NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, August 11, 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; Principals: Chris Miller, Micah
Gearhart & Travis Elliott; Curriculum Director: Betsy
Nefzger; Staff: Stephanie Michael, Kelli Kovarik, Mark
Branch; Media: Sharon Drahn; Patrons: Tristan Kuhse,
Stacie Schroeder
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, & Koch. McGrane and Schultz were absent. Klosterman led the pledge of allegiance.
President Koch welcomed and invited comments from the Public.
The agenda was approved with the addition of Paul Amundson and Rachael Kerr as volunteer coaches for Marching Band and Middle School cross country, respectively. Klosterman/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
Public Forum:
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
- Minutes of July 14, 2025, Regular Meeting
- Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by Kirstin Nelson-Lerch)
- Approve Financial Reports
- Approve Resignations/Retirements: None
- Approve Transfers: None
- Approve Contract Modifications: None
- Approve New Hires: Kristin Nolte – Nurse HS/WUE; Paula Johnson – Paraprofessional VE; Susan Vorwald – Substitute Van Driver; Tammy Callahan – Cook Valley Campus
- Volunteer Coaches: Travis Wymer – Football; Koby Moore – Football; Paul Amundson – Marching Band; Rachael Kerr – MS Cross Country
- Receive and Approve Gifts: None
Nelson-Lerch/Marcks Motion Carried 5-0
COMMUNICATIONS
NFVCC representative Stacie Schroeder presented on the coalition’s goals and functions, including understanding current drug trends, mental health awareness, and local mentoring opportunities. She shared current drug trend information and explained how the organization advocates for legislative changes, educational opportunities for parents and students, and ongoing community support.
Principals presented beginning-of-year reports, expressing appreciation to maintenance staff for facility upgrades and preparation for the school year and to building secretaries for managing the student registration process. Reports included updates on upcoming school year events, fall extracurricular activities, and team meetings held to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
Students Gabe Stansbery and Tristan Kuhse presented on the recent German exchange trip that took place in June. The students emphasized the importance of the cultural experience both in hosting and then traveling to Germany. They thanked the board for their continued support of this exchange.
Curriculum Director Nefzger’s report spoke to the importance of team meetings regarding content alignment across grade levels as well as the “Welcome Back Schedule” for all employees at NFV and the dynamic training that will take place.
Business Manager Stansbery reported on new staff hiring, the start of the FY25 audit process, preparation of year-end financial reports, progress on the Certified Annual Report, and the upcoming initiation of the school board member election process.
Student member Gabe Stansbery reported on preparations for the upcoming school year with updates to the high school schedule and upcoming fine arts activities. Member Lexi McGowen reported on the fall student athletics.
Superintendent Griffith updated the board on the completion of summer building projects and recognized the community’s support in keeping them on schedule, with specific appreciation to West Union Trenching and Imperial Roofing, emphasizing there are many others. He also reviewed staff assignments for 2025–2026, the Back-to-School Schedule, IASB convention information, and current class size data.
OLD BUSINESS
The board approved the second reading of policy 605.8 and 605.8-R1 regarding Artificial Intelligence. Klosterman/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the second reading of policies 102, 102.R1, 102.E1, 102.E2, 102.E3, 102.E4, 102.E5, 302.1, 303.2, 401.1, 401.5, 501.8, 506.1, 600, 603.4, 605.1R1, 708, 710.1R1, 710.1E1, 710.1E2, 804.2, and 901. Marcks/Klosterman Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the second reading of policies 104,104.E1, 104.E2, 104.E3, 211, 402.2, 402.3, 405.2, 411.2, 501.3, 501.9, 501.9-R1, 503.10, 505.5, 507.1, 603.1, and 603.5.
Klosterman/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the NFV Activities Handbook Volunteer Coach contract form. Marcks/Rodgers Motion Carried 5-0
NEW BUSINESS
The board appointed Rich Klosterman as the IASB Delegate for the Delegate Assembly in November. Nelson-Lerch/Rodgers Motion carried 5-0
The board approved the NFV 2025-2026 Goals as presented by Curriculum Director Nefzger. Marcks/Klosterman Motion carried 5-0
The board approved the student activity passes to be $20 per student. Klosterman/Rodgers Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the transfer of funds from the General fund to the SAVE fund for the insurance claim funds that were used to purchase the fluid cooler replacement at WUE. Nelson-Lerch/Klosterman Motion Carried 5-0
The board approved the purchase of a new vehicle that will primarily be used for special education transportation. Klosterman/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 5-0
DISCUSSION
There was no further discussion.
Motion to adjourn at 6:57 pm. Klosterman/Rodgers Motion Carried 5-0
______________________________ _____________________________
Emily Koch, President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager