By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

John Rutledge has been the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) general manager for 20 years. Lane Rumelhart is in his seventh year as LPA project manager.

Questions from LPA members often fall into a handful of common topics that can be answered with a simple yes or no. 

For this month’s Q&A, Rutledge and Rumelhart collaborated on a compilation of frequently asked questions that are answered with a simple “NO.” In some cases, additional information is provided.

 

ON THE WATER

The lake seems empty today. Is it OK if I speed in a no-wake zone? NO

I am a member but don’t want to pay for an LPA boat sticker. Can LPA Security look the other way? NO 

My boat is only a few inches over LPA’s length limit. Can you make an exception? NO 

Can I put my kayak sticker on my personal watercraft? NO

Should I ride on the transom of a boat in motion? NO, stop doing this. Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill you or cause you to pass out and drown.

Can LPA direct barge companies to service members? NO

May I participate in wake sport activities closer than 100 feet to shore? NO

Can I put a permanent dock on the community area next to my lot? NO

Can I dock my boat at one of LPA’s beaches overnight as a matter of convenience (Not as a matter of emergency)? NO

Can I use glider kits, self-powered gliders, kites, parasails, kite tubes, flyboards, self-powered hydrofoils, self-powered surfboards or similar objects on the lake? NO 

May I build my own boat ramp? NO 

Can LPA do something to guarantee Lake Panorama will never have a Blue Green Algae bloom? NO 

Can LPA guarantee the fish will bite this weekend? NO

Can you have the dredge swing by my property some afternoon for a quick cleanup? NO

Should I let my dog swim in the lake, especially late in the summer when there is a threat of blue-green algae? NO

 

BUILDING CODES

I have a pretty good idea where my lot pins are located. Can I skip the expense of a licensed land survey as part of my building permit for a new home or garage? NO

Can I reduce my project expenses by skipping the installation of a driveway tube? NO

Can I build a boathouse on my lot if there isn’t already one there? NO

May I build my home or other structure closer than 50 feet from the water? NO

Can LPA sell me a piece of community area? NO

Can I build a pole building? NO

Can I build a detached garage on an undeveloped lot? NO

May I build a 200-square-foot shed on an undeveloped lot? NO

Can I have an above ground pool? NO 

May I place a storage container on my lot? NO

 

ON LAND 

Can I take branches and logs over 12 inches in diameter to the brush dump? NO

Can I take construction debris or other trash to the brush dump? NO

Can I burn construction debris on my lot? NO

Does LPA provide a trash disposal service? NO 

Does that mean I can throw my trash into dumpsters at the beaches or golf courses or near the LPN conference center? NO 

Can I camp on my undeveloped lot? NO (To clarify, undeveloped means there is NO home on the lot.)

May I leave a fire unattended? NO

Can I put a political sign in my yard? NO

Is it OK to raise chickens on my lot? NO 

How about goats? NO

 

NEIGHBORS

Can LPA require my neighbors to be friendly? NO

Can LPA make my neighbor mow on weekdays, so it doesn’t make noise while I’m enjoying my weekend? NO

Can LPA force all these new-house people to install generators so they don’t put added demands on the existing power grid? NO

Can LPA settle a dispute over whose dog started barking first? NO

 

MISCELLANEOUS  

Do fellow members like and respect me for venting my frustrations on social media? NO

What if I vent repeatedly and incessantly. Nope, it makes you look even worse.

Can I get the same official information from NextDoor or Facebook that I can get from lakepanorama.org and the Panorama Prompt? NO

Is the LPA office open evenings or weekends? NO

Should I call the city of Panora about my LPA water bill? NO

I have a half hour to kill before I need to be somewhere. Is it OK to drop by the LPA office unannounced to fill the time with casual conversation? NO (respectfully)

I really want to do something, but LPA told me it was not allowed. Will it help if I persistently and repeatedly pressure staff to give me another answer? NO 

Can kids without a valid driver’s license operate a golf cart on LPA roads? NO

Can LPA make the 17-year cicadas be quiet? NO

Will LPA Security trap pest animals for me? NO 

Can I drive a vehicle more than 10,000 pounds (5 tons) on LPA roads during the embargo? NO

Can LPA pave Sage Trail? NO

Should I walk along 200th Road? NO

Should I wear all gray and black clothing while walking on LPA roadways, so my clothing matches the color of the road surface? NO

Can LPA spray every thistle that grows within the subdivision? NO –– but we can try.

Can LPA stop Canada geese from using my lawn and beach as a bathroom? NO

Can LPA stop whitetail deer from eating my flowers? NO

Can LPA stop moles from tunneling in my yard? NO

Can LPA stop woodpeckers from causing damage to my house? NO

Does LPA staff like to answer work questions when they’re out to dinner with family or friends? NO

How about their spouses? Also, NO.

Additional information on many of these questions is available on the Lake Panorama Association website, primarily under the FAQs and Documents tabs. The website is lakepanorama.org. Members also may contact the LPA office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 641-755-2301 or emailing lpa@lakepanorama.org. 

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

Responses to the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) survey conducted in May showed some LPA members question the need to increase or restructure the association’s dues and assessments strategy. 

John Rutledge is in his 20th year as LPA general manager. In this month’s Q&A, he offers a historical look at LPA dues and assessments and how that history can inform the future.

 

Q. As LPA looks ahead to a future dues and assessments strategy, it would be helpful to understand how we arrived at this point. Can you highlight the history of LPA dues and assessments?

A. I’ve reviewed the history of LPA’s dues and assessments, and it is an interesting journey. I’ve had a front-row seat for the last 20 years, but I’ve pieced together the lake’s first four decades from information in our archives and what I’ve gathered from some of our community’s long-term residents.

From 1969 to 2005, dues and assessments could only be increased by a vote of the LPA membership. The board of directors did not have the authority to increase dues and assessments annually.

In 1969, LPA dues were a flat $50 for all classes of lots. This changed in 1974, when an LPA assessment of $50 was added to the $50 charge for dues, totaling $100 annually for all classes of lots. 

Beginning in 1978, there was a “CIPCO Assessment,” designed to help fund Central Iowa Power Cooperative’s dredging of Lake Panorama. This was in addition to the $100 in dues already being paid by all members. 

This assessment was weighted with waterfront homeowners paying $200 annually and undeveloped C lot owners paying $50 annually. This marked the first time LPA membership classifications were established and different rates applied. 

From 1980 to 1993, the dues and assessments were increased five times, which resulted in the following schedule becoming effective in 1993: Waterfront Home – $750; B Home (offshore) – $600; C Home (offshore) – $475; Waterfront Lot – $350; B Lot (offshore) -$250; and C Lot (offshore) – $200.

LPA dues and assessments remained unchanged from 1993 to 2005. At the 2005 annual meeting, the LPA membership voted to grant the LPA board of directors the authority to increase dues and assessments by up to 5% annually. 

The first increase of 5% was applied in 2006 with the board increasing dues annually over the last 20 years. In 15 of the last 20 years, the increase was the full 5%. In the other five years, increases ranged from 2.5% to 4%.

 

Q. Are there some lessons to be learned from this history?

A. I think it’s unfair to second-guess our predecessors, as the political and financial climate of that era was far different than what exists today. Still, there are some timeless principles I believe apply to both then and now.

As leaders, it is essential we differentiate between reducing or eliminating an expense and deferring that expense. These two things look similar in the moment but are quite different in the long term. 

When I joined the organization in 2007, it rapidly became obvious to me that LPA had been deferring expenses throughout much of the 1993 to 2006 period. To put it bluntly, I recognized on day one that we had a lot of catching up to do.

Over the last 20 years, I’m very proud of how our staff, board and membership have come together to support critical projects, such as seven-figure investments at the water plant and shop. These projects have been an investment in the future of Lake Panorama and replaced aged facilities that had long exceeded their life expectancy.

The lesson learned? LPA management should always be honest with the board and membership about whether we’re balancing the budget by cutting expenses or by deferring expenses.

 

Q. So, are we deferring expenses or cutting expenses to make the budget work today?

A. Candidly, we’re doing both, which is why we’re having this discussion. 

Cutting and controlling expenditures is something we must always practice in our line of work. It is an essential part of the job. Every year our team looks for more efficient ways to serve the membership, without sacrificing the services we provide.

But admittedly, there also is some deferral of expenses. The two most obvious examples of deferred expenses are LPA’s roadways and LPA’s water distribution infrastructure.

LPA’s roadway system involves about 35 miles of roads, most of which are seal-coated. Twenty years ago, we were surfacing nine to 10 miles of roadways each year. This year, we’re scheduled to seal-coat slightly more than seven miles of roadway, and we’ve dipped below the seven-mile threshold in recent years. This isn’t a cutting of expenses but rather a deferral of expenses. This is unsustainable at its current level.

LPA’s water infrastructure provides another good example. The LPA water department is divided into two subcategories, production and distribution. 

On the production side, we are in great shape. This includes our wells, our water plant and the reverse osmosis system that treats the water. All these investments still have ample remaining life and should serve LPA well into the future.

Water distribution infrastructure is a mixed bag. There are more than 46 miles of water mains and lines under LPA’s ownership. This does not include everyone’s home line that feeds from the shutoff through private property. 

LPA depends on three water mains located underneath the lake. These transport drinking water from the plant, which is on the west side of the lake, to residents on the east side of the lake. Two of these three critical water mains have been replaced since 2020. 

The remaining main, located near Christmas Tree Point, is more than 55 years old. This artery of the drinking water distribution system must be replaced in the next few years. It has already exceeded reasonable expectations of its lifespan, and we need to replace it before it experiences a critical failure. Doing this proactively rather than reactively will not only achieve a more competitive price for the project, but it will also avoid a situation where LPA members on the east side of the lake are temporarily without drinking water.

 

Q. Final thoughts?

A. When we look at the financial health of our community, we have much to celebrate. LPA members continue to invest their time and resources into their Lake Panorama properties with confidence. We should not take this for granted, as there are many communities that will struggle to survive the next 10 to 20 years. LPA’s future is certainly bright.

With that being said, LPA must periodically revisit our funding model to ensure we are on the right track. My philosophy is to bring this conversation to the surface sooner rather than later. Admittedly, I’m a product of my professional experiences, and I’ve seen how hard it was for LPA to quietly overcome deferred expenses. 

I am protective of the progress we’ve achieved over the last 20 years, which is why we’re focusing now on member education. We expect to roll-out suggested solutions to the membership later this summer.

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

One question on the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) survey conducted in May asked members how much additional information they would like to receive regarding the association’s annual operational and capital budgets. Responses showed a significant percentage of members would like to know more about LPA budgets. 

John Rutledge is in his 20th year as LPA general manager. In this month’s Q&A, he shares information on LPA budgets. 

 

Q. Let’s start with an overview of the budget for Lake Panorama.

A. Yes, certainly. I’m often asked how the budget for Lake Panorama works. It’s a fair question, but the answer is complicated. To be precise, there are three budgets that come to mind when we talk about Lake Panorama: the LPA budget, the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) budget, and the LPN, LLC (Lake Panorama National) budget. These three budgets work together to benefit Lake Panorama, but they are quite different in nature.

 

Q. We’re ready for more details.

A. First, let’s look at the budget for our wholly owned subsidiary, LPN, LLC. LPN represents the portion of the association business that is operated in a for-profit status. LPN includes the Lake Panorama National Golf Course, the Panorama West Golf Course and the conference center. 

In addition to in-house operations, LPN maintains relationships with townhome and guesthouse owners for lodging, and with The Captain’s Pick for food, beverage and events. Of the three Lake Panorama budgets, LPN, LLC is the smallest operation with a budget of about $2 million annually in expenses. LPN is managed by a board of managers that employs Royce Shaffer as director of operations. The board of managers is appointed by the LPA Board of Directors.

Next is LPA, which is the property owners’ 501(c)(4) association. LPA manages roads, drinking water, the dam, security, administrative services and provides erosion control services to Lake Panorama RIZ. LPA is the largest of the three budgets with annual expenditures of about $5.6 million. The LPA Board of Directors oversees the association and employs me as general manager to handle day-to-day operations. The seven-member LPA board is elected by association members.

Finally, there is the RIZ budget. The RIZ budget differs substantially from the other two because it is a local government entity that receives property tax dollars. RIZ is managed by a board of trustees who are elected by residents of the zone. Unlike LPA, individuals who want to serve on the board of trustees or vote in the RIZ election must be lake residents. The expenditures for RIZ are more variable than the LPA and LPN budgets, because these are project-based and depend on timing of seven-figure land purchases and projects. 

Let’s look at RIZ from a revenue standpoint. In this respect, RIZ falls between LPA and LPN. The bulk of RIZ revenues come from tax increment financing, or TIF, dollars, which are projected to be $3.9 million in fiscal year 2026-2027. Those dollars represent a portion of the property taxes paid by Lake Panorama property owners, which are returned to RIZ for very specific uses related to water quality and erosion control on our lake and in our watershed. 

RIZ does not have any employees. Instead, it hires LPA to perform dredging, water quality and administrative services on an annual basis. 

 

Q. Are there other budgets related to Lake Panorama beyond these three?

A. Yes. In addition to the “big three,” several smaller budgets exist. 

The South Panorama Sanitary District (SPSD) is another local government entity, elected by residents of that district. SPSD has levy authority and is specifically in place to manage the sanitary district that serves the southwest portion of Lake Panorama. 

The district was formed because a large segment of the Lake Panorama subdivision did not have acceptable perc tests. SPSD collects sewage and pumps it to the city of Panora, where it is treated. SPSD and the city of Panora have an ongoing contract for treatment services. 

SPSD is not officially affiliated with LPA, however, we do provide assistance with budgeting and billing.

On top of all that, there are currently seven independent condo associations that exist within the broader LPA association. LPA does not have any official role in the management of these condo associations. However, we do strive to maintain a good working relationship with all seven. Each also manages its own annual budget. 

 

Q. Don’t you find all of this confusing?

A. I would describe it more as a learning curve than confusion. Once members navigate the initial learning curve, they understand the full picture. 

At times, LPA has received calls from members who want to discuss the overall cost of living. LPA can discuss this up to a point, but it is difficult to piece together all the components that contribute to an individual member’s overall cost of property ownership. 

When you add services members may purchase from the marina and barge companies, it can be a lot to understand in a member’s first year. Just because an entity uses the name “Panorama” doesn’t mean it is officially part of LPA.

 

Q. Is there a way to simplify all these budgets?

A. Although complicated, the structure serves members well. 

Regarding the “big three,” this structure allows LPA to segregate for-profit and not-for-profit operations. If LPA and LPN, LLC were not segregated, we believe it would put LPA’s 501(c)(4) nonprofit status in jeopardy, which would be very costly.

Separating RIZ is essential because the funding mechanism established in the Iowa Code is fundamentally different from the other two. In short, we cannot mix restricted property tax dollars with unrestricted membership dues. 

The benefit of RIZ is so valuable that the complexity exponentially outweighs any challenges we encounter explaining it to others. 

 

Q. Final thoughts?

A. This spring, I began my 20th year with Lake Panorama. Earlier in my career, a good friend and mentor of mine asked me if I believed we should run our operation like a business or like government. 

It was a great question designed to make me evaluate my mindset in how I approach my role as general manager. After some thought, I told him, “Honestly, it’s a bit of both.” I’m 20 years in, and my answer remains the same. n

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

It won’t be long before the number of boats and other watercraft on Lake Panorama starts to increase. Corey Larsen has been the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) security chief since March 2021. In this month’s Q&A, Larsen answers questions about LPA boating rules, regulations and water safety.

Q. When LPA members receive their boat stickers, they also are given a printed copy of the LPA boating regulations. What’s new for 2026?

A. At its December 2025 meeting, the LPA board accepted recommendations of the water safety committee and approved changes to LPA rules related to boating operations. 

The most significant change is that wakesport activities now must remain at least 100 feet from the edge of docks and lifts. This change was made in an effort to protect docks, lifts and vessels stored on lifts from the impact of large waves from wakeboats. If no docks or lifts are present, watersport activities must remain at least 100 feet from the shoreline.  

Also, the words “wakesport activities” were added in several locations in the new rule, making it clear wakesport activities are covered under the same rules as towing. 

The other change is that guest boat passes are no longer available. For many years, the LPA sold guest boat passes for non-holiday, weekday use only. Because of concerns raised about boating safety, boat density and boat operator competency, plus our ongoing efforts to keep invasive species out of Lake Panorama, the water safety committee recommended elimination of all guest boat passes. The LPA board approved this recommendation last December.

Q. What should watercraft owners do to prepare for the 2026 boating season?

A. A good place to start is the LPA water safety video that outlines specific rules related to Lake Panorama. The video was designed as an introductory course for boaters and jet ski operators who are new to Lake Panorama. It also is a great refresher course for operators who would like to review the association’s water safety rules. Note the video was created in 2021 and does not highlight the December 2025 changes regarding wakesport activities.

To access the video, go to the LPA website at lakepanorama.org, and click on the Helpful Links tab. Also, information about Iowa boating laws is on the DNR’s boating website at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Boating. 

A reminder LPA members must have their Iowa DNR registration up to date and their current LPA stickers on the vessel before it goes in the water.

Fire extinguishers and floatation devices are key safety items. Iowa law requires boats with greater than 10 horsepower to have at least one Type B-I fire extinguisher onboard the vessel. Some larger boats are required to have one B-II fire extinguisher, or two B-I fire extinguishers. Boat owners should check extinguishers to make sure these are ready if needed. 

All vessels are required to have at least one United States Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. In addition, vessels over 16-feet in length must have a throwable floatation device, excluding kayaks and canoes. Iowa Law requires children under 13 years of age to wear their life jacket while the vessel is underway.

Q. Once LPA members have their boats on the lake, what are some things they need to remember? 

A. Most boats are rated for a maximum number of persons and a maximum total weight. Boat operators are not allowed to exceed either of these numbers. This is especially relevant with young people who weigh less than adults. Regardless of how small the passenger is, everyone counts as one passenger in the boat capacity limit.

When a watercraft is anchored, at least one person must be on board at all times. This applies to both personal watercraft and boats, and is important when boaters decide to anchor and take a swim, or tie together with another boat. 

In 2018, a map showing the type and location of all buoys was proposed by the water safety committee and approved by the LPA board. Members receive this buoy map with their stickers and LPA boating regulations. The map also is available on the LPA website. Go to the Documents tab, then the Boating Items tab to access it. 

Centerline buoys mark the channel of the lake, with boaters traveling on the right-hand side of the buoys. These buoys are marked with a flashing or steady white light to be visible at night. Hazard buoys are placed in areas known to be shallow or hazardous. These buoys are not a guarantee of exact hazard location, but rather a warning to steer clear of that general area. Hazard buoys are marked with flashing or steady amber lights. Remember, when boating at night, avoid amber lights and stay immediately to the right of white lights. 

Boaters who don’t obey the rules related to buoys risk being stopped by a security officer, and given either a warning or a ticket. Also in place is a rule concerning the moving of buoys. Intentional vandalism or relocation of buoys will result in an automatic third offense, which under LPA rules is a $500 fine and loss of boating privileges for the season. 

Q. What is the rule regarding towing in the Narrows? 

A. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Narrows is limited to no towing and wake surfing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. If boat traffic is especially heavy at other times, security officers have the authority to put flags on the markers to show no towing is allowed. 

Two buoys have been installed, with one on each end of the Narrows. These buoys state the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. towing restrictions for weekends and holidays, and also when flags are displayed. These buoys are white and orange, and much larger than other buoys on the lake. 

If security officers see you towing in the Narrows during the restricted hours, or other times when it has been determined it is unsafe to tow, they can issue a warning or a citation.

Q. Review rules related to prevention of invasive species in Lake Panorama. 

A. Any vessel leaving any other lake must be cleaned, all compartments drained, and the vessel should dry at least five days before re-entering Lake Panorama. The vessel owner must contact LPA Security to schedule an inspection. They must be able to show they have not been on an infested lake, have no water in compartments, no plant debris or mud, or any other sign of potential contamination. This is an Iowa law and is enforceable with a $500 fine. The LPA also has set fines for violators and for falsified information on questionnaires.

Another LPA rule related to invasives species prevention requires members who want to bring in used pieces of equipment like docks or lifts to have the equipment inspected by LPA security. From the date of inspection, once the equipment is cleaned and has passed inspection, members must find an offshore location to store the equipment for a minimum of 30 days. This allows any potential invasives to perish before the equipment enters the lake. Members should always call the LPA office ahead of time if they are considering purchasing a used dock or lift. 

Q. What fines are in place to help enforce the LPA rules that promote water safety? 

A. The primary goal for LPA Security is to educate members, promote safety and ensure unsafe behavior is corrected. LPA issues fines, if needed, to accomplish our goals for safe boating. But our hope is members conduct themselves appropriately and our need to issue fines is minimal.

The LPA schedule of fines includes $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $500 plus loss of lake privileges for third offense. LPA has a special section in our rules that provides for increased fines and penalties for any member who threatens or harasses an LPA officer. It is a violation of LPA rules to threaten or try to intimidate a security officer, or to verbally abuse an officer in a profane manner. Members have the right to appeal any LPA fines to the LPA appeals committee, which is comprised of five LPA members appointed for this specific purpose.

LPA Security has the right to stop a boat at any time if a rule violation is suspected, or to make sure all required equipment is aboard. The Security Department uses body cameras to help us monitor interactions between officers and people we come in contact with. It is our goal to ensure every officer interaction is professional and respectful for all parties involved.

Q. Any final comments?

A. For years, Iowa law has prohibited the display of a blue light or a flashing blue light on boats. House File 863 was passed this year by both the Iowa House and Senate and has been signed into law by Gov. Reynolds. Beginning July 1, Iowa boaters are permitted to display blue lights on vessels as long as those blue lights are not flashing. Flashing blue lights remain reserved for authorized emergency vessels. 

LPA’s rules related to boating are geared to improving safety on Lake Panorama. All boaters should practice safe boating. Stay a safe distance from other boats and people being towed or wake surfing. Have a plan for the boating party, including having a sober person operate the vessel.

LPA Security’s phone number is 641-757-9035. I encourage members to get this number in their cell phones, and contact LPA Security with questions or concerns. In the case of a fire, medical or police emergency, call 911. n

 

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

Panorama Community Schools serve nearly 700 students in kindergarten through 12th grade from the communities of Panora, Yale, Jamaica, Bagley and Linden, including the Lake Panorama area. At its meeting March 9, the Panorama School Board approved a proposed change to a four-day school week beginning this fall. 

Kasey Huebner has been the Panorama superintendent since October 2023. In this month’s Q&A, Huebner answers questions about the change. 

Q. When did discussions begin about the possibility of a four-day week at Panorama?

A. In December, we had a work session to discuss exploring a new possibility. After our discussion, we wanted to gauge the community’s opinion, so we sent out our first survey on Dec. 12, 2025. The results showed that nearly 80% of respondents were either neutral, supportive or strongly supportive of the idea. Given this positive feedback, we decided to continue the conversation and offer additional surveys. All survey results are listed on our school website at www.panoramaschools.org.  

Q. What were some of the factors that made the idea of a four-day week appealing?

A. This new framework prioritizes teacher effectiveness, school culture, staff retention and student balance. We want to be clear: this initiative does not sacrifice instructional time. We aren’t doing less; we’re working smarter. By maintaining our full school year requirements while shifting our approach, we ensure both students and staff have the time required to manage their responsibilities without compromising academic rigor. We are simply evolving our schedule to give everyone the breathing room they need to excel.

Q. How will the new four-day calendar compare to what would have been a five-day calendar? 

A. Our new schedule represents a thoughtful shift in how we use our time. Beginning Aug. 24, our school day will run from 8 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., compared to this year where the school day is 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

We decided to keep a traditional five-day schedule through the end of September. There is so much energy and activity during the first few weeks of school, and our committee wanted to capture that momentum. 

Starting in October, we will move into our four-day calendar with Mondays off. This strategic start allows us to protect our summer break, with the school year ending May 26 — just two days later than our previous traditional model.

Q. What impact will this change have on the amount of time teachers have for classroom preparation and professional development?

A. Moving to a four-day instructional week shifts our approach from a reactive model to a proactive one. Currently, teacher preparation and professional development are often squeezed into fragmented, 45-minute gaps or rushed after-school sessions when energy is lowest. By transitioning to this new framework, we transform that time into a strategic resource. We are replacing “the daily scramble” with dedicated, high-impact blocks for deep lesson planning, data analysis and meaningful collaboration. 

Ultimately, this change honors the professional nature of teaching — providing our staff with the necessary time to refine their craft “on the clock” rather than on their weekend, which directly translates to higher quality instruction for our students. With record-low numbers of people entering the teaching profession, we aim to make it an attractive and impactful career.

Q. Do you anticipate reduced costs with a four-day school week? 

A. While it is a common assumption that a four-day instructional week is a cost-saving measure, our primary driver is the quality of our educational environment. Approximately 80% of our general fund is dedicated to our most valuable resource — our staff. Because we are maintaining our full staff and competitive salary structure, our largest expenses remain constant. 

We do anticipate modest operational savings in areas like transportation and utilities by running buses and facilities one less day per week; however, these savings won’t amount to much. Our true return on investment is measured in teacher effectiveness, student well-being, and our ability to recruit and retain the best educators for our students and families.

Q. Will this new schedule have an impact on extracurricular activities, student sports, weightlifting schedules, practices and competitions? 

A. Because our athletic and activity schedules for the upcoming year are already established, students and families should expect very little change to games or competition dates. Regarding practices and weightlifting on non-instructional Mondays, we are currently finalizing a consistent start-time policy. Our goal is to provide a predictable routine that balances the needs of our programs with our commitment to giving families a consistent schedule.

Q. How many schools in Iowa currently are on a four-day schedule this year, and did you seek input from some of those? 

A. This is a growing movement across our state. Currently, 27 Iowa districts are successfully operating on a four-day instructional model with that number expected to exceed 30 in the upcoming school year. 

To ensure we are implementing the best possible version of this schedule, our leadership team conducted extensive outreach with several peer districts, including Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Saydel, Collins-Maxwell, Central Decatur and Exira. These conversations were overwhelmingly positive with administrators and families reporting high levels of success in student engagement, staff morale and overall operational efficiency.

Q. Some families count on their children getting two meals each weekday while they are in school. Is there a plan to help families in need cover that missing day? 

A. I am proud to say our district is uniquely prepared for this transition. While many districts moving to a four-day model have to build support systems from scratch, our exceptional staff — led by Angie Clouser — already has robust programs in place that will support our families in need. Between our Panorama Food Bank and our Backpack Program, which sends meals directly home with students, we have the processes already in place to support our families. As we move forward, we will continue to look for innovative ways to ensure every student is supported.

Q. Is this switch to a four-day school week permanent? 

A. Our calendar is evaluated and approved yearly. We will continue to monitor the success of this four-day model through student data and community feedback to ensure we are providing the highest quality educational experience possible. 

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

The Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) is a local government body formed in 1998 under Iowa Code Chapter 357H. RIZ makes it possible for a portion of Lake Panorama property tax dollars to be used for erosion control, sediment removal and water quality improvements.

In this month’s Q&A, John Rutledge, LPA general manager, provides an update on Lake Panorama dredging plans over the next five years. 

Q. What is the status of the new RIZ dredge and booster pump?

A. At their Jan. 6, 2025, meeting, the RIZ board of trustees awarded a contract to DSC Dredge of Reserve, Louisiana, for the construction of a new dredge and floating booster system. This purchase will replace the existing dredge and booster, which was placed into service in the spring of 2014. Total cost of the purchase is approximately $5.5 million.

Q. What will happen to the existing dredge, and why is it being replaced?

A. The existing dredge and booster has served Lake Panorama well for the last 12 years and will continue to serve through 2026, which will be its 13th season. As with all modern equipment, lifespan has become not only a question of mechanical condition, but also a question of how dated the integrated technology has become. 

The dredge integrates mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems together to ensure everything is functioning as it should. Based on our analysis, it makes the most sense to replace the dredge now rather than undertaking the substantial upgrades and overhauls that would be required to use it for another 10 or 12 years. Once the new dredge and booster are in service, the old dredge will be appraised and sold. Larger companies, with both domestic and international operations, maintain a fleet of dredges and are likely to be interested.

Q. How does the delivery of this dredge impact the 2026 dredging season?

A. RIZ expects the dredge to be delivered sometime this fall. We plan to take delivery at Boulder Beach and launch it from there. During the assembly process and training phase, we will temporarily shut down the existing dredge to ensure all our team members can participate in this critical process.

Q. What lies ahead for dredging on Panorama?

A. 2026 will follow our default strategy, which is to maximize the months during which there is no ice on the lake. The dredge will work below the debris trap before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Then our crew will operate the dredge above the debris trap between Memorial Day and Labor Day, to minimize impact on the peak boating season. As mentioned earlier, the dredge will be shut down while our team is placing the new dredge and booster into service.

Over the course of the last year, RIZ and LPA have been developing plans to address sedimentation in several of the lake’s coves. Dredging coves is one of the more challenging things we do, as it requires members to remove their docks, lifts and boats while we work in their area. 

The strategy for doing this has generally been to have members remove their lifts and docks a little earlier than normal, so LPA can begin work in the fall. LPA will then complete any remaining work the following spring, with members potentially having to re-set their docks and lifts a little later than normal.

Q. Which coves are on the list, and what is the schedule?

A. We are not planning to complete any cove work in the fall of 2026/spring of 2027 due to the fact we’re receiving a new dredge. Our first year for cove dredging will be the fall of 2027/spring of 2028. 

We expect to do this for at least three fall/spring cycles to address the following coves:  Horseshoe (Party) Cove, Shady Cove, Dale’s Cove, Stanley (Wilcox) Cove, Lewis Cove and Burchfield Cove, including Log Cabin Cove and the West Fork of Burchfield Cove. LPA also will work on a handful of smaller indentations and problem areas that require attention, but which are not technically a named cove. 

Q. When can members expect to know more about the proposed schedule?

A. Assuming no delays with the new dredge and booster, we will begin planning for our fall 2027 cove projects in the spring of 2027. Advance notice will go out to the membership so everyone can prepare for fall removal of docks and lifts. 

I think it is essential to emphasize this is an ambitious plan and may need to be adjusted as we go. But I am confident we can accomplish our goals over the next few dredging seasons.

Q. Parting thoughts?

A. We are sincerely grateful to the LPA membership for their patience on these projects, and we look forward to addressing these important areas of concern as part of our five-year plan. n