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
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
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
Survey Link: www.prcsurvey.com/begin/Grinnell2025CHNA
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.
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
The Grinnell Tigers vs Mt Vernon Mustangs Boys Basketball games for tonight (Feb 14) have been 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.
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.
12/16/24: Grinnell-Newburg Families: There will be a two hour delay today due to the fog. Stay safe.
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!
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.
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.
Looking for some extra spending money? Pick up a few hours as a Substitute! We need Bus Drivers, Custodians, Food Service, and Paraprofessionals!
Come out and support our Cross Country athletes as they head 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.
Kites Over Grinnell - Saturday, September 28 @ Ahrens Park soccer field from 10am-4pm. Free Family Event!!
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
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.
Come have a rewarding career supporting student learning in the Grinnell-Newburg School District!
