Increased restrictions on books, materials likely: What to expect in Iowa City schools this year
Restrictive book legislation as well as various construction projects in the Iowa City Community School District are among the most noticeable changes as classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Here’s what to expect for the 2023-24 academic year when K-12 students return to the classroom:
New legislation could impact some education, book access in local schools
The state legislature passed Senate File 496 and when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed it into law in May new restrictions were placed on school libraries, The new bill meant each district in Iowa must review their inventory for books depicting sex acts or if it teaches children about gender identity before the seventh grade.
Schools are also forbidden from purchasing books that include gender identity education or sex acts.
Community relations director Kristin Pedersen told the Press-Citizen that Iowa City schools will continue working to comply with the new legislation throughout the year.
“We are currently working with legal counsel to get questions answered and ensure we are moving forward with a complete understanding of the new requirements,” Pedersen wrote in an email. “In addition, our curriculum and administrative teams continue to collaborate with each other and with their counterparts across the state to navigate this new legislation.”
Pedersen said teachers will receive guidance from the district when they return to their buildings Thursday to review processes and ensure compliance with the new law.
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“The guidance we will provide our staff when they return is that we will be complying with the State's requirement to have a K-12 library program, consistent with educational standards, with age-appropriate materials, and supporting student achievement goals,” she wrote. “Our District will have a team that will begin the process of reviewing materials to ensure we are in compliance with the law within the State's designated time frame.”
The law was enacted on July 1, but schools and educators whose classroom materials and libraries do not currently comply with this legislation have been given until Jan. 1, 2024, to remove the restricted materials.
The Iowa City School District is currently evaluating classroom and library materials and will provide an update on changes ahead of the end-of-year deadline.
S.F. 496 also clarifies that districts should “prominently display” their policies and procedures for removal requests.
In Urbandale, the district has already flagged 374 books it believes would fall under the state’s restrictions, the Register reported in July.
Construction abound for Iowa City schools
Various Iowa City school buildings are in the midst of several construction projects. These include a cafeteria expansion at Garner Elementary, the construction of a multipurpose room at Shimek Elementary and most notably, the completion of a significant Iowa City High project for new tennis courts.
The historic Hoover Elementary was demolished in 2022, a city staple for 65 years.
Four projects totaling more than $60 million will move forward this fall, with an expected completion date of next school year.
The projects include renovations to City High’s Career and Technical Education space while swapping out some of the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These renovations are set to be completed by the end of 2024.
Renovations of Iowa City West High's 55-year-old building, with a total projected cost of $10.6 million, include a makeover of the main entrance, HVAC revamping and more. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.
The three junior high schools across the Iowa City district are also preparing for significant expansion in 2024, making room for sixth grade to the mix with seventh- and eighth-graders.
Other district construction projects include:
North Central Junior High will continue construction of its sixth-grade space for $18.8 million
South East Junior High will also add a sixth-grade wing in addition to renovations of the school’s kitchen for $17.6 million
North West Junior High will finish the sixth grade wing, plus make additions to the band and music classroom for $17.2 million
Classroom additions and HVAC at Horn Elementary, totaling $8.5 million
Ryan Hansen covers local governmenty and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: What to expect as the Iowa City School district begins a new year
