Superintendent's Message for August 2026

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE 

August 2026

Hello, Chargers!!

The countdown is on! We are excited to welcome our students and families back for another great school year at Chariton Community Schools. The first day of school is Monday, August 24!

Our buildings have been busy all summer as we prepare for the return of our students. We’ve completed several projects and updates throughout the district to help make our schools welcoming, safe, and ready for learning. Our staff has also been hard at work, participating in professional development and learning opportunities to strengthen their skills, grow their practice, and continue providing the best possible educational experience for our students.

We also have Back-to-School Nights planned at each attendance center. Be watching for details from your student’s school with dates, times, and information about what to expect.

We can’t wait to see our students back in our hallways, classrooms, and activities! Thank you to our families and community for your continued support of Chariton Community Schools.

Here’s to a fantastic 2026–2027 school year! Go Chargers! 

Below are a few specific topics and information to keep you updated and informed about our school district.  Please visit our website for more information at https://www.charitonschools.org/

School Board Vacancy

Chariton Community Schools is seeking individuals who are interested in serving on our School Board through a special appointment process.

Information for anyone interested in being considered for this opportunity is attached, along with guidance from the Iowa Association of School Boards outlining the process the district must follow to complete the special appointment.

We encourage community members who are interested in serving our students, families, staff, and school district to review the attached information and consider applying.

Thank you to everyone who is willing to invest their time and talents in supporting Chariton Community Schools!

Updated School Calendar

Chariton Community Schools has made a small update to the 2026–2027 school calendar. The only major change affecting students and families is the date on which the first semester will end.

We have updated the calendar to reflect this change and are sharing the revised version for your convenience. Please take a moment to review the updated calendar and note the semester-ending date.  Chariton CSD 2026-27 School Calendar

Please visit our website at https://www.charitonschools.org/ for additional information about our school district. 

GO CHARGERS and THINK BIG !!!!  

Mr. Baker, #LBE

Phone - 641-774-5967

Email- brad.baker@chariton.k12.ia.us

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE 

July 2026

Hello, Chargers!!

As we prepare for another exciting school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of the Chariton Community School District. Our schools are at the heart of this community, and together we share a common goal—to provide every student with a safe, engaging, and high-quality educational experience.

Throughout the year, we remain committed to continuous improvement by investing in our students, supporting our staff, and maintaining facilities that reflect the pride we have in our district. As we move forward with several important building and infrastructure projects, we want to keep our community informed about the progress being made and the thoughtful planning behind these investments.

The Chariton Community School District continues to make significant investments in our facilities to provide safe, efficient, and modern learning environments for our students and staff. Below is a summary of the major projects currently underway or in the planning stages.

Columbus & Van Allen Elementary HVAC Improvements
The heating and cooling systems at both elementary schools are operational; however, some ongoing issues remain. Following an independent review and a collaborative meeting with our design and construction partners, two long-term solutions have been identified. The district is currently evaluating these options to determine the best path forward while ensuring taxpayers are not responsible for additional costs resulting from system revisions. While work could begin before school starts, the current plan is to complete the necessary planning and target installation during the fall to ensure the best long-term outcome.

Middle School Renovation Project
Planning continues for the comprehensive renovation of the Chariton Middle School. The current phase of the project, which is roof replacement, is underway with a construction contract totaling $698,490. In addition, the district is exploring the feasibility of a geothermal heating and cooling system, including potential rebates that could significantly reduce project costs. The design process will continue through the fall, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2027. The majority of the work will be completed during the summer months to minimize disruptions to students and staff.

High School Industrial Technology Electrical Upgrades
The Board of Education has awarded the electrical upgrade project for the High School Industrial Technology Lab to Spectrum Electric of Chariton. The project, with a base bid of $292,000, will modernize the lab's electrical infrastructure to better support career and technical education programs and provide students with improved learning opportunities.

These projects reflect the district's ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality facilities, while making thoughtful, fiscally responsible investments that will benefit our students and community for years to come. We appreciate the continued support and patience of our families, staff, and community as this important work progresses.

Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Conference

One of the greatest strengths of the Chariton Community School District is our dedicated staff and their commitment to continuous improvement. In June, more than 50 of our educators attended the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Conference in Des Moines, where they joined thousands of educators from across the country to learn from nationally recognized presenters and educational leaders.

Throughout the conference, presenters emphasized the importance of maintaining an unwavering focus on student learning, using data to drive instructional decisions, fostering collaboration among educators, and embracing a culture of continuous improvement. These principles align closely with the work underway in our district as we strive to ensure that every student achieves at high levels.

We are incredibly proud of our staff for investing their time and energy into professional learning during the summer. Their dedication to refining their practice and bringing new ideas back to our classrooms reflects their commitment to providing the very best educational experience for every Chariton student. Together, we will continue building a culture where both students and educators learn, grow, and succeed.

Special Board Meeting

During the special board meeting, we will seek approval to address an unforeseen roofing issue at the Van Allen Elementary building. Holding this meeting now will allow the necessary repairs to be completed before the start of the school year, helping ensure our students and staff return to a safe and well-maintained facility.

The Board will also consider revisions to the 2026–27 school calendar. These adjustments will have little to no impact on parents or the majority of our students. The primary change is to balance the length of the two semesters by adjusting the end of the first semester, correcting an oversight that occurred during the calendar development process. In addition, we will adjust one professional development day for staff prior to the start of the student school year to better align with district planning and preparation.

Two New Board Policies Being Developed

8th Grade Students Athletic Participation at the HS Level

Pursuant to Iowa House File 2591 (and the rules and regulations of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), and other applicable governing organizations, the Chariton Community School District may permit eligible eighth-grade students to participate in high school interscholastic athletics. Participation at the high school level by an eighth-grade student shall be considered an exception and not a standard practice. Each request shall be evaluated individually, with the student's academic success, physical and emotional readiness, safety, and the overall best interests of the student and athletic program serving as the primary considerations.  The second reading of this policy will be August 10th at the next regular school board meeting.  

School Vehicle Seat Belt Policy

The district is committed to protecting the safety of students, staff, and transport drivers at all times. Distractions that divert a driver's attention can endanger the safety of others and must be avoided. Students riding in district-owned and district-leased vehicles, including school buses operated by the district's bus provider, shall adhere to district rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, those related to student conduct and those requiring the wearing lap/shoulder seatbelts when riding in vehicles with those safety devices. The district shall annually communicate transportation rules and regulations to all students and parents. Additionally, the district may employ the use of security cameras on buses owned, chartered, and/or leased by the district. The district and/or school bus operator shall report student violations of transportation rules and regulations to the relevant parent(s). Said violations may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, removal from district transportation. The second reading of this policy will be August 10th at the next regular school board meeting.  

Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to the future of Chariton's children. Together, we are building a stronger school district and an even stronger community.

Please visit our website at https://www.charitonschools.org/ for additional information about our school district. 

GO CHARGERS and THINK BIG !!!!  

Mr. Baker, #LBE

Phone - 641-774-5967

Email- brad.baker@chariton.k12.ia.us