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Encyclopedia Dubuque

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DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT: Difference between revisions

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When the county income tax was distributed to the two districts the equalization factor worked in reverse. The Dubuque district received $42,000 less than it collected and Western Dubuque received $42,000 more. (85)
When the county income tax was distributed to the two districts the equalization factor worked in reverse. The Dubuque district received $42,000 less than it collected and Western Dubuque received $42,000 more. (85)


In 1968 the Dubuque Human Relations Commission suggested that the District pursue the active recruitment and hiring of minority group teachers by soliciting job applications and giving "favorable" consideration to minorities. Superintendent Wessel reported that teacher recruiters had recently completed interviews on fifty college campuses in seven states and had not had one minority group person ask to be interviewed. The board stated that the superintendent and director of personnel would meet with the commission to finalize plans for recruitment. (86) [[HOOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] was dedicated on Sunday, November 17, 1968. [[EISENHOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] was dedicated on November 24, 1968. During the 1968-1969 school year a "Stay in School" eight-week summer program designed to prevent students from becoming dropouts was approved by the Board. It was announced that Hempstead High School would not be ready for students by September 2, 1969, necessitating double sessions of classes at Dubuque Senior High School. Three sections of Hempstead were ready for use following Christmas vacation in 1969. The Board declared that January 26, 1970, the start of the second semester, would be the date of the move. (Board minutes)
In 1967 the board of education asked the community to approve bond issues for the construction of two new elementary.  Unlike other buildings, these were designed on a cluster concept with classrooms positioned around a learning center. Using this design, each building would have 14% less corridor space than [[KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]]. In addition, movable partitions between rooms would allow for flexibility of room use and doorways would exit to the playground giving the maximum of fire-escape potential. (86) The bond issue was passed and construction on Hoover and Eisenhower schools soon began.
 
In 1968 the Dubuque Human Relations Commission suggested that the District pursue the active recruitment and hiring of minority group teachers by soliciting job applications and giving "favorable" consideration to minorities. Superintendent Wessel reported that teacher recruiters had recently completed interviews on fifty college campuses in seven states and had not had one minority group person ask to be interviewed. The board stated that the superintendent and director of personnel would meet with the commission to finalize plans for recruitment. (87) [[HOOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] was dedicated on Sunday, November 17, 1968. [[EISENHOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] was dedicated on November 24, 1968. During the 1968-1969 school year a "Stay in School" eight-week summer program designed to prevent students from becoming dropouts was approved by the Board. It was announced that Hempstead High School would not be ready for students by September 2, 1969, necessitating double sessions of classes at Dubuque Senior High School. Three sections of Hempstead were ready for use following Christmas vacation in 1969. The Board declared that January 26, 1970, the start of the second semester, would be the date of the move. (Board minutes)


[[Image:peaward.jpg|left|thumb|150px|]]The superintendent reported during the 1969-1970 year a need for 289 elementary classrooms. Only 271 were then available. The Board approved the purchase of portable classrooms and remodeling to Fulton, Lincoln and [[KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]]. A state of emergency was declared by the County Superintendent making repairs possible without advertising for bids. The Board authorized a two-year lease with the [[SISTERS OF THE VISITATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (SVM)]] for the use of the [[ACADEMY OF THE VISITATION (THE)]]. The building, used by shared-time students from Holy Ghost School, Saint Anthony School, and Nativity School was considered an annex of Washington Junior High School. The District purchased twenty-three acres of ground at Kaufmann Avenue and Chaney from the [[ARCHDIOCESE OF DUBUQUE]] for $75,000. Part of this site, once considered for a new junior high school, was later used for the administrative offices of the District. (Board minutes)
[[Image:peaward.jpg|left|thumb|150px|]]The superintendent reported during the 1969-1970 year a need for 289 elementary classrooms. Only 271 were then available. The Board approved the purchase of portable classrooms and remodeling to Fulton, Lincoln and [[KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]]. A state of emergency was declared by the County Superintendent making repairs possible without advertising for bids. The Board authorized a two-year lease with the [[SISTERS OF THE VISITATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (SVM)]] for the use of the [[ACADEMY OF THE VISITATION (THE)]]. The building, used by shared-time students from Holy Ghost School, Saint Anthony School, and Nativity School was considered an annex of Washington Junior High School. The District purchased twenty-three acres of ground at Kaufmann Avenue and Chaney from the [[ARCHDIOCESE OF DUBUQUE]] for $75,000. Part of this site, once considered for a new junior high school, was later used for the administrative offices of the District. (Board minutes)
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In 1970 the District became the third school district in its size category throughout a 10-state mid-western area to adopt a system of performance pay for school administrative personnel. The pay system would apply to an estimated thirty-seven administrators assigned to individual school buildings. The new pay system included five pay criteria--education, experience, responsibility of position, length of contract and performance appraisal. The average 1970-71 salary for the thirty-seven building administrators to be rated under the evaluation system was $15,245. The same year the board approved a teacher salary package of a $6,875 base salary, a $3,000 district-maintained term life insurance policy and a partial payment of the individual teacher's family health insurance. (Board minutes)
In 1970 the District became the third school district in its size category throughout a 10-state mid-western area to adopt a system of performance pay for school administrative personnel. The pay system would apply to an estimated thirty-seven administrators assigned to individual school buildings. The new pay system included five pay criteria--education, experience, responsibility of position, length of contract and performance appraisal. The average 1970-71 salary for the thirty-seven building administrators to be rated under the evaluation system was $15,245. The same year the board approved a teacher salary package of a $6,875 base salary, a $3,000 district-maintained term life insurance policy and a partial payment of the individual teacher's family health insurance. (Board minutes)


In March 1970 Dr. Wessel gave a speech entitled "We'll Manage Somehow" to the Dubuque Management Club. The unusual title alluded to the 105% growth rate the District had experienced in the last decade. He explained that the growth rate was far larger than any other district in Iowa with the exception of Western Dubuque. Since 1964, the number of buildings had grown from 13 to 20, the number of students served lunches from 1,200 to 7,000, and the number of buses from 12 transporting 600 students to 72 carrying 7,000. The pupil growth rate was largely due to students transferring from parochial schools in the city to the public schools. From 1967 to 1970, a total of 2,372 students had made this relocation. The original district included only the City of Dubuque in 11 square miles. Due to district reorganization in the early part of the 1960s, this area had grown to 245 square miles. (87)
In March 1970 Dr. Wessel gave a speech entitled "We'll Manage Somehow" to the Dubuque Management Club. The unusual title alluded to the 105% growth rate the District had experienced in the last decade. He explained that the growth rate was far larger than any other district in Iowa with the exception of Western Dubuque. Since 1964, the number of buildings had grown from 13 to 20, the number of students served lunches from 1,200 to 7,000, and the number of buses from 12 transporting 600 students to 72 carrying 7,000. The pupil growth rate was largely due to students transferring from parochial schools in the city to the public schools. From 1967 to 1970, a total of 2,372 students had made this relocation. The original district included only the City of Dubuque in 11 square miles. Due to district reorganization in the early part of the 1960s, this area had grown to 245 square miles. (88)


By July, however, it was apparent that the District's enrollment surge had become a "significant decline." Compared to the 1968 census, the District had witnessed a seven percent decline in the number of students under twenty-one years of age. Blamed for the decline was the state-wide decrease in birth rates since 1960. (88)
By July, however, it was apparent that the District's enrollment surge had become a "significant decline." Compared to the 1968 census, the District had witnessed a seven percent decline in the number of students under twenty-one years of age. Blamed for the decline was the state-wide decrease in birth rates since 1960. (89)


During most of fiscal 1970, the district operated "in the red." When the financial books were closed on June 20th, the district was $2.9 million in debt. Interest payments during the year were $48,186--about 61% higher than the $30,000 budgeted for the category. School district revenue caught up with expenditures and the district operated "in the black" for only a short period in the fall. This did not mean the district was over-expending its budget. The Dubuque district expended only about 94% of the total amount budget for 1969-1970 leaving an unexpended balance of $560,039.   
During most of fiscal 1970, the district operated "in the red." When the financial books were closed on June 20th, the district was $2.9 million in debt. Interest payments during the year were $48,186--about 61% higher than the $30,000 budgeted for the category. School district revenue caught up with expenditures and the district operated "in the black" for only a short period in the fall. This did not mean the district was over-expending its budget. The Dubuque district expended only about 94% of the total amount budget for 1969-1970 leaving an unexpended balance of $560,039.   


Dubuque, like other districts, was forced to borrow money because under Iowa law property taxes to fund new budgets were not collected for at least half a year after districts began spending funds out of new budgets. School districts adopted budgets in July at the beginning of a fiscal year and began spending allotted funds. Property taxes levied to cover these budgets were not due until April 1 of the next calendar year and then only half of the money was collected. Property taxes for the previous three years had been collected late making the situation worse. (89)
Dubuque, like other districts, was forced to borrow money because under Iowa law property taxes to fund new budgets were not collected for at least half a year after districts began spending funds out of new budgets. School districts adopted budgets in July at the beginning of a fiscal year and began spending allotted funds. Property taxes levied to cover these budgets were not due until April 1 of the next calendar year and then only half of the money was collected. Property taxes for the previous three years had been collected late making the situation worse. (90)


In 1970 the Dubuque school board moved to solve this situation by establishing for the first time a $400,000 cash reserve in the 1970-71 budget. In addition, the board directed Superintendent Wessel to underspend the total budget by at least $100,000 and add that money to the reserve fund. (90)
In 1970 the Dubuque school board moved to solve this situation by establishing for the first time a $400,000 cash reserve in the 1970-71 budget. In addition, the board directed Superintendent Wessel to underspend the total budget by at least $100,000 and add that money to the reserve fund. (91)


In July 1970, [[MARIHART, Earl|Earl MARIHART]] retired from the district after serving as the director of Adult Education since 1950. During his tenure, Marihart supervised the formation of a high school completion program allowing adults who had never finished high school to receive an equivalent diploma. With the cooperation of the local hospitals, the Dubuque School of Practical Nursing had been established. He also helped establish of apprenticeship and trades training programs and expanded drivers' education courses to include "defensive driving" techniques and a driver education program in cooperation with the Dubuque Municipal Court. (91)
In July 1970, [[MARIHART, Earl|Earl MARIHART]] retired from the district after serving as the director of Adult Education since 1950. During his tenure, Marihart supervised the formation of a high school completion program allowing adults who had never finished high school to receive an equivalent diploma. With the cooperation of the local hospitals, the Dubuque School of Practical Nursing had been established. He also helped establish of apprenticeship and trades training programs and expanded drivers' education courses to include "defensive driving" techniques and a driver education program in cooperation with the Dubuque Municipal Court. (92)


Beginning in 1971 the Dubuque REALTORS Building and Vocational Training Association worked with the District staff, high school instructors and students on the Student Built House Project. The program ran until 1984 and then was put on hold for six years and restarted in 1993 and ran until 2009. During those twenty-nine years, hundreds of students from Senior and Hempstead along with [[WAHLERT HIGH SCHOOL]] participated in the program which annually constructed an entire home including all aspects of construction, interior design and decorating. Proceeds from the sale of the homes were given to students who applied for scholarships. Over $135,000 in scholarships were awarded. (92)
Beginning in 1971 the Dubuque REALTORS Building and Vocational Training Association worked with the District staff, high school instructors and students on the Student Built House Project. The program ran until 1984 and then was put on hold for six years and restarted in 1993 and ran until 2009. During those twenty-nine years, hundreds of students from Senior and Hempstead along with [[WAHLERT HIGH SCHOOL]] participated in the program which annually constructed an entire home including all aspects of construction, interior design and decorating. Proceeds from the sale of the homes were given to students who applied for scholarships. Over $135,000 in scholarships were awarded. (93)


During the 1980s the District saw the implementation of collective bargaining. The [[DUBUQUE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION]], an affiliate of the Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association was the bargaining agent for the teachers.  Grievances followed a procedure of settlement that could include binding arbitration. Settling the issue of pay often resulted in the District and Association taking their case to first a mediator, then fact finder and then if no agreement was reached to an arbitrator. (93)  
During the 1980s the District saw the implementation of collective bargaining. The [[DUBUQUE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION]], an affiliate of the Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association was the bargaining agent for the teachers.  Grievances followed a procedure of settlement that could include binding arbitration. Settling the issue of pay often resulted in the District and Association taking their case to first a mediator, then fact finder and then if no agreement was reached to an arbitrator. (94)  


The Instructional and Professional Development (IPD) Committee of the DEA often found areas in which the district and teachers' association could work together.  The district utilized the Mobile In-service Teaching Laboratory of the Iowa State Education Association to provide in-service programs for local teachers. The years 1982-1986 saw cooperation between the Dubuque Education Association (DEA) and the district. Influenced by highly publicized kidnapping in Des Moines, both groups sponsored a child finger-print identification program was offered to parents. "Good News" notes, designed by the DEA and printed by the district were offered to all schools to inform parents of high quality student work. The DEA also wrote and the district printed weekend trip suggestions for parents. The last parent-teacher conference was used to hand out mutually prepared suggested reading lists to match social studies topics for the following year in elementary school. The district, DEA, and local educational support groups like Parents and Friends of the Talented and Gifted even worked out legislative goals. (94)
The Instructional and Professional Development (IPD) Committee of the DEA often found areas in which the district and teachers' association could work together.  The district utilized the Mobile In-service Teaching Laboratory of the Iowa State Education Association to provide in-service programs for local teachers. The years 1982-1986 saw cooperation between the Dubuque Education Association (DEA) and the district. Influenced by highly publicized kidnapping in Des Moines, both groups sponsored a child finger-print identification program was offered to parents. "Good News" notes, designed by the DEA and printed by the district were offered to all schools to inform parents of high quality student work. The DEA also wrote and the district printed weekend trip suggestions for parents. The last parent-teacher conference was used to hand out mutually prepared suggested reading lists to match social studies topics for the following year in elementary school. The district, DEA, and local educational support groups like Parents and Friends of the Talented and Gifted even worked out legislative goals. (95)


In 1984 the board of education turned its attention to policies concerning fund-raising in the schools. Superintendent Howard Pigg stated that new guidelines would require the parents of students in the lower grades to first give permission before promotional materials about a sale were given to the student. Parents were also concerned about the safety of their children as they pursued sales. (95) Pay for substitute teachers was also a concern. Substitute teachers had to be certified and were expected to perform many of the same duties as regular classroom teachers, but their pay rates did not reflect those expectations. Substitutes in Dubuque received the lowest pay of all substitutes in the eleven largest districts in Iowa. Substitutes were forced to quit after ten days of continuous service on one job. This policy was rescinded and substitutes were allowed to continue teaching with placement on the regular teacher pay scale after ten days. (96)
In 1984 the board of education turned its attention to policies concerning fund-raising in the schools. Superintendent Howard Pigg stated that new guidelines would require the parents of students in the lower grades to first give permission before promotional materials about a sale were given to the student. Parents were also concerned about the safety of their children as they pursued sales. (96) Pay for substitute teachers was also a concern. Substitute teachers had to be certified and were expected to perform many of the same duties as regular classroom teachers, but their pay rates did not reflect those expectations. Substitutes in Dubuque received the lowest pay of all substitutes in the eleven largest districts in Iowa. Substitutes were forced to quit after ten days of continuous service on one job. This policy was rescinded and substitutes were allowed to continue teaching with placement on the regular teacher pay scale after ten days. (97)


Perhaps the greatest innovation for education in Iowa came through the Phase III Program enacted by the Iowa Legislature and championed by Governor Terry Branstad.  One part of the program encouraged teachers to submit project ideas to a committee of administrators and teachers. If approved, these projects to benefit education in Dubuque enabled the teacher(s) to earn additional money. Administrators and teachers also worked together on plans to improve evaluation of teachers in the classroom. (97)
Perhaps the greatest innovation for education in Iowa came through the Phase III Program enacted by the Iowa Legislature and championed by Governor Terry Branstad.  One part of the program encouraged teachers to submit project ideas to a committee of administrators and teachers. If approved, these projects to benefit education in Dubuque enabled the teacher(s) to earn additional money. Administrators and teachers also worked together on plans to improve evaluation of teachers in the classroom. (98)


The District in 1988 named the gymnasium at Dubuque Senior High School the Nora Gym in honor of [[NORA, James|James NORA]]. The District was also seen as a leader in the removal of asbestos.  The "In Touch" newsletter was begun and an AIDS curriculum was approved in 1988. After much discussion, ceiling fans were approved for schools. In 1989 a multi-cultural curriculum plan was adopted. A consultant for the program began work the following year.  
The District in 1988 named the gymnasium at Dubuque Senior High School the Nora Gym in honor of [[NORA, James|James NORA]]. The District was also seen as a leader in the removal of asbestos.  The "In Touch" newsletter was begun and an AIDS curriculum was approved in 1988. After much discussion, ceiling fans were approved for schools. In 1989 a multi-cultural curriculum plan was adopted. A consultant for the program began work the following year.  
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In October, 1990 the District adopted an affirmative action plan. A proposed goal of hiring women and minorities to fill four administrative and management positions by 1992, however, was called unrealistic. The time table was delayed to 1993. The affirmative action plan called for active efforts to hire qualified women, racial minorities and disabled people to all school positions. Except for two Asian and two Hispanic teachers, the district had no minority employees in 1989-1990.  Katie Mulholland, the district's staff development coordinator, stated that the goals of the plan represented a standard the district should try to attain and was not a hiring quota.
In October, 1990 the District adopted an affirmative action plan. A proposed goal of hiring women and minorities to fill four administrative and management positions by 1992, however, was called unrealistic. The time table was delayed to 1993. The affirmative action plan called for active efforts to hire qualified women, racial minorities and disabled people to all school positions. Except for two Asian and two Hispanic teachers, the district had no minority employees in 1989-1990.  Katie Mulholland, the district's staff development coordinator, stated that the goals of the plan represented a standard the district should try to attain and was not a hiring quota.


In 1991 Jerome Greer was hired as the first black school administrator in the history of the District. The night he was introduced to the Board of Education there was a cross-burning near the school district office. (98) Greer served as the principal of [[IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] where another cross-burning took place within view of the school. Greer left the city 1994 to become the director of human resources in Peoria, Illinois.  
In 1991 Jerome Greer was hired as the first black school administrator in the history of the District. The night he was introduced to the Board of Education there was a cross-burning near the school district office. (99) Greer served as the principal of [[IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] where another cross-burning took place within view of the school. Greer left the city 1994 to become the director of human resources in Peoria, Illinois.  


In the 1990s the District developed its own multicultural and non-sexist plan administered by [[DETERMAN, Thomas|Thomas DETERMAN]]. In-service programs were held for staff members and curriculum adoptions were made after materials were examined for bias. After Determan's retirement, in-services were continued and staff development was brought to the buildings annually by Dr. Kris Hall.  
In the 1990s the District developed its own multicultural and non-sexist plan administered by [[DETERMAN, Thomas|Thomas DETERMAN]]. In-service programs were held for staff members and curriculum adoptions were made after materials were examined for bias. After Determan's retirement, in-services were continued and staff development was brought to the buildings annually by Dr. Kris Hall.  


In July 1992, [[LAM, Diana|Diana LAM]] was hired as the superintendent upon the retirement of Dr. Howard Pigg. Lam established a number of initiatives including expeditionary learning, an emphasis on "higher level thinking" and authentic evaluation rather than traditional testing. In 1993 amid controversy about her curriculum changes, the Board of Education voted 4-3 to renew her contract for another two years. Shortly afterwards, Lam accepted an offer to be the superintendent of schools in San Antonio, Texas. (99)
In July 1992, [[LAM, Diana|Diana LAM]] was hired as the superintendent upon the retirement of Dr. Howard Pigg. Lam established a number of initiatives including expeditionary learning, an emphasis on "higher level thinking" and authentic evaluation rather than traditional testing. In 1993 amid controversy about her curriculum changes, the Board of Education voted 4-3 to renew her contract for another two years. Shortly afterwards, Lam accepted an offer to be the superintendent of schools in San Antonio, Texas. (100)


Dr. [[O'HARE, Marvin|Marvin O'HARE]] succeeded Lam as superintendent. O’Hare moved to Dubuque in 1970 to serve the Dubuque Community School District as the first Director of Elementary Education, then assistant superintendent. He was a strong advocate of early childhood education. He was succeeded as superintendent by Dr. [[MORRIS, Joel|Joel MORRIS]]. Dr. Morris was succeeded by Dr. [[PETREK, Jane|Jane PETREK]] and then [[BURGART, John|John BURGART]]. Burgart was succeeded by Dr. [[GODINEZ, Larie|Larie GODINEZ]].
Dr. [[O'HARE, Marvin|Marvin O'HARE]] succeeded Lam as superintendent. O’Hare moved to Dubuque in 1970 to serve the Dubuque Community School District as the first Director of Elementary Education, then assistant superintendent. He was a strong advocate of early childhood education. He was succeeded as superintendent by Dr. [[MORRIS, Joel|Joel MORRIS]]. Dr. Morris was succeeded by Dr. [[PETREK, Jane|Jane PETREK]] and then [[BURGART, John|John BURGART]]. Burgart was succeeded by Dr. [[GODINEZ, Larie|Larie GODINEZ]].
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Under Dr. Godinez, the District actively moved toward the purchase of property once owned by the [[DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY]] for the construction of a new middle school.  Controversy arose over the cost and location of the land. Controversy also arose over the superintendent's idea of closing several neighborhood elementary schools and relocating the students to [[WASHINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL]] after the construction of a new middle school on the Pack property. The Board of Education eventually withdraw its interest in the property, and the potential closing of elementary schools was no longer considered.
Under Dr. Godinez, the District actively moved toward the purchase of property once owned by the [[DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY]] for the construction of a new middle school.  Controversy arose over the cost and location of the land. Controversy also arose over the superintendent's idea of closing several neighborhood elementary schools and relocating the students to [[WASHINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL]] after the construction of a new middle school on the Pack property. The Board of Education eventually withdraw its interest in the property, and the potential closing of elementary schools was no longer considered.


The closing of Central Alternative School left questions as to what would be planned for these students. In 2010 the Alternative Learning Center was located at the Forum, the district's administrative office on Chaney Road. That year, 36 graduates received diplomas from Senior and Hempstead. Compared to 2009, twenty-one fewer students dropped out of high school. (100)
The closing of Central Alternative School left questions as to what would be planned for these students. In 2010 the Alternative Learning Center was located at the Forum, the district's administrative office on Chaney Road. That year, 36 graduates received diplomas from Senior and Hempstead. Compared to 2009, twenty-one fewer students dropped out of high school. (101)


In 2011 the Alternative Learning Center moved to Jones Junior High School. The "project based learning" strategy was continued with a school wide project, the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. CONNECT moved to the Forum. This program, targeted at-risk students in grades 8, 9, and 10, provided two semesters of intensive support with gradual return to their home high school. (101) Supportive study groups called Professional Learning Communities were formed by teachers throughout the District. Within these groups, teachers shared successful practices and provided colleagues with ideas for improvement. (102) Teachers throughout the District through Assessment for Learning worked to align curriculum, assessment and instruction.
In 2011 the Alternative Learning Center moved to Jones Junior High School. The "project based learning" strategy was continued with a school wide project, the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. CONNECT moved to the Forum. This program, targeted at-risk students in grades 8, 9, and 10, provided two semesters of intensive support with gradual return to their home high school. (102) Supportive study groups called Professional Learning Communities were formed by teachers throughout the District. Within these groups, teachers shared successful practices and provided colleagues with ideas for improvement. (103) Teachers throughout the District through Assessment for Learning worked to align curriculum, assessment and instruction.


In 2011, the District moved towards more technology in the classrooms. Projectors, for example, which could be linked to the Internet were installed in elementary social studies classrooms. Teachers were provided with laptops.  
In 2011, the District moved towards more technology in the classrooms. Projectors, for example, which could be linked to the Internet were installed in elementary social studies classrooms. Teachers were provided with laptops.  
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In February 2012 the question of entering into a long-term contract with one technology company to provide services to the District was explored. In April the decision to proceed with just one company was reconsidered.  The same month it was discovered that a $133,000 "help desk" had never been operational. This was followed the same month with the discovery that several district computer servers had not had anti-virus programs installed. Dr. Godinez stated that she had not been informed of either situation.  On Monday, April 30th the board voted unanimously to consider firing the superintendent. On May 1st, Superintendent Godinez gave notice that she was taking an extended leave of absence.
In February 2012 the question of entering into a long-term contract with one technology company to provide services to the District was explored. In April the decision to proceed with just one company was reconsidered.  The same month it was discovered that a $133,000 "help desk" had never been operational. This was followed the same month with the discovery that several district computer servers had not had anti-virus programs installed. Dr. Godinez stated that she had not been informed of either situation.  On Monday, April 30th the board voted unanimously to consider firing the superintendent. On May 1st, Superintendent Godinez gave notice that she was taking an extended leave of absence.


On Wednesday, May 2, 2012 the board unanimously approved the appointment of [[RHEINGANS, Stan|Stan RHEINGANS]] as acting superintendent. Rheingans had been the district's Executive Director of Human Resources since July 2004. On May 30, 2012 the Board and Dr. Godinez reached a termination agreement. (103) The Board then announced that it would conduct its own search for a new superintendent. In June of 2012 Rheingans was named Interim Superintendent and his salary was raised to around $160,000.  Rheingans was named the superintendent on September 19th after a search was conducted by the board without professional assistance as in the past. (104)
On Wednesday, May 2, 2012 the board unanimously approved the appointment of [[RHEINGANS, Stan|Stan RHEINGANS]] as acting superintendent. Rheingans had been the district's Executive Director of Human Resources since July 2004. On May 30, 2012 the Board and Dr. Godinez reached a termination agreement. (104) The Board then announced that it would conduct its own search for a new superintendent. In June of 2012 Rheingans was named Interim Superintendent and his salary was raised to around $160,000.  Rheingans was named the superintendent on September 19th after a search was conducted by the board without professional assistance as in the past. (105)


[[File:DALZELL1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Dalzell Field construction. Photo courtesy: Dubuque Community School District]]
[[File:DALZELL1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Dalzell Field construction. Photo courtesy: Dubuque Community School District]]
Multi-million dollar construction projects for the District began in 2012 with work done at Dalzell Field at Dubuque Senior High School. Financing through the local option sales tax allowed the District to make upgrades to the field so that it would conform to the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) access rules and guidelines for public facilities. The District used the project to also make the facility more appealing for athletic and community events.
Multi-million dollar construction projects for the District began in 2012 with work done at Dalzell Field at Dubuque Senior High School. Financing through the local option sales tax allowed the District to make upgrades to the field so that it would conform to the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) access rules and guidelines for public facilities. The District used the project to also make the facility more appealing for athletic and community events.


In April, 2013, the District announced a new four-year technology plan funded by the one-cent sales tax. With the intent of providing tablets to teachers trained on incorporating technology into the classroom, the plan would invest $3.5 million per year for four years. There would also be a $2.5 million commitment to refresh/replace technology as needed. By 2016-2017 both high schools would become one-to-one schools with every student having a tablet. (105)
In April, 2013, the District announced a new four-year technology plan funded by the one-cent sales tax. With the intent of providing tablets to teachers trained on incorporating technology into the classroom, the plan would invest $3.5 million per year for four years. There would also be a $2.5 million commitment to refresh/replace technology as needed. By 2016-2017 both high schools would become one-to-one schools with every student having a tablet. (106)


In August, the District unveiled its new logo (shown at the top of the entry on the left hand side). The figures represent every student, white space represents movement toward the future and diamonds represent communication.
In August, the District unveiled its new logo (shown at the top of the entry on the left hand side). The figures represent every student, white space represents movement toward the future and diamonds represent communication.
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Cost of the new logo designed by Mike Schmalz of Refinery Design Company in Dubuque was $13,500, paid out of the general fund, and included the logo in various orientations and formats, as well as a complete redesign of district business cards, letterhead and envelopes.
Cost of the new logo designed by Mike Schmalz of Refinery Design Company in Dubuque was $13,500, paid out of the general fund, and included the logo in various orientations and formats, as well as a complete redesign of district business cards, letterhead and envelopes.


In 2013, Every Child|Every Promise, an alliance with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and its partners worked to expand learning time beyond the regular school day/year. The Dubuque Community School District received a grant to implement the Leadership After-School Program (LEAP) in two of its middle schools. The program offered after-school activities free and a snack to participants. During the year more than 500 students at Jefferson and Washington Middle School were involved. Every Child|Every Promise also led to the Dubuque Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. This initiative focused on the "most important predictor of school success and high school graduation: grade-level reading by the end of the third grade." (106)
In 2013, Every Child|Every Promise, an alliance with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and its partners worked to expand learning time beyond the regular school day/year. The Dubuque Community School District received a grant to implement the Leadership After-School Program (LEAP) in two of its middle schools. The program offered after-school activities free and a snack to participants. During the year more than 500 students at Jefferson and Washington Middle School were involved. Every Child|Every Promise also led to the Dubuque Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. This initiative focused on the "most important predictor of school success and high school graduation: grade-level reading by the end of the third grade." (107)


Effective July 1, 2014, Iowa schools had the option to choose between a minimum of 180 days or 1,080 hours of instruction in a school year. Only instructional hours counted in that latter option, so recess and lunch were not included. Under the new law, days that started late or ended early -- due to heat, winter weather, or teacher in-service meetings -- counted toward the hours minimum but did not count toward the day minimum; not even as a partial day. In response, the District chose the calendar based on hours and eliminated the spring break. Teacher in-service time was reduced to one hour on Friday mornings. (107)
Effective July 1, 2014, Iowa schools had the option to choose between a minimum of 180 days or 1,080 hours of instruction in a school year. Only instructional hours counted in that latter option, so recess and lunch were not included. Under the new law, days that started late or ended early -- due to heat, winter weather, or teacher in-service meetings -- counted toward the hours minimum but did not count toward the day minimum; not even as a partial day. In response, the District chose the calendar based on hours and eliminated the spring break. Teacher in-service time was reduced to one hour on Friday mornings. (108)


In March 2014, the State of Iowa renewed the charter school status of Prescott Elementary. Opened in 2006, Prescott, the only elementary charter school in Iowa, was an expeditionary-learning charter school that emphasized experiential, problem-based learning with an integration of the arts. The school was required to renew its charter every four years. (108)
In March 2014, the State of Iowa renewed the charter school status of Prescott Elementary. Opened in 2006, Prescott, the only elementary charter school in Iowa, was an expeditionary-learning charter school that emphasized experiential, problem-based learning with an integration of the arts. The school was required to renew its charter every four years. (109)


In the fall of 2014 the District unveiled a new teacher-leadership program. Funded by a $3.3 million state grant, an estimated two hundred teachers were given "teacher-leader" status and given the task of working collaboratively with less-experienced peers. (109) In October, the District renamed the Jones Campus to Alta Vista Campus. The new name was to honor the original structure, Alta Vista Mansion, the former home of [[JONES, George Wallace|George Wallace JONES]]. The site housed the Alternative Learning Center and Connect Program. (110)
In the fall of 2014 the District unveiled a new teacher-leadership program. Funded by a $3.3 million state grant, an estimated two hundred teachers were given "teacher-leader" status and given the task of working collaboratively with less-experienced peers. (110) In October, the District renamed the Jones Campus to Alta Vista Campus. The new name was to honor the original structure, Alta Vista Mansion, the former home of [[JONES, George Wallace|George Wallace JONES]]. The site housed the Alternative Learning Center and Connect Program. (111)


In December, 2014 the District announced that it would no longer be using paper time cards for hourly employees or teachers doing work outside the contract hours. The Board approved a contract with Time-Clock Plus for $147,000 to implement a computerized time and attendance system. (111) School district administrators joined business and social leaders in a "My Brother's Keeper" workshop. This began the city's participation in the White House challenge to empower at-risk youth, particularly young men of color. Closing a "racial achievement gap," could help offset a projected skilled labor shortage locally, according to Mayor [[BUOL, Roy D.|Roy D. BUOL]]. (112)
In December, 2014 the District announced that it would no longer be using paper time cards for hourly employees or teachers doing work outside the contract hours. The Board approved a contract with Time-Clock Plus for $147,000 to implement a computerized time and attendance system. (112) School district administrators joined business and social leaders in a "My Brother's Keeper" workshop. This began the city's participation in the White House challenge to empower at-risk youth, particularly young men of color. Closing a "racial achievement gap," could help offset a projected skilled labor shortage locally, according to Mayor [[BUOL, Roy D.|Roy D. BUOL]]. (113)


Working to build student involvement in extracurricular activities was a focus of the District for years. In 2013, the district began offering activity buses at the secondary level to provide transportation to students in after-school activities. Middle school involvement, however, tended to decline as students entered high school. During 2013-2014, 57% of students in middle and high school participated in at least one activity. (113)
Working to build student involvement in extracurricular activities was a focus of the District for years. In 2013, the district began offering activity buses at the secondary level to provide transportation to students in after-school activities. Middle school involvement, however, tended to decline as students entered high school. During 2013-2014, 57% of students in middle and high school participated in at least one activity. (114)


As 2014 came to an end, renovation of Hempstead High School continued. A new auditorium and practice gym were constructed and classroom space was added. Kennedy Elementary School had a new addition with gym and classroom space. Jefferson Middle School received new lockers, and Dubuque Senior High School and Washington Middle School both received roof replacements. (114)
As 2014 came to an end, renovation of Hempstead High School continued. A new auditorium and practice gym were constructed and classroom space was added. Kennedy Elementary School had a new addition with gym and classroom space. Jefferson Middle School received new lockers, and Dubuque Senior High School and Washington Middle School both received roof replacements. (115)


In January 2015 the district reported being short of substitute teachers. The problem was nationwide brought about by lower unemployment rates and increased professional development for teachers. Dubuque, using an automated substitute-placement system developed by Frontline, an education software company occasionally had thirty unfilled positions district-wide. These were filled by multiple teachers and substitutes covering the class during time they would usually have had preparation periods. (115)
In January 2015 the district reported being short of substitute teachers. The problem was nationwide brought about by lower unemployment rates and increased professional development for teachers. Dubuque, using an automated substitute-placement system developed by Frontline, an education software company occasionally had thirty unfilled positions district-wide. These were filled by multiple teachers and substitutes covering the class during time they would usually have had preparation periods. (116)


In February 2015 it was announced that a $25 million renovation for [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]] was moving into the conceptual design phase. (116) The same month, the District announced that an estimated four hundred middle and high school students would be trained by the end of the year in the Green Dot Etcetera, violence-prevention program. The goal of the program was to help students recognize violent situations and to take action to help. A program for the elementary schools were planned for the beginning of the next school year. (117) On March 13, 2015 students had Eisenhower Elementary School missed a day of school when the building was closed. With between 23-28% of the students and 22 of the staff ill each of the previous four days, the District for the first time in its history chose to close the school to avoid the spread of the flu-like symptoms. (118) The second "School Talk" was held on March 14th at the Forum. The presentation topic was school funding, its importance to the district and the role supplemental state aid plays in budgeting. (119) It was announced in March, 2015 that John and Alice Butler would fund the replacement and renovation of windows and doors at [[BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] to return them to their appropriate historic style.
In February 2015 it was announced that a $25 million renovation for [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]] was moving into the conceptual design phase. (117) The same month, the District announced that an estimated four hundred middle and high school students would be trained by the end of the year in the Green Dot Etcetera, violence-prevention program. The goal of the program was to help students recognize violent situations and to take action to help. A program for the elementary schools were planned for the beginning of the next school year. (118) On March 13, 2015 students had Eisenhower Elementary School missed a day of school when the building was closed. With between 23-28% of the students and 22 of the staff ill each of the previous four days, the District for the first time in its history chose to close the school to avoid the spread of the flu-like symptoms. (119) The second "School Talk" was held on March 14th at the Forum. The presentation topic was school funding, its importance to the district and the role supplemental state aid plays in budgeting. (120) It was announced in March, 2015 that John and Alice Butler would fund the replacement and renovation of windows and doors at [[BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] to return them to their appropriate historic style.
The project would also include new historical exterior lighting at the school. The cost of the project, and amount of the donation, was $780,000. (120)
The project would also include new historical exterior lighting at the school. The cost of the project, and amount of the donation, was $780,000. (121)


No employee threatened to exceed the records of employment as teachers held by [[ANDRES, Amelia C.|Amelia C. ANDRES]] and [[MCCRANEY, Bessie V.|Bessie V. MCCRANEY]]
No employee threatened to exceed the records of employment as teachers held by [[ANDRES, Amelia C.|Amelia C. ANDRES]] and [[MCCRANEY, Bessie V.|Bessie V. MCCRANEY]]
Line 689: Line 691:
85. Ibid.
85. Ibid.


86. "Board Agrees to Try to Hire Negro Teachers," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 14, 1968, p. 1
86. Shamley, Dale. "'Cluster' Grade Schools Are Planned," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 10, 1967, p. 13


87. "Wessel Tells Problems in School Growth," ''Telegraph Herald'', Mar. 4, 1970, p. 6
87. "Board Agrees to Try to Hire Negro Teachers," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 14, 1968, p. 1


88. "School Census Shows Decline," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 1
88. "Wessel Tells Problems in School Growth," ''Telegraph Herald'', Mar. 4, 1970, p. 6


89. Babcock, Sue. "New School Technique: Cash Reserve," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 29
89. "School Census Shows Decline," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 1


90. Ibid.
90. Babcock, Sue. "New School Technique: Cash Reserve," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 29


91. Glab, Jim. "School's Out! School's Out!, ''Telegraph Herald'', July 1, 1970, p. 27
91. Ibid.


92. "Fulfilling Dreams...One Home at a Time," Dubuque Board of Realtors, Inc., May 30, 2013, p. 4
92. Glab, Jim. "School's Out! School's Out!, ''Telegraph Herald'', July 1, 1970, p. 27


93. Lyon, Randolph W. President of the DEA from 1982-1986, member of the committee which set up collective bargaining in the district, IPD member
93. "Fulfilling Dreams...One Home at a Time," Dubuque Board of Realtors, Inc., May 30, 2013, p. 4


94. Ibid.
94. Lyon, Randolph W. President of the DEA from 1982-1986, member of the committee which set up collective bargaining in the district, IPD member


95. Demarest, Dusti. "School Board May Tighten Fund-Raising," ''Telegraph Herald,'' April 10, 1984, p. 3
95. Ibid.


96. Ibid.
96. Demarest, Dusti. "School Board May Tighten Fund-Raising," ''Telegraph Herald,'' April 10, 1984, p. 3


97. Lyon
97. Ibid.


98. "After Seventeen Years, It was Time to Let Go and Forgive," '''Suburban Journals''', May 25, 2008, Online: http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/after-years-it-was-time-to-let-go-and-forgive/article_a65ae56d-361b-5c4d-b0ec-46b3e6902f07.html
98. Lyon


99.Wardenski, Joseph. "Chancellor Klein's Right-Hand Woman: Who is Diana Lam?" Gothamgazette.com. Online: http://www.gothamgazette.com/education/sep.02.shtml
99. "After Seventeen Years, It was Time to Let Go and Forgive," '''Suburban Journals''', May 25, 2008, Online: http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/after-years-it-was-time-to-let-go-and-forgive/article_a65ae56d-361b-5c4d-b0ec-46b3e6902f07.html


100. Olson, David. "What a Great Day for DCSD Middle Schools and High Schools," '''Julien's Journal''', September 2011, p. 55
100.Wardenski, Joseph. "Chancellor Klein's Right-Hand Woman: Who is Diana Lam?" Gothamgazette.com. Online: http://www.gothamgazette.com/education/sep.02.shtml


101. Ibid.
101. Olson, David. "What a Great Day for DCSD Middle Schools and High Schools," '''Julien's Journal''', September 2011, p. 55


102. Ibid.
102. Ibid.


103. Earl, Chris. "Dubuque Board Fires Superintendent," ''The Gazette'', May 30, 2012. Online: http://thegazette.com/2012/05/30/dubuque-board-fires-superintendent/
103. Ibid.
 
104. Earl, Chris. "Dubuque Board Fires Superintendent," ''The Gazette'', May 30, 2012. Online: http://thegazette.com/2012/05/30/dubuque-board-fires-superintendent/


104. "Rheingans Named Dubuque Community School District Superintendent," Online: http://www.dubuque.k12.ia.us/superintendentsearch/
105. "Rheingans Named Dubuque Community School District Superintendent," Online: http://www.dubuque.k12.ia.us/superintendentsearch/


105. Becker, Stacey. "School District Upgrading Technology," ''Telegraph Herald'', Apr. 9, 2013, p. 3A
106. Becker, Stacey. "School District Upgrading Technology," ''Telegraph Herald'', Apr. 9, 2013, p. 3A


106. "Every Child|Every Promise," '''City Focus''', Fall, 2014, p. 9
107. "Every Child|Every Promise," '''City Focus''', Fall, 2014, p. 9


107. Wiedemann, Katie. "Dubuque Schools Revise Proposed 2014-2015 Calendar," KCRG, Feb. 6, 2014
108. Wiedemann, Katie. "Dubuque Schools Revise Proposed 2014-2015 Calendar," KCRG, Feb. 6, 2014


108. Becker, Stacey,"Charter Renewed for Prescott School," ''Telegraph Herald'', Mar. 7, 2014, p. 3A
109. Becker, Stacey,"Charter Renewed for Prescott School," ''Telegraph Herald'', Mar. 7, 2014, p. 3A


109. Jacobson, Ben. "New Teachers Learn Along with Students," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 20, 2014, p. 1A
110. Jacobson, Ben. "New Teachers Learn Along with Students," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 20, 2014, p. 1A


110. Becker, Stacey. "District Exceeds 2013-1014 Authorized Budget," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 14, 2014, p. 3A
111. Becker, Stacey. "District Exceeds 2013-1014 Authorized Budget," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 14, 2014, p. 3A


111. Becker, Stacey. "Dubuque Schools Phase Out Paper Time Cards," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 9, p. 3A
112. Becker, Stacey. "Dubuque Schools Phase Out Paper Time Cards," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 9, p. 3A


112. Jacobson, Ben. "Initiative Seeks to Boost Success of At-Risk Youth," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 11, 2014, p. 1
113. Jacobson, Ben. "Initiative Seeks to Boost Success of At-Risk Youth," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 11, 2014, p. 1


113. Becker, Stacey. "Extracurricular Help," Telegraph Herald, December 16, 2014, p. 1A
114. Becker, Stacey. "Extracurricular Help," Telegraph Herald, December 16, 2014, p. 1A


114. Rheingans, Stan. "Dubuque Community School District Continues to 'Unfold Potential,' " '''Julien's Journal''', September 2014, p. 32
115. Rheingans, Stan. "Dubuque Community School District Continues to 'Unfold Potential,' " '''Julien's Journal''', September 2014, p. 32


115. Becker, Stacey. "Help Wanted," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 25, 2015, p. 1
116. Becker, Stacey. "Help Wanted," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 25, 2015, p. 1


116. Becker, Stacey. "Principal: Renovations Sorely Needed at Senior," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 12, 2015, p. 1
117. Becker, Stacey. "Principal: Renovations Sorely Needed at Senior," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 12, 2015, p. 1


117. Becker, Stacey. "Pushing Back Against Bullying," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 4, 2015, p. 1
118. Becker, Stacey. "Pushing Back Against Bullying," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 4, 2015, p. 1


118. "Dubuque Community School District Closes School for First Time Due to Illness," KWWL.com March 14, 2015
119. "Dubuque Community School District Closes School for First Time Due to Illness," KWWL.com March 14, 2015


119. "‘School Speak’ to Discuss Current State of School Funding, March 14" News-Dubuque Community Schools, Online: http://www.dbqschools.org/news/
120. "‘School Speak’ to Discuss Current State of School Funding, March 14" News-Dubuque Community Schools, Online: http://www.dbqschools.org/news/


120. "Bryant Elementary School Facade to be Rejuvenated Through Donation," News-Dubuque Community Schools, Online: http://www.dbqschools.org/news/
121. "Bryant Elementary School Facade to be Rejuvenated Through Donation," News-Dubuque Community Schools, Online: http://www.dbqschools.org/news/


[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]
[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]

Revision as of 00:44, 26 March 2015

Past logo of the Dubuque Community School District
Logo adopted in 2013
Past logo of the Dubuque Community School District
Logo adopted in 2013


Superintendents of the Dubuque Community School District

1895 1910 Franklin T. OLDT

1910 1921 James H. HARRIS

1921 1926 Otis P. FLOWER

1926 1926 Charles PRALL

1926 1930 Fred G. STEVENSON

1930 1940 Earl D. CLINE

1940 1947 Jordan LARSON

(1942-1943) (1944-1945) A.W. Merrill, Acting Supt.

1947 1966 Dr. Max CLARK

1966 1977 Dr. Garlyn WESSEL

1977 1992 Dr. Howard PIGG

1992 1994 Diana LAM

1994 1996 Dr. Marvin O’HARE

1996 1999 Dr. Joel MORRIS

1999 2002 Dr. Jane PETREK

2002 2009 John L. BURGART (Interim 6/02-1/03)

2009 5/3/12 Dr. Larie GODINEZ

5/3/12 9/19/12 Stan RHEINGANS (Interim Superintendent)

9/19 Stan Rheingans


DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. The first school in Dubuque was a log cabin erected by James LANGWORTHY and a few miners in the fall of 1833. George Cubbage, the first teacher, was hired for the winter of 1833-1834 to teach thirty-five students. Barrett Whittemore taught the second term with twenty-five students.

Private schools were common. Mrs. Caroline Dexter began teaching in Dubuque in 1836. She was the first female teacher in Dubuque and perhaps the entire state. She taught reading, writing and spelling charging $3.50 per student. Fuel for the school was provided by the parents. From 1836-1839 Mrs. Louisa King offered a school for young ladies at her home. Alonzo P. Phelps operated a classical school from 1838-1839. At the same time, a boarding school for young ladies was provided by Mrs. Mary Ann O'Reilly. Thomas Hart Benton, Jr., later the Iowa Superintendent of Public Instruction, opened an English and classical school in Dubuque in 1839. (1)

On January 1, 1839 the Territorial Legislature of Iowa passed a law that

             there shall be established a common school, or schools 
             in each of the counties of this Territory, which shall 
             be open and free for every class of white citizens 
             between the ages of five and twenty-one years. (2)

The second section of the act provided that the County Board would create districts governed by a board of trustees. Each district was required to maintain school for at least three months. Later laws provided for county school taxes which would be used to pay teachers. Whatever additional money was needed should be assessed parents of children according to the amount of time the children were in school. (3)

Despite early interest in schools by the State, nothing was done to establish public education in Dubuque until the spring of 1844. In April 1844, a tax levy was approved and Board of Education officers were elected. These included Warner LEWIS, president; J. J. E. Norman, secretary; Timothy MASON, treasurer; and William CARTER, director. This board arranged with private schools to accept any children living within the district. Tuition were paid on a per capita basis. Money remaining in the treasury after the payment of tuition was used to purchase school sites in the First and Third Wards. Records indicate no further activity of the Board until 1849 when a tax of 2.5 mills on the dollar was established to construct three schools, one in each of the three wards. (4)

During 1850 contracts were issued for the construction of two one-story brick schools, one in the First Ward and the other for the Third Ward. Each was to serve eighty pupils. Soon after the buildings were completed, the District ran into financial difficulties; the buildings were sold under the Mechanics Lien laws. (5) During 1851, Directors of the Third Ward District redeemed their school building. A school census in 1855 indicated that 3,466 children resided within the city.

Dubuque's slow movement toward establishing a school system led the State legislature in 1855 to pass a law making the City of Dubuque a permanent school district. The law further authorized the City Council to appoint a Board of Education to serve until the next city election. (6)

No action was taken on this matter by the City Council until January 21, 1856. (7) The City Council then created a Board of Education consisting of the MAYOR and one member from each ward in the city. The Mayor, City Recorder, and City Treasurer were all given ex-officio status on the new Board. Members of this Board included John G. SHIELDS, the mayor; Dennis MAHONY, First Ward; James A. Reid, Second Ward; James Burt, Third Ward; James R. Goodrich, Fourth Ward, and C. B. Waples, Fifth Ward. At the board's first meeting on February 7, 1856, Mahony was elected President pro tempore.

Friction between the school board and the city council led the board to resign. On March 10, 1856, the City Council adopted an ordinance that repealed the appointment of the first board. A new board was named including H. A. Wiltse, Frederick. Ezekiel BISSELL, J. J. E. Norman, J. A. Reed, and S. M. Case. The board first met on March 11 and elected H. W. Wiltse as its president.

The City Council appropriated $30,000 for the construction of schools. Contracts for the construction of the schools in the 1st and 3rd wards were entered into with John Francis RAGUE. The school board surveyed the city to find there were 2,808 children of school age but because only private schools were operating just 300 children were actually getting an education. (8)

School property in 1857 consisted of:

               2/5 of Lot 447 at the corner of Clay and 12th Street
               part of Lot 602 having a one-story brick schoolhouse
               part of Lot 600
               a lot of one acre in the 5th Ward with frame schoolhouse
               two school buildings (1st and 3rd Ward buildings)--1st and
               second stories for primary and secondary with the third story
               for the grammar department. Each could accommodate 800 students. (9)

Difficulties arose again in 1857 between the school board and city council. The board charged that the council could not appropriate funds from the state for anything except schools. The controversy affected the operation of the schools and the payment of teachers. The office of superintendent of district schools was abolished and teachers were paid in DUBUQUE HARBOR IMPROVEMENT COMPANY or city script which rapidly depreciated in value. On March 13th this board of education named by the city council was legislated out of existence by the Iowa legislature. (10)

A new board was elected by the citizens. This charter board included Henry A. Wiltze, president; and directors Timothy MASON, John H. THEDINGA, and and W. H. RUMPF. In May, the board purchased the DUBUQUE FEMALE COLLEGE for $12,000 and opened a high school with 110 students. (11) To enroll, students needed to pass an examination in arithmetic, geography, grammar, and history. George Wallace JONES donated books for the school's library. (Board minutes)

In 1858 the economic panic that had affected the nation for two years finally was felt by the schools in Dubuque. The high school was closed. The grammar schools were only kept open by cutting the teachers' salaries by 50%. Despite the salary reduction, teachers remained in their classrooms. (12)

Financial difficulties forced the closing of all schools for the first term in 1861. They were reopened in January, 1862. (13)

Teachers at the time were prohibited from enrolling African American children, as such an action would be illegal. Class size, an issue decades later, was already a concern. A limit of sixty students per teacher was set in the Third Ward School while fifty students per teacher was established in the Fifth Ward School. The academic year was divided into three terms, and a resolution forbidding the use of tobacco in the schools was adopted. Continued friction between the Board and City Council was shown when the Board censured the Council for appointing a committee to inspect the Third Ward School. (Board minutes)

Dubuque's first public high school was held in one of the upper rooms of the original Prescott Elementary School.

In 1865 the District purchased the Turner Hall building later occupied by the playground of PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. The high school was opened in 1865 on the top floor with primary students on the lower floors. A large room was subdivided into classrooms and this remained the local high school until 1895. (14) The school board also purchased two acres of land in West Dubuque and erected a school called the "West Dubuque School." At the head of South Dodge Street on land already owned by the District, the "South Dodge Street School" was constructed. (15)

The school census of 1866 showed a great increase in student population over 1865. Responding to the information, plans were drawn for the construction of a school on the northwest corner of Nevada and Fifth STREETS. This became the Fourth Ward School (16) In July of that year, the president of the board announced plans to re-organize the high school that had been discontinued in 1860. (17) A course of study was also proposed. When the Fourth Ward School was opened in 1867, it was immediately filled to capacity.

In 1867 the system of student promotions was radically changed. Until that time, students were promoted based upon annual examinations conducted by teams of citizens chosen for the procedure. In 1866 an article described the following:

     We are aware of the fact that it is poor policy for a reporter to
     attempt to draw comparisons between anything that he may be describing,
     but we will venture to assert that Mrs. Knowlton's class in point
     of orderly deportment, punctual attendance and proficiency in study 
     cannot be surpassed by any class in the State, of their age. The
     reading was marked with expression, life and animation, while their
     exercises in grammar were truly surprising....The decorations of the
     room, the smiling countenances of the children, the satisfaction of the
     committee, and above all the ready answers given to all the questions was
     very easy to witness. (18)    

After consideration, the board proposed that student promotions should be the "reward of general progress" and not for "particular display." The promotions, therefore, were to be made by the principals of the school on the results of the examinations "and the general advancement of the pupils in their studies during the term." Examining committees of citizens were appointed to attend the examinations and then to report their findings to the school board. (19)

During the 1864-1865 school year a petition was received by the Board asking that a school for African-American children be opened. Since a private school for these students was open at the time, the Board chose to pay the operator of the school ten dollars per month from May 1, 1864, for each student enrolled. (Board minutes)

Varieties of school bells.
Photo courtesy: Tombstone (AZ) Museum

Educational quality was on the minds of Board members when, in 1865-1866, they chose to examine all candidates for teaching positions and those already employed as teachers. Persons receiving the highest average on the examinations would be rewarded with employment. The petition for a school for African-American students was again presented. This time the Board rented a church basement and began the school on March 5, 1866. Of the 4,867 school age students in the District, the secretary's report indicated that 2,364 children were enrolled. The average daily attendance was 1,853. (Board minutes)

Reported price gouging by local bookstores angered the Board in 1867. The Board responded by passing a resolution requesting local bookstores to reduce their prices to those charged by stores in Chicago or face the possibility of the Board operating its own bookstore. Teachers were made financially responsible for any books lost or destroyed. (Board minutes)

Crowding in the First and Fifth Ward Schools during the 1868-1869 school year led to classes being divided into morning and afternoon shifts. A request by the German Catholic Congregation School to be considered a public school so that it could share in the school revenues was denied. (20)

On February 9, 1870 the Iowa Legislature passed a law legislating all the directors of independent school districts out of office, and enacted that the Board of Education in such districts be composed of only six members. The law also stated that at the first meeting of the Board each year, the directors would elect a president, secretary and treasurer and that the latter two be chosen outside the Board. (21) In April of that year, the "Dodge Street School" accommodating fifty students was completed. On July 25, 1870 the board passed a resolution discontinuing the separate "colored school" and enrolling the students in the schools near where they lived. (22) In August, however, this action was reconsidered, and the closing did not occur.

The first graduation from a high school in Dubuque took place in 1870. Students of the high school, with additional citizen support, purchased an organ for the school and presented it to the Board. The Secretary's Report indicated 6,929 children lived within the District and that 2,721 attended public schools. With six male and fifty-seven female teachers, the student-teacher ratio was 43:1. (Board minutes)

Vandalism plagued the District during 1872--1873 to the degree that the Board requested the mayor deputize building janitors as special police. (Board minutes)

In 1873 citizens from the Fifth Ward petitioned the District for a school. Taxes were collected toward the construction of what became the Couler Avenue Schoolhouse. This building was formally opened on November 16, 1874. (23)

Records indicate that the average attendance in the high school was 71 students. An exhibition was held in 1874 by students to raise money to purchase a collection of Iowa minerals and a piano. In 1874-1875 a student request to use one of the rooms for a gym was granted. The students, however, had to equip the room and obtain an architect's notice that the activities would not damage the building. (Board minutes)

By an act of the Iowa Legislative on March 19, 1874, normal (teaching) institutes were established in each county to be held annually by the county superintendent. (24) This was the first TEACHER IN-SERVICE program mentioned in records affecting Dubuque teachers.

In 1875 the Board was petitioned by parents wishing their children to be taught the German language in school. Principals of the schools polled their students and found that 373 students were interested. Special teachers were hired to teach German classes one hour after school every day except Friday. After a trial period of one term, it was decided that students in 10th "class" and 11th "class" were not sufficiently trained in grammar to make the class profitable. It was maintained for those in the 12th "class." (25)

High school courses beginning in the 1876-1877 school year were divided into three classes. Business courses lasted three years. Classical, Latin, and scientific each required four years to complete. Students graduating with an average of ninety or better from the four-year courses were presented a Teacher's Grammar Certificate. Those graduating with an average from eighty to ninety received Teacher's Secondary Certificates. By 1877 most courses were extended to four years. Four year Latin, scientific and classical courses were continued after 1877 along with two-year business courses. After 1885 the classical course was discontinued. In 1895 the Board of Education realized that most students were enrolling in the two-year business course. This program was soon discontinued, and high school became a four-year program. (Board minutes)

In September 1875 the board of education voted down the idea of admitting African American children into the ward schools. The petition was refused because it was thought to be in the best interests of the children themselves not to mix them with the white children "where they would be subjected to insults and annoyances." "There was no party feeling on the board relative to the matter as evinced by the fact that the report was made by a Republican and adopted on the motion of a Republican. The vote for it consisted of two Republicans and two Democrats while against it was one Republican and one Democrat. (26) African American children attempted to attend ward schools during the winter of 1876-1877, but were denied admission. On February 19, 1877 the Board was taken to District Court over the issue, but instructed its counsel not to offer any defense. All pupils withdrew from the African American school on February 14, 1877, and the building was closed. (27)

In January, 1878 the Board published the twelfth annual report in pamphlet form. Entitled "Public Schools of Dubuque," this was the first report in ten years and was the work of Thomas HARDIE. (28) During that summer, the Ruttan system of heating and ventilation was introduced into the First, Third, and Fifth Ward schools. This resulted in the end of heating by steam and ventilating by windows. This was soon added to the Fourth War School. (29)

In an article in the Dubuque Herald on April 2, 1878 Treasurer Joseph HEROD reported that in the month of March the district had paid its teachers $3,447.50 and that other expenses had come to $530.25. This placed the per pupil cost, based on average daily attendance, at $1.49. (30)

Drawing was started in the schools during the 1880-1881 academic year. Since the Board did not wish to hire specialists, teachers were requested to attend classes to learn how to teach the new subject. (Board minutes) In 1880 Dubuque's public schools were served by seventy-three teachers of whom three were "specials" giving instruction in German. Sixty of the teachers had been educated locally. At the end of the 16th year, students were given competitive examinations. A score of 70% or higher entitled the student to entrance in high school. (31)

The course of study in 1880 was considered a "perfect and excellent one." (32)

             Primary Department--reading, spelling, counting, mental
             and practical arithmetic, printing, writing, definitions,
             and oral instructions.
             Secondary Department--reading, spelling, definitions,
             punctuation, geography, penmanship, mental and practical
             arithmetic, and oral instructions.
             Grammar Department--reading, spelling, mental and practical
             arithmetic, grammar, geography, penmanship, composition,
             United States history, physics and oral instruction.
             High School (first year)--arithmetic, Latin, physiology, 
             algebra, botany, English composition, German and book-
             keeping. (second year)--algebra, Caesar, general history,
             geometry, commercial arithmetic, natural philosophy, 
             geology, chemistry, Constitution and political economy, 
             and German. (third year)--geometry, Cicero, Greek, 
             natural philosophy, chemistry, and geology. (fourth year)--
             trigonometry and surveying, Virgil, Anabasis, rhetoric and
             English literature, natural philosophy, Constitution and
             political economy.

Drug education started in the District during the 1886-1887 school year. A course, written to comply with a new state law, was introduced which showed the effects of alcohol, stimulants and narcotics on the human body. The student teacher ratio had risen to 54:1. (Board minutes)

In June 1890, the following article appeared (in part) in the Dubuque Herald: (33)

            Another peculiarity of our public schools is that most
            of the extras, that have been gradually introduced into
            so many of the schools in other places, have been
            religiously excluded here.  The course of instruction is
            confined to the branches originally intended to be
            taught in schools. The curriculum is limited to the
            the usual branches of a public school education; and
            those who have desired their children taught in other
            matters have had to seek for it elsewhere. Among the
            extras that have been excluded here, that is where no
            extra teachers are employed to instruct in them, are
            such matters as singing, drawing, military drills,
            sketching, cooking, manual labor, gymnastics and various
            other fads that could be enumerated.
            As a result, it has subjected our schools to some
            criticism at school gatherings, institutes, and
            educational associations, where the professors and
            advocates of these different systems are apt to abound,
            but we have never heard of any complaint on that score
            from patrons of the schools.

With as many as 60 students standing without a place to sit, calls were made for a new high school.

The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company created a container for its tobacco that could be easily converter to a student's lunchbox. Photo courtesy: Massie Heritage Center, Savannah, Georgia

In the 1890s when the high school was built on Fifteen and Locust Street, Joseph Herod, Treasurer of the School Board, was the "watch dog" of the construction. His reward was one dozen cut glass tumblers. As school treasurer, Herod made the round of schools to pay the teachers in hard cash. The receipt form was signed promptly and on to the next room--then the next school. (34)

Schools were renamed with no clue for whom they were named on September 23, 1889. (35) The schools with their former and new names were: First Ward School--FRANKLIN SCHOOL

Third Ward School--PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fourth Ward School--LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fifth Ward School--AUDUBON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

West Dubuque School--IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Couler Avenue School--FULTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Eagle Point School--MARSHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

West Locust Street School--JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

South Dodge Street School--BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Dodge Street School--Morse School

Lots 359 and 360 at the corner of 17th and White Streets were purchased for $700.00 and for $2,576.65. The PETER COOPER SCHOOL was constructed on this site. (Board minutes)

In 1892 Irving School, rebuilt after being destroyed by fire the same year, became the first public school in the District to be heated by steam and provided with indoor toilets. Truch, Southworth and Company were granted permission to mine beneath the Lincoln School grounds for two years. (Board minutes)

The former public high school in Dubuque, this Romanesque architecture building served many years as the administrative building for the Dubuque Community School District.

By a vote of 956 to 235, Dubuque voters in 1893 approved issuing $75,000 in bonds for the construction of what became CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL. The P. J. Lee lots at the corner of 15th and Locust were purchased for $15,000. G. Stanley Mansfield of Freeport, Illinois, was employed as the architect. The high school, dedicated on January 17, 1895, was occupied by students on February 4, 1895, and was used until the opening of DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL in 1923. The 1894-1895 school year also saw the District begin kindergarten classes. (Board minutes)

The office of superintendent had been abolished in the school system and it was not until 1893 that the suggestion of reinstating the position was made. (36) The issue was discussed by the Board while in the public the Herald opposed the idea and the Times and Telegraph supported it. The issue was finally decided by the hiring of Franklin T. Oldt. (37)

Teachers' salaries were studied by a committee of the Board during the 1897-1898 school year. After comparing salaries in Dubuque with surrounding cities, the committee's report was adopted, and some salaries were cut. (Board minutes)

In 1897 the district, by state law, had to have the "elements of music" taught in all schools. In those cases where music was not taught by special teachers, the classroom teacher had to satisfy the county superintendent of their ability to teach the subject. No teacher, however, could be denied a certificate to teach or have their certificate lowered because they were unable to sing. (38)

In January, 1898, Dubuque had thirteen public school buildings. There were 5,756 children enrolled. (39) During 1898-1899 a resolution was introduced to include music in the curriculum. The resolution was defeated by the Board in a vote of four to one. The faculty of the District then consisted of sixteen men and one hundred twelve women that, with the student enrollment of 5,174, resulted in a student-teacher ratio of 40:1. (Board minutes)

Beautifying the schools seemed a goal in 1899. In that year the superintendent arranged for an exhibition of pictures in Temple Hall. Admission of ten cents was charged the public. The collection of $185 was used to purchase picture frames which were distributed among the schools. "This was the beginning of better things in classroom decoration." (40) A few months later, kindergarten rooms were given "casts." The educational committee of the DUBUQUE WOMEN'S CLUB was assisted by other groups in presenting "A Trip Around the World." The $810 collected was used to purchase pictures and statuary for every classroom. In 1900 a "dingy" room at Prescott was converted into a "model room" with the entire cost of $400 being paid by Mrs. F. D. Stout. (41)

Graduation announcement in 1904

In 1903 night school was offered in the District. (42) John McCabe was elected the District's first Truant Officer and began his duties in September 1903. Following a two week Christmas vacation, students returning to Lincoln School found kindergarteners transferred from the Gregoire residence on West Fifth to a new building purchased adjoining the school. The Mother's Club of the kindergarten was to furnish the room. The new Fulton School was also opened for the first time. (43) Schools were dismissed on June 2 at noon, but students were expected to return at 4:00 p.m. to accompany their teacher to the reception for President Theodore Roosevelt. (Board minutes)

Lack of business and school board support was the reason given for lack lust athletics at the high school in 1903: (44)

  The business men of the town do not take an active
  interest in the sports of the school. In towns like
  Davenport, Clinton and Rock Island, the teams are
  backed by the board of education. This assures the
  people, who put money into the game, that their
  money will be refunded if the season is unsuccessful.
  The Clinton high school boys are presented with suits
  by the business men of that city the day before their
  Dubuque game and the Davenport boys with hats.
             When a number of boys who work together see that the
             business men are with then, they will work.
             

In January, 1904, Prof. F. T. Oldt, historian and future Dubuque superintendent, served as chairman of the committee on phonetic spelling at the State Teachers' Convention in Des Moines. He introduced resolutions, which were adopted, endorsing the simplified spelling of such words as thoro, thru, demogog, thorofare, etc. (45)

Dubuque schools received a gold medal for written work and shared another gold medal with the East Des Moines and Burlington Schools for best drawings submitted as part of the Iowa State Exhibit at the St. Louis World's Fair during the 1904—1905 school year. In his first annual report to the Board, John McCabe, the new truant officer, detailed the one hundred five cases he had investigated since taking office. In 1906 "OLD FIFTH" was torn down. (Board minutes)

1908 Promotion card from Lincoln Elementary School. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding
In 1908-1909 the idea of free texts for students was rejected by the board of education

During the 1908-1909 school year, the Palmer Handwriting Method was introduced in the District. Manual training was also made a part of the seventh and eighth grade curricula. (Board minutes)

In June 1909 St. Raphael's school petitioned to be accredited as a high school. Free text books in the schools were voted down here this year. (46) The school board's committee on course of study reported that pupils from any parochial school whose course of study was presented to the city superintendent and approved by him could be admitted to the high school upon conditions similar to those governing the admission of pupils from the grammar department of the public schools.

Boys could "help" carry their girlfriend's books with this two handle leather book strap. Massie Heritage Center, Savannah, Georgia

The pupils of the upper eight grades were given two tests at times designated by the superintendent. If the combined average from the average of the monthly report marks and the test average in any subject was 80 or more, the pupil would be excused from the final examination in that subject. If the average was less than 80, a final examination would have to be taken with the questions furnished by the superintendent. When final examinations were necessary, the general average required for promotion would have to be 75 or more and the minimum in arithmetic and grammar had to be at least 70. At the close of every semester, a complete report giving monthly report, test and final examination marks of all the pupils of the grade were given to the superintendent on forms provided by him. (Board minutes)

The question of whether to have sex education in the schools was raised in 1910. While the wife of Iowa Governor Carroll was a strong advocate for such a program, local feelings were mixed. Superintendent Oldt stated, "It would be well to leave some obligations with the parents." He continued,"Have young teachers teach the boy or girl the mysteries of life? Why, they have not matured enough to do so--they do not have the mother instinct in the first place." (Note: As late as 1949 in Cedar Rapids, female teachers who married were dismissed.) Miss Balcolm, superintendent of nurses at the Finley Hospital Training School, agreed with Superintendent Oldt, but believed many children received no parental guidance and therefore thought a program in the school would be a good idea. (47)

The announcement in May 1910 that Zeta Beta Psi Sorority would withdraw from the high school again raised the question of having fraternities and sororities in the public schools. There were still four secret societies in the high school: Phi Sigma, Alpha Omega, and Phi Delta fraternities and Iota Sigma sorority. The average membership ranged from six to ten with a large number of alumni. One of the differences between the secret societies in Dubuque and elsewhere was the absence of a room or house. Another problem elsewhere was the control of these societies over athletics. (48)

In May, Superintendent Harris met with the board of education. As a result of the meeting, the superintendent was given power to investigate a number of schools in the state where medical inspection was "in vogue." The intended results was having medical inspection of the Dubuque public schools. Superintendent Harris was an advocate of medical inspection believing with others that the cause of many "backward children" was various physical ailments. The "open-air" school did not come up during the discussion, but it was expected that "with medical inspection the children predisposed to tuberculosis would be given plenty of fresh air while at their studies." (49) In July, 1910 a plan was described to hire the district's first "school nurse" to visit homes and then report cases to the home, physicians, or specialists. (50) The District also decided to introduce a course in stenography and typewriting in the high school. (51)

1909 Report card from Lincoln Elementary School. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

In 1911 when the District ended one year and began another, teachers who were kept on staff were "re-elected." In that year a new salary schedule was adopted for the grade teachers. The schedule called for a uniform increase of fifty dollars--twenty-five dollars in each of the next two years. (52)

Merchants along Clay Street petitioned the Board to abandon Prescott School on April 25, 1912. Merchants complained that the buildings were unsafe and that the traffic posed both a noise problem for the students as well as a hazard. The Board chose the half block facing White Street between 12th and 13th Streets for the new Prescott Elementary School. (Board minutes)

FRATERNITIES/SORORITIES in the high school were banned by action of the Board in 1913-1914. Members of Zeta Beta Psi and Iota Beta Phi sororities and Alpha Omega, Phi Sigma, Phi Delta and Phi Sigma fraternities resigned during the 1914--1915 school year to comply with the Board ruling. (Board minutes)

On October 6, 1916, a petition was filed with the Board for the construction of a new Bryant Elementary School. Of the 11,427 children living within the District, 3,152 attended public school. With the staff numbering fifteen men and one hundred thirty-one women the student teacher ratio was 27:1. (Board minutes)

Communal paste jar from which students could fill their own paste containers.

On November 19, 1919, a $50.00 bonus was approved by the Board for all teachers retroactive to the beginning of school in September. The amount was paid at a rate of five dollars per month. (Board minutes)

In 1918 the board of education was praised for encouraging children in Dubuque to learn how to swim. The interest was a result of a census taken in the latter part of May in the high school and the upper grammar grades of the public schools. The census found that 276 pupils in the high school and 311 in the seventh and eighth grades of the grammar schools were unable to swim. Of the total 587 students, 526 indicated an interest in learning. In July the board announced that swimming lessons would be provided beginning on July 9th at the municipal bathing beach near EAGLE POINT. The instructor for the boys was Mr. G. H. Westby of Chicago. Miss Ella H. Schneider of Chicago was hired to teach swimming to the girls. (Board minutes)

Students in Dubuque public schools were involved in a fund drive in March 1920 to aid Armenia and residents of the Near East. Counting the money at the board of education revealed that $458.85 had been collected with Lincoln Elementary School the clear leader with a total of $97.47. (53)

Handbill from 1920 urging support for the construction of a new high school. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding.

At a special election held on May 15, 1920, voters approved the construction of a new high school by a margin of 51 percent. Condemnation proceedings were begun on one site, but rescinded on May 25 when it was decided to buy the West Locust Street site at the corner of Seminary Street and West Locust, the present site of Dubuque Senior High School. The land, purchased from the SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (BVM), cost $45,335. Teachers with five or more years of experience received a salary increase effective in 1921 of $400. Teachers with less experience received $30.

In April, 1920 J. H. Harris, superintendent of schools, continued his campaign to convince Dubuque residents of the benefits of establishing junior high schools. Although the district needed a new high school, he stated that other Iowa communities like Davenport and Cedar Rapids had already established or were establishing junior highs. In speaking to the DUBUQUE WOMEN'S CLUB he stated:

       Most of the people do not understand what 
       is meant by a junior high school. The 
       pupils in this city now in the seventh and 
       eighth grades and in the first year of high 
       school would be students of the new school 
       and they would be taught foreign languages, 
       laboratory work, physical training, manual 
       training and numerous other things. Most of 
       the children in America complete their education 
       when they finish the eighth grade and in the 
       new school these children, before they leave 
       school, would have at least one year of high 
       school. (54)
         

In April, 1920 a petition was submitted to the board of education asking for a special election regarding the future of junior high schools in Dubuque. (55) On June 3, 1920, voters approved a proposal to erect two junior high schools. (Board minutes)

Sites for the junior high schools (now WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL and JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL) were selected on April 22, 1921, and January 7, 1922, respectively. Preliminary plans for the junior high on Grandview were approved in June, 1921. (56) In 1921 summer school was again offered in the District after an absence of three years due to cost and a lack of student attendance. Courses for those who had fallen behind in their regular work were held at Lincoln, Futon, Audubon and Prescott. (57) The Board adopted a resolution during the 1922-1923 school year barring the employment of married women as teachers. (Board minutes)

In 1922 a thrift course was adopted by the board of education. In practice in over two hundred schools nationwide over the preceding seven years, the program was designed to encourage students to deposit money into savings accounts. Schools and their participation rates included Jackson (41%), Bryant (51%), Fulton (52%), Peter Cooper (55%), Irving (55%), Prescott (59%), Franklin (65%), Audubon (65%), and Marshall (69%). (58)

In 1923 Superintendent Otis P. Flower introduced the new system of 6-3-3 school organization. Such an organization "would place children of various mental capacity in various groups for more efficient development." (59) The same year, the COMMITTEE OF NINE completed its investigation of grade school textbooks for alleged un-American materials. (Board minutes)

On May 15, 1925 Dubuque Senior High School held an open house for working parents. Classes began at 2:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. and ran until 8:50 p.m. Every class was held, examples of work were on display, and the cafeteria was open from 5:35 to 7:35 to allow working parents to see how a day of school was operated. (60)

On May 25, 1925 police were used to clear the room of many spectators during a meeting of the school board. (61) Intent upon hearing the case against Superintendent Otis P. FLOWER, the spectators objected to the board going into executive session. (62) The board then met in executive session and asked Flower for his resignation. On July 17, 1925 the board rescinded their action. (63) Flower served until 1926.

The year 1926 could be called "The Year of the Superintendents." In what was clearly a divided board of education struggles with each other and the superintendent led Otis P. Flower to leave, Charles Prall being hired and then almost immediately resigning, and finally former DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL principal Fred G. STEVENSON being hired. In the hiring of Stevenson, disagreements among board members even included how much he earned at his last position. There was even this statement quoted from one board member in the newspaper: (64)

           In the third place, I will agree that Mr. Stevenson
           has some friends in Dubuque, but I want to say here
           and now that he has a great many more enemies than
           friends in Dubuque.

Public records of school board meetings in 1926 also showed the arbitrary nature of teacher payment. The following information came from a meeting of the board on May 25, 1925: (65)

                  Mrs. Becker (secretary) then read a list of 
            recommendations for raising teachers' salaries,
            the recommendations being those of the education
            committee. The list follows:
                  Ellen Jones, $500, because she has been 
                      changed to a principalship
                  Leo McDonough, $100; C. M. Sarff, $300; 
                  Mr. Demkier, $400; Mary Hogan, $50; Mr. 
                  Garner, $100; and James More, $200
                After the list had been read, Mr. Hoerner 
            (board member) asked,"Are we raising these teachers'
            salaries on merit or on request."
                "You may vote as you choose. The raises are the
            recommendations of the education committee and
            I move their acceptance," was Mrs. Becker's reply.
                After making the motion, Mrs. Becker declared that
            all the other teachers were to receive the same
            salaries as last year.
                Mr. Davenport (board member) inquired,"Why should
            we do this? What is the reason?
                Mrs. Becker replied that she had given a specific
            reason in each instance.
                "What about Miss Lindermann? Shouldn't she have a
            raise?" inquired Mr. Davenport.
                Superintendent Flower then asked,"What about Mr.
            Hallman? I recommended him for a raise of $100."
                Mrs. Becker replied that,"We can't raise everyone."

In 1927 the District created the position of dean of girls at the high school. The first person to hold the job was Harriet Greenhow, a former principal of LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and then the head of the Latin department at the high school. In the fall of 1927, the District received a letter from Clara M. Wallace, state superintendent of normal training in high schools. In the company of the county superintendent, she visited the Normal Training High School at Dubuque on November 27, 1927. Superintendent Wallace described the program as "small but outstanding." "Students were getting splendid training and should make fine rural teachers. We trust you will use your influence in trying to help get these girls placed in the rural schools of Dubuque County when they are ready to teach." (66)

During the 1928-1929 academic year, junior high classes at Central School were discontinued. The move of junior high classes from Central to Jefferson and Washington had been begun in July with the removal of the ninth grade at Central to the two other junior high schools. The movement of the seventh and eighth grades was to be finished at the end of the first semester. The building was then to be used for the board's administrative offices, a part-time school and for a school of "special opportunities" for full time pupils. The movement of students ended in January. Superintendent Stevenson reported his discovery that the board in 1920 before submitting the proposal to the voters to build a new senior and and two junior high schools had adopted a program for the new schools---and a junior high school at Central. (67) The removal of students from Central did not resume until the issue was settled at the end of the 1928-1929 school year. Classes for the deaf, handicapped and part-time were then moved to the building. (Board minutes)

In January 1928, Superintendent Stevenson supported the practice of hiring married women as substitutes. He claimed it was his practice, following board policy, to seek unmarried women first, but that unmarried women were often not available on short notice. Finding substitutes for the high school was especially difficult since it was his policy to only call those qualified in the fields in which they taught. In this case, the only competent substitutes were married women. It was also true that experienced married substitutes could more quickly get the students into a "working mood." The superintendent stated that he felt when the community realized these facts the board members would be less likely to be criticized for the hiring of married women. (68)

The Peter Cooper School was closed during the 1930-1931 school year. Voters in 1932 approved a plan to sell the building and place the money in the School House Fund. During the same year the practice of renting textbooks was started at Washington Junior High School. Financial problems returned to the District, and 10 percent of all salaries were withheld for balancing the budget. At the end of the year, 60 percent of the money withheld was repaid to the employees. (Board minutes)

In an effort to balance the budget, salaries were again reduced by 10 percent during the 1933-1934 year with an additional 10 percent coming from salaries exceeding one hundred dollars per month. At the end of the year, 75 percent of the withheld money was repaid. (Board minutes)

Bus token for school travel-front
Bus token for school travel-back

The 10 percent salary reduction was used again during the 1935-1936 year with 30 percent of the withheld money returned. The teaching contract of Frederick Wilhelm KALTENBACH was not renewed, and the MURALS at Dubuque Senior were completed under the direction of Cyril FERRING, a former student. (Board minutes)

In 1936-1937 the Dubuque Teachers Association asked the District to begin payment of salaries in twelve equal installments. Each paycheck was issued on the first day of the month. (Board minutes)

In 1937 officials of the American Federation of Labor were told by members of the Board of Education that the organization of teachers into a union was a matter that "rested entirely with the teachers themselves." John J. Brown, A. F. of L. organizer, announced that he would ask Miss Helen Kintzinger, president of the Dubuque Teachers' Association, to call a meeting of the executive committee of the organization to consider the issue. Board members instructed Superintendent Earl C. Cline "to call a meeting of the teachers of the proposal met with the approval of the association's executive committee." (69)

Photo courtesy: Bob Reding
Awards program (1938)Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Night school was important. In 1937-38 a total of 350 students received night school certificates. To be eligible, a person had to attend at least 32 of the forty sessions and meet the class requirements. Those who attended only one semester's classes were given semester cards. Classes were held twice a week during the semester. Perfect attendance was also recognized. In 1937-38 perfect attendance records were held by thirty-six students. In a newspaper article at the time, it was noted that Frank F. Stoewer held the record with five years of perfect attendance. Following the presentation of certificates of achievement and semester cards, an annual closing party-dance was held in the Dubuque Senior High School gymnasium. (Board minutes)

On September 26, 1938, Dubuque voters approved by a vote of 4,763 to 1,265 to issue bonds for the construction of schools to replace Bryant, Fulton, Lincoln, and Marshal. A resolution was adopted on November 10, 1938, to accept a grant from the federal government to help in the construction of the schools in a sum not to exceed $343,636. Marshall was accepted as completed on January 23, 1940. Bryant was accepted on February 23, 1940. Lincoln was accepted on April 1, 1941, and Fulton was accepted on April 16. (Board minutes)

In 1940 the State Health Department asked local teachers across the state to carefully watch their students for signs of POLIO. These would include "signs of indisposition and irritability" along with fever, sore throats, and listlessness. Later indications would include fever, vomiting and stiffness in the neck or back. The department, however, stressed that schools should remain open in those areas where the most cases were being reported. (70)

During 1941-1942 the Board adopted a rule that required all teachers to attend summer school and obtain a minimum of six hours of credit every six years. The federal government requested students in manual training classes to build airplane models to be used in the instruction of airplane spotters. (Board minutes)

To enable more women to enter the workforce during WORLD WAR II, the District began a day nursery at Audubon School for young children during the 1942-1943 academic year. In 1944 a second nursery was opened at Fulton School. (Board minutes)

An epidemic of POLIO delayed the opening of school for one month in 1943. The same year a School Site Fund was created and funded by all delinquent taxes collected. (Board minutes)

In 1946 the single salary schedule for teachers was adopted. In September the taxpayers of the Oakville School District met to consider consolidation with Dubuque. Pushing the issue was the annexation of the 59.6 acres served by the district by the City of Dubuque in April. This had been pursued by the JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS which had purchased some land in the area on which to construct one hundred homes. The company wanted sufficiently large school facilities for these families. The homes were located in the area of Broadlawn, Morningview, and Hillcrest. Members of the Dubuque board of education had stated previously that the rural school with twenty-six students would probably be maintained for the present time if the consolidation was achieved. (71)

On July 9, 1947, part of the Center Grove School District was annexed. This was followed on October 10 by the Oakville School District. (Board minutes) On September 9, 1947 one of the members of the school board asked Superintendent of Schools Max Clark if any of the textbooks for the new school year might have any Communist leaning. The superintendent assured the board that the textbooks had been checked and none was found. (72)

In 1948 the State of Iowa's Department of Public Instruction established the Iowa Committee on Atomic Energy to develop a curriculum for the study of atomic science. In 1949, prior to the release of IOWA PLAN (THE), district administrators admitted that finding textbooks up-to-date with the rapid development of science was difficult. The standard practice of textbook adoption was for teams of teachers to study possible texts and then submit their choice to a Central Curriculum committee composed of the superintendent and several principals and supervisors. Superintendent Clark stated that most of the material on the United Nations and atomic energy came from newspapers, magazines, brochures and pamphlets purchased for the schools. He singled out "My Weekly Reader" as one source because it was published in several editions to meet the reading needs of children in different grades. (73)

The start of school in 1949 was again delayed by poliomyelitis. A strike by coal miners left the District with a fuel shortage. Temperatures in the schools were lowered, and all after-school and evening activities were cancelled. (Board minutes)

Construction contracts for the erection of a new Irving Elementary School were awarded in 1952. The building was dedicated on October 28, 1953, and WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH purchased the site of the old Irving School. Audubon School opened a classroom on a half-time basis in the fall of 1954 for the teaching of the mentally handicapped. (Board minutes)

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION had been occurring in Iowa for decades, but the pace increased in the 1950s affecting RURAL SCHOOLS. In 1953 the 57th General Assembly repeated a previous law on consolidation and the "community school district" became the unit of public education in Iowa. (74) The merger of the Independent School District of Dubuque and the Independent School District of Center Grove was approved effective July 1, 1956. On December 10, 1956, the Board passed a resolution changing the name of the District from the Independent School District of Dubuque to the Dubuque Community School District. Merger with the Asbury Independent School District was approved effective July 1, 1957. (Board minutes)

In 1957 county public school reorganization was of primary interest in the Iowa Legislature. According to Iowa law by July 1, 1962 all public school districts had to be a art of a public school district that maintained twelve grades. If any area was not in a high school district by that date, it would be assigned to one. (75) In that year, Dubuque County had sixty-two districts, but twenty-seven of them existed only on paper. Besides DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, the only other four-year public high schools in the county were in Peosta and Epworth. Parochial schools and their enrollments were not part of the reorganization plans. In 1957 three reorganization plans were feasible: have all areas join the Dubuque Community School District, split the county so that Dubuque Senior High and some high school in the western part of the county would serve a district, or allow the outlying Dubuque County districts to join school districts outside the county. (76)

In 1957 new teaching methods centered around the concept of "wholeness." In mathematics, for example, this meant relating the curriculum to real life experiences. This lessened the rote memorization that had been practiced previously. (77)

In 1957 Dubuque was part of a test of the civil defense system when hypothetical atomic bombs landed on several large Iowa cities during Operation Alert. Dubuque was not "hit" which was fortunate because the city did not have a Civil Defense director or a working disaster plan. In Operation Alert, Iowa Civil Defense headquarters in Des Moines received a call that enemy plane were sighted over Alaska. State headquarters phoned other cities in the state. At 11:15 a.m. education stopped as sirens began blasting away and remained going for ten minutes. It was learned that Dubuque was not "hit," when City Manager Laverne Schiltz opened a letter at 1:00 p.m. which told him of "Dubuque's fate." If there had been an attack, Dubuque would have been asked to assume a support role. (78)

In 1959 Washington Junior High School, later WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL was slated for an addition. Designed for five hundred students, the building was currently serving 650. In 1962, an estimated 270 additional students would be added to the enrollment under terms of the state-ordered school district reorganization. To remedy the situation, a twelve-classroom addition, reconstruction of the present facilities, and other improvements were planned. (79)

In 1961 the issue of whether the areas outside of Dubuque and the newly created Western Dubuque School District would be merged with the Dubuque Community School District was still being debated. Superintendent Max Clark estimated that if this were to happen, the tax base would be increased by $17 million to a figure of $95 million. County Superintendent Cletus Koppen expressed the opinion that the law forcing reorganization might lack the power to accomplish the fact. Voluntary reorganization by election would then be the answer. (80)

Mergers with other districts, however, were occurring frequently. The District merged with the Stone Hill School District during the 1958-1959 academic year. The following year, the Dubuque district merged with the Rural Independent School District of Julien. The actual merger occurred July 1, 1960. The District agreed to merge with the Derby Grange Rural Independent School District (effective July 1, 1961). (81) However, it denied the merger application of the Wilton Rural Independent School District, preferring to merge with only one district annually. In 1961 a petition to merge with the Table Mound Township School District was received. This was completed in 1962. Wilton Rural Independent School District merged with Dubuque on July 8, 1963. During the 1963-1964 school year the Board set aside its limitation on mergers as five rural school districts (Salem Rural Independent, Washington Township, St. Joseph Rural Independent, Mosalem Township and Center Township) joined Dubuque. (Board minutes)

In testimonial to Wilbur DALZELL for his forty-three years of distinguished service to the District, the Board passed a resolution during the 1964-1965 academic year to name the athletic field at Senior High in his honor. (Board minutes)

Dr. Garlyn Wessels succeeded Max CLARK as superintendent of schools in 1966 at an annual salary of $16,000. Dr. Clark had been informed that his contract with the district as superintendent would not be renewed. He was offered the post of administrative consultant with responsibilities in the areas of building programs, financing and federal programs. (82) Dr. Howard PIGG was introduced as the new assistant superintendent. To comply with state law that all areas of the state be part of a K-12 school district, the County Board of Education announced that the following were attached to the Dubuque Community School District effective July 1, 1966: Bloody Run, Jefferson, St. Josephs, Knollville, Riverside, Sageville, Sherrill, Vernon and Washington Mills. In addition the merger of Prairie Springs and St. Donatus with the District was approved. (Board minutes)

In 1966 Horace Hoover, personnel director of the District stated that the 1966-67 starting salary for a teacher with no previous experience ($5,000) was "about average in the state. At the time Des Moines was paying $5,300, Waterloo-$5,300, and Iowa City $5,000. In 1965-66 the board of education decided on a three-year plan to increase teacher salaries. Although the $5,000 starting salary would remain the same, the scheduled increases would become larger until they reached the "goal schedule" in 1968-69. Dubuque also used tuition reimbursement allowing up to $150 for teachers to use in graduate study. (83) New teachers had a week-long workshop beginning on Monday with an informal coffee, an orientation by the superintendent, a trip to their buildings to meet with their principals, and then a two hour bus-tour of the city. On Tuesday, dinner was served at the Dubuque Senior High School cafeteria with dessert in the home of a member of the present staff.

Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Bi-monthly meetings of the Board of Education began as a suggestion of the superintendent in 1967. The first meeting was designated as a business meeting while the second would deal with matters of educational programs. A Continuation School for expectant school-age girls was approved to be held on the third floor of Central School. The contract for the construction of STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL was awarded. HUMKE SCHOOL, now displayed at the HAM HOUSE, from Center Township was donated to the DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. (Board minutes)

A county school tax equalization law by the Iowa Legislature in 1967 created a $400,000 "gift" to the Dubuque district. The law was designed to shift part of the school tax burden from a county's less wealthy districts to the more wealthy districts. In Dubuque County, the Western Dubuque District appeared to be more wealthy than the Dubuque district because it had a greater assessed valuation per pupil. In 1970 the Western Dubuque district had a valuation of $47 million with 2,512 students creating an assessed valuation per pupil of approximately $18,800. In Dubuque the valuation was $124 million with nearly 11,500 students for an assessed valuation per pupil of $10,800. Western Dubuque received $407,000 less than the tax money collected, while Dubuque received $407,000 more than it collected. (84)

When the county income tax was distributed to the two districts the equalization factor worked in reverse. The Dubuque district received $42,000 less than it collected and Western Dubuque received $42,000 more. (85)

In 1967 the board of education asked the community to approve bond issues for the construction of two new elementary. Unlike other buildings, these were designed on a cluster concept with classrooms positioned around a learning center. Using this design, each building would have 14% less corridor space than KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. In addition, movable partitions between rooms would allow for flexibility of room use and doorways would exit to the playground giving the maximum of fire-escape potential. (86) The bond issue was passed and construction on Hoover and Eisenhower schools soon began.

In 1968 the Dubuque Human Relations Commission suggested that the District pursue the active recruitment and hiring of minority group teachers by soliciting job applications and giving "favorable" consideration to minorities. Superintendent Wessel reported that teacher recruiters had recently completed interviews on fifty college campuses in seven states and had not had one minority group person ask to be interviewed. The board stated that the superintendent and director of personnel would meet with the commission to finalize plans for recruitment. (87) HOOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was dedicated on Sunday, November 17, 1968. EISENHOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was dedicated on November 24, 1968. During the 1968-1969 school year a "Stay in School" eight-week summer program designed to prevent students from becoming dropouts was approved by the Board. It was announced that Hempstead High School would not be ready for students by September 2, 1969, necessitating double sessions of classes at Dubuque Senior High School. Three sections of Hempstead were ready for use following Christmas vacation in 1969. The Board declared that January 26, 1970, the start of the second semester, would be the date of the move. (Board minutes)

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The superintendent reported during the 1969-1970 year a need for 289 elementary classrooms. Only 271 were then available. The Board approved the purchase of portable classrooms and remodeling to Fulton, Lincoln and KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. A state of emergency was declared by the County Superintendent making repairs possible without advertising for bids. The Board authorized a two-year lease with the SISTERS OF THE VISITATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (SVM) for the use of the ACADEMY OF THE VISITATION (THE). The building, used by shared-time students from Holy Ghost School, Saint Anthony School, and Nativity School was considered an annex of Washington Junior High School. The District purchased twenty-three acres of ground at Kaufmann Avenue and Chaney from the ARCHDIOCESE OF DUBUQUE for $75,000. Part of this site, once considered for a new junior high school, was later used for the administrative offices of the District. (Board minutes)

In 1970 the District became the third school district in its size category throughout a 10-state mid-western area to adopt a system of performance pay for school administrative personnel. The pay system would apply to an estimated thirty-seven administrators assigned to individual school buildings. The new pay system included five pay criteria--education, experience, responsibility of position, length of contract and performance appraisal. The average 1970-71 salary for the thirty-seven building administrators to be rated under the evaluation system was $15,245. The same year the board approved a teacher salary package of a $6,875 base salary, a $3,000 district-maintained term life insurance policy and a partial payment of the individual teacher's family health insurance. (Board minutes)

In March 1970 Dr. Wessel gave a speech entitled "We'll Manage Somehow" to the Dubuque Management Club. The unusual title alluded to the 105% growth rate the District had experienced in the last decade. He explained that the growth rate was far larger than any other district in Iowa with the exception of Western Dubuque. Since 1964, the number of buildings had grown from 13 to 20, the number of students served lunches from 1,200 to 7,000, and the number of buses from 12 transporting 600 students to 72 carrying 7,000. The pupil growth rate was largely due to students transferring from parochial schools in the city to the public schools. From 1967 to 1970, a total of 2,372 students had made this relocation. The original district included only the City of Dubuque in 11 square miles. Due to district reorganization in the early part of the 1960s, this area had grown to 245 square miles. (88)

By July, however, it was apparent that the District's enrollment surge had become a "significant decline." Compared to the 1968 census, the District had witnessed a seven percent decline in the number of students under twenty-one years of age. Blamed for the decline was the state-wide decrease in birth rates since 1960. (89)

During most of fiscal 1970, the district operated "in the red." When the financial books were closed on June 20th, the district was $2.9 million in debt. Interest payments during the year were $48,186--about 61% higher than the $30,000 budgeted for the category. School district revenue caught up with expenditures and the district operated "in the black" for only a short period in the fall. This did not mean the district was over-expending its budget. The Dubuque district expended only about 94% of the total amount budget for 1969-1970 leaving an unexpended balance of $560,039.

Dubuque, like other districts, was forced to borrow money because under Iowa law property taxes to fund new budgets were not collected for at least half a year after districts began spending funds out of new budgets. School districts adopted budgets in July at the beginning of a fiscal year and began spending allotted funds. Property taxes levied to cover these budgets were not due until April 1 of the next calendar year and then only half of the money was collected. Property taxes for the previous three years had been collected late making the situation worse. (90)

In 1970 the Dubuque school board moved to solve this situation by establishing for the first time a $400,000 cash reserve in the 1970-71 budget. In addition, the board directed Superintendent Wessel to underspend the total budget by at least $100,000 and add that money to the reserve fund. (91)

In July 1970, Earl MARIHART retired from the district after serving as the director of Adult Education since 1950. During his tenure, Marihart supervised the formation of a high school completion program allowing adults who had never finished high school to receive an equivalent diploma. With the cooperation of the local hospitals, the Dubuque School of Practical Nursing had been established. He also helped establish of apprenticeship and trades training programs and expanded drivers' education courses to include "defensive driving" techniques and a driver education program in cooperation with the Dubuque Municipal Court. (92)

Beginning in 1971 the Dubuque REALTORS Building and Vocational Training Association worked with the District staff, high school instructors and students on the Student Built House Project. The program ran until 1984 and then was put on hold for six years and restarted in 1993 and ran until 2009. During those twenty-nine years, hundreds of students from Senior and Hempstead along with WAHLERT HIGH SCHOOL participated in the program which annually constructed an entire home including all aspects of construction, interior design and decorating. Proceeds from the sale of the homes were given to students who applied for scholarships. Over $135,000 in scholarships were awarded. (93)

During the 1980s the District saw the implementation of collective bargaining. The DUBUQUE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, an affiliate of the Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association was the bargaining agent for the teachers. Grievances followed a procedure of settlement that could include binding arbitration. Settling the issue of pay often resulted in the District and Association taking their case to first a mediator, then fact finder and then if no agreement was reached to an arbitrator. (94)

The Instructional and Professional Development (IPD) Committee of the DEA often found areas in which the district and teachers' association could work together. The district utilized the Mobile In-service Teaching Laboratory of the Iowa State Education Association to provide in-service programs for local teachers. The years 1982-1986 saw cooperation between the Dubuque Education Association (DEA) and the district. Influenced by highly publicized kidnapping in Des Moines, both groups sponsored a child finger-print identification program was offered to parents. "Good News" notes, designed by the DEA and printed by the district were offered to all schools to inform parents of high quality student work. The DEA also wrote and the district printed weekend trip suggestions for parents. The last parent-teacher conference was used to hand out mutually prepared suggested reading lists to match social studies topics for the following year in elementary school. The district, DEA, and local educational support groups like Parents and Friends of the Talented and Gifted even worked out legislative goals. (95)

In 1984 the board of education turned its attention to policies concerning fund-raising in the schools. Superintendent Howard Pigg stated that new guidelines would require the parents of students in the lower grades to first give permission before promotional materials about a sale were given to the student. Parents were also concerned about the safety of their children as they pursued sales. (96) Pay for substitute teachers was also a concern. Substitute teachers had to be certified and were expected to perform many of the same duties as regular classroom teachers, but their pay rates did not reflect those expectations. Substitutes in Dubuque received the lowest pay of all substitutes in the eleven largest districts in Iowa. Substitutes were forced to quit after ten days of continuous service on one job. This policy was rescinded and substitutes were allowed to continue teaching with placement on the regular teacher pay scale after ten days. (97)

Perhaps the greatest innovation for education in Iowa came through the Phase III Program enacted by the Iowa Legislature and championed by Governor Terry Branstad. One part of the program encouraged teachers to submit project ideas to a committee of administrators and teachers. If approved, these projects to benefit education in Dubuque enabled the teacher(s) to earn additional money. Administrators and teachers also worked together on plans to improve evaluation of teachers in the classroom. (98)

The District in 1988 named the gymnasium at Dubuque Senior High School the Nora Gym in honor of James NORA. The District was also seen as a leader in the removal of asbestos. The "In Touch" newsletter was begun and an AIDS curriculum was approved in 1988. After much discussion, ceiling fans were approved for schools. In 1989 a multi-cultural curriculum plan was adopted. A consultant for the program began work the following year.

During 1990 the combination of Eisenhower Elementary School with Keller School was accomplished with the name of the school remaining Eisenhower. The District commitment to special education included working with students from HILLS AND DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, AREA RESIDENTIAL CARE, INC., and counties in the State of Iowa.

In October, 1990 the District adopted an affirmative action plan. A proposed goal of hiring women and minorities to fill four administrative and management positions by 1992, however, was called unrealistic. The time table was delayed to 1993. The affirmative action plan called for active efforts to hire qualified women, racial minorities and disabled people to all school positions. Except for two Asian and two Hispanic teachers, the district had no minority employees in 1989-1990. Katie Mulholland, the district's staff development coordinator, stated that the goals of the plan represented a standard the district should try to attain and was not a hiring quota.

In 1991 Jerome Greer was hired as the first black school administrator in the history of the District. The night he was introduced to the Board of Education there was a cross-burning near the school district office. (99) Greer served as the principal of IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL where another cross-burning took place within view of the school. Greer left the city 1994 to become the director of human resources in Peoria, Illinois.

In the 1990s the District developed its own multicultural and non-sexist plan administered by Thomas DETERMAN. In-service programs were held for staff members and curriculum adoptions were made after materials were examined for bias. After Determan's retirement, in-services were continued and staff development was brought to the buildings annually by Dr. Kris Hall.

In July 1992, Diana LAM was hired as the superintendent upon the retirement of Dr. Howard Pigg. Lam established a number of initiatives including expeditionary learning, an emphasis on "higher level thinking" and authentic evaluation rather than traditional testing. In 1993 amid controversy about her curriculum changes, the Board of Education voted 4-3 to renew her contract for another two years. Shortly afterwards, Lam accepted an offer to be the superintendent of schools in San Antonio, Texas. (100)

Dr. Marvin O'HARE succeeded Lam as superintendent. O’Hare moved to Dubuque in 1970 to serve the Dubuque Community School District as the first Director of Elementary Education, then assistant superintendent. He was a strong advocate of early childhood education. He was succeeded as superintendent by Dr. Joel MORRIS. Dr. Morris was succeeded by Dr. Jane PETREK and then John BURGART. Burgart was succeeded by Dr. Larie GODINEZ.

Under Dr. Godinez, the District actively moved toward the purchase of property once owned by the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY for the construction of a new middle school. Controversy arose over the cost and location of the land. Controversy also arose over the superintendent's idea of closing several neighborhood elementary schools and relocating the students to WASHINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL after the construction of a new middle school on the Pack property. The Board of Education eventually withdraw its interest in the property, and the potential closing of elementary schools was no longer considered.

The closing of Central Alternative School left questions as to what would be planned for these students. In 2010 the Alternative Learning Center was located at the Forum, the district's administrative office on Chaney Road. That year, 36 graduates received diplomas from Senior and Hempstead. Compared to 2009, twenty-one fewer students dropped out of high school. (101)

In 2011 the Alternative Learning Center moved to Jones Junior High School. The "project based learning" strategy was continued with a school wide project, the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. CONNECT moved to the Forum. This program, targeted at-risk students in grades 8, 9, and 10, provided two semesters of intensive support with gradual return to their home high school. (102) Supportive study groups called Professional Learning Communities were formed by teachers throughout the District. Within these groups, teachers shared successful practices and provided colleagues with ideas for improvement. (103) Teachers throughout the District through Assessment for Learning worked to align curriculum, assessment and instruction.

In 2011, the District moved towards more technology in the classrooms. Projectors, for example, which could be linked to the Internet were installed in elementary social studies classrooms. Teachers were provided with laptops.

In February 2012 the question of entering into a long-term contract with one technology company to provide services to the District was explored. In April the decision to proceed with just one company was reconsidered. The same month it was discovered that a $133,000 "help desk" had never been operational. This was followed the same month with the discovery that several district computer servers had not had anti-virus programs installed. Dr. Godinez stated that she had not been informed of either situation. On Monday, April 30th the board voted unanimously to consider firing the superintendent. On May 1st, Superintendent Godinez gave notice that she was taking an extended leave of absence.

On Wednesday, May 2, 2012 the board unanimously approved the appointment of Stan RHEINGANS as acting superintendent. Rheingans had been the district's Executive Director of Human Resources since July 2004. On May 30, 2012 the Board and Dr. Godinez reached a termination agreement. (104) The Board then announced that it would conduct its own search for a new superintendent. In June of 2012 Rheingans was named Interim Superintendent and his salary was raised to around $160,000. Rheingans was named the superintendent on September 19th after a search was conducted by the board without professional assistance as in the past. (105)

Dalzell Field construction. Photo courtesy: Dubuque Community School District

Multi-million dollar construction projects for the District began in 2012 with work done at Dalzell Field at Dubuque Senior High School. Financing through the local option sales tax allowed the District to make upgrades to the field so that it would conform to the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) access rules and guidelines for public facilities. The District used the project to also make the facility more appealing for athletic and community events.

In April, 2013, the District announced a new four-year technology plan funded by the one-cent sales tax. With the intent of providing tablets to teachers trained on incorporating technology into the classroom, the plan would invest $3.5 million per year for four years. There would also be a $2.5 million commitment to refresh/replace technology as needed. By 2016-2017 both high schools would become one-to-one schools with every student having a tablet. (106)

In August, the District unveiled its new logo (shown at the top of the entry on the left hand side). The figures represent every student, white space represents movement toward the future and diamonds represent communication.

Redesign of the approximately 13-year-old logo was part of a district strategic plan goal to more proactively tell the district’s story. A district official said the new logo was a key to establishing a consistent, unified and meaningful representation of what the district was and aspired to be.

Cost of the new logo designed by Mike Schmalz of Refinery Design Company in Dubuque was $13,500, paid out of the general fund, and included the logo in various orientations and formats, as well as a complete redesign of district business cards, letterhead and envelopes.

In 2013, Every Child|Every Promise, an alliance with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and its partners worked to expand learning time beyond the regular school day/year. The Dubuque Community School District received a grant to implement the Leadership After-School Program (LEAP) in two of its middle schools. The program offered after-school activities free and a snack to participants. During the year more than 500 students at Jefferson and Washington Middle School were involved. Every Child|Every Promise also led to the Dubuque Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. This initiative focused on the "most important predictor of school success and high school graduation: grade-level reading by the end of the third grade." (107)

Effective July 1, 2014, Iowa schools had the option to choose between a minimum of 180 days or 1,080 hours of instruction in a school year. Only instructional hours counted in that latter option, so recess and lunch were not included. Under the new law, days that started late or ended early -- due to heat, winter weather, or teacher in-service meetings -- counted toward the hours minimum but did not count toward the day minimum; not even as a partial day. In response, the District chose the calendar based on hours and eliminated the spring break. Teacher in-service time was reduced to one hour on Friday mornings. (108)

In March 2014, the State of Iowa renewed the charter school status of Prescott Elementary. Opened in 2006, Prescott, the only elementary charter school in Iowa, was an expeditionary-learning charter school that emphasized experiential, problem-based learning with an integration of the arts. The school was required to renew its charter every four years. (109)

In the fall of 2014 the District unveiled a new teacher-leadership program. Funded by a $3.3 million state grant, an estimated two hundred teachers were given "teacher-leader" status and given the task of working collaboratively with less-experienced peers. (110) In October, the District renamed the Jones Campus to Alta Vista Campus. The new name was to honor the original structure, Alta Vista Mansion, the former home of George Wallace JONES. The site housed the Alternative Learning Center and Connect Program. (111)

In December, 2014 the District announced that it would no longer be using paper time cards for hourly employees or teachers doing work outside the contract hours. The Board approved a contract with Time-Clock Plus for $147,000 to implement a computerized time and attendance system. (112) School district administrators joined business and social leaders in a "My Brother's Keeper" workshop. This began the city's participation in the White House challenge to empower at-risk youth, particularly young men of color. Closing a "racial achievement gap," could help offset a projected skilled labor shortage locally, according to Mayor Roy D. BUOL. (113)

Working to build student involvement in extracurricular activities was a focus of the District for years. In 2013, the district began offering activity buses at the secondary level to provide transportation to students in after-school activities. Middle school involvement, however, tended to decline as students entered high school. During 2013-2014, 57% of students in middle and high school participated in at least one activity. (114)

As 2014 came to an end, renovation of Hempstead High School continued. A new auditorium and practice gym were constructed and classroom space was added. Kennedy Elementary School had a new addition with gym and classroom space. Jefferson Middle School received new lockers, and Dubuque Senior High School and Washington Middle School both received roof replacements. (115)

In January 2015 the district reported being short of substitute teachers. The problem was nationwide brought about by lower unemployment rates and increased professional development for teachers. Dubuque, using an automated substitute-placement system developed by Frontline, an education software company occasionally had thirty unfilled positions district-wide. These were filled by multiple teachers and substitutes covering the class during time they would usually have had preparation periods. (116)

In February 2015 it was announced that a $25 million renovation for DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL was moving into the conceptual design phase. (117) The same month, the District announced that an estimated four hundred middle and high school students would be trained by the end of the year in the Green Dot Etcetera, violence-prevention program. The goal of the program was to help students recognize violent situations and to take action to help. A program for the elementary schools were planned for the beginning of the next school year. (118) On March 13, 2015 students had Eisenhower Elementary School missed a day of school when the building was closed. With between 23-28% of the students and 22 of the staff ill each of the previous four days, the District for the first time in its history chose to close the school to avoid the spread of the flu-like symptoms. (119) The second "School Talk" was held on March 14th at the Forum. The presentation topic was school funding, its importance to the district and the role supplemental state aid plays in budgeting. (120) It was announced in March, 2015 that John and Alice Butler would fund the replacement and renovation of windows and doors at BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL to return them to their appropriate historic style. The project would also include new historical exterior lighting at the school. The cost of the project, and amount of the donation, was $780,000. (121)

No employee threatened to exceed the records of employment as teachers held by Amelia C. ANDRES and Bessie V. MCCRANEY

In 1929 educators in Dubuque had elementary students monitor their weight
Elementary students were provided health rules to follow.
A record of musical practice. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding
Photo courtesy: Bob Reding
In the late 1890s, high school students and their parents attended an all-day boat cruise. Image courtesy: Diane Harris

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Source:

1. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, p. 553. Online: http://books.google.com/books?id=u9xDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA464&lpg=PA464&dq=Burton%27s+Furnace+%28dubuque+history%29&source=bl&ots=0CkCGLFR0v&sig=a0Ou1vN3ew6nQUYoq2aOJsXF9Mg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=j3HVT5XALaP42QXVp9iFDw&ved=0CGgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Burton%27s%20Furnace%20%28dubuque%20history%29&f=false

2. Ibid., p. 218-219.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid., p. 524

5. Ibid.

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid., p. 558

9. Ibid.

10. Ibid., p. 559

11. Ibid.

12. Ibid.

13. Ibid., p. 560

14. Kruse, Len. "Prescott-Dubuque's First Public High School," My Old Dubuque, Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 269-270

15. Ibid., p. 561

16. Ibid.

17. Ibid., p. 562

18. "Examination of Public Schools," Dubuque Herald, June 22, 1866

19. Ibid., p. 563

20. Ibid., p. 564-565

21. Ibid., p. 565

22. Ibid. p. 566

23. Ibid., p. 567

24. Oldt, p. 221

25. Ibid., p. 570

26. "No Colored Children in Schools," Dubuque Herald, September 9, 1875

27. Ibid., p. 572

28. Ibid., p. 575

29. Ibid.

30. "The Public School Expenses for March," Dubuque Herald, April 2, 1878 (no pages given)

31. Kruse, p. 575

32. Oldt, p. 30

33. "Excellence of the Dubuque Schools, Dubuque Herald, June 15, 1890 (no pages given)

34. Petho, Andrea W.--"The Wallis Family Tree" and photographs.

35. "Board of Education--Our Public Schools Re-Named in Honor of Distinguished Americans," Telegraph Herald-Times Journal, Sept. 24, 1889, p. 3

36. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspell Historical Association, 1911, p. 920

37. Ibid.

38. Sabin, Henry. "School Laws of Iowa," Fr. R. Conaway, State Printer, 1897 Online: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lgdCAAAAIAAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s

39. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County, Iowa. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-22-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml

40. Oldt, p. 920

41. Ibid.

42. Oldt, Franklin T. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-22-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml

43. "Doors Open Again," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, January 6. 1903, p. 5

44. "Athletics Dull," Telegraph Herald, March 5, 1903, p. 2

45. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspell Historical Association, 1911, p. 200

46. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque, Iowa. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-23-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml

47. "Teach Sex Facts in Public Schools?" Dubuque Herald, February 3, 1910, p. 10

48. "Secret Society Question is Up," Dubuque Herald, May 25, 1910, p. 7

49. "Inspection of the City Schools," Dubuque Herald, May 11, 1910, p. 2

50. "Dubuque May Have a "School Nurse," Dubuque Herald, July 27, 1910

51. Ibid.

52. "Board Increases Teachers' Salaries," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, May 11, 1911, p. 12

53. "School Drive for Armenians Ends," Telegraph Herald, March 14, 1920 Part II, p. 1

54. "Women's Club Told of Junior Schools," Telegraph Herald, April 14, 1920, p. 14

55. "School Board To Be Asked for Special Election," Telegraph Herald, April 19, 1920, p. 1

56. "O.K. Plans for Junior High on Grandview," Times-Journal, June 19, 1921

57. "Summer School To Be Resumed in City, Plan." Times-Journal, July 8, 1921, p. 5

58. "Thrift Course in Dubuque Schools," Telegraph Herald, February 12, 1922, p. 15. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lJBSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iM0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3001,445377&dq=peter+cooper+school+dubuque&hl=en

59. "Flower Outlines New School Plan," Telegraph Herald, Sept. 26, 1922, p. 4

60. "Open House Day at Senior High," Telegraph Herald, May 10, 1925, p. 7

61. "School Board Meeting Private," Telegraph Herald, May 25, 1925, p. 4

62. "Supt. O. P. Flower Asked to Resign School Post," Telegraph Herald, May 25, 1925, p. 4

63. "Discharge of O. P. Flower Is Rescinded," Telegraph Herald, July 17,, 1925, p. 1

64. "School Board Meeting Private,"

65. "Fred G. Stevenson New Superintendent," Telegraph Herald, June 15, 1926, p. 2

66. "Dubuque's Normal Training School Receives Praise," Telegraph Herald-Times Journal, Nov. 28, 1927, p. 7

67. "Central High Not To Be Abandoned," Telegraph Herald and Times Journal, January 10, 1928, p. 7

68. "Married Women as Teachers O.K." Telegraph Herald, January 10, 1928, p. 11

69. "Teachers Will Pass on Union," Telegraph Herald, Oct. 10, 1937, p. 5

70. "Watch Pupils, Schools Urged." Telegraph Herald, September 5, 1940, p. 2

71. "School Merger is Considered," Telegraph Herald, September 15, 1946, p. C11

72. "School Books Here Get O.K." Telegraph Herald, September 9, 1947, p. 1

73. Heffron, Hal. "World Events Set Fast Pace for Textbooks," Telegraph Herald, November 27, 1949, p. 1

74. Sage, Leland L. A History of Iowa. Ames: Iowa State University Press, 1974, p. 331

75. "County Public Schools Begin Reorganization," Telegraph Herald, October 6, 1957, p. 4

76. Ibid.

77. "New Teaching Methods Give Meaning to Class Material," Telegraph Herald, Feb. 12, 1957, p. 5

78. "Alert 'Bombs' Miss Dubuque," Telegraph Herald, September 12, 1957, p. 1

79. "The Big Squeeze Is On at Washington," Telegraph Herald, January 27, 1959 p. 14

80. Shively, Neil. "Iowa's Forced Merger Law 'Toothless Tiger,'" Telegraph Herald, July 16, 1961, p. 1

81. "School Board Okays Merger," Telegraph Herald, July 16, 1961, p. 8

82. "City School Board Shifts Clark From Chief to New Position," Telegraph Herald, February 11, 1966, p. 1

83. McKeever, Lynn. "Dubuque and the Teacher Shortage," Telegraph Herald, August 28, 1966,

p. 4

84. Babcock, Sue. "Wealth Law Gives Schools in City a 'Gift' of $400,000," Telegraph Herald, July 26, 1970, p. 35

85. Ibid.

86. Shamley, Dale. "'Cluster' Grade Schools Are Planned," Telegraph Herald, March 10, 1967, p. 13

87. "Board Agrees to Try to Hire Negro Teachers," Telegraph Herald, May 14, 1968, p. 1

88. "Wessel Tells Problems in School Growth," Telegraph Herald, Mar. 4, 1970, p. 6

89. "School Census Shows Decline," Telegraph Herald, July 30, 1970, p. 1

90. Babcock, Sue. "New School Technique: Cash Reserve," Telegraph Herald, July 30, 1970, p. 29

91. Ibid.

92. Glab, Jim. "School's Out! School's Out!, Telegraph Herald, July 1, 1970, p. 27

93. "Fulfilling Dreams...One Home at a Time," Dubuque Board of Realtors, Inc., May 30, 2013, p. 4

94. Lyon, Randolph W. President of the DEA from 1982-1986, member of the committee which set up collective bargaining in the district, IPD member

95. Ibid.

96. Demarest, Dusti. "School Board May Tighten Fund-Raising," Telegraph Herald, April 10, 1984, p. 3

97. Ibid.

98. Lyon

99. "After Seventeen Years, It was Time to Let Go and Forgive," Suburban Journals, May 25, 2008, Online: http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/after-years-it-was-time-to-let-go-and-forgive/article_a65ae56d-361b-5c4d-b0ec-46b3e6902f07.html

100.Wardenski, Joseph. "Chancellor Klein's Right-Hand Woman: Who is Diana Lam?" Gothamgazette.com. Online: http://www.gothamgazette.com/education/sep.02.shtml

101. Olson, David. "What a Great Day for DCSD Middle Schools and High Schools," Julien's Journal, September 2011, p. 55

102. Ibid.

103. Ibid.

104. Earl, Chris. "Dubuque Board Fires Superintendent," The Gazette, May 30, 2012. Online: http://thegazette.com/2012/05/30/dubuque-board-fires-superintendent/

105. "Rheingans Named Dubuque Community School District Superintendent," Online: http://www.dubuque.k12.ia.us/superintendentsearch/

106. Becker, Stacey. "School District Upgrading Technology," Telegraph Herald, Apr. 9, 2013, p. 3A

107. "Every Child|Every Promise," City Focus, Fall, 2014, p. 9

108. Wiedemann, Katie. "Dubuque Schools Revise Proposed 2014-2015 Calendar," KCRG, Feb. 6, 2014

109. Becker, Stacey,"Charter Renewed for Prescott School," Telegraph Herald, Mar. 7, 2014, p. 3A

110. Jacobson, Ben. "New Teachers Learn Along with Students," Telegraph Herald, August 20, 2014, p. 1A

111. Becker, Stacey. "District Exceeds 2013-1014 Authorized Budget," Telegraph Herald, October 14, 2014, p. 3A

112. Becker, Stacey. "Dubuque Schools Phase Out Paper Time Cards," Telegraph Herald, December 9, p. 3A

113. Jacobson, Ben. "Initiative Seeks to Boost Success of At-Risk Youth," Telegraph Herald, December 11, 2014, p. 1

114. Becker, Stacey. "Extracurricular Help," Telegraph Herald, December 16, 2014, p. 1A

115. Rheingans, Stan. "Dubuque Community School District Continues to 'Unfold Potential,' " Julien's Journal, September 2014, p. 32

116. Becker, Stacey. "Help Wanted," Telegraph Herald, January 25, 2015, p. 1

117. Becker, Stacey. "Principal: Renovations Sorely Needed at Senior," Telegraph Herald, February 12, 2015, p. 1

118. Becker, Stacey. "Pushing Back Against Bullying," Telegraph Herald, March 4, 2015, p. 1

119. "Dubuque Community School District Closes School for First Time Due to Illness," KWWL.com March 14, 2015

120. "‘School Speak’ to Discuss Current State of School Funding, March 14" News-Dubuque Community Schools, Online: http://www.dbqschools.org/news/

121. "Bryant Elementary School Facade to be Rejuvenated Through Donation," News-Dubuque Community Schools, Online: http://www.dbqschools.org/news/