June 2026 Community Central Connect
As we cross the finish line of a fantastic 25-26 school year, I want to extend my gratitude to our students, families, teachers, and staff. This year, we have celebrated academic achievements, athletic milestones, and created successes across our classrooms and stages. Our school community thrives because of the incredible support, dedication, and partnership we share right here in the Turkey River Valley.
While our hallways may be quiet for the summer, the work behind the scenes continues as we look toward the future from planning professional development to implementing legislative changes to rewaxing the floors. Thank you for making the 26-27 school year a memorable one. I wish you all a safe, sunny, and restful summer!
Updates:
PPEL: As part of our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and well-maintained learning environments for Central students, the district and Board of Education are currently finalizing a comprehensive 5-Year Facilities Plan. This long-range planning process helps identify priorities related to building maintenance, transportation needs, safety improvements, and infrastructure projects across the district.
One important funding source that supports these types of projects is the Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). The district's current voted PPEL authority is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026. As a result, the Board of Education has established an election date of Tuesday, September 8, 2026, allowing community members the opportunity to consider whether to renew this measure.
Voted PPEL Information
Ballot Proposal: On September 8, voters will consider renewal of the Voted PPEL for a period of 10 years beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
Property Tax Rate: The proposed levy would continue at the current rate of $0.67 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. Approval of the measure would continue the current levy rate and would not increase the district's current school property tax rate.
Allowable Uses: By law, PPEL revenues are restricted to infrastructure, technology, transportation, and equipment-related expenditures. These funds cannot be used for salaries or general operating expenses.
Current Facilities Priorities
As part of the district's long-range planning process, several projects have been identified as significant priorities within the developing 5-Year Facilities Plan.
Riverside HVAC Improvements: One identified priority involves the Riverside wing of the building, where portions of the heating and ventilation rely on original univentilator units installed in 1959. Modernization of this area would improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and classroom climate control.
Transportation Fleet Planning: PPEL funds also support the district's planned replacement schedule for aging buses and service vehicles, helping maintain safe and reliable transportation for students.
Voting Information
Election Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Eligibility: Registered voters residing within the boundaries of Central Community School District may participate.
Summer Office Hours: As we transition into the summer months, we wanted to share a few updates regarding office availability and summer schedules. While school may be out for students, our staff will continue preparing for the upcoming year and assisting families throughout the summer.
District & High School Offices: The District and High School Offices will remain open and operational throughout the summer to assist families with registration, transcripts, enrollment questions, and general inquiries.
Elementary School Office: The Elementary Office will be closed for a four-week period from June 12 through July 13. During this time, families needing assistance with elementary-related matters are encouraged to contact the High School/District Office.
Summer Office Hours: Beginning June 1, all open district offices will operate on summer hours from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
We appreciate your flexibility and encourage families to contact us if we can be of assistance during the summer months.
Summer Food Program: We are pleased to announce the return of the Central CSD Summer Food Program, ensuring our students continue to have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer months.
Starting on Thursday, June 4, 2026, free meal packages will be distributed weekly. To make this program as accessible as possible for all district families, our food service team will be operating weekly pickup locations across our communities every Thursday.
Weekly Pickup Schedule (Thursdays, Beginning June 4)
Elkader: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Volga: 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
St. Olaf: 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Elkport / Garber: 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Important Program Reminders
Bring a Container: To help our distribution lines move smoothly and safely, families are asked to please bring a box, basket, or reusable tote bag to collect and carry your food items at pickup.
Food Allergies: If your child has a specific food allergy or dietary restriction, please contact Food Service Director Kara Armstrong in advance at karmstrong@central.k12.ia.us so our kitchen team can accommodate your student's needs safely.
Summer Learning Beyond the Classroom: Summer should absolutely include rest, fun, and family time. It can also provide meaningful opportunities for learning that do not feel like schoolwork. Preventing the "summer slide" does not require worksheets or structured desk time. Learning can happen naturally through everyday experiences, conversations, and community activities.
For Our Elementary Readers
Set aside 15-20 minutes a day for reading: Graphic novels, comic books, audiobooks, and magazines all count. We also encourage regular trips to the Elkader Public Library to explore new titles and participate in summer reading opportunities.
Everyday Math Moments: Learning opportunities often happen during daily routines. Have your child estimate the total cost of items in a grocery cart by rounding prices and adding them together. In the kitchen, ask children to help measure ingredients using 1/2 cups or 3/4 teaspoons and discuss fractions in a practical way.
Discover a New Hobby: Summer is a great time to encourage curiosity. Students might plant a small garden, start a bird-watching journal, learn basic coding, sketch, build something, or practice a musical instrument.
Explore Our Backyard: We are fortunate to live in the beautiful Turkey River Valley, which can serve as a living classroom. Take a walk on the Pony Hollow Trail, identify local trees, study rock formations, or simply explore nature together.
For Older Students: Real-World Independence and Future Planning: Middle and high school students can use summer as an opportunity to build practical life skills, gain independence, and think about future possibilities.
Financial Literacy in Action: If your student has a summer job or receives an allowance, help them create a simple budget. Introduce concepts such as saving, tracking expenses, or setting long-term goals.
Independent Life Skills: Challenge students to take ownership of a household responsibility. Ask them to plan a family meal, create a grocery list within a budget, and prepare dinner from start to finish. Learning basic cooking and planning skills can provide valuable preparation for life after high school.
Career Exploration: Summer can be a low-pressure time to explore future careers. Encourage students to research careers related to their interests or reach out to local professionals for informational conversations or job-shadow opportunities.
Community Service and Leadership: Volunteering is a meaningful way to develop leadership skills while giving back. Students might assist with community events, youth programs, local organizations, or environmental projects.
We wish all of our Central CSD families a safe, happy, and wonder-filled summer.
Stay Connected: If you know someone who would like to receive these monthly updates by email, please contact the district office to be added to our mailing list. Staying connected helps us continue the strong communication that makes Central such a special place to learn and work.
In education,
Micah L. Gearhart
Central Superintendent