An article in yesterday’s Grinnell Herald-Register referenced restroom designs presented at last week’s board meeting. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to illness. During the most recent presentation, all bathrooms appeared as gender neutral, which understandably raised questions.

In seeking to understand, I have since reviewed both that meeting and the August 27th meeting recordings, available under the “Minutes” section in Simbli on the district website. After that review, I was able to piece together how this occurred. During that earlier meeting—following a lengthy discussion and decision on board policies related to gender identity—the board received an informational update from CMBA on the new elementary design. At one point, a board member asked about addressing “the gender-neutral bathroom challenge,” and the architect responded briefly. That exchange was interpreted by the design team as direction to modify the plans.

The misunderstanding stemmed from interpretation rather than intent.

The district has since requested that following design presentations a reflective discussion is held to better ensure a common understanding and/or decisional action item. The final design development will come before the board for official action in November.

To be clear, it has never been the intent or direction of the board to design an elementary school with only gender-neutral restrooms. The plan includes traditional boys’ and girls’ restrooms, along with one required single-use, gender-neutral restroom on each floor.

It is wholeheartedly believed that there was no malice or intentionality in the conversation, discussion or action of any board member, the architects or the paper.

In closing, I commend this board for their work and commitment to everything that has been placed before them and to the transparency they have and continue to operate under. As with all things, sometimes it just doesn't come out as we thought we communicated it or vice versa as we thought we heard it.

Please feel free to reach out with further questions or for further conversation.

Lisa Beames
Interim Superintendent
6 days ago, Amy Kelling
Check out Aaron Backlin's latest award here!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B1JhMgjbu/
27 days ago, Amy Kelling
Aaron Backlin wins Kix101.1 Pack the Backpack
The CHNA is a vital tool used to identify the top health concerns, service gaps, and community priorities in our county. This feedback directly shapes future planning efforts, funding applications, and health initiatives that benefit children, families, and schools—such as mental health services, nutrition programs, and emergency preparedness. The survey is anonymous, takes only 5–10 minutes to complete, and is open through July 25.

Survey Link: www.prcsurvey.com/begin/Grinnell2025CHNA

3 months ago, Amy Kelling
Please take our survey
Please take a moment and register for the 2025-26 school year! You can log in to the Parent Portal or click 'Register a Student' on our website at grinnell-k12.org.
4 months ago, Amy Kelling
Online Registration is OPEN
Do you have fond memories of Davis Elementary School from your days as a student or staff member you would like to share? Take our community survey! https://bit.ly/44yYkFu
6 months ago, Amy Kelling
Take our community survey to honor Davis Elementary School! Click the link above to be taken to the survey.
The Grinnell Tigers vs Mt Vernon Mustangs Boys Basketball games for tonight (Feb 14) have been canceled.
8 months ago, Amy Kelling
Tiger Boys Basketball @ Mt Vernon Tonight are Canceled
Please take a moment to read the open letter to the community. This is a collaboration between The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, The Ahrens Foundation, The Early Learning Center, The City of Grinnell, and Grinnell-Newburg Community School District.
8 months ago, Amy Kelling
Open Letter to the Community
Update: Service has been restored! Phones across the District are currently down. If you need assistance, please reach out to the building admin assistant via email. Thank you for your patience.
10 months ago, Amy Kelling
12/16/24: Grinnell-Newburg Families: There will be a two hour delay today due to the fog. Stay safe.
10 months ago, Amy Kelling
We want you to stay in the know with all of the messages from the school district! If you did not get the test email, text, and phone call yesterday (12/4), please log in to Infinite Campus and update your preferences for Emergency Messages. Stay warm!
11 months ago, Amy Kelling
Did you get the emergency message testing alerts yesterday? Log in to Infinite Campus to update your notification settings to stay in the know about school closures, early outs, and late starts as we move into the winter weather season.
Tonight wraps up the two part series with Dr JR Paulson: Mental Health Solutions for the Digital Age. Please join us at the Middle School for this free event. Pizza served at 5 pm with the Presentation starting at 6pm.
11 months ago, Amy Kelling
Join us for Part 2: Mental Health Solutions for the Digital Age.  Tues Dec 3 at the Middle School.  Pizza at 5 . Presentation at 6.
Reminder: School is in session today and tomorrow this week then closed for fall break the rest of the week. All buildings including the District Office will be closed Wed-Fri. Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all.
11 months ago, Amy Kelling
pumpkins and gourds as a background and text reading 'Happy Thanksgiving'
Looking for some extra spending money? Pick up a few hours as a Substitute! We need Bus Drivers, Custodians, Food Service, and Paraprofessionals!
12 months ago, Amy Kelling
We're looking for substitutes for Bus Drives, Custodians, Food Service, and Paraprofessionals.  Apply at the district office.
Come out and support our Cross Country athletes as they head to State!
12 months ago, Amy Kelling
State Send Off for XC athletes. Friday Nov 1 at 6:05am.  East Parking log at Grinnell High School.  Bring a flashlight or glow sticks and a poster to show your support. Includes pictures of athletes heading to state.
Annual Dogs For Dollars TONIGHT! Thursday, October 3rd, 5:00 P.M. Find us in Central Park get your meal before and after the parade! $5 Hot Dog (Veggie Dog by Request), Chips, Drink. This is the main fundraising event for the Tiger Scholarship Fund. 100% of graduating seniors who apply receive a minimum of $500.
about 1 year ago, Mindy Kostow
Dollars for scholars flier.
Kites Over Grinnell - Saturday, September 28 @ Ahrens Park soccer field from 10am-4pm. Free Family Event!!
about 1 year ago, Mindy Kostow
Kites Over Grinnell Flyer
Grinnell Tigers Student Athlete Registration: NEW THIS YEAR!!!! All grade 7-12 students must be registered on Bound and have required documents uploaded to begin practices. Please register at https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/grinnell
about 1 year ago, Mindy Kostow
Grinnell Tiger orange logo
Online Registration is open 24/7! Please take a moment to register your students if you have not already done so. The Free and Reduced Meals (FRAM) Application annual process opened on July 1st. You can complete these forms on Infinite Campus or paper copies. Any students needing transportation for the upcoming school year must have the proper Transportation Form completed which can be found on our website.
about 1 year ago, Mindy Kostow
Back-to-school flyer
Come have a rewarding career supporting student learning in the Grinnell-Newburg School District!
about 1 year ago, Mindy Kostow
We're hiring paras