NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, September 15, 2025, in the NFV High School Library, 600 N Pine Street, West Union, IA 52175
NFV Board of Education: Emily Koch, LaCreasha Schultz, Amanda Rodgers, Kirstin
Nelson-Lerch, Richard Klosterman, Kris McGrane, & Kris
Marcks. Student members: Lexi McGowan & Gabe
Stansbery; Superintendent: Joe Griffith; Business
Manager: Kassie Stansbery; Superintendent’s Secretary:
Stephanie Michael Principals: Chris Miller & Travis Elliott;
Staff: Mark Branch, Sara Swensen; Media: Sharon Drahn;
Patrons: Emily Herman, Heather Staley, Alice Sass, Hailey
Baumler, Ty Hurda, Dorrin Shreve, Donevin Tyler, Sydney
Moser
President Koch called the Regular Meeting of the NFV Board of Education to order at 5:30 pm.
Roll Call of Board members: Present: Marcks, Rodgers, Nelson-Lerch, Klosterman, McGrane, Schultz, & Koch. Klosterman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Koch welcomed and invited comments from the Public. Heather Staley read a prepared statement to the board.
The agenda was approved as presented. McGrane/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 7-0
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
- Minutes of August 11, 2025, Regular Meeting
- Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by LaCreasha Schultz)
- Approve Financial Reports
- Approve Resignations/Retirements: Sharlene Halverson – Cook Valley Campus; Makinzie Dugger – Assistant Individual Speech; Micah Gearhart – Middle School Principal; Micah Gearhart – Middle School Play Director; Kelli Kovarik – ESPORTS
- Approve Transfers: None
- Approve Contract Modifications: Lauren Falck BA+15 to MA; Alexis Hawes BA+15 to MA; Abigail Toussaint BA to BA+15
- Approve New Hires: Larry Lauer – Bus Driver; Donna Fink – Bus Driver; Erica Gronowski – Middle School Admin Assistant; Leah Butikofer – Assistant Individual Speech; Lori Westhoff – Middle School Principal; Bryan Wendt – ESPORTS
- Volunteer Coaches: Ryker Cooksley – ESPORTS
- Receive and Approve Gifts: Nelson Foundation, Class of 1975, William & Linda Anderson
Klosterman/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
COMMUNICATIONS
Student member Gabe Stansbery reported on preparations for homecoming. Member Lexi McGowen reported on fall sports and fine arts.
Principal Travis Elliott highlighted the strong start to the school year, expressed appreciation for the maintenance staff, and noted the success of intake conferences. He also shared that the TCLC and VELC after-school programs are now underway.
Principal Micah Gearhart submitted his report to the board that included highlights of the beginning of the year and student involvement. Mr. Gearhart’s report also included notes on WIGs (Wildly Important Goals) for the 2025-2026 school year.
Principal Chris Miller discussed the college fair at Upper Iowa, preparations for homecoming, and fine tuning some of the behind the scenes processes. Mr. Miller is looking forward to a busy September and October at the high school.
Curriculum Director Nefzger’s report included information on new curriculum for math interventions, LIFTER (Letter Identification and Formation for Transcription and Early Reading),CLIFTER (Cursive Letter Identification and Formation for Transcription and Early Reading), and the Art of Education for art classes.
Special Education Director Sara Swensen explained to the board all of the preparation for the special education students and families to be ready to start the school year with success. Ukeru was specifically addressed as the new training for physical safety for students and staff.
Business Manager Stansbery reported on certification of the CAR certified annual report, ATR annual transportation report, and SES special education supplement. Initial comparisons from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025 for beginning and ending balances were reviewed.
Superintendent Griffith updated the board on Keystone AEA vacancies, the Revenue purpose statement, and anticipated student enrollment decline. He also reported that the district’s new activity bus has arrived and will be available for use after completing final inspection.
OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
NEW BUSINESS
Business Manager Stansbery reported on the Special Education Deficit and request for allowable growth for FY25 in the amount of $548,420.74. The board approved the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors for the North Fayette Valley Community School District will request allowable growth and supplemental aid for the FY25 Special Education deficit in the amount of $548,420.74 or as adjusted by the Department of Education.
McGrane/Schultz Motion carried 7-0
The Superintendent presented a Revenue Purpose Statement, which must be approved by the Board and submitted to the County Commissioner of Elections no later than 12:00 noon on the day following the last day on which nomination petitions can be filed.
Director McGrane introduced a Resolution Approving Revenue Purpose Statement, Ordering an Election on a Revenue Purpose Statement to Authorize Expenditures from SAVE revenues, and Ordering the Publication of a Notice of Election. Director Marcks seconded the motion. On roll call vote, all directors present voted “aye.” Motion carried, and the Resolution was adopted. The full text of the Resolution is on file in the records of the Board Secretary.
The board approved the NFV 2025-2026 Field Trips as listed. Marcks/Klosterman Motion carried 7-0
The board approved the 2025-2026 Fundraisers as listed. Klosterman/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the SIAC (School Improvement Advisory Committee) change from three meetings to two per year, as well as the committee member list. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the Lau Plan for 2025-2026. Marcks/Rodgers Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the sharing agreement with Central Community School District for HR Director at 20% sharing Micah Gearhart. Schultz/Klosterman Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the list of students requesting early graduation, pending meeting all graduation requirements. Klosterman/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the amendment to the bus lease for the activity bus now that it has been delivered. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
DISCUSSION
President Koch asked to have more information about the fourth grade classroom size and the TigerHawk sportscast standings.
Motion to adjourn at 6:24 pm. Klosterman/Marcks Motion Carried 7-0
______________________________ _____________________________
Emily Koch, President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager