NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION 

 

Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, October 20, 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: Bella Fuentes & Gabe
Stansbery; Superintendent: Joe Griffith; Business
Manager: Kassie Stansbery; Principals: Chris Miller, Lori
Westhoff, Travis Elliott; Curriculum Director: Betsy Nefzger;
Special Education Director: Sara Swensen; Staff: Kayla
Pollock, Shanda Miller, Ashley Henderson, Chandler Njus,
Holli Cannon, Stephanie Vagts, Zach Bruns; Patrons:
Heather Staley, Stephanie Weidemann, Kaelyn Nuss,
Jillian Dodds, Doug Demuth, Kassie Tilleraas, Chris Moss

President Koch called the Regular Meeting of the NFV Board of Education to order at 5:30 pm.  

 

Roll Call of Board members: Present: Rodgers, Nelson-Lerch, Klosterman, McGrane, Schultz, & Koch.  Marcks was absent.  Klosterman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

President Koch welcomed and invited comments from the Public.  

 

The agenda was approved as presented with the deletion of new hire #2 from the original agenda. McGrane/Nelson-Lerch  Motion Carried 6-0

 

Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:

• Minutes of September 15, 2025, Regular Meeting
• Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by Kris Marcks)
• Approve Financial Reports 
• Approve Resignations/Retirements: None
• Approve Transfers: None
• Approve Contract Modifications: None
• Approve New Hires: Carol Moellers – Van Driver; Pam Pierce – Van Driver
• Volunteer Coaches: Lance Butikofer – HS Boys Basketball, Chris Moss – HS Boys Wrestling, Robbie Kerr – HS Boys Wrestling
• Receive and Approve Gifts: John & Kathy McMillan, Lyle & Deb TeKippe, Marcia Nuss

 

McGrane/Schultz   Motion Carried 5-1; Rodgers dissenting

 

COMMUNICATIONS

Student member Gabe Stansbery reported on recent fine arts activities, including marching band and choir performances, and noted preparations for the upcoming November musical. Student member Bella Fuentes provided an update on the conclusion of the fall sports season and shared information about the start of winter sports.

 

Principal Travis Elliott reported that NFV Homecoming Week was filled with school spirit and activities including themed dress-up days, a petting zoo hosted by FFA students, and a pep rally for all students. Elementary students participated in fall events such as the Healthy Initiative Walk, Fire Safety Week with local firefighters, and assessments for FAST testing and data team analysis to support student growth. He also highlighted strong community partnerships, including the Lydia Circle’s donations of classroom supplies and student clothing, which continue to benefit NFV’s elementary programs.

 

Principal Westhoff reported that all middle school students will complete the uPAR assessment, and fall FAST testing has been finalized, with students receiving targeted support during 8th period WIN time based on their results. The middle school experienced strong participation in fall athletics, with 59% of students involved and notable successes in football, volleyball, and cross country, including new school records in girls and boys cross country. The Culture Club continues to promote student leadership and positive school culture through events such as the Halloween Homeroom Competition, a middle school social, and Unity Day for Bullying Prevention Month.

 

Principal Chris Miller notified the board that the Academic Awards Assembly recognized 133 students from the senior, junior, and sophomore classes for earning Honor Roll status both semesters of last school year. Staff are preparing for upcoming events, including parent-teacher conferences, career-related field trips, Capstone presentations, and the fall play, The Little Mermaid, which will be performed November 14th–16th. Homecoming week was a success, and appreciation was expressed to Julie Frieden, Megan Boyer, and staff for organizing the Homecoming Community Day.

 

Curriculum Director Betsy Nefzger reported that North Fayette Valley met all requirements within the Iowa School Performance Profile, with all buildings improving their overall ratings, including commendable and high-performing designations. Although there are no required accountability tasks this year, the district continues to use Differentiated Accountability tools and resources to guide ongoing school improvement efforts aligned with ESSA. Professional development this month focuses on MTSS, artificial intelligence in the classroom, instructional strategies, and Real Colors training to strengthen collaboration and communication among staff.

 

Special Education Director Sara Swensen explained that the district is preparing for the October 31, 2025 Special Education Count, which determines funding for the 2026–2027 school year, by verifying that all students with IEPs are accurately entered and weighted in Achieve and Infinite Campus. Special education staff are also working closely with the Department of Education’s regional team to ensure compliance with IEP timelines, progress monitoring, and other general supervision requirements.

 

Business Manager Stansbery reported the district is monitoring several key financial considerations as we plan for FY27, including anticipated increases in insurance premiums, the financial impact of certified staff salary decompaction, and the continued effect of declining enrollment on state aid. These factors together are expected to place additional pressure on the district’s operating budget and will require close monitoring throughout the budget development process. First quarter financial reporting has been completed, and preparation is underway for the upcoming food service audit.

 

Superintendent Griffith updated the board on a workable solution for the 4th grade classes, to help reduce class sizes in reading and math. The district is exploring partnerships with financial advisory services to provide staff access to financial education and benefit planning, with proposals to be reviewed by a committee before Board consideration. The technology department is also preparing a proposal to replace the district’s phone system next summer, and the FY27 school calendar will be presented to the Board for approval in January.

 

OLD BUSINESS

No old business. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

The district’s administration is authorized to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount of $13,477.22 for EL Excess Costs.  The board approved the application to be submitted. McGrane/Nelson-Lerch Motion carried 6-0

 

The board approved the Talented and Gifted Plan (GT/TAG). 

Klosterman/Schultz  Motion carried 6-0

 

The board approved the early retirement plan for the FY26 school year as presented.

McGrane/Rodgers Motion Carried 6-0

 

The board approved the first reading of the 900 series policies.

McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried  6-0

 

DISCUSSION

Amanda Rodgers asked to consider naming the high school wrestling room after Jim Guyer. 

 

Motion to adjourn at 6:08 pm.  Klosterman/Schultz Motion Carried 6-0

 

______________________________ _____________________________

Emily Koch, President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager