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

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 approved the 2024-25 early retirement incentive offering. Superintendent Josh Porter noted there are 68 current staff that would be eligible.

Board members also approved a request for a modified supplemental amount of $192,687.27 for a special education deficit balance from 2023-24. According to Brandon Hansel, the district’s executive director of financial services, the deficit was a normal expense for the district and has occurred in other districts, according to the Iowa Association of School Boards.

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

“This is a trend that is occurring across the state,” he said. “There are open enrollment options, ESA guidelines changing and online offerings being available. The biggest of those has been online academies as they are popping up everywhere.”

Feelhaver Elementary Principal Sara Fitzgerald and Director of Human Services Kim Whitmore updated the board on several highlights. Fitzgerald talked about a new sign at the school’s 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 the successes with early year events.