Will Rubel For DCG School Board

07/17/2026

**📋 In case you missed last night's Dallas Center-Grimes School Board meeting...**

The DCG School Board held a special meeting focused on getting everything ready for the upcoming school year.

Some of the highlights included:
✅ Approval of annual district business, personnel items, and financial matters
✅ Appointment and swearing-in of Michelle Wehrmuth as Board Secretary & Treasurer
✅ Discussion of new Iowa education laws, including classroom behavior expectations, screen time requirements, and graduation civics testing
✅ Approval of the district's invitation to join the Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML)
✅ Updates on the Operations Center project, transportation facilities, and elementary school technology upgrades
✅ Planning for staff orientation and preparations before students return this fall

The meeting also set upcoming public hearings for the Operations Center project and the Northridge Elementary trail easement.

Want the full story without watching the entire meeting?

👉 Read the community-friendly meeting summary here:
https://civic-translator.org/iowa/school-boards/dcg/iowa-school-boards-dcg-2026-07-16-simbli-31376-meeting-summary

Our summaries are designed to help busy community members quickly understand what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.

What Community Members Should Know The Dallas Center Grimes Community Schools Board held a special meeting focused primarily on routine organizational business, preparation for the upcoming school…

07/02/2026

**📚 DCG School Board Meeting Summary | July 1, 2026**

One of the primary topics discussed during the July 1 special meeting was the invitation for Dallas Center–Grimes to potentially join the **Central Iowa Metro League (CIML).**

This meeting included a detailed discussion of the potential benefits, concerns, and unanswered questions surrounding the invitation. Board members considered conference stability, student opportunities, travel, community identity, enrollment trends, and the long-term future of athletics and activities.

To help make this complex discussion easier to understand, we've created the attached visual summary from the past 3 board meetings which discussed the CIML discussion. (NOTE: Must download in order to fully zoom-in to read smaller fonts) It separates:

✅ Facts presented during the meetings
⚖️ The different perspectives discussed
❓ Questions that still need additional information
🧠 Assumptions and reasoning used during the discussion (with representative statements from the meeting)
📋 The board's discussion, key themes, and next steps

**Important clarification:**
The July 1 meeting **did not approve joining the CIML.** The infographic reflects that the invitation was discussed extensively, but **the motion to join was not approved at that meeting.**

Our goal is to help residents better understand **how decisions are being discussed**, not simply what the final outcome was. Complex issues often involve competing priorities, differing assumptions, and information that is still unknown. Presenting those elements together can help make public meetings more accessible and transparent.

📖 We encourage everyone to:

* Review the infographic.
* Watch the meeting if you're interested in hearing the full discussion.
* Read the agenda and supporting materials.
* Share your thoughts respectfully with the school board.

**What additional information do you think would help the community better understand the potential impacts of joining (or not joining) the CIML?**

07/01/2026

🏫 **DCG School Board Special Meeting – Tonight**
📅 **Wednesday, July 1, 2026**
🕠 **5:30 PM**
📍 **DCG Administration Center – Board Room**
💻 **Watch live online:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTSQUzhKjbA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTSQUzhKjbA)

The DCG School Board will meet **tonight** to consider several items that could have a lasting impact on the district. The attached infographic summarizes the meeting packet and highlights the major topics scheduled for discussion.

# # # 📌 Items on Tonight's Agenda

🏈 **CIML Conference Invitation**

* Consider accepting an invitation to join the **Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML)** beginning with the 2028–29 school year.
* If approved, DCG would begin the process of leaving the Little Hawkeye Conference following the 2027–28 school year.

📊 **Qualtrics CESA 6 Contract**

* Proposed **$2,520** agreement to support the district's survey and data platform during the 2026–27 school year.

🎥 **ScoreVision Software Contract**

* Software agreement for the new DCG stadium video board.
* First year is included in the project cost, with proposed renewals of **$2,500 annually** for Years 2–5.

🚧 **North Ridge Elementary Trail Easement**

* Consider setting a **public hearing for July 20** regarding a temporary construction and trail easement with the City of Grimes.

👥 **Additional Business**

* DCG Booster Club check presentation
* Personnel contracts, resignations, and changes
* Superintendent report
* Next regular board meeting scheduling

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❓ **Questions to Consider**

• How could joining the CIML affect DCG students, families, and athletic programs?

• How will the ScoreVision software enhance student and community experiences at DCG events?

• What is the purpose of the proposed North Ridge trail easement, and what questions should be discussed during the upcoming public hearing?

• How will Qualtrics be used to improve district planning and communication?

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📊 The attached infographic is intended to help community members quickly understand what's in tonight's meeting packet before the discussion begins.

Whether you attend in person or watch online, staying informed helps strengthen community engagement and supports thoughtful conversations about the future of our schools.

📎 The infographic is attached below.

💬 **Strong communities stay informed, ask thoughtful questions, and participate.**

06/24/2026

📚 **DCG School Board Meeting Summary – June 22, 2026**

Most parents, taxpayers, and community members don't have time to sit through an entire school board meeting or read every report presented to the board.

That's why I put together the attached infographic.

The goal isn't to tell anyone what to think. It's simply to provide an **easy-to-read summary of the meeting, the questions that were asked, and the topics that will impact students, staff, and taxpayers.**

A few highlights from this meeting:

🏫 **Enrollment growth remains a major focus**
The board reviewed updated enrollment projections showing continued district growth, with discussion about how future enrollment trends will impact staffing, programming, and facility needs.

🏗️ **Planning for future high school capacity**
Board members discussed long-term facility planning and enrollment forecasts as the district prepares for future growth and evaluates capacity needs at the high school level.

🏈 **Student activities continue to thrive**
The Activities Department shared highlights from another successful year, including state tournament appearances, strong participation across programs, and continued community support for student activities.

🎓 **School choice and enrollment trends were discussed**
Board members asked questions about Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs), open enrollment trends, and how those factors compare to other metro-area districts.

🏛️ **The CIML conference proposal generated significant discussion**
Community members shared perspectives regarding the proposed conference realignment, and the board ultimately removed the CIML vote from the agenda to allow for additional discussion and consideration.

💬 **Board questions focused on the future**
Discussion centered on growth planning, student opportunities, community engagement, facility needs, and ensuring the district is prepared for future enrollment changes.

These conversations affect things that matter to all of us:

✔️ Student opportunities and activities
✔️ School facilities and future growth
✔️ District finances and long-term planning
✔️ Academic and extracurricular programs
✔️ The experience of DCG students and families
✔️ Community engagement in local decisions

Whether you attended the meeting, watched the livestream, or are simply trying to stay informed while balancing work, family, and activities, I hope these summaries help make school board discussions more accessible.

**You shouldn't have to watch an entire meeting to understand the key topics being discussed in our schools.**

Take a look at the infographic and let me know:

💬 **What stood out to you most from this meeting?**

Strong communities are built when residents stay informed, ask thoughtful questions, and remain engaged in the future of their schools.

06/19/2026

📋 DCG School Board Meeting Preview | June 22, 2026

The June 22nd DCG School Board agenda and packet include several major topics that could impact students, families, staff, and taxpayers in the years ahead.

Key items include:

🏆 **Potential CIML Conference Membership**
The board will consider accepting an invitation to join the Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML) beginning with the 2028–29 school year and formally notifying the Little Hawkeye Conference of its intent to leave following the 2027–28 school year.

📉 **Enrollment Outlook**
District enrollment is projected at 3,479 students for the 2026–27 school year, approximately 60 fewer students than current enrollment levels.

🛡️ **Facilities, Safety & Operations**
Agenda items include fire alarm monitoring agreements, facility maintenance services, water treatment contracts, district facilities updates, and support for the North Ridge Elementary renovation project.

💰 **Financial Oversight**
Board members will review bills, revenue and expenditure reports, financial statements, bond investment updates, and a proposed equipment breakdown insurance renewal with an annual premium of approximately $1.99 million.

🏦 **Bond Investment Earnings**
Recently invested bond proceeds are expected to generate approximately $1.18 million in interest earnings that can help support voter-approved projects.

🎓 **Student Services & School Improvement**
The packet includes special education agreements, student teaching partnerships, child nutrition appointments, state and federal compliance updates, and ongoing district improvement planning.

💻 **Technology & Activities**
The board will consider renewals for Hudl athletic software, Bound activities software, Vector Solutions training services, and other agreements supporting student activities and district operations.

❓ **Community Discussion**

Should DCG consider adding student representatives to school board discussions?

Neighboring districts such as Johnston, Waukee, and West Des Moines include students in board-level conversations. Would student representation strengthen decision-making at DCG?

What issue from this packet do you believe deserves the most attention from the board?

06/06/2026

📚 **DCG School Board Special Meeting Summary – June 4, 2026**

Let's be honest—most parents and community members don't have time to watch a two-hour school board meeting or read through hundreds of pages of board materials.

That's why I put together the attached infographic.

My goal isn't to tell people what to think. It's simply to provide an **easy-to-read summary of what happened**, what questions were asked, and what decisions were made—so you can stay informed about what's happening in our schools.

A few highlights from this meeting:

🏗️ **Facilities projects continue moving forward**
The board approved several contracts related to North Ridge Elementary renovations, secure entry improvements, and other projects tied to the district's long-term facilities plan.

📺 **The High School Video Board project was approved**
The board accepted bids and approved the contract for the new video board, which will be used during athletic events and other school activities.

🎭 **Additional support for Fine Arts and Activities**
The board approved a new full-time Assistant Activities Director position focused on Fine Arts and Event Operations to help coordinate student programs and events.

👩‍🏫 **Staff feedback was discussed**
Board members reviewed superintendent goals and discussed employee survey feedback, participation, and opportunities for improvement.

💰 **Board members asked important questions**
Questions focused on financial stewardship, staffing models, compensation costs, project priorities, and ensuring district resources are being used wisely.

These decisions affect things that matter to all of us:

✔️ Student opportunities and activities
✔️ School facilities and safety
✔️ Staffing and retention
✔️ District finances and taxpayer dollars
✔️ The overall experience of DCG families

Whether you attended the meeting, watched the livestream, or are just trying to stay informed while juggling work, kids, activities, and everything else life throws at us, I hope these summaries are helpful.

**You shouldn't have to watch the entire meeting to understand what's happening in our schools.**

Take a look at the infographic, and let me know:

💬 **What topics would you like summarized in future board meetings?**

Strong communities are built when people stay informed, ask thoughtful questions, and remain engaged in the future of their schools.

06/03/2026

🏫 **DCG School Board Special Meeting Summary**
📅 **June 4, 2026 • 4:30 PM**

I reviewed the June 4th DCG School Board Special Meeting packet and created the attached infographic to help summarize the key items being considered by the board.

This special meeting is largely focused on facilities projects, construction contracts, future planning, personnel updates, and Superintendent Scott Blum's annual goals review.

📌 **Major Items Before the Board**

🏗️ **Facilities & Construction**
• $715,000 Dallas Center Elementary Secure Entry Project
• $665,150 North Ridge Elementary Renovations
• $492,899 High School Video Board Project
• Geotechnical studies for future facility planning

💰 **Total Investments Under Consideration**
Approximately **$1.9 million**

👥 **Personnel Updates**
• New hires and coaching positions
• Staff transfers
• Resignations
• Proposed Assistant Activities Director position

🚌 **Corteva Transportation Agreement**
• Summer transportation contract
• Potential additional district revenue

🎯 **Superintendent Goals Review**
Dr. Scott Blum will present a review of progress toward the district's 2025–26 goals, including strategic planning, AI initiatives, compensation studies, teaching and learning improvements, and community engagement efforts.

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❓ **Questions Our Community Might Ask**

1️⃣ **Should the DCG School Board direct the Facilities Planning Committee to operate with publicly posted agendas, public minutes, and meetings open to community observation similar to practices used by some surrounding districts?**

2️⃣ What educational, community, and athletic outcomes will be used to measure success of the proposed **$492,899 High School Video Board Project?**

3️⃣ What future facility projects are being evaluated through the newly approved geotechnical studies?

4️⃣ How do personnel changes, transfers, and resignations affect program continuity and student opportunities?

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📊 One section of the infographic compares facilities planning committee structures used by surrounding metro districts and raises a broader question about transparency, public participation, and access to information during long-range facilities discussions.

As our district continues investing in facilities, security, and future planning, these are the kinds of questions that help strengthen community understanding and engagement.

Whether you agree or disagree with any particular project, informed discussion is healthy and important.

📎 The infographic is attached below.

💬 **Strong communities ask strong questions.**

Join me on **Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM** as the board considers these items and discusses the future direction of the district.

05/16/2026

🏫 **DCG School Board Meeting — Monday, May 18, 2026 • 5:30 PM**

I reviewed the upcoming Dallas Center–Grimes school board packet and created an updated infographic summarizing many of the major financial, enrollment, staffing, governance, and long-range planning topics being discussed tonight.

📌 Topics highlighted in the packet include:

• The recently approved **$44M General Obligation Bond**
• Approximately **$828K in additional bills and expenditures**
• Enrollment and open enrollment trends
• The RSP demographic and enrollment analysis
• Staffing changes and high school turnover impacts
• Capital projects, facilities, and technology investments
• Internet Safety Plan public hearing
• Ongoing recurring operational and software agreements

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📊 One of the most important presentations tonight is the **RSP Enrollment Analysis**.

After reviewing the report, the analysis appears generally competent and credible, but many of the long-term projections rely heavily on:

* continued housing growth,
* strong open enrollment inflow,
* and DCG remaining regionally competitive in programming and reputation.

The report gives less attention to:

* downside economic scenarios,
* demographic disruption,
* staffing/program quality risks,
* and the growing impact of ESAs and regional competition.

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⚠️ Another topic highlighted in the infographic:

Several surrounding metro districts — including:

* Ankeny
* Johnston
* Waukee
* West Des Moines
* Des Moines Public Schools

…utilize finance or finance-advisory committee structures that generally operate publicly under Iowa Open Meetings practices.

The infographic includes a side-by-side comparison of those governance structures.

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👥 The packet also reflects continued turnover in several high school and student-support positions during a period when DCG increasingly depends on strong programming, retention, and open enrollment attraction for future growth.

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📎 I attached the updated infographic to help summarize the packet in a more visual and digestible format before the meeting.

📅 Join me Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the DCG Administration Center Board Room as the board discusses these topics and makes decisions that will shape the district’s long-term direction.

💬 Strong communities ask strong questions.

04/27/2026

🏫 School Board Meeting Tonight: April 27th, 2026 – 5:30 PM

This is a simple visual summary of the DCG School Board Packet to help make the key topics easier to understand 👇

📊 What’s happening right now:

• Enrollment is stable but slightly down
• Teachers are mostly stable, but support staff turnover continues
• The district is moving forward with a major expansion phase
• A ~$44M bond is being considered for facilities
• Operating costs and long-term commitments are increasing

⭐ Moody’s Credit Review (Key Insight):

DCG received a strong Aa2 rating (high quality), but also noted:

• Debt levels are expected to increase
• Reserves are projected to decline over time
• Long-term financial obligations are rising

👉 In plain terms:
The district is financially strong today, but taking on more future commitments

👀 What to watch tonight:

• How expansion plans align with enrollment trends
• Whether staffing remains balanced with student needs
• How rising costs compare to revenue growth
• The long-term impact of new debt and contracts

❓ Questions the community might ask:

• How will the proposed $44M bond affect the district’s long-term debt and financial flexibility?
• What happens if enrollment does not grow as projected?
• How is the district addressing support staff turnover and classroom support needs?
• What is DCG’s flagship program to attract and retain students—and how will it be named, branded, and marketed compared to programs like APEX (Waukee), Central Campus (Des Moines), Orbis (Ankeny), or Summit (Johnston)?

📌 Bottom line:

DCG is in a strong position, but also entering a period of:

increased investment
higher long-term costs
and reliance on future growth

Take a look at the infographic and come informed to tonight’s meeting.

💬 If you plan to attend or have thoughts, feel free to share below.

💬 Strong communities ask strong questions.

03/30/2026

📣 Come join us tonight at this month’s school board meeting.
There are some important trends and decisions in this packet that deserve attention—and community voices matter.

📢 What’s in the Packet:

𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 (𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐩)
$31.8M proposed tax levy
58% Management Fund increase
Facilities projects (HVAC, playgrounds)
Routine financial and board business

📉 Enrollment Trend (This is important):

We’re not just seeing a small fluctuation… there is a clear downward trend:

📊 March 2025
• Total Students: 3,561
• Monthly Change: −3

📊 March 2026
• Total Students: 3,501
• Monthly Change: −9

👉 Year-over-Year Change: −60 students

👉 Monthly decline is increasing (−3 → −9)

⚠️ This matters because:

Elementary enrollment is driving the decline
Funding follows students
Today’s elementary drop = tomorrow’s middle & high school impact
Growth depends on ~1,400 near-term housing units

But the demographer also warned:

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬

👉 This is where accuracy slips in real time:

If homes are delayed → students arrive later
If buyers skew older → fewer kids per home

The key disconnect (this is the takeaway):

On paper: “Hundreds of lots / strong development”
In reality:
~6–10 actual new-home buyers/month (as of February 2026)
~1–4 students/month (estimated based on past projections)

👉 That gap is exactly where the demographer’s projections can drift

🧠 Why this matters:

The district appears to be planning for future growth—but enrollment is declining today.

👉 The key questions citizens can ask are:

How do the demographer's projection models adjust for changes in affordability—such as higher interest rates, increasing inflation, increasing unemployment rates and increasing debt burdens—that may affect who can actually move into new housing? (The demographer's answers about their models and algorithms may surprise you.)

In an increasingly competitive environment with school choice and vouchers, what is the district’s strategy to actively attract and retain families like private schools are doing, and who is primarily responsible for doing it?

📅 School Board Meeting
March 30th, 2026 – 5:30pm

💬 Strong communities ask strong questions.