SOLON — There are days on the school calendar many students look forward to such as the start of Christmas break, the start of spring break, and the last day of classes for the year (Friday, May 30, this year). And then there are dates some students dread, such as the first day of school.
Now, some students will mark Monday, May 19, as a sort of “D-Day” as the Solon Community School District (SCSD) will implement a new cellphone policy. Districts across the state are now required by Iowa law to have a cell phone policy in place by July 1, which restricts the use of phones or other devices connected to social media during instructional time. SCSD Superintendent Davis Eidahl noted local school boards are able to define for themselves what constitutes “instructional time.”
“Based on research, the Solon board is strongly considering defining ‘instructional time’ as the entire school day – from the first bell to dismissal – including passing time and lunch,” Eidahl said.
The board spent 40 minutes discussing the new policy during their regular meeting Thursday, April 17, and approved the first reading unanimously.
“To prepare, Solon Schools will pilot this policy starting Monday, May 19, through the end of the school year (ten days),” said Eidahl. “This pilot will give administrators and staff the opportunity to implement the policy and provide feedback before the board takes final action (third of three required readings) at the June meeting.”
During the discussion, consensus of the board was to find ways to enforce the policy without putting the burden of policing upon the faculty and staff. Eidahl said during the ten-day pilot, phones will not be confiscated. Phones that are deemed necessary, such as for continuous glucose monitoring or other condition under an Individual Health Plan (IHP), Section 504 plan, or Individual Education Plan (IEP), will be exempt. For the rest of the students, during the school day, the phones must go away.
“If kids have a phone it will need to remain in their locker or backpack,” he said.
High School Principal Drew Bunkers, commenting on chatter in the hallways, and acknowledging the amazing creativity of the students, acknowledged 100% compliance, at least at first, may not be achievable as they figure out work-arounds to the policy and locations that may be out of eyesight from staff. “They’re scheming already,” said Bunkers.
Other actions taken by the board New bus OK’d
The board approved the purchase of a 2027 Hoglund 77-passnger school bus for $148,344.00 from Hoglund Bus Company of Monticello, Minnesota.
Eidahl told the board the District’s policy has been to purchase two buses per year, and thanks to that policy, only one needed to be acquired at this time.
Among the features of the new bus are a backup camera system and camera system with at least three interior, one dashcam, and one for the stop arm. The bus is powered by a 250+ horsepower diesel engine with 100 gallon tank and built in engine heater.
While some districts have flirted with propane or even electric buses, Eidahl said the District is happy with diesels.
“Diesels have served our district very well, especially since we share a fuel barrel with the city, which allows for bulk purchasing and significantly lower costs. We’re also fortunate to have a gifted diesel mechanic on staff, which helps us maintain our fleet efficiently and cost effectively.”
A comparable 2026 Bluebird 77-passenger bus was quoted at $150,391.00.
Board approves FY’26 budget
The board unanimously approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget following a public hearing. The tax levy was approved at $16.25 per $1,000 of valuation, which keeps the levy below the 2015 high water mark of $16.35.
“Even as property valuations continue to rise, our goal remains to maintain a stable rate for taxpayers,” said Eidahl.
The budget reflects $10,369,788 in property taxes and authorizes the district to spend a maximum of $53,592,840 in the new fiscal year (which begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2026),representing a decrease from a revised estimate of $58,938,583 for the current year, and down from the 2024 amount of $54,009,331.
$12,907,250 is allocated for instruction (an increase of 6.1%), $11,300,000 is allocated toward facilities acquisition and construction, and $4,250,000 is allocated for debt service.
Food service contracts extended
The board approved a request by Nutrition Director Becky West to extend the following contracts for the 2025-2026 school year:
• Buffalo Ridge Orchards (Central City) for apples
• Martin Brothers Iowa City Purchasing Group
• Dan and Debbie’s Creamery (Ely)
• Bimbo Bakery (hot dog buns, hamburger buns, dinner rolls, etc.) • Anderson Erikson Dairy (milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt)