February 25, 2026
Visible Progress Ahead for New Grinnell Elementary
Bids open this month, construction is anticipated this spring, and facility transitions take shape.
GRINNELL, Iowa - The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District is pleased to share important updates on the new elementary school project as activity begins to increase in the Ahrens Park area.
The District has received the signed subdivision documents, marking another important milestone in advancing the project.
Bids for the construction of the new elementary school will open on February 26, with construction expected to begin in late March or early April. A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated in early April, with additional details to be announced as soon as plans are finalized.
Superintendent Lisa Beames said, “As work begins to take shape at the site, we’re eager to keep our community informed and involved. This is an exciting time for our district, and we look forward to sharing each milestone along the way.”
Families and Community members can find project timelines, renderings, and ongoing construction updates by visiting the District website and clicking “New School Site” on the homepage of grinnell-k12.org.
Facility Updates and Program Planning
In addition to construction planning, the District is implementing several facility and program updates:
District Offices have integrated into a shared space with the Foundation Offices at 1520 Penrose Street. (Please note: While in the same building, the Foundation office address remains the same, while the district office address is 1520 Penrose Street).
The lease for the Grinnell Community Early Learning Center (GCELC), located within the Ahrens Family Center, is being finalized. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, all district-operated preschool programs previously located at Fairview Elementary School will relocate to the GCELC. Preschool program adjustments beginning in 2026–2027 include:
All district-operated preschool programs will be housed at the GCELC.
The Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) sections previously offered by GCELC through the community partner model will now be operated by the District.
GCELC will continue to provide childcare services and will also offer enhanced wraparound care for students participating in the SWVPP program.
United Church of Christ (UCC) will continue operating preschool sections as an SWVPP community partner at the UCC location.
“These transitions reflect strong coordination between the District, the Early Learning Center, the Ahrens Foundation, and the City of Grinnell. Together, we are creating a thoughtful path forward that supports students, families, and community programs at every step,” added Beames.
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Community Facility Notes
The following updates relate to facilities and programming managed by partner organizations.
The driving range remains in use and is expected to continue operating under its current self-serve model by the Ahrens Park Foundation and the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. Please email admin@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org if you have any questions.
Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center (GARC): The City of Grinnell continues to lease the GARC, and they also determine the programming and facility offerings.
The existing soccer fields at the site will be removed as construction progresses. Pre-K through 8th-grade soccer programming will relocate to the high school. Additional recreation updates will be shared by the City Recreation Department as available.
For questions about Grinnell Recreation amenities and for additional updates, please contact Jordan Allsup at jallsup@grinnelliowa.gov