2026.09.16 - Work Session Minutes

Minutes of Work Session
September 16, 2026
The Board of Directors
Clarinda Community School District

 

A Work Session of the Board of Directors of Clarinda Community School District was held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM in the Jr/Sr High Library.

 

1. Call to Order
President Butt called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. Roll Call
The following Board members were present: President Butt, Vice President Hayes, Boysen, and Sunderman. Absent: Wyman.

4. Public Comment
No visitors.

5. Approval of Agenda
A motion was made by Boysen, seconded by Hayes, to approve the agenda.  Motion carried 4-0.  

6. Discussion with Open Ed
Grant Hewitt from Open Ed reported last year Clarinda started with 40 students and currently has 205 students; he anticipates continued growth. The current base is 70% homeschool students. They want to add ninth and tenth grade next year so eighth graders can roll over. Last year, 100% of the students took Iowa testing. The Iowa core credits are met, and additional non-credit courses are an option. In addition to academics, they have various student clubs and activity options that all Open Ed students can be involved in together. They are also exploring adding preschool students. Open Ed is now in 15 states and is growing. He appreciates the trust the Board and District have in Open Ed.

7. Other
Mr. Privia reported he talked to several community members concerning the recent voted PPEL and possible future plans.  

8. Adjournment
A motion was made by Hayes, seconded by Sunderman, to adjourn the meeting at 5:44 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.

 

These minutes are as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.

Nancy McKinnon,
Board Secretary

 

Following the work session, the Clarinda Board of Directors went into an exempt session for negotiating sessions, strategy meetings of public employers or employee organizations, mediation, and the deliberative process of arbitration as provided by Iowa Code 20.17(3).