NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, January 19, 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. Superintendent: Joe Griffith; Business Manager:
Kassie Stansbery; Principal: Chris Miller; Special
Education Director: Sara Swensen
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, McGrane, Marcks, Koch, Schultz, and Rodgers. Klosterman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Koch welcomed and invited comments from the Public.
The agenda was approved as presented. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 7-0
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
- Minutes of December 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Retiring Board
- Minutes of December 15, 2025, Organizational Meeting New Board
- Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by Amanda Rodgers)
- Approve Financial Reports
- Approve Resignations/Retirements: Lydia Knox-Paraprofessional WUE; Hannah Winter-Football Cheerleading Coach; Bailey Winter- Elementary PE at end of 2025-2026 school year
- Approve Transfers: None
- Approve Contract Modifications: None
- Approve New Hires: None
- Volunteer Coaches: None
- Receive and Approve Gifts: None
Marcks/Rodgers Motion Carried 7-0
COMMUNICATIONS
Principal Travis Elliott was not in attendance but submitted a report to the board highlighting recent activities and guest speakers associated with the TCLC/VELC after-school programs. Mr. Elliott also noted the completion of the preschool desk audit conducted by the Department of Education, as well as upcoming hearing, dental, and vision screenings scheduled for elementary students.
Principal Westhoff was not in attendance but submitted a report that included middle school highlights. These included eighth-grade students completing preparations for their high school course schedules, recognition of Leader in Me award winners, and a notable opportunity for the band program when professors from Luther College visited the school to work with individual instrument sections.
Principal Chris Miller reported to the board on the conclusion of the first semester and preparations underway for a successful start to the second semester. Mr. Miller discussed the need for modifications to the senior trip and indicated that options are currently being explored. He also highlighted the work of the instructional coach team in providing Learning Walks for high school staff. Ongoing areas of focus include reviewing elective course offerings, developing AI-related policies, and strengthening student support both online and in the classroom.
Curriculum Director Betsy Nefzger was not in attendance but submitted a report reviewing the district’s “High Performing” rating received through the Iowa School Performance Profile. Her report also outlined accomplishments achieved during professional development sessions, expectations for the next instructional coaching cycle, and updates on curriculum review efforts.
Special Education Director Sara Swensen reported on the implementation of a newly developed Testing Accommodations Checklist for students with IEPs, recent changes and improvements to Medicaid billing practices, and ongoing general supervision efforts to ensure district compliance with special education updates.
Business Manager Stansbery reported that year-end tax documents for employees have been finalized and distributed. She also reviewed current work related to the FY27 budget and staff negotiations, and provided an update on the status of the FY26 budget at the conclusion of the second quarter of the fiscal year.
Superintendent Griffith provided an update on the middle school principal search and shared information regarding the staff financial planning RFP. He also reviewed the draft bid specifications for mowing and chemical application services for school grounds and concluded his report with an overview of legislative topics he will be monitoring as the legislative session resumes.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Board President Koch opened a public hearing regarding the adoption of the 2026-2027 school year calendar at 5:51pm. No oral comments were made and no written comments had been received. The public hearing was closed at 5:52pm.
The board approved the FY27 School Calendar as presented. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the LIED Center’s SBRC Administration costs in the amount of $2,748.03. McGrane/Marcks Motion carried 7-0
The board approved the fundraiser applications as presented.
Klosterman/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
DISCUSSION
No discussion.
Motion to adjourn at 6:00 pm. Marcks/Klosterman Motion Carried 7-0
______________________________ _____________________________
Emily Koch, President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager