NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION 

 

Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, February 16, 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: Bella Fuentes Superintendent:
Joe Griffith; Business Manager: Kassie Stansbery;
Principals: Chris Miller & Lori Westhoff; Curriculum
Director: Betsy Nefzger; Special Education Director: Sara
Swensen Superintendent Secretary: Stephanie Michael 
Patrons: Gracie Kuhn, Jaydan Oakland

 

President Koch 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, Marcks, Koch, Schultz, and Rodgers.  McGrane was absent.  Klosterman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

President Koch welcomed and invited comments from the Public.  

 

The agenda was approved as presented. Schultz/Marcks  Motion Carried 6-0

 

Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:

• Minutes of January 19, 2026, Regular Meeting Retiring Board
• Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by Kirstin Nelson-Lerch)
• Approve Financial Reports 
• Approve Resignations/Retirements: Janet Scroggins-Paraprofessional MS; Brock Sorensen-Industrial Technology, Middle School Football, and Middle School Girls Wrestling at end of school year; Hannah Winter-Paraprofessional at end of school year; Lori Westhoff – Middle School Principal at end of school year; Lauren Falck – Wrestling Cheer Coach
• Approve Transfers: None
• Approve Contract Modifications: None
• Approve New Hires: Laura Williams-Middle School Principal 2026-2027; Loree Moyle-Paraprofessional MS; Ardel McCartney-MS Play Director
• Volunteer Coaches: Koby Moore – Baseball
• Receive and Approve Gifts: Norplex Micarta, West Union Lions Club, Trudy Campbell, and Knights of Columbus

 

Klosterman/Schultz  Motion Carried 6-0

 

COMMUNICATIONS

Student member Bella Fuentes updated the board on Fine Arts, Wrestling, All State Speech, and ESPORTS events and achievements.  The Student Council is currently planning events for spring fling.  

 

Principal Travis Elliott was not present but submitted a report to the board that included a narrative about FFA students recently partnering with preschoolers for the FFA Pals program, building positive connections across grade levels. He reported that staff utilized recent snow days for meaningful professional development and collaboration. Students have completed Winter FAST testing, and enjoyed celebrating both the 100th day of school and Valentine’s Day with fun.

Principal Westhoff was excited to share that the NFV 7th and 8th grade band has been selected to perform at the 99th Annual Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference in May. Students have completed FAST testing, and plans are underway for the Washington, D.C. trip in June. Fifth graders recently participated in Winter Survival Day, and seventh graders enjoyed a trip to the Cresco Rec Center. Our students also competed in MathCounts, with an NFV student winning the overall competition.  She also noted the anticipation of the upcoming middle school play in March.

Principal Chris Miller reported to the board that parent/teacher conferences are coming up soon, providing an important opportunity for families and staff to connect regarding student progress. Students will also be participating in ISASP testing in the coming weeks. Dollars for Scholars applications are now in the works, and FFA Week will be celebrated at the end of February. Staff members are beginning planning for next school year, seniors are preparing for their March trip to St. Louis, and we continue to celebrate strong winter athletic achievements.

Curriculum Director Betsy Nefzger reported that during recent snow days, three virtual professional development sessions were held to support continued staff learning. Teacher leaders met to plan upcoming professional development opportunities and support district initiatives. Curriculum evaluation work is ongoing as we begin planning for next school year, and we are coordinating district-wide preparations for ISASP assessments.

Special Education Director Sara Swensen reported the district is continuing work within the IDEA Differentiated Accountability (DA) cycle. Efforts are focused on monitoring compliance indicators, reviewing data, and supporting student achievement outcomes. Ongoing collaboration with staff ensures that required components of the cycle are implemented and aligned to district improvement goals.

Business Manager Stansbery reported on the progress of the FY27 budget. Each department has been reviewing anticipated expenditures and submitting projections for the upcoming year. Updated estimates indicate the district remains financially on track for FY26. She also shared that work is underway on negotiations and preparation of contracts for the 2026–2027 school year.

Superintendent Griffith provided an update that the Board will review several Requests for Proposals (RFPs). The district continues to work closely with the insurance trust and expects final rates soon, as rising costs and statewide trends are impacting many schools. Negotiations for FY27 are in early stages as we await final SSA decisions from the legislature, and we are also preparing for upcoming facility projects, shared staffing arrangements, and celebrating the Middle School Band’s selection to perform at the Iowa Bandmasters Association conference in May.

OLD BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

The board approved setting two public hearings for the FY27 budget.  The first public hearing will be held on March 30, 2026 at 5:30pm.  The second public hearing will be held on April 20, 2026 at 5:30pm.

Klosterman/Schultz  Motion Carried 6-0

 

The board approved the contract with Seidlitz Education for professional development services.   Marcks/Schultz Motion Carried 6-0

 

The board approved the agreement with the staff financial planner Knox Financial Services LLC.     Klosterman/Schultz  Motion carried 6-0

 

The board approved the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new District phone system. 

Schultz/Rodgers Motion Carried 6-0

 

The board approved the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new vehicle. 

Nelson-Lerch/Marcks Motion Carried 6-0

 

DISCUSSION

No discussion.

 

The Board entered Exempt Session for Negotiations Strategic Planning per Iowa Code 20.17(3) at 6:22 pm.  The Board returned to open session at 7:20 pm.  

 

Motion to adjourn at 7:20 pm.  Klosterman/Marcks  Motion Carried 6-0

 

______________________________ _____________________________

Emily Koch, President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager