Honoring the first set of students and staff members of the month highlighted Monday’s Fort Dodge Community School District board meeting.

Preschooler Andrew Underberg, seventh grader Madisyn Smith and high school student Brandt Waller were recognized along with Director of Safety and Security Roger Porter. Underberg was nominated by Early Childhood Center teacher Kirby Smith; Smith was nominated by the Seven Plum team; Waller was nominated by high school social studies teacher Todd Constable; and Porter was nominated by the district’s Early Childhood Center.

The Board of Directors approved the 2024-2025 Early Retirement Incentive Offer. Superintendent Josh Porter noted there are 68 current employees who would be eligible.

Board members also approved a request for an amended supplemental amount of $192,687.27 for a 2023-2024 special education deficit balance. According to Brandon Hansel, the district’s executive director of financial services, the shortfall was a normal expense for the district and has occurred in other districts, according to the Iowa School Boards Association.

Porter also discussed the certified enrollment ratio with the board. The district currently has 3,426 students, a decrease of 94 from 2023-24.

“This is a trend that is happening across the state,” he said. “There are open enrollment options, ESA rules are changing and online offers are available. The biggest of these have been online academies because they are popping up everywhere.”

Feelhaver Element Director Sara Fitzgerald and Director of Human Services Kim Whitmore updated the board on some important issues. Fitzgerald talked about a new sign at the school entrance and the push for stronger literacy and individual character programs as part of the 2024-25 school year.

Whitmore discussed 30 new teachers joining the district’s faculty and successes with the beginning of the year events.