NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, April 20, 2026, 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, &
Travis Elliott; Curriculum Director: Betsy Nefzger; Special
Education Director: Sara Swensen; Staff: Dawn Halverson,
Kelli Lau, Heidi Chapman, Jessie Bushman, Katie Wymer,
Jennifer Everitt; Patrons: Jaenelle Thomas, Peyton Elliott,
Cashton Rose, Rylee Langreck, Trace Farr, Josiah
Gearhart
President Koch called the Regular Meeting of the NFV Board of Education to order at 5:34 pm.
Roll Call of Board members: Present: McGrane, Nelson-Lerch, Klosterman, Schultz, & Koch. Marcks and Rodgers were absent.
President Koch welcomed and invited comments from the Public.
The agenda was approved as presented. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
- Minutes of March 16, 2026, Regular Meeting
- Minutes of March 30, 2026 Public Hearing
- Minutes of March 30, 2026 Special Meeting
- Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by Kris Marcks)
- Approve Financial Reports
- Approve Resignations/Retirements: Holly Mohs – MS Girls Basketball; Jade Kleve -Assistant HS Girls Basketball
- Approve Transfers: None
- Approve Contract Modifications: None
- Approve New Hires: Sarah Sieck – MS Girls Track 2025-2026; Tasha Opitz – Food Service Director 2026-2027; Lyle Halverson Substitute Bus/Van Driver 2025-2026
- Volunteer Coaches: None
- Receive and Approve Gifts: Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation-Dairy Story; Quillins – Dairy products for FCS class; NFV Wellness Club- Senior Trip
McGrane/Klosterman Motion Carried 5-0
COMMUNICATIONS
Student member Gabe Stansbery presented to the board on the busy spring schedule and the many activities taking place, including FFA convention, Washington D.C. trip, Prom, spring sports, esports, and Solo/Ensemble performance success with high honors earned by band/choir students.
Principal Travis Elliott reviewed his report to the board that highlighted ISASP testing, Kindergarten Roundup, TigerHawk family fun night, and the spring music concert. He also noted that 3rd graders who will be transitioning to the Valley campus in the fall will complete building tours before the end of the school year.
Principal Westhoff reported to the board on several March events at the middle school, including the play, large group band contest, Kid of character awards, and the spring social. She also shared information about the Conference Art Show and the eighth grade trip to Des Moines.
Principal Chris Miller highlighted the business of the end of the school year including ISASP testing, the senior trip, band and choir trip, Prom, and continued work on building and evaluating schedules for the 2026-2027school year.
Curriculum Director Betsy Nefzger reported to the board on curriculum updates from the Iowa Department of Education, the selection of Magnetic Literacy for new literacy curriculum, ISASP updates, and the upcoming SIAC (School Improvement Advisory Committee) meeting.
Special Education Director Sara Swensen reported to the board on updates to special education evaluation tools and the process for identifying the school district’s level of risk. She also noted the Crossroads Academy report and actions needed.
Business Manager Stansbery reviewed the third quarter percent of budget expenditure standings. It was noted that 2026-2027 contracts have been returned by staff and work has started on finishing the fiscal year.
Superintendent Griffith provided an update on the report from the Department of Education on the Crossroad Academy and initial work on a new consortium facilitated by Keystone AEA to support area schools. Mr. Griffith also reported on increased reporting expectations of school districts, the superintendent evaluation planned for the May board meeting, the end of the school year, and extra summer custodial work.
OLD BUSINESS
The board approved the second reading of policy 605.3R1 McGrane/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
NEW BUSINESS
The NFV School Board adopted the FY27 Budget. McGrane/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
The board adopted the FY26 Budget Amendment. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the following FY27 Budget Guarantee: RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of North Fayette Valley Community School District, will levy property tax for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa. Klosterman/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the Cooperative Swim Agreement with Decorah CSD. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the CDL training reimbursement agreement. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the list of official depositories. Bank 1st depository limit $6,000,000; Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank depository limit $3,000,000; Farmers Savings Bank depository limit $5,000,000; and Iowa School Joint Investment Trust depository limit $10,000,000. McGrane/Schultz Motion carried 5-0
The board approved summer band lessons for June 2026. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved summer school for summer 2026. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
Superintendent Griffith reviewed the draft elementary class size for 2026-2027. The board approved the FY27 class size as recommended. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
The board reviewed and approved the recommended curriculum changes for the upcoming school year at the high school level. Klosterman/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved a 0.6 FTE School Social Worker with South Winneshiek CSD and Postville CSD. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the sharing agreement with South Winneshiek CSD for a 0.4 FTE Curriculum Director. Nelson-Lerch/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the sharing agreement with Central CSD for a 0.2 FTE Building and Grounds Director. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
The board reviewed and approved the statement regarding conference realignment. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
DISCUSSION
No discussion.
Motion to adjourn at 7:03 pm. Nelson-Lerch/Schultz Motion Carried 5-0
______________________________ _____________________________
Emily Koch, President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager