Iowa Falls, Alden School Districts Propose Unified Elementary Plan

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The Iowa Falls and Alden school districts are in discussions to create a unified elementary system that would group students by grade level in the same building rather than splitting them between communities. The primary financial goal is to reduce the number of elementary classroom sections from five per grade level across both districts to four, where possible, in order to preserve intervention services, electives, and fine arts programs.

Why it matters

With declining enrollment and budget pressures, the districts are exploring consolidation as a way to maintain educational offerings and services for students across both communities. The unified elementary plan aims to find efficiencies while minimizing disruption to families.

The details

Under the proposed concept, class sizes would generally range from 21 to 25 students, with final decisions left to the school boards. District leaders say current enrollment and budget projections make additional staffing reductions at the middle and high school levels unlikely, and that elementary consolidation would help preserve important programs.

• In February 2026, district officials presented 'current realities' and the unified elementary concept during a joint meeting.
• The community survey on the proposal remains open through April 17, 2026.

What’s next

Officials are encouraging residents to review updated financial information and, if needed, revise their responses in the community survey, which remains open through April 17.