Lisa Beames has always cared about education. As an Iowa teacher for 15 years and transitioning into an administrative role for another 20 years, she eventually landed as the interim superintendent of the Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools (GNSD). As Beames heads into retirement, new superintendent Ken Kasper will join the admin team on July 1. The two have been meeting regularly to create a smooth transition.
“I've always seen my role in Grinnell as a way to best position the district for the future,” shares Beames. “That includes preparing them with what they need to make a decision for whatever comes next.”
Planning for the new Grinnell Elementary School is invigorating — but as the team draws nearer to an official groundbreaking (anticipated in mid-late April), there is much work to be done. Excitedly, the new Grinnell Elementary School will bring students from kindergarten to fourth grade under the same roof. Beyond the students, special education tools and staff will also be brought together — meaning more room for collaboration, joint professional development, and easier access to resources.
The building will be built on the current site of the community soccer fields. (Not to worry, the soccer fields will temporarily relocate to Grinnell High School. This location will accommodate easy parking and access to restroom facilities — both important components to plan for in youth sports.)
With an average of 110 students per class, the school is being designed to merge spaces together. Classrooms can flex into smaller rooms for breakout group activities, and the space will feature natural lighting and modern layouts.
In designing the building, Beames emphasized the importance of thinking ahead instead of playing catch-up. So far, they’ve left room for adjustments or additions to the building if needed in the future.
The cafeteria and gym will also live in the North portion of the building — so when the school is hosting community events, such as a basketball tournament, educational spaces can be kept separate as community members enjoy access to these events.
“While we wanted a beginning-of-year transition, that will not be feasible with the construction timeline,” says Beames. In an effort not to move students and teachers multiple times, the district is anticipating a mid-year move in the ‘27-28 academic year.
Community events that are typically held at Ahrens Park will continue as usual unless hosts decide otherwise — with over 100 acres, there is more than enough room! But this time, a school will be shining on the horizon.
The GNSD is fleshing out changes to the Early Learning Center (ELC) building, as well. “Having the preschool programs based in one place will help ensure equity across all the kids’ experiences before they hit kindergarten,” Beames remarks. Between now and August, the building will be outfitted to house the district’s preschool program and the program currently operated by the ELC.
“The admin team is also busy prepping for this summer and next year,” says Smith. Bailey Park Elementary School will be the hub of activity this summer with SLICK, LINK, and the summer meal program. “Our team will soon be registering students for preschool and incoming kindergarteners.”
The groundwork of Grinnell’s future educational landscape is no easy feat — but the community has trusted the GNSD to invest in moving the community forward.
“Change is hard, and we have endured a lot of it over the last two years,” acknowledges Beames. “But it’s been a joy to serve with and for this district.”
As one of this year’s GrinnTogether Award winners at the Chamber’s Annual Celebration, their award video showcases their dedication and sets the stage for their continuous work. Watch their award video on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX-dkcroJ7Y&t=1s
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
- Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
- Lisa Beames — Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools
- Trent Arment — MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
- Desiree Strayer — German Plumbing Heating and Cooling
- Trent Edsen — Grinnell High School - GNCSD
- Fran Conn
- Steven Lewis — First Interstate Bank
- Josh Smith — Fairview Elementary - Grinnell Newburg School District
- Ashley Van Weelden - Hy-Vee
- Alissa Sliger — First Interstate Bank
- Phil Grout — Hy-Vee
- Sarah Smith — Grinnell College
- Brian Conway — Bailey Park Elementary School
- Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek Insurance Agency
- Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
- Rob Gibson — Grinnell Middle School
- Blake Pearson — Converge Chiropractic PLLC
- Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber
- Lisa Cirks — Cirks Financial Services
- Brandon Sharp — Grinnell High School - GNCSD
- Libby Eggert — Grinnell College
- Becky Broadston — Comfort Inn & Suites
- Ashley Sorensen — Volunteer Iowa
- Rachel Arseneault — Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
- Bri Gaunt — Community 1st Credit Union
- Dan McCue — McCue & Associates LLC - American Family Insurance
- Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council
More News + Announcements
Our Partners
