(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board heard an update Monday evening on plans for a new integrated Pre-K program to begin in the 2026–27 school year.
Elementary School Principal Danielle Dierenfeldt told board members the district is looking to integrate preschool at-risk and special education students, similar to how services are delivered throughout the rest of the elementary building.
Dierenfeldt said she has researched the model and visited nearby school districts that already use integrated preschool classrooms. She told the board the approach would better serve students by providing a more inclusive learning environment.
Under the proposal, the district would operate two at-risk preschool classrooms — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The change would allow the school to serve more at-risk students and would require some staff adjustments to accommodate the new structure.
Dierenfeldt said the integrated model would align preschool services with the way student support is already provided in other grade levels.
John West, director of Interlocal 615, added that both state and federal guidance support integrated preschool programs.
Board members voiced no objections to the plan, allowing the district to move forward with implementing the program for the next school year.
Also at the meeting, Hiawatha High School sophomore Brenner Lowe shared his experience at Reality U, a simulation program that teaches financial responsibility and life skills, including managing paychecks, taxes, and family expenses. Industrial arts teacher Darrin Arment praised USD 415 students and volunteers for making Hiawatha one of the program’s top sites.
Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation of fourth-grade teacher Hillary Krebs and approved several new hires. Among them: Tessa Moore as elementary administrative assistant, Jennifer Snowden as middle school assistant track coach, Jake Shoemaker as high school wrestling coach, and Becky Shamburg as middle school athletic director. Additionally, Kristin Lock will transfer from middle school to high school English Language Arts.
