?inline
Q: Will families be required to send their children to Madrid if a new agreement is approved?
A: The intent of the proposed change is to establish a whole-grade sharing agreement with Madrid. Families who wish to have their children attend another district may explore the open enrollment process, subject to applicable requirements and deadlines.
Q: May a parent or guardian open enroll out of the district after the agreement is signed?
A: Yes, if the open enrollment application is filed with the resident and receiving districts by March 1.
Q: Will transportation be provided for students attending Madrid?
A: Yes. Transportation arrangements have not yet been finalized. Additional information will be shared as details of a potential agreement are developed.
Q: Will students be able to participate in sports, music, and other extracurricular activities?
A: Yes. United resident students will be offered the same extracurricular opportunities and participation as Madrid resident students. More information will be provided as these details are determined.
Q: How can parents and community members share their questions or concerns?
A: Parents and community members are encouraged to contact district administration with questions or concerns. Opportunities for public input will also be provided through the public hearing process. The public hearing is tentatively scheduled for December 15. Please watch the United website for more details.
Q: Does the Madrid campus offer the same DMACC class opportunities as the Boone campus?
A: Madrid has a collaborative agreement with DMACC for concurrent enrollment opportunities.
Q: Where can we read the Board minutes for the meeting?
A: Board meeting minutes are published in the Boone County Tribune and posted on the United website within two weeks following a meeting.
Q: When will more information be available?
A: More information will be shared as negotiations progress and details of a potential agreement are developed. The public hearing will provide another opportunity for the community to learn about the proposal before a final decision is made.
Q: When will the final decision be made?
A: The deadline to finalize a whole-grade sharing agreement is February 1 of the school year preceding the school year for which the agreement is to take effect.
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The United Community School District Board of Education has selected Madrid Community Schools as its preferred partner for a potential whole-grade sharing agreement.
The agreement is not yet finalized, and discussions will continue over the next several months. If approved, the partnership is expected to begin with the 2027-28 school year.
To learn more about this decision and the next steps in the process, read the full press release at https://bit.ly/UnitedPressRelease
