September 2023 Update

www.centralsprings.net/district/ppel

By Superintendent Darwin Lehmann

PPEL Will Support Updates for Both our Campuses

The September 12 PPEL referendum is right around the corner. As I have visited with residents many have asked what this how this additional funding will be used. In simple terms, the levy will provide the

district with needed additional facility and equipment funding to make improvements at both of our campuses. While the school board has identified projects for each of the schools, they have not yet

prioritized the order in which the projects will be completed over the next 10 years. Here are a few of the targeted areas:

Safety updates at both schools, including redesigning the drop-off/pick-up traffic circulation at Nora Springs.
Updated playgrounds at both campuses.
Technology infrastructure improvements and technology education (trades) lab expansions and equipment updates.
Buses and other fleet vehicles used throughout the district can also be purchased through the levy.
A wrestling /multi-purpose room and greenhouse could be added at the Manly Campus.

The proposed PPEL of $1.34 per $1,000 will be blended with a 7% income surtax. By doing this the tax rate will only increase by an estimated $0.42 per $1,000. If approved our total tax rate would raise to $10.52, below the state median of $12.97.

The District’s website, www.centralsprings.net, has a wealth of information about the PPEL. In addition, the site has a tax calculator that allows you to determine your individual tax change.

Early voting has started. If you are unable to vote on September 12 or prefer to vote absentee, the county courthouses are available for early voting. The school district website has the office hours and

addresses.

It’s important to be an informed voter. If you have questions regarding the PPEL and how it will support all district students, please reach out to me.

Darwin Lehmann, Superintendent Central Springs CSD

105 South East Street, P.O. Box 190

Manly, IA 50456

dlehmann@centralsprings.net

641-454-2211

Fax 641-454-2212

Celebrating Staff

Congratulations to these dedicated employees!

5 Years of Service

Julie Salsbury

Justin Heimer

Erica Rosendahl

Marilyn Hedegard

10 Years of Service

Anna Dotzler

Stephanie Miller

Kristin Barker

Rob Hoffman

15 Years of Service

Annette Anderson

Becky Miller

25 Years of Service

Ken Estes

30 Years of Service

Sheila Mullen

Tresa Dietrich

10 Years of 1:1

This school year marks the 10th anniversary of Central Springs being a 1:1 district. This fall, all 6-12 grade students were provided Chromebooks. This is a change from previous years when students were provided MacBooks and iPads.

The middle school switched to a single platform where all students utilize laptops rather than 6-7 grades using iPads like K-5 students. The single platform created continuity in planning and lesson delivery for the students and teachers alike.

NEW! Anonymous Reporting Iowa Initiative

New Safe+Sound Iowa Initiative

Creating a safe learning environment starts with awareness and early reporting of concerning behaviors. That’s why the Iowa Governor’s School Safety Bureau developed Safe+Sound Iowa—

a free anonymous reporting program for students, teachers, parents and community members to help identify and provide intervention for students in crisis or at risk for violence before

they harm themselves or others.

There are 3 ways that anyone can report a concern and trained experts are ready to respond 24/7.

MORE INFO

Food Service Updates

Our lunch menus have a new look! The district is using a new online service called "My School Menus." The service has great features to it, such as providing nutrition values and food allergens for our menus. You can find the menus on the home page of our website or click on the District<Food Service menu.

LINK TO MENUS

We'd like to thank the Adams Family Foundation for funding the Summer Meals in Nora Springs! Due to their donation, 1,408 meals were made. It has made a lot of kids happy to keep this available at the Nora Springs campus!

The Manly Campus served over 3,000 meals from the Summer Meal Program.

Good News! The Salad Bar is back!!! The kids are able to enjoy an "All You Can Eat" salad bar again. This is a great option for those who are looking for a lighter option.

Facility Updates

The Nora Springs Campus had new bleachers installed this past week. The bleachers replaced the original wooden bleachers from 1979. The new bleachers are ADA-compliant with railings, wheelchair cutouts, and lower steps. The scorers’ bench wheels into place and has built-in basketball possession arrows and bonus display.

The Manly campus track was resurfaced.

New ag lime was added to the softball infield and an irrigation system was added as well.

Other summer updates included adding new exterior lights on the Nora Springs building and new asphalt on the Manly parking lot. Roof repairs to buildings were also completed.

School Board Elections take place on November 7. If you are interested in serving on the school board, information packets are now available for pick up at the District Office (105 S East St in Manly).

Petitions are due to the school board secretary prior to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 21. Iowa Association of School Boards is a great resource to those wishing to serve!

Welcome to Panther Country!

Marissa Norby - K-8 PE and High School Health

Emily Heagel - K-3 Special Education, Manly

Colin Claytor - 4-12 Vocal Music

Kelli Mitchell - 4-8 Guidance Counselor

Brooke Brunsvold- Elementary Principal

Kaylee Parks- Middle School Math/Science

Jessica Smith- Middle School Special Education

Jereme Baldus returns as IT Director

Stacy Engel - Cook, Nora Springs

Elizabeth Asfahl - High School Science

Cecelia Hemsworth - High School English

Cassandra Rowell - High School Science

Emily Ford - High School Para Educator

Elizabeth Larson - PK/Daycare Para, Manly

Kaylee Leach - PK/Daycare Para, Nora Springs

Panther Pride Points

This fall 61% of the 7th and 8th graders are actively participating in fall athletics.

There are 37 girls out for volleyball, 27 participants in football, and six cross country runners. Go Panthers!

Social Studies teachers Chris Arians, Bill Shafer, and Josh Bass enjoyed attending and participating in a conference in Washington DC this summer. The professional development conference was hosted by the CATO Institute and the three teachers were granted scholarships from the Institute to attend. The focus of the conference was to discuss issues our country is facing and how to facilitate healthy civil discourse (conversations of mutual airing of views) in classrooms. More than 200 educators from 48 states and three territories joined the Central Springs group.

Manly 3rd-grade students had fun in Northwood at the Ag on The Farm Ag Fair. This event is sponsored by the Worth County Farm Bureau and organized by Teresa Stein of the Worth County Farm Bureau office. Northwood and Central Springs FFA teachers and students helped to lead student groups through various stations to learn about topics such as animal habitats, horse safety, water erosion, and the many uses of corn and soybeans. Following the stations, the Northwood FFA students treated students to a picnic lunch.

Mark Your Calendar!

K-3 Elementary Music Concerts

Monday, December 18, in Manly @ 6 p.m.

Thursday, December 21, in Nora @ 6 p.m.

(Makeup Date for either: January 9th)

Monday, April 29, in Manly @ 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30, in Nora @ 6 p.m.