North Fayette/Valley School Board Minutes from September 21st
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the North Fayette Valley Community School District Board of Education, Monday, September 21, 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 Members: Brody Grove, Andrew Kovarik, Esten Moellering, &Lainy Donnelly; Superintendent: Joe Griffith; Business Manager: Kassie Stansbery; Principals: Travis Elliott & Chris Miller; Curriculum Director: Betsy Nefzger; Special Education Director: Sara Swensen; Staff: Barb Schroeder; Patrons: Trinity Starrett, Lila Moore, Adelyn Rothlisberger, Jisela Schupbach, Kariandra Lamphier, Jesus Pizano
President Koch called the Regular Meeting of the NFV Board of Education to order at 5:30 pm.
Roll Call of Board members: Present: Klosterman, McGrane, Rodgers, Marcks, Schultz, & Koch. Nelson-Lerch was absent. Klosterman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Koch welcomed and invited comments from the Public.
The board approved the agenda with the addition of the contract modification for Bryan Wendt. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 6-0
Motion to approve the consent agenda with the following items:
Minutes of August 17, 2026 Regular Meeting
Minutes of September 14, 2026 Special Meeting
Review/approve invoices
Approve Financial Reports (Reviewed by LaCreasha Schultz)
Approve Resignations/Retirements: Madyson Courtney – Paraprofessional
Approve Transfers: None
Approve Contract Modifications: Tammy Miller – Library Paraprofessional; Abigail Toussaint BA+15 to MA; Bryan Wendt BA to BA+15
Approve New Hires: Penny Lane- Paraprofessional; Lauren Falck – Prom Advisor; Jenae Rossetti – Girls Basketball Assistant Coach
Volunteer Coaches: Chris Moss – Boys Wrestling; Travis Jensen – Boys Wrestling
Receive and Approve Gifts: Elgin First Baptist, Holy Name Catholic Church, Gay & Fran Bowden
Klosterman/Marcks Motion Carried 6-0
COMMUNICATIONS
Student Board Member Lainy Donnelly reported on the fall sports seasons. Andrew Kovarik provided an update on fine arts activities, including marching band, UIC choir, and the fall play. Brody Grove reported on school-affiliated groups, including FFA and Student Council.
Director Nelson-Lerch arrived at the meeting at 5:35pm.
Principal Elliott gave an update on the successful start of the 2026–27 school year at NFV Elementary, including the school theme, “Better Together,” and continued implementation of Magnetic Literacy, MTSS, and WIN Time. Staff participated in professional development focused on literacy instruction, language-rich classrooms, trauma-informed practices, and state behavior legislation. Intake conferences were held at both elementary buildings, with the majority of families attending, and teachers are finalizing their individual professional development plans. Fall FAST assessments have been completed, and instructional coaches have begun coaching cycles to support literacy, student engagement, and social-emotional learning.
Principal Williams was not in attendance but submitted a report to the board on fall benchmark testing being completed, along with new and returning student engagement opportunities. Her report highlighted this school year having a focus on strengthening student engagement, instructional consistency, and systems to support
Principal Miller highlighted that procedures and processes continue to be evaluated to increase efficiency with routines and expectations in the classroom. Juniors attended the UIU College Fair, German students will arrive in the middle of October, and the ongoing work with academics, activities, performance, and the developing plans surrounding homecoming at the beginning of October.
Curriculum Director Nefzger reported on HQIM (High Quality Instructional Materials), updates to curriculum in literacy and science, as well as providing information on the teacher leadership opportunities and SIAC (School Improvement Advisory Committee) dates.
Special Education Director Swensen reported to the board on the work for Crossroads corrective action. She also reviewed Senate File 2428 with the board and the expectations that come out of this legislative change.
Business Manager Stansbery reported to the Board on year-end fund balance comparisons between FY26 and FY25, including changes in the District’s financial position. She also provided an update on the upcoming School Business Officials (SBO) Conference and discussed the finalization of required state financial reporting.
Superintendent Griffith updated the board regarding the upcoming IASB Conference, including delegate participation and potential attendance. The Board was informed of a grant awarded to Katherine Hannigan through the Iowa DNR to provide tree education, engage students, and support tree planting on campus, including replanting the windbreak behind the baseball field. The Superintendent discussed projected increases in health insurance costs, potential plan options, upcoming Board committee assignments, and ongoing staff financial education sessions through Knox Financial. Staff participation in the financial education sessions has been positive.
OLD BUSINESSThe board approved The Bridge’s lease agreement. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
NEW BUSINESSThe board approved the Lied Center consortium agreement. McGrane/Marcks Motion Carried 7-0
Superintendent Griffith reported on the Special Education Deficit and request for allowable growth for FY26 in the amount of $670,205.44. The board approved the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors for the North Fayette Valley Community School District will request supplemental aid for the FY26 Special Education deficit in the amount of $670,205.44 or as adjusted by the Department of Education.
Klosterman/Schultz Motion carried 7-0
The board approved the snow removal bid from Alber Construction LLC. McGrane/Marcks Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the contract with SecureW2 for network management. Marcks/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the agreement with the Jensen Family for the bus radio transmitter. Schultz/Rodgers Motion Carried 7-0
The Board approved the NFV 2026–2027 field trips, with the addition of Niagara Cave to replace the Cresco Recreation Center and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum for fourth grade in place of Rendezvous Days. All other field trips were approved as presented. Klosterman/Schultz. Motion carried 7-0.
The board approved the 2026-2027 Fundraisers as listed. Marcks/McGrane Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the SIAC (School Improvement Advisory Committee) member list. McGrane/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the Lau Plan for 2026-2027. Marcks/Schultz Motion Carried 7-0
The board approved the list of students requesting early graduation, pending meeting all graduation requirements. McGrane/Klosterman Motion Carried 7-0
DISCUSSION
The Board requested an update on eighth-grade students who have participated in high school-level activities.
Motion to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Rodgers/Klosterman Motion Carried 7-0
