Humboldt Community School District board approves 8th-grade athletics eligibility and $197,397.92 in curriculum purchases

The Humboldt Community School District Board of Education met July 20, 2026, at the district administration office and approved a series of routine and policy items, including a change to permit eighth-grade students to participate in high school athletics and curriculum purchases totaling $197,397.92.

Superintendent Ryan Fedders updated the board on staffing and facilities work ahead of the school year, including new teachers starting Aug. 10, a New Teacher Reception on Aug. 17, a website update beginning Aug. 19, and the first day of school set for Aug. 24. Board President Tate Satern called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.; the agenda was approved after adding payment-of-bills and open-enrollment items.

Why it matters: The handbook change implementing eighth-grade participation in high school athletics affects eligibility and roster considerations for middle- and high-school programs and was presented by Athletic Director Ryan O’Hern alongside the superintendent. The board approved the handbook updates unanimously, authorizing the district to allow eighth-grade participation under the revised parental/student handbook rules.

Key votes and approvals included unanimous board approval of the consent agenda (minutes, financial reports, bills for payment), open enrollment requests (inbound and outbound student transfers for 2026–27), multiple personnel actions (salary upgrades, a contract amendment for a full-time high school TLC instructional coach, one resignation, and several recommended hires and coaching assignments), and adoption of the Thrive Agreement for 2026–27. The board approved a 28E agreement with Iowa Central Community College for Project Earlybird; Board Member Emily Lane recused herself from that vote.

The board approved elementary and middle/high social studies curriculum purchases from TCI ($38,765.95) and Savvas ($158,631.97), for a combined total of $197,397.92. The board also approved the district insurance renewal for 2026–27 and a maintenance renewal contract with Thermosystems, LLC (Daikin), and authorized a service agreement with Johnson Controls covering July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027.

Other routine actions included approving complimentary lifetime activity passes for senior citizens and community service personnel; approving activity passes for district employees and partner organization staff; approving complimentary passes for Twin Rivers Community School Board members; and authorizing the posting of board meeting agendas to the district website, media and administration office front doors.

The board set a public hearing on Aug. 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the district office to consider amending the 2026–27 school calendar. President Satern reviewed correspondence (thank-you cards for scholarship recipients) before the board adjourned at 6:28 p.m.

Motions were routinely moved and seconded by board members and carried unanimously except where a recusal is noted. No public commenters addressed the board during open forum.