Lone Tree

The Lone Tree Community School District has undergone significant changes over the past year.

A few months ago, two school board members, including the board president, resigned from their positions.

According to sources familiar with the situation, criticism from some community members over one board member's decision to open enroll their child into another school district contributed to the resignations. Sources also said the two board members were close, and the second resignation followed in support of the first.

Much of the recent discussion within the community has centered on whether a school board member should continue serving after choosing to enroll a child into another district. However, under Iowa law, school board members are not required to have children attending the district's schools. Eligibility to serve on the board is based on residency within the district.

Some residents have also alleged the former board members were bullied into resigning, although those claims have not been independently verified. 

The issue has generated considerable discussion in the community, with residents expressing their opinions at school board meetings, on social media and in conversations throughout the district.

Following the resignations, the remaining board members appointed two replacements to fill the vacancies. However, residents later submitted a valid petition calling for a special election. Under Iowa law, the appointments became temporary, requiring the district to hold a special election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The board originally favored filling the vacancies through appointments rather than holding a special election, citing an estimated cost of between $4,000 and $7,000. Supporters of the petition, however, believed voters should decide who fills the seats despite the additional expense.

The board changes are just one of several major developments the district has experienced over the past year. 

Earlier this year, the board approved a football cooperative agreement with Highland. Additional cooperative agreements included boys track with Columbus and boys and girls soccer with West Liberty. The district also approved fall cheerleading and a nutrition director, also with Highland.   

Another significant change was the transition to a single-principal model. For years, the district employed separate principals for the elementary school (K-6) and the junior high/high school (7-12). However, because of declining enrollment and the district's financial outlook, the board approved moving to one K-12 principal. Amber Jacque, who previously served as elementary principal and athletic director, was named to the position while continuing as athletic director.

As the 2026-27 school year approaches, Lone Tree will begin the academic year with its new administrative structure in place. Before students return to the classroom, however, district voters will first decide who will fill the two school board seats in the Aug. 4 special election.