Hampton-Dumont School Board Explores Superintendent Sharing

District holds budget hearing, approves construction project, and considers cost-saving measures.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:47pm

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The Hampton-Dumont School Board held a public hearing on the district's next fiscal year budget, which includes a proposed property tax levy increase. During the meeting, the board also approved a construction project, set another budget hearing date, and authorized an investigation into potential superintendent sharing opportunities with another district.

Why it matters

As many rural Iowa school districts face declining enrollment, the Hampton-Dumont Board is proactively exploring ways to maintain long-term financial stability, including potential cost-sharing through superintendent sharing agreements.

The details

The proposed budget includes a $11.18 per $1,000 assessed property value tax levy. During the public hearing, community members both thanked the board for their service and questioned the tax increase. The board also approved a construction project to remodel the high school west restrooms and set another public budget hearing for April 27. Notably, the board authorized an investigation into sharing a superintendent position with another district, which Superintendent Tim Felderman said could generate additional revenue through cost-sharing and state incentives, even though the district is not currently in financial distress.

  • The Hampton-Dumont School Board held the public budget hearing on Monday, March 27, 2026.
  • The board set April 27, 2026 as the date for another public hearing on the next fiscal year budget.

The players

Hampton-Dumont School Board

The governing body of the Hampton-Dumont school district, responsible for approving the district's budget and policies.

Tim Felderman

The superintendent of the Hampton-Dumont school district, who proposed exploring superintendent sharing opportunities as a proactive measure to maintain long-term financial stability.

Dave Schmitt

A community member who thanked the school board for their service during the public budget hearing.

Jon Petersen

A community member who questioned the proposed tax increase and recent property purchases during the public budget hearing.

Mark Gerdes

A community member who attended the public budget hearing to observe the process.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Hampton-Dumont School Board will hold another public hearing on the next fiscal year budget on April 27, 2026.

The takeaway

As rural Iowa school districts face declining enrollment, the Hampton-Dumont Board is proactively exploring cost-saving measures like superintendent sharing to maintain long-term financial stability, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement.