Central School Board Approves Lease Agreement for Bridge Learning Center

The Central School Board approved a lease agreement for the Bridge Learning Center. The Center will be located at Keystone AEA and the lease is for 10-years. The Center involves a consortium of 14-area schools for the Therapeutic Behavior Learning Center. It replaces the recently closed Cross Roads Center in Decorah.

Laura Boyer resigned as Paraprofessional, Cathy Knudtson was hired as a Paraprofessional.

CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 

ELKADER, IOWA 

August 17, 2026– 6:00 PM 

Board Meeting 

President Josh Embretson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Board Present: Jarod Bormann, Andrew Clark, Marcus Belser, Jared Funk, Josh Embretson, Michael Whittle, and Abby Heitman 

Staff: Micah Gearhart, Aaron Reinhart, Amy Pope, and Allison Walch Guests: Kara Armstrong, Mary Bergan, Erin Buehler, Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns, Katie Belser, Mark Wiley, Caleb Weekley, Hannah Hutchinson, Kyle Sperfslage, Cathy Knudtson 

Approved Agenda 

Jarod Bormann made a motion to approve the agenda for August 17, 2026. Marcus Belser seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

Communication Reports 

Elementary Principal- Mrs. Pope shared that, with RSVP, third-grade students will begin a pen pal exchange this year, providing a new experience for students. Save-the-date information was provided to families for Back to School Night, upcoming elementary PBIS events, including homecoming, assemblies, and Family Literacy Night. Staff kicked off the year with The Central Experience, professional development designed to set the stage for what students should encounter at Central every day while focusing on “Every Student, Every Day.” As part of the training, staff participated in “PD in a Box,” which provided small-group micro-learning around five key strategies: Develop and Display Classroom Rules, Select and Attention Signal, Physical Space, Design Effective Beginning and Ending Routines, and Design procedures for managing common transitions. The final component focused on implementing the plan on day one and included the CHAMPS visual to explicitly teach and visually communicate expectations during common classroom transitions and activities. CHAMPS focuses on Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, Participation, and Success. Additional micro-learning opportunities will be provided throughout the year to continue strengthening the learning environment at Central. 

MS/HS Principal & AD-Mr. Reinhart reported that Central is offering 37 different electives during the first semester, with student enrollment in all 37 courses. He noted this reflects both the quality of the elective opportunities and teachers’ efforts to promote those opportunities to students. He also shared that staff spent time during professional learning working toward the district’s five goals for the year, including a focus on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Weekly PLC learning will include classroom management structures, lesson plan development, classroom observations, and other areas of professional growth. In his Activities Director report, Mr. Reinhart shared that fall sports practices are underway and going well, with volleyball and football scrimmages scheduled for Friday. He also provided an update on the process for determining eighth-grade eligibility to participate at the high school level, noting that high school rosters will be finalized at the end of the week.

Superintendent-Mr. Gearhart provided a Voted PPEL reminder, noting that absentee voting by mail is available through August 24, and in-person absentee voting at the Auditor’s Office will be available from August 19 through September 4. Election Day is September 8, with polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Gearhart also recognized Mr. Wacker and the custodial team for their work in preparing the building for the start of the school year, noting that the building looks great. Staff returned to the building today, kicking off the year by celebrating accomplishments from the previous year and setting the stage for continued success. 

Consent Items 

Printed Minutes-July 20, 2026 

Bills-Abby Heitman and Marcus Belser 

Treasurer's Report 

Employment 

Resignation 

Paraprofessional-Laura Boyer 

Hiring 

Paraprofessional-Cathy Knudtson 

Volunteer Coaches 

Cross Country-Jaydin Dettman 

Football-Nick Sylvester 

Officials 

Jared Funk made a motion to approve the consent item 

Andrew Clark seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

Learning and Leadership 

The Board welcomed new staff members Kyle Sperfslage, Erin Buehler, Caleb Weekley, Hannah Hutchinson, and Mary Bergan to the Central Community School District for the 2026–2027 school year. 

Fundraising Request 

Jared Funk made a motion to approve the following fundraising request Blanket Fundraiser-Cheer 

Friendship Bracelet-Cheer 

Abby Heitman seconded. Motion carried. 6-0 Marcus Belser abstained NICC-Career and Technical Health Occupations Program Contract Andrew Clark made a motion to approve the NICC-Career and Technical Health Occupations Program Contract. 

Jared Funk seconded. Motion carries. 7-0 

NICC-Concurrent Class Contract 

Marcus Belser made a motion to approve the NICC-Concurrent Class Contract. Jarod Bormann seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

The Bridge Learning Center Lease Agreement 

Andrew Clark made a motion to approve The Bridge Learning Center Lease

Agreement. 

Abby Heitman seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

The Bridge Learning Center/AEA Instructional Program Agreement Abby Heitman made a motion to approve The Bridge Learning Center/AEA Instructional Program Agreement. 

Marcus Belser seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

Turf Tank Sharing Memorandum 

Jared Funk made a motion to approve the Turf Tank Sharing Memorandum with North Fayette Valley. 

Abby Heitman seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

Three Rivers FS Contract 

Abby Heitman made a motion to approve the pay-as-you-go option with Three Rivers FS. 

Marcus Belser seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

Labor Day Practice-Football and Volleyball 

Marcus Belser made a motion to approve Labor Day practice for football and volleyball. 

Andrew Clark seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

Second Reading of Policy 

Andrew Clark made a motion to approve the first reading of the following policies Code No. 210.05 MEETING NOTICE 

Code No. 302.5 SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATION 

Code No. 401.01 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

Code No. 409.2 EMPLOYEE LEAVES OF ABSENCE 

Code No. 501.15 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS 

Code No. 503.1 STUDENT CONDUCT 

Code No. 504.6 STUDENT ACTIVITY PROGRAM 

Code No. 507.2 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS Code No. 507.2E1 AUTHORIZATION-EPINEPHRINE, ASTHMA, AIRWAY CONSTRICTING, OR RESPIRATORY DISTRESS MEDICATION SELF-ADMINISTRATION CONSENT FORM 

Code No. 507.2E3 PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR INDEPENDENT SELF CARRY AND ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION 

Code No. 603.1 BASIC INSTRUCTION PROGRAM 

Code No. 603.3 SPECIAL EDUCATION 

Code No. 603.4 MULTICULTURAL AND GENDER FAIR EDUCATION Code No. 603.6 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

Code No. 603.10 GLOBAL EDUCATION 

Code No. 604.1 COMPETENT PRIVATE INSTRUCTION 

Code No. 604.3 PROGRAM FOR TALENTED AND GIFTED STUDENTS Code No. 604.03R1 PROGRAM FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS

REGULATION 

Code No. 604.5 RELIGIOUS-BASED EXCLUSION FROM A SCHOOL PROGRAM Code No. 605.4 TECHNOLOGY AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Code No. 605.04E1 ONE-TO-ONE DIGITAL DEVICE PROGRAM TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION CHECKLIST 

Code No. 607.1 STUDENT GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM Code No. 607.2 STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES 

Code No. 607.2R1 STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS 

Code No. 713 RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY USE AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 

Code No. 713R1 RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY USE AND SOCIAL NETWORKING- REGULATION 

Code No. 901 PUBLIC EXAMINATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS Code No. 905.1E1 COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT APPLICATION FORM 

Jared Funk seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

First Reading of Policy 

Abby Heitman made a motion to approve the first reading of the following policies Code No. 304.1 DEVELOPMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS 

Code No. 304.2 MONITORING OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Code No. 305 ADMINISTRATOR CODE OF ETHICS 

Code No. 306 SUCCESSION OF AUTHORITY TO THE 

SUPERINTENDENT 

Code. No. 400 ROLE OF AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR 

EMPLOYEES 

Code No. 401.1 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

Code No. 401.10 CREDIT AND PROCUREMENT CARDS 

Code No. 401.11 EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION 

Code No. 401.12 EMPLOYEE USE OF CELL PHONES 

Code No. 401.12R1 EMPLOYEE USE OF CELL PHONES REGULATIONS Code No. 503.11 DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR 

Code No. 503.11R1 DISRUPTIVE STUDENT REGULATION 

Andrew Clark seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

Board Discussion 

Five-Year Facilities Planning 

The Facilities Committee met on August 10 to review completed summer projects

and continue development of the district’s five-year facilities plan. The committee discussed options for addressing the district’s HVAC system, including an approximately $1.1 million engineered system upgrade that would provide updated controls and remote monitoring capabilities. An alternative presented by NEIA Mechanical would replace the existing classroom units for an estimated cost of less than $100,000 while continuing to utilize the current pneumatic system. The Board discussed the significant differences in cost, functionality, and long-term considerations between the options. An immediate HVAC concern in the shop classroom was also noted as the district continues to evaluate how best to proceed. Board Convention 

The Board discussed BoardCon 2026, which will be held November 18–19 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Information was shared regarding the conference and keynote speakers, with a focus on student success, productive communication, leadership, and building trust. Board members also shared experiences and learning from previous conferences. The information was provided in advance to allow members time to consider attending. 

Youth Camps 

The Board discussed the district’s current practice of offering school-sponsored youth camps at no cost to students, with the goal of ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation in Central athletics and activities. The discussion also considered the staff time, facility use, equipment, and other district resources required to provide the camps, as well as the practice of using youth camp fees as a fundraising opportunity to help offset activity program costs. 

School Fundraising Process and Policy 

The Board discussed the district’s fundraising practices and the financial controls, accounting requirements, Board policies, and state requirements that apply to funds raised through school-sponsored activities. Discussion included the appropriate classification and use of student activity funds, approval of fundraising activities, cash-handling and deposit procedures, and the importance of processing revenues and expenditures through established district procedures. The Board also discussed the distinction between district funds and funds belonging to independent organizations such as booster clubs and PTOs. The discussion emphasized the importance of establishing clear and consistent fundraising procedures that support student opportunities while protecting students, staff, activity sponsors, and the district. 

Next Meeting Date will be September 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM 

Adjournment 

Jared Funk made a motion to adjourn the meeting. 

Andrew Clark seconded. Motion carried. 7-0 

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.