District Updates & Conversations

We've officially broke ground on the new elementary and now we’re inviting our community to be part of the naming process.

Early in this process, we made the decision to focus on names that reflect Bondurant’s identity rather than naming the school after an individual. With input from the Bondurant Historical Society, themes like our Bluejay mascot, agricultural roots, prairie landscape, and railroad history helped guide this work.

Learn more about this process and share your input!

This topic will be a focus during the April 2026 "Let's Chat, Bluejays!" events. 

Click here to view the slide deck: Active Threat Drills

Student involvement in active threat drills is being expanded to help build familiarity, awareness, and confidence in emergency situations.

What does this mean?

• Students will participate in age-appropriate safety drills
• This approach is similar to how we practice fire and tornado drills
• The goal is to help students feel prepared

What will students experience?

Classroom conversations before the drill to understand:

• Why we practice, what the drill will look like, and their role
• Time for students to ask questions
• Drills will be calm and structured, with no simulations or theatrical elements

How will families be informed?

• All drills will be scheduled in advance and communicated ahead of time
• Families will have the option to opt out, though participation is strongly encouraged

What’s next?

• Students in grades 5–6 at the Intermediate School recently participated
• Drills at other schools are being planned for late March and/or April
• Building-specific details will be shared directly with families

What do we want families to know?

• Preparation helps students respond more confidently in uncertain situations
• We are committed to continuously strengthening our safety practices
• We value our partnership with families in supporting student safety

Contact Us: 

• Phone: 515-967-7819
• Online: www.bfschools.org/contactus
• Email: communications@bfschools.org

This topic will be a focus during the March 2026 "Let's Chat, Bluejays!" events. 

Click here to view the slide deck: Transitional Kindergarten

Our district is exploring adding a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) option to complement our existing Developmental Kindergarten (DK) program.

Both programs serve kindergarten-eligible students and transition into traditional kindergarten the following year. However, they are designed to meet different readiness needs.

We are seeking input from families of kindergarten-eligible 4-year-olds (turning 5 on or before September 15, 2026). Those interested in considering this option are asked to complete our short interest form by March 13, 2026.

Learn more about Transitional Kindergarten, Interest Survey

This topic will be a focus during the February 2026 "Let's Chat, Bluejays!" events. 

Click here to view the slide deck: Staggered (offset) Start Times

Staggered school start times (also called offset start times) are being proposed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and increase efficiency. This shift would align with the opening of the new elementary school in fall 2027.

What are staggered start times?

• Schools would begin and end the day at slightly different times
• A 40-minute difference between start times is what we believe is necessary.
• Commonly used to support, safety, transportation efficiency and traffic flow

Why is this being considered?

Some level of change is needed to address the growing traffic, safety, and efficiency during arrival and dismissal at all sites.

What could this look like?

Our teams are reviewing options and impacts. Any proposed changes would be communicated well in advance. 

• A possible split, such as PK–4 and 5–12, with start times at 7:50AM and 8:30AM approximately
• No decisions have been made regarding which schools would start earlier or later

How does this support transportation?

Currently, most bus riders are in grades 2-6. Splitting these groups could help maximize resources and increase capacity. However, factors such as staffing and route limitations cannot be guaranteed.

What can families expect next?

• Continued discussion at “Let’s Chat, Bluejays!” events
• Opportunities for questions and feedback
• The district will develop a recommendation and share details this spring

Contact Us: 

• Phone: 515-967-7819
• Online: www.bfschools.org/contactus
• Email: communications@bfschools.org

This topic will be a focus during the January 2026 "Let's Chat, Bluejays!" events. 

Click here to view the slide deck: Open Enrollment, Enrollment Trends

After 20 years of steady growth, Bondurant-Farrar’s student enrollment has slowed in recent years, especially in the lower grades. Many metro districts are experiencing similar patterns, which may be attributed to a number of factors. With this in mind, we are taking a thoughtful look at class sizes, staffing needs, and long-term planning.

Strategy for 2026-27: 

Bondurant-Farrar will accept a limited number of open enrolled students. We anticipate accepting approximately 20 to 40 students districtwide, depending on space and staffing.

This approach will help: 

• Balance grade-level numbers
• Maintain consistent staffing
• Use district resources effectively

Open seats will be offered when:

• Space is available at a grade level
• Programs can support additional students
• Class sizes can remain reasonable

Who can apply?

Open enrollment is available to all students who live outside Bondurant-Farrar district boundaries. The district will offer a limited number of openings based on space at each grade level. Availability will be reviewed continuously and adjusted as needed throughout the school year.

Key Dates & Deadlines:

Families are encouraged to apply early. Applications for grades 1–12 are due March 2, 2026. September 1, 2026 is the deadline to apply for kindergarten.

For Application Assistance:  

For assistance with the open enrollment process, please contact our district registrar by phone at 515-967-7819 or by email at registrar@bfschools.org.

Contact Us: 

• Phone: 515-967-7819
• Online: www.bfschools.org/contactus
• Email: communications@bfschools.org

This topic was a focus during the December 2025 "Let's Chat, Bluejays!" events. If you were unable to attend, that information can be reviewed here. 

Click Here to View the Slide Deck: New Elementary

Opening: Fall 2027
Location: Off of 2nd Street, east of "old" Casey's. Work has begun on Truman Street which will lead to the new site.
Focus: An elementary school for our youngest Bluejays

Who It Serves:

• Preschool (AM + PM sessions, currently 5 of each)
• Kindergarten (Currently 10 sections of kg)

Grade Shifts in 2027:

• New School: PK–K
• Morris Elementary: Grades 1–2
• Anderson Elementary: Grades 3–4

Why It's Needed:

• Will create much needed space and flexibility at Morris + Anderson
• Allows room for growth and long term facilities needs
• Shifts roughly 300+ students from Garfield Campus to this new site

What’s Next:

• Exploring options to improve traffic flow, transportation capacity, and overall safety around campuses.
• Continuing to share construction updates as the project progresses.
• Join us for upcoming "Let's Chat, Bluejays!" events to learn more about topics like this, ask questions, and hear from district leaders. 

Contact Us: 

• Phone: 515-967-7819
• Online: www.bfschools.org/contactus
• Email: communications@bfschools.org