May 2026 Community Central Connect
We are thrilled to share some extraordinary news with our school community. According to a national analysis by The 74, Central Community School District has been officially recognized as a “Bright Spot” school for our 3rd-grade reading results.
While the national average for reading proficiency has faced challenges in recent years, 90% of our 3rd graders met or exceeded proficiency standards. This puts Central in the top 5% of schools nationwide that are "beating the odds."
The "Bright Spots" study looked at over 40,000 schools, comparing academic results against economic challenges. A huge congratulations to our students, a thank you to our hardworking staff, and thank you to our communities for supporting and entrusting us with your children.
Updates:
Radon: The safety of our students, staff, and visitors is always our top priority. As part of our ongoing facilities maintenance, we recently wrapped up our official five-year radon testing process.
The testing process is designed to be rigorous. Although our first round of testing flagged a small number of areas, we followed up with two additional rounds of targeted testing to ensure accuracy. We are happy to report that both follow-up tests came back well within the safe, allowable limits.
The final certification letter is available for public viewing on our District website, under the District tab. We are proud to maintain a healthy environment for our entire community!
Property Tax Reform: During the legislative session, the Iowa Legislature continues to move forward on a property tax reform package. As this work progresses, I want to provide a brief update on how potential changes may impact our district and community.
Overview
SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) is a statewide one-cent sales tax that supports school infrastructure projects such as buildings, technology, and major repairs. PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) is a property tax levy that supports similar needs, including maintenance, transportation, and equipment. Current proposals being discussed include adjustments to the statewide levy, changes to how sales tax (SAVE), and reduction to PPEL limits. These decisions are still being finalized at the state level.
Potential Impact on the District
As with any changes to school funding structures, there may be implications for how the district plans and manages its budget. Areas that could be affected include long-term facility planning, equipment replacement, and other infrastructure needs that are typically supported through SAVE and PPEL funding.
As we learn more, we will continue to review our budget and prioritize resources to maintain strong educational programming and operations.
Our Focus Moving Forward
Our priority remains providing a high-quality educational experience for students while managing district resources responsibly. We will continue to monitor legislative decisions, plan accordingly, and keep the Board and community informed as more details become available.
OJT: Central’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) program is a great experience for both our students and our community. Seventeen seniors were placed with local businesses during the 26-27 school year, where they had the opportunity to build both professional and technical skills as they prepare for their next steps after graduation.
These experiences allow students to extend their learning beyond the classroom and into real work environments. They gain a better understanding of expectations, responsibility, and what it means to contribute in a professional setting. Just as importantly, students begin to connect their interests and skills to potential career paths.
We appreciate our local business partners who continue to invest in our students. Their willingness to provide these opportunities plays an important role in helping students prepare for life after high school and strengthens the connection between our school and community.
Staff Appreciation: It’s time to roll out the red carpet! The first full week of May is Staff Appreciation Week, and we couldn't be more excited to honor the incredible team that makes our school a second home for our students. From the classroom to the front office, and the cafeteria to the playground, our staff works tirelessly to inspire, support, and grow our young learners.
While we know our community is always grateful, this week is our chance to turn that gratitude into action! We’ve put together a list of no-cost ways your family can join in the celebration and make our staff feel like the heroes they are.
You don’t need a budget to make a big impact. Here are a few ways your student can show their thanks:
The Power of the Pen: A handwritten note or a hand-drawn picture is often a teacher's most prized possession. Encourage your child to write about a favorite memory or something specific they learned this year.
A "Video Shout-Out": Film a quick 15-second clip on your phone of your student saying "Thank You" and email it to the office for us to post on social media.
High-Five Morning: Encourage your student to give an extra-enthusiastic "Good Morning!" or a high-five to the bus drivers, custodians, and office staff.
Email an Admin: Send a quick note to the principal highlighting a staff member who has gone above and beyond. Positive feedback is a gift that keeps on giving!
Chalk the Walk: If you’re at the school for pickup or an event, stop in one of the offices to borrow a stick of sidewalk chalk to leave a "Thank You" message on the sidewalk for the staff to see as they arrive in the morning.
Board Appreciation: In addition to celebrating our campus staff this May, we are also taking a moment to recognize Board Appreciation Month. Our Board of Directors serves as the visionary foundation of our school district, volunteering countless hours to ensure our students have the resources, safety, and academic excellence they deserve.
These dedicated community members work behind the scenes, navigating complex policies and budgets, all with one goal in mind: the success of our children. A huge thank you to President Josh Embretson, Vice-President Jared Funk, and directors Mike Whittle, Marcus Belser, Andrew Clark, Abby Heitman, and Jarod Bormann.
Upcoming Events:
May 6th: Student Activities Celebration @ 8:15am in the Central Gymnasium
May 6th: Senior Awards Night @ 7pm in the Central Auditorium
May 15th: Senior’s Last Day
May 17th: Commencement @ 2:00 PM at the Jack Dittmer Sports Complex (rain location: Central Community School District Gymnasium)
May 25th: No School- Memorial Day
May 27th-May 29th: May Term
May 29th: Last Day of School- 1:45 Dismissal
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