Newton School Board to Vote on Elementary Network Upgrades

Proposed infrastructure improvements at two local schools on the agenda for tonight's meeting.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:57pm

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The Newton School Board is set to vote on network infrastructure upgrades at Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools during their meeting tonight. The proposed improvements, totaling over $230,000, would be carried out by Heartland Business Services in Des Moines.

Why it matters

Reliable and high-performing network infrastructure is essential for modern elementary schools to support digital learning, communication, and administrative needs. These upgrades aim to ensure students and staff have access to the technology resources required for 21st century education.

The details

The school board is considering a $139,519 bid for upgrades at Aurora Heights Elementary and a $91,673 quote for Thomas Jefferson Elementary. Both proposals are from Heartland Business Services, a Des Moines-based IT services provider. The meeting agenda also includes setting public hearings for the district's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and 2025-2026 school calendar changes.

  • The Newton School Board meeting is scheduled for this evening, March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
  • The proposed network infrastructure upgrades would be implemented during the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Tim Bloom

Director of Business Services for the Newton School District, who is recommending the school board accept the bids for the network upgrades.

Heartland Business Services

An IT services provider in Des Moines that submitted the bids for the network infrastructure upgrades at the two elementary schools.

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What’s next

If approved, the network infrastructure upgrades at Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools would be implemented prior to the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.

The takeaway

These proposed technology investments demonstrate the Newton School District's commitment to ensuring its elementary schools have the modern network capabilities needed to support digital learning and school operations.