The City of Alta is formally petitioning the Alta‑Aurelia School Board to bring the annual homecoming football game back to Alta — a move city leaders say is about fairness, tradition and restoring communication with the district.
The petition, circulated under Iowa Code 279.8B, asks the school board to place one proposal on its next agenda: That from August 2026 through March 2032, the district hold its homecoming football game each year at the Alta field.
Alta Mayor Desi Suter says the request is modest — especially given the school district’s long‑standing practice of alternating at least one game in Aurelia each season.
Suter says the petition has already surpassed the required number of signatures — more than 90 — and was gathered solely by the five city council members.
The push comes after months of tension over the district’s decision to move all high school football games and track meets from Alta to Aurelia. The city of Alta argues the move breaks decades of shared practice under a 28E agreement dating back to 1962. The district maintains the agreement requires use and maintenance of the Alta field — not that contests be held there.
Suter says residents feel the school board hasn’t publicly engaged with their concerns.
The petition requires the board to include a public comment segment specifically on the proposal at its next regular meeting. That meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday at the Alta‑Aurelia High School in Alta.
But Superintendent Denny Olhausen told Storm Lake Radio by email that the petition does not force a board vote. He says Iowa Code only requires the board to allow public comment on the topic, just as it has for the past four months. After that, the board may decide whether to take up the issue at a future meeting.
Olhausen reiterated the district’s position that it is still honoring the 28E agreement and will continue maintaining the Alta field.
Suter says she’s not sure whether the petition will change the district’s decision — but she believes it sends a clear message.
She says the city has not discussed next steps if the board declines to reconsider, but a town hall meeting is possible if residents want to pursue further action.
