NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, May 12, 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: Gabe Stansbery & Lexi
McGowan; Superintendent: Joe Griffith, Business
Manager: Kassie Stansbery; Principals: Chris Miller, Micah
Gearhart, Travis Elliott; Curriculum Director: Betsy Nefzger;
Media: Sharon Drahn
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: Rodgers, Nelson-Lerch, Klosterman, & Schutlz. Koch, McGrane, and Marcks were absent.
Vice President Klosterman welcomed and invited comments from the Public.
The agenda was approved as presented with the addition of the name for MS Vocal of Sarah Bieber. Schultz/Rodgers Motion Carried 4-0
Public Forum:
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
- Minutes of April 14, 2025, Special Meeting
- Minutes of April 14, 2025, Public Hearing
- Minutes of April 14, 2025, Regular Meeting
- Review/approve invoices (Reviewed by McGrane)
- Approve Financial Reports
- Approve Resignations/Retirements: Mallory Meyer- HS/WUE Nurse; Steve Schroeder – Assistant Cross Country Coach
- Transfers: Gage Mohs-HS PE/SC; Dana Leitzman- MS Special Education
- Approve Contract Modifications: None
- Approve New Hires: Lauren Falck- HS Student Council; Julie Frieden- HS Head Cross Country Coach; Karissa Butikofer-TCLC Director- WUE after-school program;Teralee Lidsey- VELC Director- VE after-school program; Bryan Wendt- Scenery Director- Fall Musical; Sarah Bieber MS Vocal Music
- Volunteer Coaches: None
- Receive and Approve Gifts: None
Nelson-Lerch/Rodgers Motion Carried 4-0
COMMUNICATIONS
Student Ex-Officio member Gabe Stansbery provided an update on the Fine Arts with high ratings at their large group contest at Osage. Lexi McGowan provided the updates on spring sports. Gabe Stansbery also updated the board on the recently updated Student Council voting results for next year’s leadership positions.
High School Principal Mr. Miller provided the board with an update that included highlights from recent and upcoming events such as Prom, Spring Fling, Staff Appreciation Week, and a list of end-of-year activities leading into summer. He also noted that the Class of 2025 has received the Carrie Chapman Award, a notable recognition for their accomplishments. In addition, the board reviewed both the Course Trend Data from the past seven years and the NICC (Northeast Iowa Community College) course participation data, providing insight into enrollment patterns and academic opportunities for students.
Middle School Principal Mr. Gearhart’s update included the success of the track season, the butterfly garden, track and field days, as well as the opportunities for standards recovery for students attending summer school.
Elementary Principal Mr. Elliott informed the board about the upcoming transition day for 3rd grade students, who will begin attending the Valley campus in the fall. This event is designed to help students become familiar with their new school environment. He also shared highlights from the successful Music Mega Concert, celebrated the efforts of staff during Staff Appreciation Week, and provided an update on Kindergarten Round-Up, which welcomed incoming students and families.
Mrs. Nefzger provided the board with updates on professional development initiatives and shared information about new opportunities through Teacher Quality funding. She also informed the board about the upcoming Real Colors training scheduled for August as part of staff’s return-to-school professional development. Additional updates included progress on math assessments and the successful completion of ISASP testing.
Business Manager Stansbery provided an update on several key operational items, including the certification of the FY26 budget. She reported that open enrollment for 2025–2026 employee benefits has been completed. Additionally, financial claims for the third quarter have been finalized, and preparations are underway for the close of the current fiscal year and the start of the FY25 audit process.
Superintendent Griffith updated the board on the upcoming German Trip, Graduation, and the end of the year celebration. Mr. Griffith took a moment to express deep appreciation for the members of the North Fayette Valley School. He noted that the board’s commitment to student success, their thoughtful decision-making, and their countless hours of volunteer service make a meaningful difference every day. On behalf of the entire district, he extended sincere gratitude for the board’s guidance, vision, and steadfast commitment to public education.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to act upon.
NEW BUSINESS
The board approved the 2024-2025 Graduates. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion carried 4-0.
The board reviewed the Course Enrollment trends. Schultz/Rodgers Motion Carried 4-0.
The board approved the District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP). Rodgers/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the bids for milk, bread, LP and fuel for the FY26 school year. Schultz/Rodgers Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the Audit contract with Hacker-Nelson for three years FY25, FY26, and FY27. Nelson-Lerch/Schultz Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the first reading of the 710-713 policies. Schultz/Rodgers Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the first reading of the 800 policies. Nelson-Lerch/Schultz Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the sharing agreement with South Winneshiek CSD for a 0.4 FTE Curriculum Director. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the sharing agreement with Central CSD for a 0.2 FTE Building and Grounds Director. Nelson-Lerch/Schultz Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the FY26 service agreement: Media and Technology Services and Education Services with Keystone AEA. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the FY26 Sharing Agreement for a School Social Worker with Keystone AEA. Nelson-Lerch/Rodgers Motion Carried 4-0
The board approved the Contract for Transfer of State Funding: 90% of the state funds from District to Keystone AEA for special education support services. Rodgers/Schultz Motion Carried 4-0
DISCUSSION
There was no further discussion.
Motion to adjourn at 6:30 pm. Schultz/Nelson-Lerch Motion Carried 4-0
______________________________ _____________________________
Emily Koch, President Kassie Stansbery, Business Manager