Sioux City board approves $4.26 million School Budget Review Committee request for at-risk/dropout prevention

The Sioux City Community School District Board voted unanimously on Jan. 12 to approve the district's at-risk/dropout prevention plan and to request a modified supplemental amount (MSA) of $4,261,704 from the School Budget Review Committee for FY2027.

Staff explained that the MSA request covers programs serving students at risk of dropping out, including alternative support centers, tutoring, juvenile court liaisons, partial salary support for high-school counselors, MTSS specialists, credit recovery, mentoring and mental-health supports. The total at-risk funding for FY27 was presented as approximately $5.6 million, including weighted at‑risk dollars estimated at about $750,000–$780,000.

Presenters said the request requires a 25% local match, which the presentation cited as approximately $1.4 million. Staff and board members noted that available carryover and other restricted funds have fluctuated over recent years, which affected the district's ability to request larger amounts in the most recent cycles.

A roll-call vote was recorded with six affirmative votes and one director noted as not in attendance for that vote; the motion was recorded as approved 6–0.

Board members and staff said ongoing monitoring is in place: building-based MTSS teams meet biweekly to track student progress and modify supports as needed. The board approved the MSA request and asked staff to present required documentation to the SBRC.