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Newsletter: February 26, 2026

Let's Chat, Bluejays! Join the Conversation

Sit down with district leaders, ask questions, and talk through school-related topics. Sessions focus on a specific area of interest followed by open conversation and Q&A. Attendees are welcome to bring questions about anything school-related. 

Meetings are held in person, with a virtual option available. Other dates/times are available upon request. With questions, call us at 515-967-7819.

NEXT TOPIC:

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

(All school-related questions/topics are welcome)
JOIN US:

Monday, March 9 from 4:00-4:45PM

Tuesday, March 10 from 8:30-9:15AM

 
IN-PERSON:
Bondurant-Farrar District Office, 300 Garfield Street SW, Bondurant
ONLINE:
To join virtually, please RSVP: communications@bfschools.org
Bluejay mascot pictured in snow outside school

Bluejay Briefings Video Series, Episode #4

Exploring Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the 2026-27 School Year:

Our district is exploring adding a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) option to complement our existing Developmental Kindergarten (DK) program. Transitional Kindergarten is designed for students who are young for their grade or who may benefit from a slightly adjusted pace and additional time before entering traditional kindergarten.

Emergency Preparedness: Expanding Student Involvement in Safety Drills

Stop the Prop Sticker on Exterior Door

Just as we regularly practice fire and tornado drills, the district is expanding student involvement in age-appropriate safety drills to help build familiarity and awareness. 

Here’s What Families Can Expect:

  • All drills will be scheduled in advance and communicated ahead of time.
  • Students will participate in classroom conversations beforehand to understand:
    • Why we practice, what the drill will look like, what their role is, time will be allowed to ask questions
  • Drills will be calm and structured - no simulations or theatrical elements.

  • Families will have the option to opt-out, though we believe participation is important.

Students in grades 5-6 recently participated in this type of drill at the Intermediate School. Drills for other schools are being planned for late March and/or April, with specific details shared directly by each building in the coming weeks.

We believe preparation builds confidence, and we value our partnership with families as we continue strengthening our safety practices. 

Contact Us: 

We’re here to help! If you have questions, please contact your building principal or reach out to our district office.
Phone: 515-967-7819

Important Calendar Reminders & Key Registration Dates

Employment Opportunities: We're Hiring!

Staff participate in welcome back assembly during August 2025 preservice

Join our great team as a Bluejay educator and coach!

Teaching Opportunities:
• HS Health/PE
• JH Reading
• JH Science

Coaching Opportunities:
• Head Varsity Girls Wrestling Coach
• Assistant Varsity Girls Soccer – Spring 2026
• Assistant Varsity Boys Soccer – Spring 2026
• Assistant Varsity Boys Baseball – Summer 2026

Preference will be given to coaching candidates who can pair with one of our current teaching openings.

Apply Today: 

Phone: 515-967-7819

School Funding Update: Amazon Adjustment + Budget Impacts

We want to share an update on a recent financial impact the district is navigating, due to factors outside our control.

Amazon’s local property tax value was recently lowered following a court ruling connected to 2023 and 2024 property assessments. Property values directly affect school funding.

You can think of this as similar to a home or property assessment. If a homeowner’s property value is reduced, their tax bill goes down. In this case, the lowered value of a large property means the school district receives less funding.

Because the ruling was finalized in November 2025, the impact is now affecting our current budget year. Based on our tax rates, the adjustment results in a funding reduction of approximately $650,000 this year.

By fiscal year 2028, some of this funding will be reimbursed by the state; however, a significant portion will need to be absorbed by the district.

“As a district, we are very thoughtful with our budget. This situation is frustrating and will negatively impact our ability to serve our community. We will do everything we can to keep the impact as far away from the classroom as possible,” said Rich Powers, Superintendent.

We are sharing this information to be transparent about how school funding works and how changes like this can affect our budget. As always, we will continue to make thoughtful decisions and adjust our plans responsibly as we move forward.

Contact Us: 

Phone: 515-967-7819

Need Help? We're Here for You.

If you have questions or need support, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. We're happy to assist and connect you with the right person. You can find our school directory and key contacts at the link below—we're just a message or call away.