NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, November 17, 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 member: Gabe Stansbery;
Superintendent: Joe Griffith; Business Manager: Kassie
Stansbery; Principals: Chris Miller &Lori Westhoff;
Special Education Director: Sara Swensen; Superintendent
Secretary: Stephanie Michael; Media: Sharon Drahn Staff:
Shanda Miller, Ryan Holthaus, Molly J Holthaus, Patrons:
Tarynn Harris, Emily Herman, Travis Jones, Lily Holthaus,
Lainy Donnelly, Lila Moore, Leo Yauk, Tristan Kuhse,
Brock Soppe, Elliot Wiedow, Devin Schott, Doug Demuth,
Braeden Bemiss, Kyler Bertram, Hannah Schroeder,
Adolfo Gonzalez-Uribe
Vice President Klosterman called the Regular Meeting of the NFV Board of Education to order at 5:30 pm.
Roll Call of Board members: Present: Nelson-Lerch, Klosterman, McGrane, & Marcks. Koch, Schultz, and Rodgers were absent. McGrane led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice President Klosterman welcomed and invited comments from the Public.
The agenda was approved as presented. McGrane/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 4-0
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
- Minutes of October 20, 2025, Regular Meeting
- Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by Kris McGrane)
- Approve Financial Reports
- Approve Resignations/Retirements: None
- Approve Transfers: None
- Approve Contract Modifications: None
- Approve New Hires: Willie McGowen-Girls Soccer Coach
- Volunteer Coaches: Travis Jensen- HS Boys Wrestling
- Receive and Approve Gifts: Palmer Memorial Foundation, Isaiah Stansbery
Nelson-Lerch/Marcks Motion Carried 4-0
COMMUNICATIONS
Students Brock Soppe, Lila Moore, and Lily Holthaus represented the NFV FFA chapter and gave a presentation on all of the events, educational opportunities, and outstanding achievements that they received at the FFA National Convention.
Student member Gabe Stansbery presented to the board on the winter sports starting, drill team performing in early December, the success of the musical, upcoming band and choir events, and continued planning by the student council to provide engagement and connection with peers.
Principal Travis Elliott was not in attendance, but submitted a report. In his report he stated that staff recently participated in Real Colors training focused on improving communication, collaboration, and behavior support, and the training was well received by staff. He also shared that the Valley Campus held its annual Veteran’s Day program, hearing powerful messages from local veterans John Rothlisberger and Brian Wenger. In addition, Mr. Elliott noted that fall conferences were successful, with strong participation.
Principal Westhoff reported high attendance at fall parent-teacher conferences and shared information about the recent Leader in Me Kid of Character Award assembly. She also highlighted one student who was accepted to Opus Honor choir, several students who participated in the fall musical, Veterans Day events held at the Valley campus and provided an update on winter sports participation, including basketball and wrestling. Her report concluded with an overview of upcoming dates and events scheduled for December.
Principal Chris Miller commented on the achievements of fall athletic teams, National Honor Society Induction of 15 new members, and the great Veteran’s Day program. Mr. Miller also noted that there were two great nights of conferences and Capstone presentations offering his appreciation for all those involved in making these a success for education. Mr. Miller stated that two students will attend the All State music festival, one in the band and one in the choir. He concluded by stating that the fall was full and busy and there were many things to be proud of.
Curriculum Director Betsy Nefzger was not in attendance, but reported on the annual progress report for School Improvement and described the professional development learning modules being developed for use on the first three snow days. She also informed the board of upcoming updates to the ISASP assessments, noting that some sections will be lengthened to align more closely with the revised math and reading standards.
Special Education Director Sara Swensen highlighted the Special Education count conducted on October 31, explaining that this count identifies the number of students receiving special education services within the district as well as the level of support each student requires.
Business Manager Stansbery reported on the analysis of the district’s investments and renewal rates for current CDs. In anticipation of future needs, preparation for the FY27 budget has begun to ensure strategic alignment of resources with the needs of the district. The report concluded with an update on end-of-year procedures that have started to close out calendar year 2025. A reminder that next month is the organizational meeting of the board and nominations for President and Vice President of the school board will take place.
Superintendent Griffith provided a comprehensive update to the board, noting initial election results, which, though not yet fully certified, suggested that all incumbent candidates were successfully re-elected and that the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement is expected to pass. Mr. Griffith expressed appreciation to the current board members for their ongoing service. Key operational updates included the completion of the sale of Timberline Billing Service to Relay/Hub, a successful bid for a 2007 Chevy Silverado 3500 earmarked for the maintenance department, and continued progress in developing the FY27 calendar. The district confirmed its continued participation in the Natural Gas Risk Pool and announced the upcoming release of a Request for Proposal focused on securing resources to enhance financial planning for all district employees.
OLD BUSINESS
The board approved the second reading of the 900 series policies. Marcks/Nelson-Lerch Motion carried 4-0
NEW BUSINESS
The board approved naming the NFV high school wrestling room the Jim Guyer Wrestling Room. McGrane/Marcks Motion carried 4-0
The board conducted the Keystone AEA Board Election. Dr. Dale Crozier was the choice of the board. Marcks/Nelson-Lerch Motion carried 4-0
The board approved the application for the McElroy Grant.
Nelson-Lerch/McGrane Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the denial of an open enrollment request.
McGrane/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 4-0
The board discussed and accepted modifying the TigerHawk Sportscast Contract. McGrane/Marcks Motion carried 4-0
The board approved the first reading of the 600 series updates. McGrane/Nelson-Lerch
Motion carried 4-0
DISCUSSION
No discussion.
Motion to adjourn at 6:26 pm. Nelson-Lerch/Marcks Motion Carried 4-0
______________________________ _____________________________
Richard Klosterman, Vice-President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager