The district was made aware of concerns shared on social media regarding the recent purchase of a 12-passenger van. Within those comments, questions were also raised about the overall viability of the district. We want to take a moment to provide clarity on both.
Board Policy and Van Purchase: On July 22, 2025, the Board approved the purchase of a 12-passenger van for $41,900. The final payment of $42,020 included state-mandated fees.
Board Policy 705.1 requires a competitive request for proposals (RFP) for purchases over $25,000. However, the policy also states: “In the event that only one quotation or bid is submitted, the board may proceed if the quotation or bid meets the contract award specifications.”
At the time of purchase, only one local dealer had a compliant van available. Given the rarity of used 12-passenger vans and the need to act quickly, the Board had authority to proceed with that single quote under policy.
The purchase was made openly, recorded in board minutes, and included in the district’s published list of bills paid.
District Viability and the Bond Process: Gladbrook-Reinbeck CSD is a growing and viable district. Enrollment trends and community population both show growth, and projections indicate continued strength well into the future.
The district pursued a general obligation bond after a valid petition with more than the required number of community signatures was submitted. By law, a bond cannot be “forced” on a district — it only moves forward with both a qualifying petition and approval by a supermajority of voters at the ballot box.
This process demonstrates local control: the community decides, and the district carries out that decision.
Our Commitment: We remain committed to following board policy, keeping business local when possible, and ensuring transparency in all financial matters. Most importantly, we remain focused on serving our students and planning responsibly for the future of the district.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!
The TK kids had fun painting their wooden dots for Dot Day.
about 4 hours ago, Kathy Etringer
Thanks to the Pifkin family, Brian Karkosh, and Gena Petersen for apples you provided to the GR Foods students! All groups voted to make apple crisp. They are looking forward to tasting their products tomorrow!
about 6 hours ago, Andrea Rowe
Rebel JH volleyball travels to Hubbard today to take on South Hardin. Action starts at 4:15 PM.
Go Rebels!
about 8 hours ago, Brian Grooms
The JV Football Team earned another win last night defeating Dunkerton 42-6. They will play North Tama next Monday at home. #rebelnation
about 9 hours ago, John Olson
Congrats to the JH Football Team with their 38-22 win over Dunkerton last night. This improves their record to 2-0 to start the season. #rebelnation
South Tama meet is in the books. Congrats to Isaac W, Reese S, & Vanessa D on their GR XC debuts! The team battled a challenging course that brought highlights of a PR by Katelyn M, & a 12th place medal finish for Caleb P.
about 20 hours ago, Jay Beichley
Today was International Dot Day! The TK class had fun doing some different Dot Day activities. A few of our friends will finish their dots tomorrow.
about 21 hours ago, Kathy Etringer
The TK kids got to use sandpaper to sand the edges of their wooden dots so they were ready to paint.
🏃♀️ REBELS 🏃♂️
JH/HS XC
🗓️ Monday Sept. 15, 2025
South Tama HS & Elementary Campuses
📍 Tama, IA
⏰ 4:30 PM
🎟️ $5 per vehicle
#rebelnation #iahsxc
1 day ago, Brian Grooms
Homecoming- In stock now-->Rebel FB T-shirts! $20 with schedule on the back! Reserve your size today by EMAILING John.olson@gr-rebels.net. Commenting on this post does NOT reserve you a size. (YthM-2, YthL-1, Adult Small-6, Med-7, Large-14, XXL-7, XXXL-1) #rebelnation
1 day ago, John Olson
🏈 REBELS 🏈 🗓️ Monday Sept. 15, 2025 📍 Gladbrook, IA 🆚 Dunkerton Raiders ⏰ 4:15 PM - JH 6:00 PM - JV 🎟️ $3 adults & students are free *Cash accepted *Card reader available #rebelnation #iahsfb
Reminder- GR Rebel Football Cheer Camp is TODAY at the JH/HS from 1-3:30. Please enter using the front door (Blackhawk street). We will get your daughter checked in and ready for camp.
It is HOT! Please send a labeled water bottle with your daughter.
We can't wait-See you soon!
2 days ago, Karyn Morgan
The week ahead for Rebel Nation
2 days ago, Brian Grooms
GR Rebel Volleyball Update‼️
Varsity team traveled to South Hardin today for a tournament and came home with the championship!
Congratulations, Rebels! Keep up the GReat work!! 🏆 👏🏻
#rebelnation #iahsvb
