Governor Reynolds Outlines Plan to Fund Public Schools
(Des Moines, Iowa) — Governor Reynolds is saying she’s determined the appropriate percentage to increase public school funding by. Despite the national rate of inflation at two-point-seven percent, Reynolds says her proposal would increase funding per pupil in Iowa by two-percent for the 2026-27 school year. She tells KTIV Siouxland, it’s the same increase she proposed last year. In 2025, Reynolds and the legislature agreed to provide additional funding for transportation and other activities. She says schools need to look at where they spent pandemic funding and that it should not be used for ongoing expenses.
Western Christian High School Announces $25M Facility Upgrade Proposal
(Hull, IA) — Western Christian High School in Hull is proposing a 25-million-dollar facilities upgrade plan. The school is calling it the “Cornerstone Campaign” and it includes a 700-seat event center, locker room updates, a new gym, new athletic complex and expanded parking. The school currently has an enrollment of 316 students but it expects to grow annually. School officials hope to raise 60-percent of the funds before the end of January. They will host an informational meeting on the project Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the school’s event center.
Clarke Community Schools Cancel Classes For Sewer Line Break
(Osceola, IA) — Clarke Community Schools are canceling classes on Tuesday for a sewer line break. The break occurred Monday at the middle and high school building. The extra day of closure will allow crews more time to make repairs and clean the building. Clarke Schools Food Pantry will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The school is located in north Osceola about 40 miles south of Des Moines.
Des Moines Police Search For Suspect After Chase
(Des Moines, IA) — Des Moines Police are searching for a suspect who led them on a pursuit through the city. A K-9 unit was sent to the River Bend neighborhood around 4:15 p.m. At least eight squad cars were seen in the area of 5th and Clark streets. No further details were provided.
Public School Leaders Honored During MLK Jr Day Celebration
(Des Moines, IA) — The 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast honored local school leaders on Monday. Officials with Des Moines Public School leaders accepted the “Make a Difference Award” given by the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. The event was hosted at the Olmstead Center at Drake University. Roscoe Jones, the first Black dean at Drake University Law School, spoke at the event. He called on students to create the change they want to see in the world, similar to the way Dr. King led the Civil Rights Movement.
