Building and District Updates

Welcome to the 2026–27 school year!

We kicked off the year with a fantastic community event that brought together our staff, Chamber members, Maharishi School employees, and several other distinguished guests to celebrate all things Fairfield!

Four local speakers shared what Fairfield means to them and why they believe we truly are a part of something special. Their stories were a great reminder of the incredible community we are fortunate to be a part of and the opportunities we have to grow together.

Our vision is clear: to be a destination district where we ALL belong, learn, and grow!

Here’s to an incredible 2026–27 school year and another year of being a part of something special!

In this update you will learn more about the following:

1. Phase II GO Bond Update
2. What's Happening in Our Buildings
3. Fill out the Free and Reduced Application
4. Home School Assistance Program Monthly Update
5. Last Chance! Give us feedback on the first week of school
6. Communication Outlets
7. Superintendent's Message: Parenting is Hard

Phase II of the FMS improvement plan includes a voter-approved general obligation bond and identifying community partners to provide charitable support to complete the planned improvements.

• This phase would allow us to construct new fine arts spaces, gyms, a new library, CTE (Career and Technical Education) areas, a commons/lunch space, and a new kitchen. To support this work, we are exploring three potential funding sources: a smaller GO bond referendum that would not increase the current levy; a capital campaign led by a Board-appointed committee focused on funding a new competition gym; and grant opportunities.

• We have partnered with Pathfinders in Fairfield to identify additional funding sources (grants) to help offset costs during the grant-writing process.

• A capital campaign led by a board-appointed committee will also help fund a portion of the project’s expenses, such as fundraising and naming rights for the second gymnasium at the middle school.

On November 3, 2026, our community will consider approving a $24.8 million general obligation bond referendum for improvements at the middle school campus.

• Per Iowa law, the bond issue must receive at least 60% of the vote to pass.

• An approved bond referendum WILL NOT raise the district's levy rates.

• While a majority of voters supported these proposals, we listened to the community, and the overall cost of the project and the 2026 general obligation bond has been reduced as a direct result of the earlier election outcomes.

• The levied amount would also mean no increase to the overall levy.

• Of the 42 general obligation bond referendums across Iowa in November 2025, 17 were approved (40.4%). Of the 32 general obligation bond referendums statewide in November 2024, 13 were approved (40.6%).

All things MS project can be found at this site: https://www.fairfieldcsdbond.org/

Check out what is happening in each building by clicking the link below!

Please click on the link! Once you are logged in to your account click the more tab on the bottom left of the page. From there click meal benefits. This will bring you to the following page. You can start the application there. Please reach out if you have any questions!

We have a variety of ways to stay connected with all things FCSD. Please check out these options connected the district as a whole, and like or follow them!

Follow us on Facebook by clicking HERE

Follow us on X by clicking HERE

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I, like most of you reading this, am a parent. My wife and I have two children. Mallory, who is almost 19, and Brady, who is currently a junior at FHS. Parenting may be the hardest job I have ever had, and each day presents new opportunities for growth. This is for both us and for them.

Here are a few things I have learned over the last 18+ years as a parent. Take them or leave them, but as we start this new school year, please know that we are in this together. We all want the same thing: for every Fairfield student to learn, grow, and reach their highest potential.

• Support can and should look different for every child.
  What one child needs from us may be very different from what another child needs. Sometimes support means encouragement, sometimes it means a challenge, and sometimes it simply means giving them the space to figure things out on their own.
• Tears don't always mean we need to come to the rescue.
  Watching our children struggle is hard. Our first instinct can be to fix the problem or remove the struggle. But sometimes the most important thing we can do is be there, listen, and let them work through the challenge. Struggle can be where some of the most important growth happens.
• It's okay when they don't get what they want......or what they think they want.
  As parents, we don't have to make every disappointment disappear. Not getting on the team they wanted, in the class they hoped for, the grade they expected, or the opportunity they thought they deserved can teach valuable lessons about perseverance, perspective, and resilience.
• Love them unconditionally.
  Celebrate the successes, but make sure they know your love isn't dependent on their grades, accomplishments, behavior, athletic performance, or the number of awards they receive. They need to know that they are loved on their best days and their hardest days.
• Their identity is not defined by what they do or how well they do it.
  A grade is something they receive, not who they are. A sport is something they participate in, not who they are. A mistake is something they make, not who they are. Help them understand that their worth isn't determined by a scoreboard, report card, test score, or someone else's opinion. They are so much more than what they accomplish.

Here is to a great year!

-Mr. Wigle