By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Aug. 10 meeting of the Panorama School Board, it was announced that Panorama has been recognized as a FAFSA Focused School of Excellence for meeting or exceeding a 70% FAFSA completion rate. The Iowa Department of Education announced 74 Iowa schools are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to student completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the 2025-26 school year.
Awardees for the 2025-26 school year receive department support and resources to ensure students are prepared for success in transitioning to post-secondary education. The FAFSA helps determine students’ eligibility for scholarships, grants, work study and student loans and is also used by many post-secondary institutions to determine financial need. FAFSA completion is a core component of the program, helping students to finance post-secondary education and remove financial barriers to education and training beyond high school.
In a press release, The Iowa Department of Education shared more details.
“The FAFSA is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid, which is vital for students who are pursuing their post-secondary educational dreams,” Christina Sibaouih, chief of the Department’s Bureau of Postsecondary Community Engagement, said. “It is wonderful to see the growing number of Iowa schools that are prioritizing FAFSA completion with their students to help open doors and postsecondary pathways to future success. Congratulations to our 74 schools that are being honored as FAFSA Focused Awardees.”
The Department awarded the FAFSA Focused School of Excellence award to 28 Iowa schools for meeting or exceeding a 70% FAFSA completion rate. Additionally, 46 Iowa schools received the Focused School of Achievement award for meeting or exceeding their FAFSA completion goal. Panorama achieved a 73% FAFSA completion rate, compared to the statewide average of 54.2%.
Upcoming dates noted included Aug. 19 (MS/HS Open House 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Aug. 19 (Sixth Grade Orientation at 6 p.m. in auditorium) and Aug. 24 (first day of school, 8 a.m. start time).
The board approved the Dance Team fundraiser (ISU concessions at football and volleyball, August/September/October 2026).
The board reviewed and unanimously approved the following district goals:
- District Culture — Successfully transition to and execute a four-day instructional week model by establishing transparent communication channels, optimizing instructional time, and ensuring smooth operational workflows that support staff, students and district families.
- District Operations — Optimize district facilities and physical environments by executing upgrades to support a safe, welcoming and high-functioning learning environment.
- Academic Excellence — Expand hands-on life skills development and personal growth opportunities to ensure all students are equipped with essential social, emotional, leadership and practical life skills.
The board approved replacement of a heat pump by purchasing a Daikin 3.5-ton water source heat pump. With labor and materials, the expected cost will be $11,920.
The board reviewed policies as part of the annual policy review and also held first and second readings on lists of policy updates.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.