Jan. 30, 19741: The North Scott School Board heard a preliminary proposal for a six-classroom elementary school to be constructed in Park View. The 6,000 square foot building was suggested to help reduce overcrowding at the existing elementary schools. The proposal suggested a possible lease agreement, where another party would pay for construction and the district would rent the property. more

I was surprised to read recently that the city of Eldridge is receiving proposals for civil engineering services. The engineer they had – Greg Schaapveld with Shive-Hattery – in my book, was darned good. I base this not only on personal friendship through Rotary, but results. Greg, of Park View, is a guy who clearly knows what he's doing and applies the oid adage, "measure twice, cut once." more

"AEAs have played a significant role in education for over 30 years. Their support goes beyond party lines, benefiting both public and nonpublic schools ..." more

"Addressing water quality issues requires significant investment, and many smaller communities lack the necessary resources ..." more

"In a democracy we have to be strong enough to accept defeat ..." more

This week I will explain my continued opposition to the AEA bill.  Before I get into the why I oppose it, I want to acknowledge an opinion that has been nearly unanimous – there is room for improvement in our AEA system.  more

At the beginning of the month, the Iowa Department of Education released statistics for this school year regarding how many Iowa families utilized the new Education Savings Accounts (ESA) to help pay for non-public school. The results already bust many of the myths told and quiet the fearmongering so widely repeated during the school choice debate last year. more

In 1969, a pioneering initiative took root in the Davenport-Bettendorf area, shaping the local landscape of civic engagement and discourse for decades to come. The Legislative Forum, an event that transcended political affiliations, owes its inception to Mary Ross, then the President of the Davenport-Bettendorf Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and a dedicated member of the League of Women Voters. Since its humble beginnings, the forum has evolved into a testament to the community's commitment to open dialogue and informed citizenship. more

His shirt wasn’t always buttoned for the day when I would walk into class ahead of the bell. more

For 32 years, from 1971-2003, I was The NSP's reporter at almost every school board meeting. During that time, I observed who were the leaders, the followers and just a few who were in it for the glory. The common denominator, however, was that decisions were made in support of "what's good for kids." more

This one hurts. more

Feb. 10, 1999: The North Scott School District formed a Y2K committee to study whether computer systems would need to be upgraded in order to properly function starting Jan. 1, 2000. more

"In Washington lately, bipartisanship or compromise is the kiss of death for any piece of meaningful legislation.  Partisan politics take priority, especially in an election year.  The 118th Congress is on track to be one of the least functional sessions ever ..." more

"The Sheridan Meadows pond was mostly a drought depleted weed bed this past summer, adding to the eye sore a dehydrated swamp. I again ask this new city council and mayor for active leadership in addressing this concealed gem we have at Sheridan Meadows Park ..." more

"America, we can do better than another Biden-Trump rematch! Right now, as an independent voter, I’d welcome a decent third party candidate ..." more

Feb. 13, 1974: The North Scott wrestling team would compete in the sectional tournament in the AAA class – the largest in the state –for the first time. The tournament would be held at Bettendorf High School, with Davenport West and Davenport Central also competing. more

"Last year, Iowans learned the terrifying news that our state has the second highest cancer rate in the nation and Iowa is the only state where the rate is increasing ..." more

Last week was a busy one for me in the Judiciary and State Government committees so I will write about three important bills in these committees. I have heard a lot about these issues from all of you. more

The sixth week of the legislative session included our first deadline of the year, keeping us busy in subcommittee and committee meetings as we worked to get important legislation covering a wide range of issues through our first hurdle. more

The sixth week at the Iowa Senate included one of the first major deadlines, which kept us busy with many subcommittees and committees to pass legislation through its first hurdle. This meant we covered a wide range of issues while we worked towards that deadline. more