Hunter
11/11/25
The Iowa City Community School Distirct has employed a team to review a wide range of data to identify patterns and solutions regarding student physical aggression.
The Press-Citizen reports the district is reacting to a board meeting in September that feature dozens of community members voicing support for former district teacher Aspen Lohman. She has been on leave from her position after alleged student assaults that have left her with acute panic attacks, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A work session late last month was the first of five potential meetings the team will have in an attempt to improve safety of teachers. Last school year, there were nearly 14 0 reported instances of attacks on district staff members, mostly caused by students with individualized education plans at the elementary school level.
This school year, administrators and school nurses are directly contacting the Human Resources team, an accident report is filed, and a report is created for the student. The district is also conducting additional training and information for administrators.
Superintendent Matt Degner says the goal is to have conflict-free environments at the district schools, though the board is aware it will be difficult to eliminate it completely.
The Press Citizen’s full article is available below.